Plant-based traditional remedies and their role in public health: ethnomedicinal perspectives for a growing population.

Abstract

Background: Traditional plant-based remedies remain essential to public health, especially in regions where formal healthcare access is limited. This study documents ethnomedicinal practices in Tehsil Hasilpur, Punjab, Pakistan, highlighting how growing and diverse populations utilize local flora for therapeutic purposes.

Methods: A total of 421 informants (247 males, 174 females) across 39 villages contributed to the documentation of 39 medicinal plant species from 19 botanical families. Informants represented varied age groups and occupations, including herbalists (25), farmers (18), and Pansars (15). Education levels varied, with 23 illiterate and 18 educated beyond matriculation. Preparation methods included powders (21), juices (15), decoctions (15), and infusions (14), with leaves (35) and whole plants (29) being the most used parts. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency Index, Use Value, and Rank Order Priority were calculated to assess plant significance. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was also determined for various ailment categories.

Results: Physalis peruviana exhibited the highest Frequency Index (3.78), while Rorippa sylvestris showed notable Use Value (0.57) and Rank Order Priority (32.57) for kidney stones and skin disorders. Informant Consensus Factor values ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, with strong agreement on treatments for ulcers, asthma, and urinary infections. The study also identified novel uses, such as Emex spinosus for fever and pain relief.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the cultural and therapeutic relevance of ethnomedicine for growing populations. The preservation and pharmacological validation of such knowledge are vital, especially in areas with limited clinical infrastructure. Integrating scientifically supported traditional remedies into public health strategies could enhance healthcare accessibility while honoring indigenous knowledge systems.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.