INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY
ISSN Print: 1560–8530; ISSN Online: 1814–9596
12–389/ZIP/2012/14–6–997–1000
http://www.fspublishers.org
Full Length Article
Conservation Assessment and Medicinal Importance of some
Plants Resources from Sharda, Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu
and Kashmir, Pakistan
KHAWAJA SHAFIQUE AHMAD1, RAHMATULLAH QURESHI†, MANSOOR HAMEED, FAROOQ AHMAD AND TAHIRA
NAWAZ
Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
†Department of Botany, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
1
Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
A total of 39 plant species, belonging to 36 genera and 28 families were evaluated in Sharda, Neelum valley (AJ & K). Five
spp. (12.82%) were recorded locally critically endangered, 6 spp. (17.95%) endangered, 10 spp. (25.65%) vulnerable, 11 spp.
(28.21%) secure or least concerned, and 6 spp. (15.38%) rarely distributed in the region. The most extensively harvested
medicinal plants were Saussurea lappa, Jurinea dolomea, Bistorta amplexicaule, Plectranthus rugosus, Aconitum
heterophyllum, Geranium wallichianum, Ajuga bracteosa, Taraxacum offincinale, Quercus incana, Berberis lyceum and Viola
canescens, most of them are on the verage of extinction due to high rate of exploitation by local people. Among the parts
utilized for medicinal purposes, leaves of 13 species (28.85%), whole plant of 8 spp. (15.38%), bark of 7 spp. (13.46%), roots
of 6 spp. (11.54%), wood of 5 spp., (9.62%), fruit of 4 spp. (7.69%), flowers and seeds of 3 spp. each (5.77% each), and stem
of 2 spp. (3.85%) were utilized. Herbs dominated the study area with 18 spp. (46.15%), followed by trees 15 spp. (38.46%)
and shrubs 6 spp. (15.38%). The forest resources such as Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana and Abies pindrow are under
immense fuel wood pressure and are disappearing at an alarming rate. © 2012 Friends Science Publishers
Key Words: Conservation status; Ethnomedicinal uses; Habitat degradation; Neelum valley; Sharda
INTRODUCTION
Plant resources are bestowed with materials for
survival, which is economic, medicinal, forage values
(Morgan, 1981). As a plant species is lost from a region, the
information enclosed in it will also be slowly distorted and
finally become lost forever. The documentation of
indigenous knowledge and conservation of a plant species,
both are basic burning issues (Cunningham, 1996).
The plant hotspots of Pakistan are spread over 13
natural regions from alpine pastures to mangrove forest.
More than 10% of the flora is endangered (Shinwari et al.,
2002). The information is limited on the conservation status
of native plant species; however, there is a lot of
controversy in the available data. Chaudhri and Qureshi
(1991) reported 709 plants as threatened and endangered in
Pakistan, whereas, Nasir (1991) 580 flowering plants. In
contrast, more recently Ali and Qaiser (2010) reported only
21 flowering plants that are threatened in Pakistan.
Alam and Ali (2009) revealed several threats to
Pakistan’s biodiversity including habitat loss, deforestation,
grazing, invasive species, illegal trade, industrial pollution,
growing demand for natural resources and the lack of
adequate training. Extensive collection of medicinal plants
has led to the loss of important species in the area. There is
significant decrease in the amount of plant material a person
can collect in a day. Johar valley (Uttaranchal, India) is a
classic example, where it is reported that about five years
ago, medicinal plant collectors can collect over 200 g of dry
Aconitum heterophyllum in a single day, and now collection
of up to 70 is very difficult (Alam & Belt, 2004). Neelum
Valley, in spite of being great repository of medicinal
plants, remains unexplored and no systematic work has been
carried out on the status and threats to ecosystems and the
effects of global climate change in this region. The present
study, therefore is focused on the documentation traditional
knowledge of rural communities, assessment of
conservation status of medicinal plants, encouragement the
local communities to propagate and protect the medicinal
wealth, and assessment and identification of the factors
affecting the medicinal plants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study area: The state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir lies
between longitude 73-75º E and latitude 33-36º N and
To cite this paper: Ahmad, K.S., R. Qureshi, M. Hameed, F. Ahmad and T. Nawaz, 2012. Conservation assessment and medicinal importance of some plants
resources from sharda, neelum valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir,Pakistan. Int. J. Agric. Biol., 14: 997‒1000
AHMAD et al. / Int. J. Agric. Biol., Vol. 14, No. 6, 2012
comprises an area of 13,297 km2 (Khan, 2008). Neelum
Valley is the largest district of Azad Kashmir having an area
of 3,621 km2 (Fig. 1). The study area Sharda is a breathtaking spot at an altitude of 730 m above sea level (m a.s.l.),
and is at a distance of 136 km from Muzaffarabad on a way
to Neelum Valley (Dar, 2003). The climate is temperate
with very cold winters (average -2.0ºC), moderate summers
(average temperature 37.0ºC) and average rainfall 165 cm
annually. The area has various types of landforms and small
plateaus. Soil is loamy to sandy loam, capable of retaining
moisture, helping in good growth of forests. Majority of the
area is covered with thick vegetation, dominated by wild fig
(Ficus palmata) forests (Dar, 2003; Khan, 2008).
