ETHNOMEDICINAL EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY SIGNIFICANT PLANTS IN UMARZAI, DISTRICT CHARSADDA, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Umarzai, a historically significant village in the fertile district of Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, sustains livelihoods primarily through agriculture. Beyond crop cultivation, residents possess extensive knowledge of wild flora, particularly for ethnomedicinal applications. This study documents traditional plant uses in Umarzai, emphasizing the role of elderly community members as primary knowledge holders. Fieldwork was conducted across all seasons (2022–2023) using a hybrid approach: semi-structured interviews with locals (both genders, aged 15–65 years) and questionnaires. Quantitative analysis (Microsoft Excel) identified 86 plant species from 41 families utilized for medicine (34%), fuel, fodder, furniture, ornamentation, vegetables, and spiritual purposes. Whole-plant applications predominated (69%), followed by leaves (5%), with multiple plant parts often employed. Medicinally significant species (n=29) treated conditions including respiratory ailments, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, toothache, and male sexual dysfunction. The rapid erosion of this knowledge underscores the urgency of its preservation. Further studies are recommended to enrich ethnobotanical records and safeguard biocultural heritage.