BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN) 2014, 60 (1), 11-22
PKISSN 0006 – 3096 (Print)
ISSN 2313 – 206X (On-Line)
Ethnobotanical survey of some important herbaceous plants of District Kotli,
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
*MUHAMMAD AJAIB1, ZAHEER-UD-DIN KHAN1 & ANNAM ZIKREA1
Department of Botany, GC University Lahore, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
The ethnobotanical data on the herbaceous plants of District Kotli, Azad Kashmir was documented
during 2010 to 2011 by interviewing the local inhabitants through a questionnaire. A total of 93 herbaceous
species belonging to 46 families of Angiosperms were recorded. It was noticed that beside the usages of herbs
as fodder and vegetable, the people in the area were found using herbs for curing human diseases like
hypertension, jaundice, gonorrhea, eczema, rheumatism, impotency, etc. and in cattle such as hemorrhagic
septicemia, hemoglobinurea, prolepsis, anemia, etc. It was disclosed that 58.06% herbs were in use as whole
plant, 36.56% as leaves, 6.45% as stem & fruit each, 10.75% as flower, 18.27% as root, 13.97% as seed and
1.07% as inflorescence. It was observed that people in the area were using 52.68% herbs for single purpose,
37.63% for double purpose, 7.52% for three and 2.15% for multipurpose. The most common herbs found in the
area were including 11 species of Family Poaceae, 8 species of Labiatae, 7 species of Asteraceae and 4 species
of Family Amaranthaceae.
Key words: Ethnobotany, Herbs, District Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
_______________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Ethnobotany is the affiliation between
aboriginal people and plants encompassing folk
perception of their classification, their usage and
their habitation (Berlin et al., 1973). The
ethnobotanical studies carried out so far had
enclosed the entire association between people and
plants but, are mostly concentrated on the plants
utilized in medication and foodstuff (Jain, 1965;
Martin, 1995; Rao, 1981; Bye, 1981). Plants have
influenced the human civilization. The humankind
has witnessed the increasing scientific and
commercial curiosity in therapeutical plants chiefly
due to their massive economic prospective and the
prevalent intellectual adequacy of plant based
products. Ethnobotanical information regarding
curative plants and their uses by indigenous
traditions is valuable not merely in the protection of
conventional cultures and biodiversity, but also for
community health care and drug development
(Farnsworth, 1993).
District Kotli, previously a sub-division of
Mirpur Azad Jammu & Kashmir was given the status
of district in September 1975. It is divided into Kotli,
Khuiratta, Sehnsa, Fatehpur and Nikyal Tehsils. The
average height of District Kotli is about 1000m and
is bounded on the Eastern side by Indian Occupied
Kashmir, Western side by Rawalpindi (Pakistan),
Southern side by Mirpur District and Northern side
by District Poonch. The population is 0.558 million
2
according to census 1998 with an area of 1862km .
The investigated area lies between longitude 73 6’
*Correspondenig author: <[email protected]>
to 74 7’ east and latitude 33 20’ to 33 40’ north
G
(Topo sheet No. 43 /15). The annual rainfall in
district Kotli is 1227.9mm, maximum during July and
August, i.e. 306.9mm and 256.5mm, respectively
while low during winter. Thus, average monthly
rainfall is 102.33mm. Humidity is low during the
daytime as compared to night. Months of January,
February, August and September are more humid
than May and June (Anonymous, 2008).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The material mandatory in the field area
included: Notebook, Pencil, Polythene bags, Blotting
paper, Toposheet & Plant presser, area maps,
digital camera (Canon 1000D), GPS (Nuvi, Gamen),
etc.
The methodology used in the present study
included:
 Assortment of relevant information from the City
District Government, District Kotli
 Field survey and Market assessment.
