Background
Respiratory disease is a common and significant cause of illness and death around the world. In 2012, respiratory conditions were the most frequent reasons for hospital stays among children. In Pakistan acute respiratory infections constitute 30–60% of outdoor patients in hospital including 80% upper respiratory tract infections and 20% lower respiratory tract infections. The most common problems of the respiratory system are: asthma, bronchitis, common cold, cough and whooping cough [1]. Asthma affect about 300 million people worldwide and it has been estimated that a further 100 million will be affected by 2025 [2‐4]. The prevalence of asthma in Pakistan is increasing day-by-day with an annual increase of 5% of which 20–30% are children. Nearly 20 million people (12%) of Pakistani adult population are already suffering from asthma while chronic bronchitis occurring in the population over 65 years of age was 14% in females and 6% in males. An estimated seven million cases of pneumonia occur every year in Pakistan and out of these, as many as 92,000 children die before their fifth birthday due to the infection.
Respiratory disorders are common in Pakistan due to its remoteness, cold and harsh climatic conditions as well as limited health care facilities. The people depend on the indigenous plant resources to treat various respiratory disorders. Herbal remedies for the treatment of respiratory disorders are common practice in many parts of the world.
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Phyto-therapeutic agents are in use since ancient times for disease control but there use is greatly increased in last decade. By the end of twentieth century, 170 herbal drugs got official recognition. According to the WHO, 80% world population satisfy their primary health related needs by the use of phyto-therapeutic agents and 11% drugs are of plant origin among the essential drugs [5]. Approximately 70–95% populations of developing countries use herbal drugs for basic health care [6]. Pakistan is a rich producer of medicinal plants with more than 6000 species due to its climatic zones including high altitudes of Hindu-Kush Himalayas and Karakorum. About 600–700 (12%) species from the above mentioned figure are extensively used for medicinal purposes and various plants are also exported to foreign countries [7, 8]. From villages of Pakistan, 60% population use medicinal plants to fulfill their basic drug related needs [9].
During the previous few decades there has been an increase in the study of remedial plants and their folk usage in various parts of Pakistan. In the recent years numbers of information are documented on the use of plants in indigenous healing system either by ethnic people or rural communities around the world and Pakistanis increasing. The knowledge of ethno pharmacology and its holistic approach supported by experience can serve as a fuel for the discovery of safe, new and affordable medicines. Drugs development on the basis of natural products had an extensive history in the US, and in 1991, almost half of the drugs with maximum sale were natural products or their derivatives. With the passage of time, the emphasis on plant research is increasing day by day and stronger evidences are collected that proved the extensive use of medicinal plants in TM. Approximately 13,000 plants are investigated in previous 5 years [10].
The present study aimed at documenting the traditional uses of medicinal plants used to treat different respiratory disorders in Pakistan and to evaluate the efficacy of plant species based on the review of literature.
Specifically we sought to answer the following questions
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What is the distribution and geographical patterns of medicinal plants used for respiratory disorders across the Pakistan?
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Which plant species are most often used for treating respiratory disorders?
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Which plant parts are most commonly used in ethno preparations?
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Which preparation modes are commonly used to prepare the medicinal recipes?
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Which respiratory conditions are most commonly treated with medicinal plant species?
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Have pharmacological studies been conducted to confirm the traditional use of the medicinal plants against respiratory disorders?
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Which plant species are used in herbal preparations for the treatment of respiratory disorders?
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What is the economical and conservation status of the plant species used for respiratory disorders?
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We believe that answering these questions will help to identify the plant species that have the potential to be explored in future lab trails. We also hope to highlight eventual under investigated areas.
Materials and methods
Data collection
Published papers up till June 2015 were retrieved from the online bibliographical databases: PubMed, Google, Google scholar, Science direct, Springer link, IUCN redlist and drug Infosys. These databases were searched by using keywords like, traditional use of plants, medicinal uses of plants, indigenous use of plants, ethno botanical surveys and ethno-pharmacological studies of different areas of Pakistan (Provinces and districts). A total of 230 scientific papers based on ethno-botanical surveys of different areas of Pakistan were reviewed for this study (Punjab = 85, KPK = 58, Sindh = 15, Baluchistan = 8, Gilgit = 22, Kashmir = 42). Plants with the reported traditional usage against respiratory diseases were screened from the data gathered. A master list was generated enlisting all the medicinal plants used in Pakistan for the treatment of respiratory disorders (Table 1). Above-mentioned databases were also searched for pharmacological studies providing supporting evidence of medicinal uses for each species. Because of the massive number of studies been consulted only reference(s) were provided and complete information on pharmacological properties can be retrieved from the original studies. All the data has been summarized in six tables and six figures.
