Ethno-Dentistry of Medicinal Plants Used in North Waziristan, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at recording therapeutic plant species used by inhabitants to treat dental disorders in the district of North Waziristan, Pakistan. The indigenous people of the studied area are dependent on medicinal plants for their basic health care needs including dental care. METHODS: Ethnomedicinal data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaires, and in addition 130 local informants were interviewed. The collected data were evaluated using various quantitative indices, including use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL%), and Jaccard Index (JI). RESULTS: A total of 69 plants belonging to 48 plant families used in dental disorders were identified. The Lamiaceae was the leading family that shared 7 species, followed by Solanaceae (4 spp).The dominant life form used was herbs (47.83%), folowed by leaves (43.90%) in preparing remedies for different dental disorders. Decoction was the most common mode of preparation (34.21%), followed by pastes (21.05%). The highest RFC (0.36) was reported for Bergenia ciliata, followed by Salvadora oleoides (0.35). The majority of the plants (36 spp) were utilised as herbal medicine to treat toothache, followed by 13 species for periodontal (gum) infections, 11 species used for teeth cleaning, and 9 species for halitosis (bad breath). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first-ever record of ethnomedicinal applications for the treatment of dental diseases from Pakistan. Some of the forgeoing hebal medications should be further evalauted for the development of pahrmaceutical bio-products for the treatment of dental disorders.

Ethnic practices in treating skin diseases: The traditional dermatologist's role.

This study documents the role of traditional medicinal and therapeutic plants in treating various skin ailments by indigenous communities of the tribal district of North Waziristan, Pakistan. A total of 130 informants and traditional dermatologists were interviewed. They employed 77 plant species belonging to 49 families to treat various skin ailments. The leading life form reported was herbs (41 species), whereas the dominant family was Lamiaceae (5 species). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (37 species). The most preferred mode of preparation was paste (30.38%), and the dominant mode of administration was topical (69.23%). Important medicinal plants reported in this study are recommended for further phytochemical screening for bioactive constituents, which may lead to novel drug discoveries.

Ethnogynaecological Knowledge of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used by the Indigenous Communities of North Waziristan, Pakistan.

Background: Since the beginning of civilization, medicinal plants have been used in human healthcare systems. Studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate their efficacy, and some of the results have triggered the development of plant-based medications. Rural women in Pakistan frequently experience gynaecological disorders due to malnutrition and heavy physical work during pregnancy. Due to the low economic status, the remoteness of the area, and the lack of modern health services, herbal therapy for gynaecological disorders is common among the indigenous tribes of the study area. Methods: Field surveys were carried out from April 2018 to October 2020 to collect data regarding medicinal plants used for different gynaecological disorders. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect ethnogynaecological data. Results: In total, 67 medicinal plant species belonging to 38 families are being used to treat 26 different gynaecological problems. The herbaceous growth form and the Lamiaceae family were recorded with the maximum number of plant species (42 species and 7 species, respectively). Leaves are the most highly utilized plant part, with 16 species. In the case preparation method, decoction was the dominant method (25 species, 36.76%). The informants reported the maximum number of species for the treatment of irregular menstrual flow as 11 species (15.28%). The highest relative frequency of citation (RFC) value was obtained for Acacia modesta (0.37), and the use value (UV) for Tecomella undulata (0.85). The highest informants' consensus factor (ICF) value (1.0) was obtained for emmenagogue and tonic each after delivery. The highest consensus index (CI%) value was calculated for Acacia modesta (36.92%). The Lamiaceae had the highest family importance value (FIV) (98.46%). Conclusion: This is the first ever quantitative study focusing mainly on ethnogynaecological study conducted in the tribal areas of North Waziristan which highlights the importance of traditional herbal remedies for their basic medical requirements. The results of this study would serve as a baseline for advanced phytochemical and pharmacological screening, as well as conservationists for further studies.

Comparative Study of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Olea ferruginea Fruit Extract and Its Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology, the science of the recent era, has diverse applications in agriculture. Selenium (Se) is a non-metal and an essential micronutrient for animals and humans. In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized by using Olea ferruginea fruit extracts. The size, shape, chemical nature, and identification of functional groups involved in the synthesis of SeNPs were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrometry. SeNP synthesis was confirmed by an absorption peak at 258 nm by UV-visible spectroscopy. SEM showed that SeNPs were spherical, smooth, and between 60 and 80 nm in size. FTIR spectrometry confirmed the presence of terpenes, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and esters as well as phyto-constituents, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, that possibly act as reducing or capping agents of SeNPs in an aqueous solution of Olea ferruginea. Antimicrobial activity was examined against bacterial pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermitis, as well as fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum, by using the well-diffusion method. Antioxidant activity was observed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ABTs assay, and reducing power assay. At a higher concentration of 400 ppm, biosynthesized SeNPs showed an inhibition zone of 20.5 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, and 18.5 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermitis, respectively. Similarly, SeNPs also demonstrated a zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum of 17.5 and 21 mm, respectively. In contrast to Olea ferruginea fruit extracts, Olea ferruginea-mediated SeNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity. By performing the DPPH, ABTs, and reducing power assay, SeNPs showed 85.2 ± 0.009, 81.12 ± 0.007, and 80.37 ± 0.0035% radical scavenging potential, respectively. The present study could contribute to the drug development and nutraceutical industries.