During the field survey, 120 local
inhabitants of 30 villages of District Kotli, viz:
Mera Nakiyal, Khanara, Mohra, Panagh,
Jandrot, Karela,Holar, Khori, Prandan, Sehr
Mandi, Gul Pur, Sarsawah, Andralla, Kotera,
Sohana Nidi, Phalni, Bandli, Darguti, Seri,
Brooth, Dahana, Dana, Anda, Khajurla, Dungi,
Manssoh hills, Domass, Panjani & Saney Baney
hills were interviewed using a questionnaire to
document the ethnobotancial data on the plant
resources, quantities of plant species available
12
M. AJAIB ET AL
and their utilization by the drug dealers,
shopkeepers, timber dealers, fuel wood sellers,
farmers, but priority was given to hakims
(Herbal practitioners) and local elderly people
usually with the age of more than 70 years
(Table 1). In each village 4 informants
(respondents) were selected.
 Plant collection, preservation
and identification
Plant specimens collected both from the
wild and cultivated areas were subsequently dried,
pressed and mounted appropriately on herbarium
sheets and identified with the help of Flora of
Pakistan: Nasir & Ali (1970-1989), Ali & Nasir (19901992), Nasir & Rafiq (1995) and Ali & Qaiser (19922012) and were submitted to Dr. Sultan Ahmad
Herbarium (SAH), GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
after pasting voucher numbers
 Preparation of Ethnobotanical
Inventory
The ethnobotanical record acquired was
thus compared was previously presented or
available literature on the uses of plants (Haq &
Hussain, 1995; Jain, 1995; Alexiades, 1996; Cotton,
1996; Cunningham, 2001; Yusuf et al., 2006 and
2007; Ajaib et al., 2010 and 2012; Mohiuddin et al.,
2012). Ultimately, the ethnobotanical catalog with
family names, vernaculars and local uses was
prepared.
RESULTS
The age and gender wise allocation of the
informants was summarized in Table 1. Out of total
informants (n=120), 68.3% were males and 31.7%
females. No relation was ascertained between these
two parameters except that the old aged inhabitants
were found having more information than younger
generations.
In the investigated area, a total of 93
herbaceous species of 46 Angiospermic families
were documented in alphabetical order alongwith
their families, local names and their utility by natives
of the study area (Table 2). Out of 93, 11 species
belonged to family Poaceae, 8 to Labiatae, 7 to
Asteraceae and 4 to family Amaranthaceae.
The whole plant of 54 species was found in
ethnobotanical utility, i.e. about 58.06% of the total
plant species, while leaves of 34 plants, i.e. about
36.56% were recorded in use for conventional
purposes, Fruits, shoots (including rhizomes) of 6
herbs, i.e., about 6.45%, flowers of 10 plants
accounting to 10.75%, roots (including bulbs &
corms) of 17 plants, i.e., 18.27% while seeds of 13
herbs making up 13.97% and inflorescence of only
1 plant, i.e. 1.07% were found to be important in
BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN)
terms of usage by the inhabitants of study area
(Figure 1).
The local people of District Kotli had
developed deep bond with the plants of their area.
Out of the total 93 plants, 79 plants (84.94%) were
used as medicinal, 13 herbs (13.97%) as
vegetables, 5 plants (5.37%) as spices &
condiments, 30 herbs (32.25%) as fodder for cattle
while some of the plants were found offering
miscellaneous benefits to mankind. It was also
observed that 49 herbs (52.68%) were reported in
use only for single purpose, 35 (37.63%) for doublepurpose, 7 (7.52%) for three purposes and 2
(2.15%) for multipurpose (Figure 2).
DISCUSSION
The frequently occurring herbs in the region
belonged to Family Poaceae (11 species), Labiatae
(8 species), Asteraceae (7 species) and
Amaranthaceae (4 species).
