An Ethnobotanmical Servey of Pakistani Medicinal Plants And Their Future In Pharmacueticals Development
Amina Razzaq 1*, Huma Ameen 1, Rida Aziz 2
Australian Herbal Insight 7(1) 1-9 https://doi.org/10.25163/ahi.7120049
Submitted: 11 November 2023 Revised: 05 January 2024 Published: 15 January 2024
Abstract
Pakistan’s ethnobotanical terrain is rich in medicinal plants, deeply ingrained in the traditional knowledge systems of indigenous tribes. This article aims to thoroughly document and analyze these plants, investigating their traditional usage, phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and applications in modern pharmaceuticals. Various medicinal plants and their customary applications have been meticulously cataloged using a combination of fieldwork and literature review. The study highlights Pakistan's medicinal flora's incredible diversity and significance, uncovering heirloom plant cures passed down through generations. Every ecological niche harbors unique plant species with potential medicinal applications, from the lush plains of Punjab to the northern highland ranges. The research underscores the importance of preserving and respecting indigenous knowledge systems, illustrating the intricate connections between culture, environment, and traditional healing practices. This review assesses the pharmacological activity of medicinal plants and documents their historical applications, providing insights into their potential as sources of new drug leads. Phytochemical studies have revealed a wealth of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, with various pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Emphasizing conservation and sustainable use, the study highlights the significance of preserving medicinal plants for future generations. Pakistani medicinal plants present exciting pharmaceutical research and development opportunities, necessitating collaboration among ethnobotanists, pharmacologists, environmentalists, and local communities. Integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary research, these plants have the potential to advance the pharmaceutical industry and address global health challenges.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicine, Pakistan, Pharmacological Research
References
Abdallah M, Muhammad A (2018) Antibacterial activity of leaves and fruit extract of Tamarindusindica against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Shigella at Potiskum Yobe state. Nigeria Janal Pharma Res 7:606–609.
Abdulhamza N (2013) Study of phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Emblicaof?cinalis (Amla) fruit extract. AJVS 6:107–113
Abdull Razis AF, Ibrahim MD, Kntayya SB (2014) Health bene?ts of Moringa oleifera. Asian Pac Jcancer Prev 15:8571–8576.
Ahmad SS, Husain SZ (2008) Ethno medicinal survey of plants from salt range (Kallar Kahar) ofPakistan. Pak J Bot 40:1005–1011.
Ahmed M et al (2020) Exploring the antioxidant potential of some common marketednutraceuticals/drugs in Pakistan by different in vitro models. Lat Am J Pharm 39:372–375.
Akshatha V, Nalini M, D’Souza C, Prakash H (2014) Streptomycete endophytes from anti-diabeticmedicinal plants of the Western Ghats inhibit alpha-amylase and promote glucose uptake. LettAppl Microbiol 58:433–439.
Ali, B. H., Blunden, G., Tanira, M. O., & Nemmar, A. (2011). Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 49(11), 301-303.
Ali, S., Shaukat, F., & Khan, R. (2017). Cultural Practices of Henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.): A Review. International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research, 10(2), 45-53.
Ambiye, V. R., Langade, D., Dongre, S., Aptikar, P., Kulkarni, M., & Dongre, A. (2013). Clinical evaluation of the spermatogenic activity of the root extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in oligospermic males: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 571420.
Ansari, A. H., Qamar, F., & Ahmad, S. (2019). A comprehensive review on henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) Pharmacognostical, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological aspects. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 9(4), 565-571.
Bagul M, Sonawane SK, Arya SS (2015) Tamarind seeds: chemistry, technology, applications andhealth bene?ts. Indian Food Ind Mag 34:28–35Basit A, Fawwad A, Baqa K (2019) Pakistan and diabetes—a country on the edge. Diabetes ResClin Pract 147:166–168Bernardini S, Tiezzi A, Laghezza Masci V, Ovidi E (2018) Natural products for human health: anhistorical overview of the drug discovery approaches. Nat Prod Res 32:1926–1950Caradus JR, Johnson LJ (2019) Improved adaptation of temperate grasses through mutualism withfungal endophytes. In: Schouten A (ed) Endophyte biotechnology: potential for agriculture andpharmacology, CABI biotechnology series. Wageningen University and Research Centre,Wageningen, p 85Chandrakar S, Gupta AK (2018) Actinomycin-producing endophytic Streptomyces parvulusassociated with root of Aloe vera and optimization of conditions for antibiotic production.Probiot Antimicrob 2018:1–1
Bagul M, Sonawane SK, Arya SS (2015) Tamarind seeds: chemistry, technology, applications andhealth bene?ts. Indian Food Ind Mag 34:28–35.