Field survey: Several field trips were arranged to various
parts of the study area between May 2009 and Aug 2010 to
collect plant specimens and vegetation data by quardat
sampling method. Fifteen study sites were selected for
vegetation sampling and 20 quadrats (10 m2 for trees, 5 m2
for shrubs & 1 m2 for herbs and grasses) were laid along a
transect line at each study site, each separated by a distance
of 20 m. The information about critically endangered,
endangered, vulnerable, rare and secure species was
collected. To gather information relating to medicinal usage
of local flora, 136 people (84 males & 52 females) of
different ages and different localities were interviewed.
Semi structured questionnaires and oral interviews were
used to get qualitative and participatory approach. Different
targeting sites Kishan Ghati, Gran, Maidan, Maytan Wali
Sairi, Naar, Dokari, Saraswati and Chaparn were visited
frequently. During field work, interviews were conducted
with the local inhabitants, selected informants, the herbalists
‘hakims’. This information was confirmed through field
visits. Personal observations were made in the field keeping
several parameters in consideration. These observations
include, plants availability, exploitation level, habitat
alternation, conservation efforts, part collected, threats
(pollution, urbanization, lack of awareness, deforestation
etc.). The number of the plants scored with reference to its
ecological amplitude and distribution were compared with
IUCN (2001, 2008) criteria to elaborating the conservation
status of the species. The plant material was pressed,
mounted on standard size herbarium sheets and preserved.
The specimens were identified through different
publications focused on the flora of Pakistan (Nasir & Ali,
1970-1989; Ali & Nasir, 1990-1992; Ali & Qaiser, 19922007; Ali & Qaiser, 2010).
Fig. 1: Map of Neelum valley, Azad Jammu and
Kashmir (Source: Planning and Development
Department, Muzaffarabad AJ & K)
Fig. 2: Conservation status of the plants of Sharda
Fig. 3: Parts usage %age of the plants of study area
Fig. 4: Life forms of the plants of study area
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results obtained showed the conservation status of
39 vascular plants belonging to 36 genera and 28 families.
In the study area, 5 species (12.82%) were recorded
critically endangered, 6 spp. (17.95%) endangered, 10 spp.
(25.65%) vulnerable, 11 spp. (28.21%) secure or least
concerned, and 6 spp. (15.38%) rarely distributed (Fig. 2).
The most economically important medicinal plants were
998
CONSERVATION OF PLANT RESOURCES FROM SHARDA / Int. J. Agric. Biol., Vol. 14, No. 6, 2012
Saussurea lapa, Jurinea dolomea, Achillea millefolium,
Bistorta amplexicaule, Plantago major, Plectoranthus
rugosis, A. heterophyllum, Geranium wallichianum, Ajuga
bracteosa, Juglans regia, Morus alba, Cannabis sativa,
Taraxacum offincinale, Quercus incana, Berberis lyceum,
and Diospyros lotus (Table I). Consumption of leaves was
high 13 species (28.85%), and it was followed by the use of
whole plant (8 spp., 15.38%), bark (7 spp., 13.46%), roots
(6 spp., 11.54%), wood (5 spp., 9.62%), fruit (4 spp.,
7.69%), flowers and seeds (3 spp., 5.77% each), and stem (2
spp., 3.85%) as presented in Fig. 3. Herbs were dominating
in the study area with 18 spp. (46.15%), followed by trees
15 spp. (38.46%) and shrubs 6 spp. (15.38%, Fig. 4).