The affiliation between people and plants is
natural because plants supply food, fodder & forage
for our domestic animals, fuel wood for burning,
flowers for aesthetics and merriment. The other raw
materials of plants were found in use for numerous
industries, timber for construction & for countless
other beneficial activities especially medication. It is
undoubtedly the proven fact that the remedial plants
are indispensable for the preparation of a broad
range of drugs and curing diseases as affirmed by
Qureshi et al. (2007); Hanif et al. 2013. Although,
this affiliation had fallen into comparative neglect as
a
result
of
phenomenal
success
of
chemotherapeutic drugs, but has been gradually
gaining ground and nowadays is dwelling at its
previous position of eminence, as stressed by
Baquar (1989). A number of countries are engaged
in research on medicinal plants and their cultivation,
propagation and manufacture of pure medicinal
drugs. The American consumers had paid 3 million
dollars for the period of 1959-74 for drugs derived
exclusively from higher plants. China is
acknowledged to be the leading country in the
exploitation of herbs in the therapeutic preparations
with exceptionally unique diversity of medicinal
plants. The updated documentation and inventory of
Chinese medicinal plants consists of 11,146 species
(Pei, 2003).
During present study, it was discerned that
the local inhabitants of the district Kotli were
employing the above mentioned herbs to treat a
variety of ailments like diabetes, hypertension,
jaundice, gonorrhea, eczema, rheumatism, and
impotency as well as against hemorrhagic
septicemia, hemoglobinurea, prolepsis, anemia in
VOL. 60 (1)
HERBACEOUS PLANTS OF DISTRICT KOTLI
cattle. Mentha royleana Benth. and Mentha spicata
L., were reported to be effective against
gastrointestinal
disorders
(like
constipation,
vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, etc.).
Comparable uses of these plants had also been
stated by Baquar (1989); Badshah et al. (1996);
Ajaib et al. 2013; Zareen et al. 2013; Ajaib et al.
2014. Plants exploited as cooling agent, refrigerant,
diuretic and useful remedies in urinary tract
diseases (jaundice) encompassed Berginea cilliata
(Haw.) Sternb., Solanum nigrum L., Taraxacum
oficinale Weber. and Viola canescens Wall. ex
Roxb.
In the hilly areas of District Kotli, it was
investigated that the local children, while grazing
their animals in the mountains, collect every
probable available fraction of the profitable
medicinal plants as an additional source of income.
Commonly, women were found concerned with the
course of drying them at home, subsequently after
scattering the plants on roof, on mats or on exposed
rocks, for nearly a week. The dried assembled
plants were then sold directly to the regional drug
dealers. Similar observations were also made by
Khan et al. (2011) whilst working on the
ethnomedicinal assessment of plants of Hindu-Kush
Himalaya. As the local residents had modest
information about the species and appropriate time
of their collection, they form the poorest linkage in
the trade of remedial plants. Hersch (1995) and
Khan & Khatoon (2007) had also revealed similar
circumstances during ethnobotanical studies in
Mexico and Pakistan. Moreover, the hakims also
employ these plants but according to their
conventional awareness. There are roughly 50,000
registered hakims (herbal healers) in Pakistan
(William & Zahoor, 1999) that provide cheaper
13
herbal drugs and are often acknowledged by lots of
people. A single plant can frequently be used to
treat several illnesses for example Ajaib et al.
(2010) had documented such comparable findings
while analyzing the ethnobotany of the valuable
shrubs of District Kotli. They concluded that
approximately every single shrub species was
utilized as a valuable pharmaceutical agent. This
data also matches with that of Basu (1991) on the
medicinal uses of Indian plants.
Humans are using these natural assets very
ruthlessly in some parts of the earth, such as in
Nepal and Hindu Kush Himalayas region, where
these natural resources are deteriorating more
speedily than several other global regions, but had
acquired little attention internationally as compared
to some other ecosystems. It is the need of an hour
to realize that the conventional knowledge and
management schemes are as imperative as the
requirements to commence the modern innovative
approaches to sustainable development and
administration of the natural wealth for the sake of
sustainable livelihood of traditional civilizations, as
cited in ICIMOD (1993) Nepal report. Comparable
state of affairs prevailed during the study of District
Kotli. Natives were found using flora in countless
traditions throughout their daily life. The natural
vegetation of the vicinity was under serious biotic
and abiotic pressure as a consequence of
overpopulation, overexploitation of plants especially
the curative vegetation, overgrazing, illicit cutting,
unabated urbanization and unauthorized collection
of medicinal plants and alteration of forest land to
agricultural land. Although plants had varied
ethnobotanical applications, yet they were
unmanaged.
