Socio-Economic Impact of Ethnobotanical Appraisal of Traded Medicinal Plants on Local Communities of District Astore (Gilgit Baltistan)

Abstract

Medicinal plants are the only possible solution to treat various complications of human beings. The local community of district Astore, Gilgit Baltistan are dependent on medicinal plants for their primary healthcare. The present study was conducted to identify and document the medicinal uses of traded medicinal plants and to assess their socio-economic impact and current status in the respective area. A total of 26 traded medicinal plants were explored from the various villages as informed by the experienced respondents. The collected plants were pasted on herbarium sheets for identification purpose. Ethno medicinal uses were also documented and the collected data was analyzed by using statistical indices i.e. Use value, Relative frequency citation, Fidelity level and Pearson correlation coefficient. Questionnaire survey was conducted and 80 respondents were interviewed to assess the socio-economic impact and current status of traded medicinal plants. The most frequent used part of medicinal plant was leaves followed by roots and seeds. The RFC (0.88) and UV (0.98) were recorded highest for Thymus linearis. The Pearson correlation coefficient value between RFC and UV was 0.944, indicating a strong relationship between RFC and UV. Survey results showed that the traded medicinal plants played a pivotal role by enhancing socio-economic condition of local communities. Findings also indicated that the traded medicinal plants are gradually decreasing due to anthropogenic activities like improper method of collection, illegal trade, unsustainable use and lack of protection and conservation measures.