Neelum valley is one of the most exploited areas by
the plant collectors and local inhabitants in Azad Kashmir.
Medicinal plants are collected by poor villagers of the
Sharda as a part time job, not only for their own requirement
but also for economic reasons. The collectors include men,
women and children. The women and children collect plants
while grazing their livestock. This type of collection of
medicinal plants is carried out every day (Haq et al., 2010).
Decrease in the population size of the native plant species is
due to the ecological factors, such as loss of habitat,
deforestation, erosion, high consumption, invasive and
introduced species and attack of pathogens (Muhammad,
2003). During spring and summer seasons, there is a large
consumption of medicinal plants by the local people. Main
purpose of this collection is to treat different diseases at
domestic level due to unavailability of allopathic doctors.
Chaudhary et al. (2000) reported that 500 families of local
communities are involved in medicinal plant collection in
Swat and they collect 5000 tons of medicinal plants
annually.
Population of the study area is very backward
economically. The livelihood of the area depends upon
agricultural farming and livestock keeping. They are
unaware about the conservation of valuable indigenous
plant species. Khan (2008) documented that fuel wood is
one of the primer causes of forest destruction which kept
throughout the year during harsh winter, resulting
continuous destruction of natural forest and vegetation. As a
result forest resources like Cedrus deodara, Pinus
Table I: Conservation status and medicinal use of some important plants of Sharda, Neelum valley, AJ and K
Family
Botanical Name
Local Name Part (s) Conservation Medicinal Uses
Used
Status
Asteraceae
Saussurea lappa (Falc.) Lipsch.
Kuth
R
Endangered Tonic, stimulant, anodyne, expectorant and diuretic
Jurinea dolomiaea Boiss.
Google Toof R
Endangered Cordial and colic
Taraxacum officinale L.
Hand
R, L
Rare
Alterative, diuretic and antiseptic
Achillea millefolium L.
Khati Booti L
Rare
Demulcent, tonic and stimulant
Balsaminaceae Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Bun Till
AP
Vulnerable
Emetic, cathartic and diuretic
Berberidaceae Berberis lycium Royle
Sumbal
B
Endangered Aperient, carminative, febrifuge and ophthalmic
Betulaceae
Betula utilis D. Don.
Borzal
FR
Endangered Antiseptic, carminatic and antibacterial
Analgesic, antispasmodic, astringent, emollient and narcotic
Broginaceae
Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forssk.
Landi
WP
Rare
Canabinaceae Cannabis sativa L.
Bhang
L,FL
Secure
Carminative, astringent, sedative and narcotic
Caprifoliaceae Viburnum cotinifolium D. Don
Guch
L,FR
Vulnerable
Sedative, astringent, laxative and blood purifier
Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea bulbifera Decne
Contres
ST, L
Endangered Diuretic and colic
Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris ramosa L.
Longer
ST, L
Vulnerable
Diuretic, stomachic, antibiotic, astringent and febrifuge
Dryopteris stewartii L.
Daid
WP
Vulnerable
Diuretic and antimicrobial
Ebenaceae
Diospyros lotus L.
Amlok
FR
Rare
Febrifuge, astringent and sedative
Indigofera heterantha Wall. ex Brandis Zand
Fagaceae
WP
Secure
Anathematic
Quercus incana Roxb.
Reen
B
Vulnerable
Astringent and colic
Quercus ballota (Desf.) A. DC.
Chor
B,WD
Vulnerable
Astringent
Geraniaceae
Geranium wallichianum D. Don
Ratanjog
R
Endangered Astringent and clotting agent
Helveliaceae
Morchella esculenta L.
Gucchi
WP
Endangered Tonic, jointache and insomnia
Hippocastanace Aesiculus indica (Wall. ex. Camb.) Hook. Bankhor
SD
Vulnerable
Colic
Juglandiaceae Juglans regia L.
Akhrot
L, B, FR Secure
Astringent, tonic and onthelmintic
Lamiaceae
Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth.
Jane Adam WP
Vulnerable
Aromatic, astringent and tonic
Plectranthus rugosus Wall. ex Benth.
Peemar
WP
Vulnerable
Bitter, cooling and diuretic
Meliaceae
Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. ex Willd.
Darawa
B, R, L
Rare
Astringent
Mimosaceae
Acacia nilotica Willd.
Kikar
L, B
Vulnerable
Astringent, stimulant and tonic
Moraceae
Morus alba L.