Table 1: Age and gender wise distribution of questionnaire among local informants
Age group
Old (50+)
Middle age (+25)
Youngsters
Total =
Gender
No. of questionnaires
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
40
20
35
15
7
3
120
14
M. AJAIB ET AL
BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN)
Table 2: List of plants of Kotli District alongwith their vernaculars, family names and ethnobotanical
importance
Botanical
name/ Voucher
no.
1. Abelmoschus
esculentus (L.)
Moench/ SAH
1110
2. Achyranthes
aspera L./ SAH
0176
3. Ajuga
bracteosa Wall.
ex Benth./ SAH
0388
Local name
Family
Uses
Bhindi/ Okra,
Lady finger
Malvaceae
F: Used as vegetable.
S: Aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antigonorrhea & for thickening of sperm.
Puth kanda /
Prickly chaff
Amaranthaceae
Wp: Diuretic, analgesic & against prolepses
in cattle.
Kauri Booti/
Bugle
Labiatae
Wp: Anti-icteric, anti-pyretic analgesic, antihypertensive & anti-ulcer.
4. Allium cepa
L./ SAH 0709
Piaz/ Onion
Alliaceae
L: Diuretic, aphrodisiac, expectorant, antinicotine poisoning & also used as salad,
spices & condiments.
B: Stimulant.
5. Allium
jaquemontii
Kunth./ SAH
0710
Jangli Piaz
Alliaceae
B & I: Anti-inflammatory & pain killer.
Lahsan / Garlic
Alliaceae
B & L: Antiseptic, Anti-asthmatic, antipertussis & is used for cardiac diseases.
Besides, It is also used as flavoring agent,
carminative, aromatic & as spices.
Itsit Te Phakra/
Khaki weed
Amaranthaceae
R: Used for eye tumor.
L: Diuretic & blood purifier.
Ganar/ Amaranth
Amaranthaceae
Neeli Booti/ Red
chick weed
Primulaceae
Sankhia/ Indian
Catmint
Labiatae
Wp: Blood purifier, anti-icteric, anticancerous & anti-HBV.
Makhni Booti
Papilionaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Anti-ulcer, anti-icteric, Appetizer & used
for weight gain & stomach diseases.
Shah Gandal /
Asparagus
Asparagaceae
Wp: Used as vegetable.
R & F: Aphrodisiac.
Piazi/ Asphodel
Asphodelaceae
Wp: Diuretic, edible for animals & man, used
as condiment & ornamental.
Chekal
Acanthaceae
L: Stops abortion in animals & used for
6. Allium
sativum L./ SAH
0711
7. Alternanthera
pungens
Kunth./SAH
0167
8. Amaranthus
viridis L./ SAH
0384
9. Anagallis
arvensis L./
SAH 077
10. Anisomeles
indica (L.) O.
Kuntze/ SAH
1186
11.
Argyrolobium
roseum (Camb.)
Jaub. & Spach/
SAH 0612
12. Asparagus
gracilis Royle/
SAH 0693
13. Asphodelus
tenuifolius
Cavan./ SAH
1214
14. Barleria
Wp: Used as vegetable.
L: Used for snake bite & scorpion sting.
R: Anti-menorrhagia.
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal &
wormicidal.
VOL. 60 (1)
cristata L./ SAH
0420
15. Bergenia
ciliata (Haw.)
Sternb./ SAH
0146
16. Boerhavia
procumbens
Banks./ SAH
0155
17. Brachiaria
reptans (L.)