Table 1
Medicinal plants use for respiratory disorders
Scientific name
| Family | Part used | Traditional use |
---|---|---|---|
Abelmoschus esculentus
| Solanaceae | Fruit | Throat, cough and bronchitis infections [43] |
Abies pindrow Royle | Amaranthaceae | Fresh leaves | Cough, asthma and other chest infection [44] |
Abrus precatorius
| Fabaceae | Root and leaves | Asthma, cough [45] |
Acacia arabica
| Apiaceae | Leaves and fruits | Cough [46] |
Acacia jacquemontii
| Myrsinaceae | Flower, seeds, leaves, stem, bark | Asthma [47] |
Acacia modesta Wall | Acanthaceae | Gum | Respiratory tract problems [47] |
Acacia nilotica
| Apocynaceae | Flowers | Asthma [48] |
Achillea millefolium
| Asteraceae | Leaves | Cold, flu [49] |
Achyranthes aspera Linn. | Amaranthaceae | Leaves | Pneumonia and asthma [50] |
Aconitum chasmanthum
| Ranunculaceae | Root | Cough, and asthma [51] |
Aconitum hetrophyllum
| Ranunculaceae | Root | Cough, asthma [51] |
Aconitum violaceum
| Ranunculaceae | Root | Asthma, cough [51] |
Adhatoda vasica nees
| Capparidaceae | Whole plant | Cough, bronchitis, asthma [52] |
Adhatoda zelyanica Medic | Apocynaceae | Whole plant | Cough, asthma [53] |
Adiantum capillus veneris
| Liliaceae | Whole plant | Coughs, bronchitis [54] |
Adiantum incisum Forssk | Liliaceae | Fronds | Cough and cold [55] |
Adiantum venustum
| Liliaceae | Rhizome and whole plant | Cough [40] |
Aesculus indica
| Liliaceae | Fruits | Cough [40] |
Ageratum conyzoides L. | Asteraceae | Leaves | Cold and coughs [51] |
Albizia lebbeck
| Moraceae | Bark | Flu, cough, lung problems [49] |
Alhagi maurorum Medic | Fabaceae | Whole plant | Respiratory diseases [54] |
Allium cepa
| Apiaceae | Stem, leaves | Cough [56] |
Allium humile Kunth | Alliaceae | Bulb infusion | Asthma/breathing, problem, cough, cold [40] |
Allium sativum L. | Euphorbiaceae | Bulb | Respiratory tract infection [40] |
Aloe barbadensis
| Liliaceae | Whole plant | Cough, asthma [52] |
Aloe vera
| Solanaceae | Arieal parts | Cough Suppressant [55] |
Alstonia scholaris
| Fabaceae | Bark, Leaves | Asthma [57] |
Althaea officinalis L. | Lythraceae | Flowers, leaves, roots, fruits and seeds | Asthma and bronchitis [56] |
Amaranthus viridis L. | Caeselpiniaceae | Leaves, stem | Cough [58] |
Amaranthus albus
| Amaranthacea | Flower, stem, leaves, seeds | Asthma [56] |
Amaranthus caudatus
| Asteraceae | Shoots | Cough and asthma [59] |
Amaranthus spinosus L. | Astraceae | Whole plant | Bronchitis [56] |
Ammi visnaga [L.] Lam | Amaranthaceae | Fruit and flower | Bronchial asthma/breathing problems, whooping coug [56] |
Anagalis arvensis
| Poaceae | Fruit, seeds, leaves, stem, flower | Flu [60] |
Anaphalis nepalensis
| Asteraceae | Flower and leaves | Asthma, cough [61] |
Andrachne aspera
| Leguminosae | Herb | Cough, bronchitis [62] |
Anethum graveolens L. | Solanaceae | Seeds | Bronchitis [63] |
Angelica glauaca Edgew
| Asteraceae | Ariel parts | Asthma, cold [64] |
Angelica glauca
| Umbelliferae/apiaceae | Roots | Cough [64] |
Apium Graveolens L. | Pinaceae | Seed and root | Bronchitis, asthma [65] |
Aremisia scoparia
| Asteraceae | Whole plant | Fever cough [66] |
Arisaema flavum Forssk. | Berberidaceae | Rhizome, fruit | Cough, cold [66] |
Arisaema jacquemonti
| Asclepiadaceae | Stem, flower | Asthma [67] |
Aristida adcensionis L. | Poaceae | Stem, leaves | Cold [68] |