The potential of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus in improving the growth of wheat under chromium stress.

AIM: Hexavalent chromium (Cr+6 ) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that have deteriorating effects on the growth and quality of the end product of wheat. Consequently, this research was designed to evaluate the role of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer on wheat facing Cr+6 stress. METHODS AND RESULTS: The soil was incubated with Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer before sowing. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the co-application of B. subtilis and phosphorus yielded considerably more significant (p < 0.05) results compared with an individual application of the respective treatments. The co-treatment improved the morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of plants compared with untreated controls. The increase in shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight and root fresh weight was 38.17%, 29.31%, 47.89% and 45.85%, respectively, compared with untreated stress-facing plants. The application of B. subtilis and phosphorus enhanced osmolytes content (proline 39.98% and sugar 41.30%), relative water content and stability maintenance of proteins (86.65%) and cell membranes (66.66%). Furthermore, augmented production of antioxidants by 67.71% (superoxide dismutase), 95.39% (ascorbate peroxidase) and 60.88% (catalase), respectively, were observed in the Cr+6 - stressed plants after co-application of B. subtilis and phosphorus. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the accumulation of Cr+6 was reduced by 54.24%, 59.19% and 90.26% in the shoot, root and wheat grains, respectively. Thus, the combined application of B. subtilis and phosphorus has the potential to reduce the heavy metal toxicity in crops. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study explored the usefulness of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus application on wheat in heavy metal stress. It is a step toward the combinatorial use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria with nutrients to improve the ecosystems' health.

Ethnomedicinal appraisal of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints by tribal communities living in Diamir district, Western Himalayas, Pakistan.

Majority of the mountain dwelling communities living in the Himalayas rely on traditional herbal medicines for primary healthcare needs. Present study was conducted in fairy meadows and allied valleys in District Diamir, Gilgit Baltistan autonomous territory in northern Pakistan. Documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK) of local communities for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was carried out as a component of a wider medico-botanical expedition conducted in the entire base camp of the great Nanga Parbat peak during 2016-19. Various ethnobotanical parameters i.e. use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level (FL), direct matrix ranking test (DMRT) and preference ranking (PR) were applied to evaluate the data collected during field surveys. The plants were also subjected to a comparative review for novelty assessment. A total of 61 medicinal plant species belonging to 55 genera and 35 families are reported here for the treatment of GIDs. Compositae was the leading family with 8 (13%) species. Fourteen gastrointestinal disorders were cured with 32% taxon were reported for stomachic followed by diarrhea (15%) and constipation (14%). Highest use reports (5) and use citations (207) were reported for Mentha longifolia L. while highest UV (1.79) was obtained for Artemisia maritima L. Hylotelephium telephioides (Ledeb.), A. maritima, M. longifolia, M. piperita L., Allium cepa L., and A. annua L. exhibited 100% FL. Highest ICF was calculated against dysentery and flatulence. DMRT ranked Prunus persica L. first for its multipurpose uses. Taking constipation as a reference gastrointestinal disease, PR for ten plant species was calculated where H. telephioides was ranked first followed by A. maritima. Present study concluded that 19 out of 61 plant species were documented for the first time with novel medicinal uses to cure GIDs. These plant species could act as potential reservoirs of novel lead compounds for the treatments of gastrointestinal disorders.

Ethnobotanical study of Mandi Ahmad Abad, District Okara, Pakistan.