Gardner &
Hubbard/ SAH
1252
18.
Buglossoides
arvensis (L.)
Johnston/ SAH
0639
19. Campanula
pallida Wall./
SAH 0409
20. Cannabis
sativa L./ SAH
0369
21. Capsella
bursa-pastoris
(L.) Medik/ SAH
0607
22. Celosia
argentea L./
SAH 0383
23. Centaurea
iberica Trev.ex
Sprengel/ SAH
1148
24.
Chenopodium
album L./ SAH
0210
25. Cichorium
intybus L./ SAH
1143
26. Commelina
benghalensis
L./SAH 0212
27. Convolvulus
arvensis L./SAH
0349
28. Conyza
canadensis (L.)
HERBACEOUS PLANTS OF DISTRICT KOTLI
15
prolepses.
Zakhm-e-Hyat/
Stonebreaker
Saxifragaceae
L: Anti-pyretic, anti-icteric, tonic, given for
liver disorder, wound healing & muscular
pain.
Snati, Itsit/ Hog
weed
Nyctaginaceae
Wp: Tonic, aphrodisiac & remove iron
deficiency.
Sair/ Bird Seed
grass, Creeping
Panic Grass
Poaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Laxative & diuretic.
Kalu/ Corn
Gromwell
Boraginaceae
Wp: Fodder for cattle.
L: Sedative.
Beli Flower
Campanulaceae
Wp: Anti-dysentery & used as fodder for
goat.
Bhang/ Soft
Hemp
Cannabaceae
R: Used for liver disorders.
Fl: Sedative, anodyne & narcotic.
L: Anti-constipation, anti-hemorrhoid,
aphrodisiac, anti-amenorrhea & used for
stomach diseases, whooping cough &
muscle contraction.
S: Used to stop releasing sperms.
Phuman/
Shepherd Purse
Brassicaceae
Wp: Anti-hydropic & used as Fresh fodder.
Lolar Sita/ Cock’s
comb
Amaranthaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
Kandiyara/
Chicory
Asteraceae
Fl: Tonic, demulcent & aphrodisiac.
Bathwa/ Fat Hen,
Goose foot
Chenopodiaceae
L & F: Used as vegetable & fodder.
L: Laxative & anthelmintic.
Kasni / Chicory
Asteraceae
Chura/ Day
Flower, Dew
Flower
Commelinaceae
Hiranpadi/ Bind
weed
Convolvulaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
R: Purgative & diuretic.
Kali Buti/
Horseweed
Asteraceae
Wp: Diuretic, haemostatic, anti-diarrhea &
anti-dysentery.
Wp: Blood purifier & diuretic.
L & S: Anti-pyretic, anti-emetic & antidiarrhea.
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Laxative, anti-inflammatory, anti-leprosy &
used as vegetable.
16
M. AJAIB ET AL
Cronquest/SAH
0338
29. Cuscuta
reflexa
Roxb./SAH
0577
30. Cynodon
dactylon (L.)
Pers./ SAH
1234
31. Cyperus
rotundus L./
SAH 0153
32.
Dactyloctenium
aegyptium (L.)
Beauv./ SAH
0379
33.
Desmostachya
bipinnata (L.)
Stapf/ SAH
0253
34. Dichanthium
annulatum
(Forssk.) Stapf/
SAH 0214
35. Dicliptera
bupleuroides
Nees/ SAH
1180
36. Duchsnea
indicia (Andr.)
Focke/ SAH
1131
37.
Eremostachys
superba Royle
ex Benth./ SAH
0634
38. Erioscirpus
comosus (Wall.)
Palla/ SAH
1239
39. Erodium
cicutarium (L.)
Herit/ SAH 0700
40. Eruca sativa
Garsault/ SAH
0606
41. Euphorbia
prostrata Ait./
SAH 0197
42. Euphorbia
helioscopia L./
BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN)
Neela Dhari/
Dodder
Cuscutaceae
Wp: Anti-lice, anti-anemia & also used in
skin diseases & other weaknesses of
children.
