Ethnomedicinal indices based ethno-veterinary plant profile of Yousaf Baba Hills, District Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract The local communities in Pakistan's remote mountainous regions possess a unique and rich treasure trove of ethnoveterinary knowledge regarding an indigenous medicinal plant that has been passed down through generations for centuries. In these hilly areas, where basic facilities are lacking, residents primarily depend on local plants to treat various veterinary health issues. The aim of our research is to chronicle, explore, and quantitatively assess ethnoveterinary knowledge. The current study documents the use of ethnoveterinary plant medicine for curing different animal ailments. The majority of animal diseases are treated with local herbal medicines extracted from plants. To identify traditional remedies, the survey and information were collected from locals and farmers. Ethnoveterinary information was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 133 informants who were randomly selected from 17 villages, and the data were interpreted using various ethnobotanical indices. Altogether, 41 livestock ailments were documented, and it was concluded that ailments like digestive disorders, mouth and foot diseases, milk deficiency, diarrhea, worm infestation, skin disorders, wound healing, placenta retention, carminatives, and anti-lice are the most prevalent. Eighty-three plants from 36 families, including one species of pteridophyte and gymnosperm and 81 species of angiosperm, were identified for animal health care. Most frequently, plant parts used for ethnoveterinary medicine are leaves (56.8%), shoots (15.9%), fruit (8.87%), seed (8.87%), bark (2.95%), whole plant (2.95%), latex (1.77%), and root (1%). The most common administration is oral, followed by dermal. The inhabitants use leaves, fruits, seeds, shoots, and bark to prepare various oral and topical remedies. The plant species ranked highest in terms of RFC values were Mentha longifolia (0.76), Ajuga bracteosa (0.64), Carthamus oxyacantha (0.53), Brassica campestris (0.46), and Sonchus asper (0.42). Species with the highest use values include Ajuga bracteosa (1.03), Mentha longifolia (0.85), Brassica campestris (0.71), Carthamus oxycantha (0.54), and Sonchus asper (0.51). A high ICF was noted for digestive disorders (0.45), followed by lactation issues (0.41) and dermatological conditions (0.29). Given the enormous potential for popularizing local herbal remedies in the study area, this research underlines the critical need for further investigations to ensure a sustainable and safe utilization of these herbal drugs.