Ethnobotanical studies of the flora of district Musakhel and Barkhan in Balochistan, Pakistan

An ethnobotanical study was carried out during May to August, 2003 in the mountainous region of Districts Musakhel and Barkhan of Balochistan province. Plants of 18 different families were collected from mountains cultureable waste, and agricultural fields to figure out the ethnobotanical perception among the local communities. Maximum plants were recorded from family Solanaceae. Many of the species are identified as medicinal for curing different common diseases like puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is useful in inflammatory conditions of urino- genital system and help relive calculus infection and uterine disorders. Rosa damascena is regarded as refrigerant, for the vital organs, stomach and intestines. Peganum harmala leaves are used for joint pain, seeds are antiseptic, also used as insect repellent when burnt. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is used as tonic, in fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea. Curly dock (Rumex crispus) is used as a pot herb and healing injuries. It is laxative, alternative, tonic & can be used in rheumatism, and skin diseases. Acacia nilotica is used as a mouthwash in cancerous and syphilitic infections. It is a useful local astringent douche or anemia on gonorrhea, cystitis, vaginitis, leucorrhoea, and piles etc. It is an effective tonic in chronic diarrhea and diabetes mellitus. Fried gum is a useful nutritive tonic and aphrodisiac in sexual disability. Mentha spicata dried leaves are used as tooth powder for toothache. Many species are used as forage for cattle like Chenopodium album. Some of the species are used as potherbs like Solanum nigrum and Chenopodium album. Some of the reported species are used as fuel and for other domestic uses like Astragalus and Acacia species.