Arnebia benthamii
| Boraginaceae | Stem and leaves | Asthma, cough [69] |
Artemisia maritima L. | Asteraceae | Aerial parts | Cough [70] |
Artemisia fragrans Willd. | Boraginaceae | Leaves | Asthma [71] |
Artemisia macrocephala
| Euphorbiaceae | Cold, cough, flu, asthma [70] | |
Artemisia scoparia
| Asteraceae | Whole plant | Cough chest problems [70] |
Artemisia vulgaris
| Asclepiadaceae | Leaves | Asthma [71] |
Asphodelus tenuifolius
| Apocynaceae | Stem, leaves, seeds | Cold [67] |
Astragalus psilocentros
| Leguminosae | Roots and thorny branches | Flue [42] |
Astragulus tragacantha
| Asteraceae | Leaves | Respiratory infection [72] |
Atropa acuminate Royle
| Ranunculaceae | Leaves, flower | Cold, flu [73] |
Avena sativa
| Poaceae | Fruit, seeds, leaves, stem | Asthma [74] |
Ayapana triplinervis
| Caryophyllaceae | Leaves | Cough [75] |
Azadirachta indica
| Solanaceae | Leaves | Cough [70] |
Bambusa bambos [L.] | Solanaceae | Leaves herb | Expectorant [76] |
Barleria cristata L. | Lamiaceae | Whole plant | Cold and flu [77] |
Bauhinia variegata
| Mimosaceae | Bark, root, buds | Asthma [78] |
Berberis balochistanica
| Berberidaceae | Wholeplant | Cough [79] |
Berberis lyceum
| Adiantaceae | Root, bark | Cough [78] |
Bergenia stracheyi
| Saxifragaceae | Leaves and root | Cough, asthma, lungh cancer, respiratory problem [80] |
Bergenia ciliate
| Apiaceae | Root, flowers and leaves | Coughs and colds, asthma [81] |
Bistorta amplexicaulis
| Polygonaceae | Leaves | Flu [70] |
Bistorta vivipara
| Polygonaceae | Root and stem | Chronic bronchitis [68] |
Boerhavia procumbens
| Rutaceae | Roots | Cough, asthma [70] |
Boerhavia procumbens
| Nyctaginaceae | Roots | Flue [70] |
Brassica campestris
| Chenopodiaceae | Flower, fruit, seeds, leaves, stem, pod | Cold [82] |
Broussonetia papyrifer
| Moraceae | Fruit | Cough [70] |
Bambusa arundinacea
| Solanaceae | Leaves | Cold, flu [83] |
Bunium persicum
| Apiaceae | Seeds | Cold, cough [84] |
Cadaba farinose
| Umbelliferae | Roots, leaves | Cold and cough [85] |
Calotropis gigantean
| Convolvulaceae | All parts | Cough and asthma [86] |
Calotropis procera
| Asclepiadaceae | Roots, flowers, latex | Cough [70] |
Cannabis sativa
| Cannabiaceae | Whole plant | Cough [70] |
Capparis aphylla Roth | Euphorbiaceae | Bark | Cough and asthma [87] |
Capparis decidua
| Solanaceae | All parts | Asthma, cough [70] |
Capparis spinosa L. | Capparidaceae | Flower and seeds | Asthma, cough [88] |
Capsella bursapastoris L. | Brassicaceae | Seeds | Cough, respiratory diseases [88] |
Capsicum annum L. | Asteraceae | Fruit | Bronchitis [70] |
Caragana brevifolia
| Papillionacea | Roots | Cough [80] |
Cardia myxa
| Chenopodiaceae | Flower, leaves, seed, bark | Respiratory tract infection [89] |
Carissa opaca Stapf | Myrtaceae | Leaves, root and fruit | Cold and flu [70] |
Carthamus tinctorius L. | Asteraceae | Flower | Cough, respiratory problems [70] |
Carum bulbocastanum Koch. | Apiaceae | Seeds | Fiue [90] |
Carum capticum L. | Violaceae | Seeds, leaves and flowers | Cough bronchitis and diarrhea [91] |
Carum carvi L. | Asteraceae | Stem and leaves | Bronchitis, cough [92] |
Carum copticum Benth | Solanaceae | Whole plant | Whooping cough [22] |
Cassia Occidentalis
| Mimosaceae | Leaves | Cough [22] |
Cassia fistula L. | Moraceae | Fruit | Cough and flue [93] |
