Quantitative and comparative analysis of ethnomedicinal plants from the Lasdana (Azad Jammu and Kashmir)

Abstract

Description of the subject. Ethnopharmacology is important because it aids in a proper knowledge of the interrelationships of many aspects, as well as the entire practical and intellectual culture of people with plants. Objectives. The objective of this research is to document and compare traditional knowledge about medicinal plant diversity in Lasdana, District Bagh Azad, Jammu & Kashmir. Method. Informants contributed to ethnopharmacological knowledge through interviews and group discussions, which was examined using multiple quantitative metrics. Results. There were 140 medicinal plant species identified, divided into 123 genera and 54 families. The Asteraceae family was the most common (14 species), and herbs were the most common (72.85% contribution), with leaves being the most commonly used plant element (74 species). The most common way to produce a remedy was to make a decoction (45 plant species). Circulatory diseases had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) score (0.92). The highest relative frequency of citation was found in Thymus linearis Benth. (0.89), Geranium wallichianum D.Don ex Sweet (0.89), and Berberis lycium Royle (0.88). Conclusions. Pharmacological and pharmaceutical investigations on vital therapeutic plant species should be done to safely apply traditional knowledge to a larger population.