Basit A, Fawwad A, Baqa K (2019) Pakistan and diabetes—a country on the edge. Diabetes ResClin Pract 147:166–168.
Bernardini S, Tiezzi A, Laghezza Masci V, Ovidi E (2018) Natural products for human health: anhistorical overview of the drug discovery approaches. Nat Prod Res 32:1926–1950.
Brijesh, S., Daswani, P., Tetali, P., Antia, N., & Birdi, T. (2014). Studies on the antidiarrhoeal activity of Tinospora cordifolia extract in rats. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), 209–213.
Caradus JR, Johnson LJ (2019) Improved adaptation of temperate grasses through mutualism withfungal endophytes. In: Schouten A (ed) Endophyte biotechnology: potential for agriculture andpharmacology, CABI biotechnology series. Wageningen University and Research Centre,Wageningen, p 85.
Chandrakar S, Gupta AK (2018) Actinomycin-producing endophytic Streptomyces parvulusassociated with root of Aloe vera and optimization of conditions for antibiotic production.Probiot Antimicrob 2018:1–15.
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262.
Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with Ashwagandha root extract: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), 96–106.
Dalee AD, Mukhurah S, Sali K, Hayeeyusoh N, Hajiwangoh Z, Salaeh P (2015) Antimicrobialsubstances from endophytic fungi in tamarind (Tamarindus indica, Linn), Malay apple(Eugenia malaccensis, Linn), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), and Indian mulberry(Morindacitrifolia, Linn). In: Abstracts of the international conference on research, implemen-tation and education of mathematics and sciences, Yogyakarta State University, 17–19 May2015.
Das R, Romi W, Das R, Sharma HK, Thakur D (2018) Antimicrobial potentiality of actinobacteriaisolated from two microbiologically unexplored forest ecosystems of Northeast India. BMCMicrobiol 18:71.
De Silva NI, Brooks S, Lumyong S, Hyde KD (2019) Use of endophytes as biocontrol agents.Fungal Biol Rev 33:133–148.
Dureja H, Kaushik D, Kumar V (2013) Developments in nutraceuticals. Indian J Pharmacol35:363–372.
Ebrahim W, Ebada SS, Proksch P (2019) Bioprospecting of endophytes. In: Schouten A(ed) Endophyte biotechnology: potential for agriculture and pharmacology, CABI biotechnol-ogy series. Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, pp 145–163.
Eid AM, Salim SS, Hassan SE-D, Ismail MA, Fouda A (2019) Role of endophytes in plant healthand abiotic stress management. In: Microbiome in plant health and disease. Springer, Singapore,pp 119–144.
Haq F, Ahmad H, Alam M (2011) Traditional uses of medicinal plants of Nandiar Khuwarrcatchment (District Battagram), Pakistan. J Med Plant Res 5:39–48.
Hasan MR, Islam MN, Islam MR (2016) Phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditionaluses of Emblica of?cinalis: a review. Int Curr Pharm J 5:14–21.
Hussain, M. B., Murtaza, G., Mehmood, Z., & Ahmed, S. (2013). Ethnopharmacological properties and medicinal uses of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 7(24), 1673-1678.
Jagetia, G. C., & Baliga, M. S. (2004). The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain Indian medicinal plants in vitro: a preliminary study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 7(3), 343–348.
Jain M, Shrivastava PN, Samar R (2018) Survey of ethnobotanical medicinal plants used by thepeople of district Guna, Madhya Pradesh, India. Int J Life Sci Sci Res 2455:1716.
Kaur N, Arora DS, Kalia N, Kaur M (2020) Antibio?lm, antiproliferative, antioxidant andantimutagenic activities of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus from Moringa oleifera.Mol Biol Rep 47:2901–2911.