Catharanthus roseus
| Mimosaceae | Whole plant | Cold, flue, bronchitis [70] |
Celtis australis L. | Ulmaceae | Leaves | Cough [94] |
Chenopodium album
| Fabaceae | Flower, fruit, seeds, leaves, stem | Cold [74] |
Chenopodium botrys L. | Chenopodiaceae | Stem and leaves | Asthma [67] |
Chenopodium morale
| Fabaceae | Flower, fruit, seeds, leaves, stem | Flu [62] |
Cicer arietinum L. | Moraceae | Fruit | Flu, cough [62] |
Cichorium intybus L. | Asteraceae | Whole plants | Asthma and breathing problems [70] |
Cichorium endivia Linn. | Asteraceae | Seeds | Cough [94] |
Cistanche tubulosa
| Poaceae | Whole plant | Cough [95] |
Citrullus colocynthis
| Cucurbitaceae | Leaves, fruits | Bronchial asthma [93] |
Citrus medica
| Solanaceae | Leaves, seeds and latex | Cough, cold, asthma [70] |
Colchicum luteum
| Colchicaceae | Coms | Bronchial diseases [86] |
Convolvulus arvensis Linn. | Astraceae | Whole plant | Cough, flu [67] |
Conyza bonariensis
| Brassicaceae | Whole plants, oil | Bronchial complaints [96] |
Conyza canadenisis
| Chenopodiaceae | Whole plant | Bronchial catarrh [52] |
Cordia dichotoma
| Moraceae | Whole plant and fruit | Dry cough [97] |
Cordia gharaf Ehrenb. | Oleaceae | Tree fruit | Dry cough [98] |
Cordia obliqua Willd. | Anacaediaceae | Fruits | Throat infection, common cold [93] |
Cordial dichotoma
| Boraginaceae | Leaves | Asthma [99] |
Coriandrum sativum
| Brassicaceae | Flower, fruit, seeds, leaves, stem | Respiratory tract infection [70] |
Coronopus didymus
| Brassicaceae | Leaves and tender parts | Asthma, bronchitis [67] |
Corydalis ramose
| Fumariaceae | Leaves | Cough [100] |
Cousinia stocksii C. Winkler | Asteraceae | Gum and roots | Asthma [101] |
Cucurbita maxima
| Polygonaceae | Seeds | Cough [38] |
Cupressus sempervirens
| Asteraceae | Fruit and seed | Flu and cold [70] |
Cuscuta reflexa
| Fabaceae | Whole plant | Cough [70] |
Cydonia oblonga Mill | Violaceae | Fruit | Cough [102] |
Cymbopogon jawaracusa
| Salvadoracea | Whole plant | Respiratory diseases [103] |
Cymbopogon jwarancusa
| Poaceae | Leaves, flowers and roots | Flu, and cough [82] |
Cynodon dactylon
| Ranunculaceae | Leaves | Asthma [94] |
Cynoglossum lanceolatum
| Solanaceae | Whole plant | Bronchitis, Cough [67] |
Datura stramonium
| Solanaceae | Seeds, flowers, leaf, fruit | Whooping cough [93] |
Datura alba
| Zygophyllaceae | Leaves and seeds | Asthma [103] |
Datura fastuosa L. | Solanaceae | Whole plant | Asthma [70] |
Datura innoxia Mill | Euphorbiaceae | Dried leaves, seeds and fruit | Asthma [70] |
Datura metel Linn. | Solanaceae | Whole plant | Asthma [70] |
Daucus carota
| Moraceae | Stem, root, carrot | Asthma, bronchitis [99] |
Delphinium brunonianum Royle | Ranunculaceae | Leaves, flower | Cough, asthma [88] |
Dendrocalamus strictus
| Scrophulariaceae | Leaves | Cough and cold [82] |
Desmodium gangeticum
| Caesalpiniaceae | Roots | Asthma and cough [45] |
Desmostachya bipinnata
| Nyctaginaceae | Leaves, root | Asthma [70] |
Diospyros lotus L. | Punicaceae | Flower | Cough [104] ] |
Dipterygium glaucum
| Euphobiaceae | Areal part | Asthma [93] |
Dodonaea viscosa
| Spaindaceae | Leaves, flowers and seeds | Chest infection [74] |
Duchesnea indica
| Rosaceae | Aerial parts, fruits | Cough [80] |
Echinops echinatus
| Capparidaceae | Roots | Cough [78] |
