ETHNOMEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS FOR TREATING VARIOUS AILMENTS AMONG THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF TEHSIL YAZMAN, DISTRICT BAHAWALPUR, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Plant-based medications have long been utilized to treat a wide range of human ailments. This study aimed to document the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities in Tehsil Mandi Yazman, District Bahawalpur, Pakistan, regarding the use of medicinal plants. From 2022 to 2023, semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and group discussions were used to gather ethnobotanical data. A total of 150 participants (90 men and 60 women) from various villages were interviewed, focusing on 50 plant species belonging to 25 families. The Poaceae family was the most represented, with 6 species. The ethnobotanical data showed that 65% of the plant species were utilized for medicine, 22% as food, 5% for wood, 3% as fodder, 2% for ornamental purposes, 1% for crafting, and 1% as insect repellents. Of 50 species, 21% are trees, 34% shrubs, 44% herbs. The findings indicate that the local community continues to rely heavily on medicinal plants for treating various health conditions. This study underscores the need of safeguarding traditional knowledge and offers essential insights for regional governmental entities to formulate policies for environmental conservation and the sustainable utilization of plant resources.