Khan, S. A., Qamar, F., & Ansari, A. H. (2018). Pharmacognostical and pharmacological studies on Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna): A comprehensive review. International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 12(1), 1-8.
Kumar RR, Jadeja VJ (2016) Endophytic actinomycetes: a novel antibiotic source. Int J CurrMicrobiol Appl Sci 5:164–175.
Kumar, S., & Singh, D. (2015). Traditional and medicinal uses of ginger. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 3(3), 130-133.
Kuncharoen N, Kudo T, Ohkuma M, Tanasupawat S (2019) Micromonospora azadirachtaesp. nov., isolated from roots of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. var. siamensis Valeton. AntLeeuw 112:253–262.
Majeed, M., Nagabhushanam, K., Natarajan, S., & Sivakumar, A. (2019). Ginger: A functional herb. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 123, 516-526.
Marx, W., McKavanagh, D., McCarthy, A. L., Bird, R., Ried, K., Chan, A., ... & Isenring, L. (2015). The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on platelet aggregation: a systematic literature review. PloS One, 10(10), e0141119.
Masand M, Jose PA, Menghani E, Jebakumar SRD (2015) Continuing hunt for endophyticactinomycetes as a source of novel biologically active metabolites. World J MicrobiolBiotechnol 31:1863–1875.
Mohan L, Amberkar M, Kumari M (2011) Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi)—an overview. Int JPharm Sci Rev Res 7:51–53.
Mosquera WG, Criado LY, Guerra BE (2020) Actividad antimicrobiana de hongos endó?tos de lasplantas medicinales Mammea americana (Calophyllaceae) y Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae).Biomédica 40:55–71.
Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Naderi, Z., Dehghan, A., Nadjarzadeh, A., Fallah Huseini, H., & Fallah Huseini, A. (2016). Effect of ginger supplementation on proinflammatory cytokines in older patients with osteoarthritis: outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, 35(3), 209-218.
Mushtaq S, Abbasi BH, Uzair B, Abbasi R (2018) Natural products as reservoirs of noveltherapeutic agents. EXCLI J 17:420–451.
Nahata, A., Dixit, V. K., & Agrawal, V. (2013). Rasayana properties of Ayurvedic herbs: are polysaccharides a major contributor. Carbohydrate Polymers, 98(1), 487–495.
Pandey, M. M., & Rout, S. D. (2014). Overview of indigenous knowledge on utilization of Tinospora species. International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine, 4(1), 1133–1144.
Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 901–908.
Rahal A, Kumar D, Malik JK (2019) Neem extract. In: Nutraceuticals in veterinary medicine.Springer, Cham, pp 37–50.
Rathod D, Dar M, Gade A, Rai M (2014) Griseofulvin producing endophytic Nigrospora oryzaefrom Indian Emblica of?cinalis Gaertn: a new report. Aust J Biotechnol Bioeng 1:5.
Raut, A. A., Rege, N. N., Tadvi, F. M., Solanki, P. V., Kene, K. R., Shirolkar, S. G., … Vaidya, A. B. (2012). Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 3(3), 111–114.
Rupani R, Chavez A (2018) Medicinal plants with traditional use: ethnobotany in the Indiansubcontinent. Clin Dermatol 36:306–309Saini P, Gangwar M, Kalia A, Singh N, Narang D (2016) Isolation of endophytic actinomycetesfrom Syzygium cumini and their antimicrobial activity against human pathogens. J Appl Nat Sci8:416–422.
Sen S, Chakraborty R (2017) Revival, modernization and integration of Indian traditional herbalmedicine in clinical practice: importance, challenges and future. J Tradit Complement Med7:234–244.
Shah S, Patil S (2019) Standardization of Tulsi Taila: an ayurvedic oil based medicine. J Drug Deli there 9:699–702
Shukla, Y., & Singh, M. (2017). Cancer preventive properties of ginger: A brief review. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45(5), 683-690.
Sinha, K., Mishra, N. P., Singh, J., Khanuja, S. P. S., & Tandon, S. (2011). Plant-derived immunomodulators: an insight on their preclinical evaluation and clinical trials. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 49(11), 832–847.
Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S. R., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2020). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 17(1), 1–9.
View Dimensions
View Altmetric
Save
Citation
View
Share