Khabal/ Lawn
Grass
Poaceae
Wp: Diuretic, anti-toxin, heal bone fracture &
also used as fodder for cattle.
Muthri/ Nut grass,
Purple nut sedge
Cyperaceae
Wp: Anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, antiemetic, pain reliever, muscle relaxant & also
used as Fodder for cattle.
Madhana Ghass/
Beach wiregrass
Poaceae
Wp: Fodder for cattle & also have healing
properties.
Dhib/ Haifa Grass
Poaceae
Wp: Diuretic, anti-amenorrhea & used also
as fodder for cattle & making ropes.
Ghass/ Ringed
Dichanthium,
Sheda grass
Poaceae
Sh: Used as fodder & forage.
Kaali buti
Acanthaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
Surkh Akhra
Rosaceae
L & F: Used for stomach diseases.
F: Edible, nerve tonic, astringent & slightly
laxative.
Gurganna
Labiatae
S: Used for fish poisoning.
Babya
Cyperaceae
Wp: Used for severe abdominal & kidney
pain & also for making ropes.
Moni jamain
Geraniaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
Tara mera
Brassicaeae
Wp: Blood purifier & also used as fodder for
cattle, oil for cooking, massage & to remove
dandruff in hair.
L: Used as vegetables.
Dudhli, Hazar
Dani
Euphorbiaceae
Wp: Dermatocides, anti-diarrhea & also used
in skin diseases.
Doodal
Euphorbiaceae
R: Anthelmintic.
S: Anti-constipation & purgative.
VOL. 60 (1)
SAH 0635
43. Euphorbia
hirta L./ SAH
0444
44. Fumaria
indica
(Hausskn.)
Pugsley/ SAH
0209
45. Galium
aparine L./ SAH
0656
46. Geranium
ocellatum
Camb./ SAH
1120
47. Geranium
rotundifolium L./
SAH 0563
48. Gloriosa
superba L./
SAH 1215
49.
Heteropogon
contortus L./
SAH 0198
50. Imperata
cylindrica (L.)
Beauv./ SAH
0193
51. Ipomoea
hederacea
Jacq./ SAH
1172
52. Iris
aitchisonii
(Bakar) Boiss/
SAH 0701
53. Lamium
amplexicaule L./
SAH 0633
54. Lathyrus
aphaca L./ SAH
0213
55. Launea
procumbens
Roxb./ SAH
0696
56. Leucas
cephalotes
(Roth)
Spereng./ SAH
0974
57. Linum
usitatissimum
L./ SAH 0346
HERBACEOUS PLANTS OF DISTRICT KOTLI
17
Dudhli
Euphorbiaceae
Wp: Diuretic, expectorant, cough and other
pulmonary disorders. Its heavy doses cause
vomiting.
Papra
Fumariaceae
Sh: Blood purifier, diaphoretic, anti-pyretic &
also used as fodder for cattle.
Lahndra
Rubiaceae
Wp: Anti-dropsy, anti-oxidant, diuretic, cure
urinary bladder & kidney infection.
Jandorunu
Geraniaceae
Wp: Astringent, diuretic & also used as fresh
fodder for cattle.
Jandorunu
Geraniaceae
Wp: Astringent, diuretic & also used as fresh
fodder for cattle.
Sanp booti
Colchicaceae
Wp: Sexual stimulant, rheumatic & also used
as ornamental, but high dosage is very toxic
& may cause death.
Suryalla ghass
Poaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
Kulfi Ghass
Poaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L & R: Diuretic, astringent, febrifuge, styptic,
antibacterial, antifungal & tonic.
Neeli bail
Convolvulaceae
Wp: Used as an ornamental.
S: Anthelmintic, purgative, tonic, aphrodisiac
& promote menstruation.
Sanp Buti
Iridaceae
B: Diuretic, cathartic, but is toxic & should be
used very carefully.