Eclipta prostata Linn. | Boraginaceae | Whole plant | Flu [70] |
Elaeagnus angustifolia L. | Elaeagnaceae | Fruits | Respiratory problems [70] |
Elaeagnus parvifolia
| Fabaceae | Shrub | Cough [105] |
Emblica officinale Gaerth | Euphorbiaceae | Tree | Cold, cough [44] |
Ephedra gerardiana
| Ephedraceae | Stem | Respiratory disorders, asthma/breathing problem [84] |
Ephedra intermedia
| Ephedraceae | Whole plant | Asthma and tuberculosis [70] |
Ephedra procera
| Cough and asthma [70] | ||
Ephedra ciliata
| Ephedraceae | Wholeplant | Chest problems, cough, asthma [84] |
Eucalyptus citirodora
| Solanaceae | Leaves | Cold, flue, and cough [93] |
Eucalyptus globulus Labill | Moraceae | Tree | Flue [70] |
Eugenia jambolana
| Solanaceae | Bark | Bronchitis, asthma [87] |
Euphorbia helioscopia Linn. | Fabaceae | Whole plant | Asthma, bronchitis, cough [60] |
Euphorbia tircucalli
| Mimosaceae | Juice | Cough, asthma [60] |
Euphorbia hirta
| Labiatae | Whole plant | Asthma, chronic bronchial [93] |
Euphorbia prostate
| Fabaceae | Whole plan | Asthma [87] |
Euphorbia thymifolia
| Salvadoraceae | Whole plant | Bronchial affection, cough and asthma [70] |
Evolvulus alsinoides
| Euphorbiaceae | Whole plant | Bronchitis [87] |
Fagonia bruguieri DC | Zygophyllaceae | Whole plant | Asthma [106] |
Fagonia cretica L. | Solanaceae | Whole plant | Antiasthematic, cough [94] |
Fagonia indica Burm. F | Amaranthaceae | Whole plant | Asthma [70] |
Ferula assa-foetida | Apiaceae | Root, stem and gum resin | Cough, asthma [70] |
Ferula narthex Boiss. | Malvaceae | Whole plant | Cough and asthma [70] |
Ferula oopoda [Boiss. and Buhse] | Apiaceae | Seeds, leaves and sap | Cough [107] |
Ficus benghalensis
| Moraceae | Milk of leaves, bark, root | Asthma [70] |
Ficus religiosa L. | Papilionaceae | Fruit, leaves | Asthma [78] |
Ficus carica L. | Moraceae | Fruit and leaves | Cough [93] |
Ficus elastic
| Moraceae | Bark, fruits and leaves | Cough, asthma [93] |
Ficus lyrata
| Molluginaceae | Whole plant | Asthma, cough [70] |
Ficus palmate
| Moraceae | Fruit, latex | Asthma, cough [70] |
Foenicullum vulgare Miller | Papilionaceae | Seed and leaves | Cough, pneumonia [108] |
Foeniculum capillacerm
| Asteraceae | Seed, root, leaves | Cough, and asthma [45] |
Fragaria nubicola
| Rosaceae | Root and fruit | Asthma [81] |
Fritillaria roylei Hook. | Asteraceae | Herb | Broncho-asthma [103] |
Fumaria indica
| Fumariaceae | Whole plant | Cough [109] |
Gentiana kurrooroyle
| Gentianaceae | Flower | Cough [110] |
Gentianodes olivieri
| Gentianaceae | Whole plant | Cough, chest problems [81] |
Gentianodes tianschanica
| Gentianaceae | Leaves | Cough [81] |
Glossonema varians
| Fruit | Cough [111] | |
Glycyrrhiza glabra
| Adiantaceae | Roots | Cough [70] |
Grewia optiva
| Ranunculacea | Leaves | Cough [59] |
Hackelia uncinatum
| Ranunculaceae | Flowers | Coughs [103] |
Helianthus annuus
| Papilionaceae | Flower, root, seed, leaves | Asthma, bronchial [81] |
Helianthus tuberosus
| Acanthaceae | Tubers | Cough and bronchitis and flu, respiratory diseases [83] |
Heliotropium europaeum
| Malvaceae | Whole plant | Cough [86] |
Heracleum candicans
| Apiaceae | Root | Asthma, cough [112] |
Hippophae rhamnoides
| Elaeagnaceae | Fruit juice | Cough [70] |
Hyoscyamus niger Linn. | Zygophyllaceae | Whole plant | Asthma, whooping cough [70] |
