An Ethnobotanical Survey of Important Wild Medicinal Plants of Hattar District Haripur, Pakistan

An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken for the purpose of collecting information from traditional healers on the use of medicinal plants in Hattar region, District Haripur, NWFP, Pakistan during 2004-06. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. Plants with their correct nomenclature were arranged alphabetically by family name, vernacular name and ethnomedicinal uses. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on The Flora of Pakistan. Hattar was surveyed 2-times per year comprising autumn and spring season. A total of 45 plants species were identified by taxonomic description and locally by folk knowledge of people existing in the region. Out of 45 plant species, 17 were perennials/biannual, 20 were found in spring, while 8 species were found in autumn season. Plant specimens collected, identified, preserved and mounted were deposited in the Herbarium, Qarshi Herb Centre, Hattar, Haripur for future references

Distributions and Folk Tibb Knowledge of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) in NWFP, Pakistan

The purpose of our survey was to collect distribution data and folk tibb knowledge of milk thistle at NWFP Pakistan. NWFP area’s including District Haripur and Abbottabad were visited during 2007 and 2008 in the month of December. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) was found growing wildly covering about 20-52% area. A total of 90 Hakims and 90 local peoples were interviewed regarding the use of Milk thistle. It was concluded that Milk thistle was used for liver disease especially for Hepatitis. About 75% from interviewed community were using it seeds while 25% preferred to use its whole plant as medicine