Motcapra
Labiatae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Used as vegetable.
Jangli Phali
Papilionaceae
Wp: Used as fresh fodder for cattle.
Hannd
Asteraceae
Wp: Used as Fodder for cattle.
Chatra
Labiatae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Used as vegetable.
Alsi
Linaceae
S: Anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic,
anti-asthmatic, anti-allergic, antiinflammatory & also Used for heart diseases,
18
M. AJAIB ET AL
BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN)
vitality, adrenal stress, sperm formation,
retinal function, breathing difficulties,
behavior problems (schizophrenia,
depression) & addiction (drugs or alcohol).
Used for cattle feed as well.
58. Malva
parviflora L./
SAH 0352
59. Malvastrum
coromandelianu
m (L.) Garcke/
SAH 0394
60. Martynia
annua L./ SAH
0717
61. Mentha
royleana Benth./
SAH 0530
62. Mentha
spicata L./ SAH
1188
63. Micromeria
biflora Benth./
SAH 0257
64. Oenothera
rosea L.Herit.ex
Ait./SAH 0284
65. Oxalis
corniculata L./
SAH 1121
66. Papaver
dubium L./ SAH
0622
67. Papaver
hybridum L./
SAH 0597
68. Papaver
somnifera L./
SAH 0129
69. Physalis
divaricata D.
Don/ SAH 0123
70. Plantago
lanceolata L./
SAH
71. Plantago
major L./ SAH
1190
72.
Potamogeton
nodosus Poir./
SAH 1222
73. Ranunculus
muricatus L./
SAH 0676
74. Rumex
Sonchul
Malvaceae
L: Anthelmintic & also Used as vegetable.
Bean golden
Malvaceae
L & Fl: Aphrodisiac.
Bichhu-butti
Martyniaceae
Jangli Podina
Labiatae
Podina
Labiatae
L: Stimulant, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, antidyspeptic, stomachic & carminative.
Boine
Labiatae
Wp: Anti-emetic, anti-constipation & diuretic.
Seh Davi
Onagraceae
Khati
Oxalidaceae
Koko-kanga
Papaveraceae
Fl: Slightly sedative.
Koko-kanga
Papaveraceae
Fl: Slightly sedative.
Afeem
Papaveraceae
Fl: Sedative, narcotic, anti-dysentery, brain
tonic, expectorant & strong aphrodisiac.
Wild tomato
Solanaceae
Wp: Used as fresh fodder for cattle.
F: Diuretic & tonic.
Isbagol
Plantaginaceae
L: Sore & wound healing property.
S: Anti-diarrheic & anti-dysentery.
Isbagol
Plantaginaceae
L: Sore & wound healing property.
S: Anti-diarrheic & anti-dysentery.
Jujuli
Potamogetonacea
e
Wp: Excellent bio-fertilizer.
L: Used for skin irritation & constipation.
Kor kandoli
Ranunculaceae
Wp: Heal snake & scorpion bite, but is also
toxic plant & can be fatal to cattle.
Herfli
Polygonaceae
L: Diuretic, astringent & also soothes
L & F: Wormicidal, anti-epileptic, antipharyngitis, anti-rheumentic & also used in
scorpion & snake bite.
L: Stimulant, carminative, anti-dyspeptic,
mouth freshener & also used for making
sauce, salads, spice.
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle & also reduces
thrombosis, menopause & other
degenerative diseases.
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
L: Used as vegetable, anti-pyretic & antidysentery.
VOL. 60 (1)
dentatus L./
SAH 0708
75. Saccharum
spontaneum L./
SAH 1225
76.
Sauromatum
venosum (Ait.)
Schott./ SAH
1217
77. Sesamum
orientale L./
SAH 0195
78. Silene
conoidea L./
SAH 0395
79. Silybum
marianum (L.)
Gaertnor/ SAH
1146
HERBACEOUS PLANTS OF DISTRICT KOTLI
19
irritation caused by Urtica dioica.