Safaid Toot R, L, FR, B Rare
Antibacterial, astringent and ophthalmic
Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Hook.f.
goand
L,WD
Vulnerable
Sedative, anesthetic, antiseptic and expectorant
Oleaceae
Olea ferruginea Royle
Rons Patar WP
Rare
Laxative, expectorant and tonic
Pinaceae
Abies pindrow Royle
Rewar
L, SD
Endangered Antiseptic, stimulant and expectorant
Cedrus deodara Roxb. ex Lamb.
Deyar
L,WD
Endangered Acrid, laxative, cardio, antiseptic and diuretic
Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jackson
Biyar
FR,WD Endangered Anthalmintic
Plantaginaceae Plantago ovata Forssk.
Isphogol
L
Rare
Demulcent, laxative, astringent, refrigerant and emollient
Polygonaceae Bistorta amplexicaulis (D.Don) Greene.
Masloon
R, L
Endangered Nerve tonic and sedative
Ranunculaceae Actaea spicata L.
Rech dad
R, L, FL Rare
Antispasmodic, cytostatic,emetic and purgative
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex. Royle
Patrees
R
Endangered Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge
Rubiaceae
Gallium boreole L.
Guch
AP
Secure
Diuretic and emetic
Salicaceae
Salix tetrasperma Roxb.
Beesan
B, L, WD Secure
Anodyne and febrifuge
Saxifragaceae Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.
Butpawh
WP
Endangered Acrid, laxative, analgesic, astringent and diuretic
Violaceae
Viola canescens L.
Banafsha
L, FL
Secure
Analgesic and astringent
Key: B=Bark, FL=Flowers, FR=Fruits, L=Leave, R=Roots, SD=Seeds, WP=Whole plant, WD=Wood, AP=Ariel parts
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AHMAD et al. / Int. J. Agric. Biol., Vol. 14, No. 6, 2012
wallichiana, Q. incana and Abies pindrow are under high
fuel wood pressure, and are being eradicated at an alarming
rate. One of the major considerations in this regard is the reintroduction of these tree species by the Forest department
C. deodara has been declared as national symbol of
Pakistan due to its graceful profile and termite resistant
wood.
Medicinal plants like S. lappa, A. heterophyllum, G.
wallichianum, J. dolomiaea, A. bracteosa, B. amplexicaule,
and B. lyceum are on the verge of extinction due to high rate
of consumption (Khan, 2008). Morel collection is an
important activity during spring season. The villagers take
keen interest in collection of morels as it provides them a
source of income. The moist temperate Himalaya of
Pakistan requires special attention for the conservation of
environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The decrease in forest cover and associated major changes
in community composition has led to the decline of
indigenous medicinal plants resources and their traditional
knowledge (Ibrar, 2003). Endemic and rare taxa of an area
are the most vulnerable because of restricted geographic
ranges and specific habitats (Haq et al., 2010). The plant
communities in the study area have been largely disturbed
due to deforestation for fuel, over consumption of medicinal
resources for the treatment of diseases, population
explosion, increased tourism and lack of awareness (Khan,
2008). Indiscriminate cutting, not only the forest area is
declining, but valuable indigenous species are in danger and
if this inclination continues, the ultimate result would be the
extinction of these species from the area.
CONCLUSION
In Sharda (Neelum valley), the plant communities
have been largely disturbed due to deforestation for fuel,
over consumption of medicinal resources for the treatment
of diseases, population explosion, increased tourism and
other environmental hazards. Due to indiscriminate cutting,
not only the forest area is declining but valuable indigenous
species are in danger and if this inclination continues, the
ultimate result would be the extinction of these species from
the area. Hence, direct conservation measures as proposed
below are urgently required in order to protect the taxon
from extinction. These include, (i) proper documentation
and conservation of indigenous knowledge need to be done,
(ii) appropriate training of the local communities about the
conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinally
important flora needs to be given, (iii) overgrazing and
deforestation should be abridged, (iv) permanent monitoring
programs should be developed, (v) natural gas should be
introduced in the area as an alternate fuel source, (vi)
promote forest management practices that benefit
biodiversity conservation, (vii) proper health facilities
should be provided to local people, and (viii) awareness
programs at grass root level should be introduced.
Acknowledgement: We are thankful to the local
communities for their willingness to share valuable
empirical knowledge and experiences on wild medicinal
plants.
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(Received 11 July 2012; Accepted 10 September 2012)