This study hypothesized that native people have unique traditional knowledge of plant resources in the rural areas and basic objective was the documentation of this valuable inheritance. Ethnobotanical data was collected from a remote rural area of Mandi Ahmad Abad, Union council number NA-144 Tehsil Depalpur District Okara, Pakistan. A total of 94 informants were randomly interviewed to collect data about local names of plant species, mode of administration, recipes and ailments, and ethnobotanical uses through semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and group discussion methods. The collected data was statistically analyzed by calculating use value (UV), frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), factor of informant consensus (FIC), family importance value, and relative importance (RI). This study is also compared with ethnobotanical literature by using Jaccard's index (JI) for similarity analysis. A total of 126 species belonging to 52 families were documented. The Poaceae (13spp.), Leguminosae (12spp.), Solanaceae (10spp.) and Cucurbitaceae (10spp.) were dominant families. Highest used value (UV = 0.22) was obtained for Azadirachta indica. The minimum used value (UV) was showed by Alhagi maurorum, Eclipta prostrata, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Solanum virginianum and Trianthema potulacastrum (UV = 0.01). Hepatitis, stomach ulcer, bowel disorders, urinary problems, psoriasis, cancer, and leucoderma were the most treated ailments with ICF value of 1, followed by leucorrhea (ICF: 0.89), and vomiting (ICF: 0.86). The highest Jaccard's similarity index value (JI = 0.329) showed that plant species reported in our study was more similar with Arid regions of Northern Punjab, Pakistan. This novel ethnobotanical report concluded that traditional knowledge about use of medicinal plants is decreasing due to allopathic medicines. Immediate steps should be taken for conservation and documentation of traditional knowledge of plants especially those having medicinal properties.

Ethnoveterinary Practices of Medicinal Plants Among Tribes of Tribal District of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Domestic animals play a vital role in the development of human civilization. Plants are utilized as remedies for a variety of domestic animals, in addition to humans. The tribes of North Waziristan are extremely familiar with the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants as ethnoveterinary medicines. The present study was carried out during 2018-2019 to record ethnoveterinary knowledge of the local plants that are being used by the tribal communities of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In all, 56 medicinal plant species belonging to 42 families were identified, which were reported to treat 45 different animal diseases. These included 32 herbs, 12 shrubs, and 12 trees. Among the plant families, Asteraceae contributed the most species (5 spp.), followed by Amaranthaceae (4 spp.), Solanaceae (4 species), and Alliaceae, Araceae, and Lamiaceae (2 spp. each). The most common ethnoveterinary applications were documented for the treatment of blood in urine, bone injury, colic, indigestion, postpartum retention, skin diseases, constipation, increased milk production, mastitis, foot, and mouth diseases.

Palyno-morphological attributes of some selected plant species of family Asteraceae from district Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan.

The current study aimed to investigate the palyno-morphological features of Asteraceous species from District Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 13 species were collected, pressed, identified, and examined by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both qualitative and quantitative pollen characters were observed, that is, equatorial and polar diameter, number of pores and colpi, exine thickness, exine sculpturing, pollen shape, and P/E ratio. Pollen shapes observed in studied taxa were spheroidal, suboblate, oblate-spheroidal, and lophate-spheroidal. The aperturation patterns of pollens vary from tricolporate to tetracolporate. The maximum polar and equatorial diameter of 75-100 (87.5 ± 13.6) µm and 87.5-117.5 (102.5 ± 16.4) µm, respectively, was recorded in Echinops echinatus, while minimum polar and equatorial diameter of 20-22.5 (21 ± 1.36) µm and 22.5-25 (23.5 ± 1.36) µm, respectively, was recorded in Aster subulatus. Six types of exine sculpturing patterns were observed; echinate, micro-echinate, echinate-microreticulate, microreticulate, echinate-perforate, and scabrate. Maximum exine thickness of 8.75 µm was recorded in E. echinatus and minimum of 1.25 µm in Launaea mucronata. The pollen morphology has valuable significance in understanding the taxonomy of different plant groups and plays a central role in the correct identification and classification of Asteraceous flora at species, generic, and tribe levels.

Formulation and evaluation of antioxidant and antityrosinase activity of Polygonum amplexicaule herbal gel.

Medicinal plants are long been used for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Among medicinal plants, Polygonum amplexicaule of family polygonaceae has traditional use in medicines and skin care. P. amplexicaule belongs to genus Polygonum that contains several important phytochemicals and considered as a rich source of antioxidants. The present study was designed to formulate herbal gel containing P. amplexicaule extract and evaluate its different physical properties as well as antioxidants and antityrosinase activities. Chitosan gel base was used as gelling agent and different gel formulations were prepared by different concentrations of extracts and polymers. Physical properties like pH, colour, odour, appearance and homogeneity, spreadability, extrudability and stability were optimized and analysed. A stable gel formulation containing 1% chitosan gel base and 5% plant extract was prepared that showed good appearance and homogeneity, easily spread ability and excellent extrudability. This gel formulation was tested for antioxidant and skin whitening properties by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and tyrosinase inhibition assay respectively and ascorbic acid was used as reference standard. DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.446 mg/mL and tyrosinase inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.805 mg/mL was observed and results indicated that this herbal gel formulation has a good potential for cosmetic use.

ETHNOBOTANICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.: A REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Leptadenia pyrotechnica is traditionally used for treating various diseases. This species holds variety of bioactive constituents that trigger healing properties. The present review was aimed to analyze nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological activities of L. pyrotechnica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present review regarding Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne. Is the compilation of data from the previous research works conducted by various scientists across the world. Various published papers, medicinal plant databases, etc were utilized to compile the information. RESULTS: L. pyrotechnica is a wonderful desert plant belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae This plant possesses antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, anthelmintic, antiatheroscloretic, hypolipidemic, antdiabetic and hepatoprotective activities coupled with other multifarious uses. Almost all plant parts are used in the traditional medicinal system to treat various disorders. CONCLUSION: This review includes the substance of different ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and exclusive capability of this plant in the field of anti-microbial and human disease activities.

In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of various parts of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.

Leptadenia pyrotechnica is a desert plant and its unripe fruits are cooked as a vegetable. Besides, this plant is also used for treating various ailments by the dwellers, yet very little is known about its free radical scavenging activity. Methanolic extracts of aerial parts and roots of this plant were evaluated for their free radical scavenging activity through 2,2' diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power assays. Results revealed that there is strong free-radical scavenging activity lying in both parts comparable with synthetic antioxidant i.e. Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA). The activity was found increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Root extracts showed significant DPPH• and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, whereas highest electron donating capacity was observed in aerial parts extracts (O.D. of 2.38) at a concentration of 100µg/ml. This research work will be helpful in the discovery of novel antioxidants from L. pyrotechnica that may replace synthetic antioxidants.

Inventory of medicinal flora from Thal Desert, Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: This article reports the preliminary findings of an ethno-botanical survey that was carried out in the Thal Desert, Punjab, Pakistan during 2010 to 2013. The aim of this study was to document the traditional use of medicinal plants from the study area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The whole area was surveyed for inventorying medicinal flora by using a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The people of the study area are extremely knowledgeable, hence reported 120 plants which are being used in treating various human diseases. The detailed inventory including botanical name, parts used, method of preparation and diseases treated is provided in this paper. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the inhabitants possessed empirical knowledge of medicinal plants which would be useful in developing health care products and preserving traditional cultures as well as phyto-diversity.

Ethnobotanical appraisal and medicinal use of plants in Patriata, New Murree, evidence from Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: This paper reflects the empirical findings of an ethnobotanical survey which was undertaken in Patriata (New Murree) of district Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The aims and objectives of the study were to document indigenous knowledge of plants particularly of medicinal, veterinary, fruit, vegetable, fodder, fuel etc. METHODS: For this purpose, the whole area was surveyed for documenting folk knowledge using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 93 plants species belonging to 80 genera and 56 families were found in a variety of uses by the local people for the accomplishment of their basic needs. The study further employs binary logit regression model of medicinal uses of these plants so as to identify the probability of occurrence of medicinal use of woody or non-woody plants keeping other plant characteristics in view. RESULTS: Ethnobotanical data shows that most plants are used for medicinal and fodder purposes (27.93% each), followed by fuel (16.90%), fruit (6.55%), vegetable (5.52%) and ethno-veterinary (3.79%). There is also an established association of medicinal use of plants to the fruits use. Non-woody plants have high tendency towards medicinal use of the plants as compared to woody plants. Annual plants are less likely to be directly associated with medicinal use of plants in the surveyed vegetation. Underground plant parts are more likely to be used for medicinal purposes as revealed from the Logit expressions. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that most of the plants are used for medicinal and fodder purposes. The results of Logit Model showed that the probabilities of plant species for their medicinal use are associated to the woody or non-woody, aerial or underground, perennial or annual characteristics of plants. One should be careful in completely generalizing the results as the survey findings are sensitive to the plant species and the vegetation under consideration. But it can be specified that there exists either some positive or negative association of medicinal use of plants to the various characteristics of plant species.

Ethnobotany of plants used by the Thari people of Nara Desert, Pakistan.

This paper reports the results of an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the Thari people of the Nara Desert, Sindh, Pakistan. Fifty-one plant species distributed across 28 families and 43 genera were discovered to have medicinal uses by local inhabitants of the Nara Desert. Twenty-one of those species are proposed to have new uses not recorded in the Indo-Pak folk herbal medicinal literature. Boraginaceae and Amaranthaceae were the most dominant families (5 species; 2 and 4 genera, respectively) of medicinal plants, followed by Asteraceae, Capparidaceae, Convolvulaceae, Poaceae, Scrophulariacea and Zygophyllaceae. About 44 types of ailments were treated with various parts of the 51 medicinal plant species. For treating ailments, the use of the whole plant was higher (53%) than leaves (18%), roots (14%) and fruits (10%) alone.