Kai
Poaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle, for making
ropes & for roof thatching.
Sanp Ki Makai
Araceae
C: Used for hemorrhagic septicemia &
hemoglobin urea in buffalos & healing
snakebite & tumors but it is a toxic plant.
Til
Pedaliaceae
S: Used in soap, hair oil & cooking the food.
Dabbri
Caryophyllaceae
Sh: Used as vegetable.
F: Edible.
S & L: Used for whitening skin.
Kandyara
Asteraceae
S: Anti-oxidant & appetizer.
80. Solanum
nigrum L./ SAH
0522
Kach Mach
Solanaceae
Wp: Abortifacient.
Sh: Anti-dropsy & anti-icteric.
L: Used in kidney disorders & healing
wound.
81. Solanum
surratense
Burm./ SAH
0523
Mohkri
Solanaceae
Wp: Expectorant, diuretic, anti-gonorrhea,
anti-pyretic, stomachic & also used for cough
& pain in chest.
82. Sonchus
asper Vill./ SAH
1144
Dodal
Asteraceae
Wp: Fodder for cattle & also applied on
wounds.
Poaceae
Wp: Used to protect maize from rain & also
as fodder for cattle.
R: Used for serious abdominal pain, snake &
scorpion bite but it is very toxic.
83. Sorghum
halepense
Pers./ SAH
0275
Baru
84. Taraxacum
officinale
Weber/ SAH
0335
Hund
Asteraceae
L & Sh: Tonic, diuretic, anti-icteric, anticonstipation & for chronic disorders of liver &
kidney.
R: Used as fodder for cattle.
85. Thalictrum
foliolosum DC./
SAH 0110
Beni
Ranunculaceae
Wp: Anti-pyretic & blood purifier.
Bhari ghass
Poaceae
Wp: Used as fodder for cattle.
Pakhra
Zygophyllaceae
Gao Zuban
Boraginaceae
86. Themeda
anathera
(Nees.) Hack/
SAH 1226
87. Tribulus
terrestris L./
SAH 1119
88.
Trichodesma
F & R: Aphrodisiac & also used in urinary
disorders, chronic cystitis & for curing
impotence.
Fl: Tonic for refreshment of brain.
L & R: Used as diuretic, depurative &
20
M. AJAIB ET AL
indica R. Br./
SAH 0376
BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN)
emollient.
89. Typha
domingensis
Pers./ SAH
1223
Barya
Typhaceae
Rh: Used for amenorrhea.
90. Verbascum
thapsus L./ SAH
0169
Gidar tobacco
Scrophulariaceae
L & Fl: Used in cough & pulmonary
diseases.
S: Aphrodisiac.
91. Veronica
polita Fries/
SAH 1176
Sriri
Scrophulariaceae
Wp: Fodder for cattle.
92. Vicia sativa
L./ SAH 0613
Muttri
Papilionaceae
Fl: Diaphoretic, febrifuge & used in eczema,
epilepsy & nervous disorders.
Violaceae
Fl: Febrifuge, diaphoretic, antipyretic & also
used in epilepsy & nervous disorders.
R: Laxative, diuretic & used in eczema.
93. Viola
canescens Wall.
ex Roxb./ SAH
0648
Banafsha/ Viola
B: Bulb, C: Corm, Fl: Flower, F: Fruit, I: Inflorescence, L: Leaf, Rh: Rhizome, R: Root, S: Seed, Sh: Shoot,
Wp: Whole plant.
Fig., 1: % of plant part used ethnobotanically in Kotli District
Note: More than one part of some plants is used.
Fl: Flower, F: Fruit, I: Inflorescence, L: Leaf, R: Root, S: Seed, Sh: Shoot, Wp: Whole plant.
VOL. 60 (1)
HERBACEOUS PLANTS OF DISTRICT KOTLI
21
Fig., 2: % of plant consumption purpose used ethnobotanically by people in
Kotli District (n=93)
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