ETHNOMEDICINAL EXPLORATION OF THE PLANT RESOURCES OF SHALKHO VALLEY, DISTRICT SHANGLA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Shangla, is floristically diverse in the northern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lies in the moist sub-tropical zone just above the tropic of cancer and features a wide range of mountains that boasts diverse ecological conditions. Shangla is khnown foe its captivating landscapes, magnificent forests, and a variety of unique flora and fauna. The dense forest serves as a hotspot for endangered fauna in the region. The current study emphasizes the medicinal uses of plants of Shalkho valley in Shangla. Field research conducted between 2020 to 2023 employed an open-ended survey to record and document the ethnomedicinal uses of valuable medicinal plants in Shalkho valley. Ethno medicinal data were collected through questionnaires administered to local residents, herbalists (pansars), traditional healers, midwives, and elderly individuals of both genders. The current study identifies a total of 67 medicinally important plant species from 49 families collected and documented from the Shalkho Valley. These 67 species were used by the local community in District Shangla to treat 35 different diseases. Out of these, 25 species (37.31%) from 25 families were herbs, 25 species (37.31%) from 18 families were shrubs, 14 species (20.89%) were trees, and the remaining 3 species (4.47%) are climbers. The Lamiaceae family is the most dominant, with 9 species, followed by Asteraceae with 3 species, and Moraceae with 3 species. Additionally, 59 wild edible species belonging to 20 plant families and 41 genera were documented. Regarding the plant parts used in recipes, the aerial parts were the most frequently used, accounting for 26 species (38.84%), followed by leaves 17 species; (25.37%), and fruits 12 species; (17.96%). The roots of 6 species (8.95%), seeds of 5 species (7.74%), bark of 4 species (5.97%), rhizomes of 3 species (4.47%), whole plants 3 species; (4.47%), and spike, oil, and gums, each representing 1 species (1.49%), were also utilized. In terms of administration, 52 plant species (77.61%) were used orally, while 15 species (22.38%) were used externally during the treatment process.