An ethnobotanical study of plants and traditional herbal therapies in the Kara-Koy Gorge, Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

Introduction

The Kara-Koy Gorge, located in the southern region of the Kyrgyz Republic, is home to a diverse array of plant species, many of which are known for their medicinal properties. Despite their historical use, the pharmacological properties of these plants remain largely unexplored. These species represent a potential source for the development of novel therapeutic agents. This study aimed to document traditional plant-based remedies, focusing on their preparation methods, therapeutic applications, and associated ailments, as reported by local custodians of traditional wisdom.

Methods

Ethnomedicinal data were collected between March 2021 and October 2022 through semi-structured interviews with local informants. Two ethnobotanical indices were applied to analyze the data. Plant specimens were collected, taxonomically identified, and preserved as voucher specimens.

Results

A total of 160 plant species, representing 123 genera and 47 botanical families were cited in homemade single-species herbal remedies. These remedies were employed for the treatment of 117 ailments, grouped into 14 therapeutic categories. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded for digestive (0.86) and integumentary (0.84) disorders. Dracocephalum imberbe Bunge, D. ferganicum Lazkov, Plantago major L., and Rosa canina L. exhibited the highest use values of 0.98. Aerial parts were the most frequently used plant parts (37 %), and decoction was the predominant method of preparation (40 %).

Conclusion

The findings highlight the presence of underexplored plant species with significant ethnomedicinal potential. Future research should prioritize phytochemical profiling and pharmacological validation to substantiate and preserve this traditional local knowledge.