Ethno-Botanical Study of Wild Medicinal Plants of Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

The study was aimed to document the medicinal plants and their traditional uses in the Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan during 2010. Neelum Valley represents phyto-geographic features of Sino- Himalayan region and is rich in natural resources. The area supports moist temperate forest, dry temperate forest, sub-alpine scrub, alpine pastures and cold deserts. Data was ere collected through direct observations during field surveys, questionnaires and interviews of local inhabitants. A total of 67 medicinal plants were identified, traditionally used for remedial measures against 32 diseases. seven plant species were commercially extracted and sold to the market. Maximum (14) plant species were used as antiseptics followed by weakness (9) and anti worm (8). Leaves of these species were used more commonly (38.46%) as compared to roots (24.36%). There was a medium level of use of maximum plant species (44%) followed by low (34%) and high (22%) level. Low income and lack of facilities increased the dependence of majority of the local communities on the available natural resources for their subsistence. Study revealed that at least 16 species were threatened locally due to habitat degradation including deforestation, livestock grazing, over-exploitation and unscientific ways of collection from their natural habitat. Information gathered would be useful for the conservation of wild medicinal plants of the valley.