Hyoscyamus insanus Stocks | Caesalpiniaceae | Whole plant | Anti asthmatic [45] |
Inula grantioides
| Asteraceae | Whole plant | Asthma [107] |
Inula racemosa Hook | Violaceae | Root | Asthma and bronchitis [100] |
Ipomea carnea
| Malvaceae | Leaves, stem | Asthma [113] |
Iris hookeriana
| Iriddaceae | Flower | Asthma, cough and bronchitis [68] |
Jatropha curcas L. | Malvaceae | Bronchitis [94] | |
Juglans regia
| Euphorbiaceae | Fruits | Asthma [70] |
Juniperus excelsa M. B. | Cupressaceae | Seeds and leaves | Chest infection [84] |
Justicia adhatoda L. | Alliaceae | Cold | Cough, cold, flu [70] |
Lactuca serriola L. | Asteraceae | Whole plant | Whooping cough and asthma [70] |
Laepus nigricollis
| Bouidugs | Bronchial diseases [62] | |
Lantana camara
| Amaranthaceae | Leaves, root and flowers | Respiratory diseases [48] |
Lasiurus scindicus
| Poaceae | Stem, leaves | Cough [74] |
Lathyrus aphaca L. | Moraceae | Shoot | Hiccough [95] |
Launea procumbus
| Euphorbiaceae | Whole plant | Cold, flu, cough [57] |
Lawsomia alba Lam | Meliaceae | Leaves | Bronchitis [114] |
Lawsonia inermis alba
| Punicaceae | Powdered leaves, seeds, bark and flowers | Cough, bronchitis [57] |
Lemna minor
| Convolvulaceae | Whole plant | Cough [115] |
Lepidium sativum L. | Fabaceae | Shoot | Cough and cold [95] |
Leptadenia pyrotechnica
| Brassicaceae | Root, bark and leaves | Asthma [76] |
Limeum indicum
| Nyctaginaceae | Leaf and stem | Cold [95] |
Linum usitatissimum
| Papaveraceae | Seed, bark, leaves, flower and Oil | Cough, asthma [52] |
Lonicera periclymenum L. | Caprifoliaceae | Leaves and flower | Cough [116] |
Lychnis coronaria Lamak | Anacaediaceae | Roots and flowers | Lung troubles [117] |
Malva neglecta
| Solanaceae | Leaves and stem | Bronchitis, cough [8] |
Malva parviflora
| Cruciferae | Whole plant | Cough [118] |
Malva sylvestris
| Myrtaceae | Whole plant | Chronic bronchitis [84] |
Malvastrum coromendelianum
| Oxalidaceae | Flowers | Coughs [109] |
Mangifera indica
| Capparaceae | Flowers, leaves, kernel, bark, fruits | Asthma, cough [93] |
Marrubium vulgare L. | Umbelliferae | Leaves | Cough [51] |
Medicago denticulate
| Poaceae | Seeds | Respiratory diseases [119] |
Melia azodirachta L. | Salvadoraceae | Root | Lung complaints [120] |
Melilotus indica L. | Verbenaceae | Annual herb | Bronchial disorder [109] |
Melilotus parviflora
| Lamiaceae | Whole plant, seeds | Cold [53] |
Mentha longifolia
| Labiateae | Leaves | Cough [52] |
Mentha royleana Benth. | Lamiaceae | Leaves | Cough and cold [57] |
Micromeria biflora
| Fabaceae | Colds and coughs [121] | |
Mimosa pudica L. | Lamiaceae | Roots and leaves | Asthma [122] |
Mollugo cerviana
| Oxalidaceae | Fruit, stem, leaves | Asthma [75] |
Momordica balsamica L. | Moraceae | Fruits | Asthma [103] |
Momordica charantia L. | Poaceae | Fruit | Treat cough, bronchitis [123] |
Morus alba L. | Solanaceae | Flower, leaves, root, bulb | Cough [120] |
Morus nigra L. | Poaceae | Leaves, roots, fruits | Cough [46] |
Mukia moderaspatana
| Fabaceae | Flower, seeds, stem, leaves | Cough [118] |
Murraya koenigii
| Rosaceae | Leaves | Asthma [122] |
Musa paradisica L. | Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae | Leaves, flower | Whooping cough [103] |
Nasturtium officinale R.Br. | Rosaceae | Leaves | Chest troubles [124] |
Nepeta praetervisa Rech. F. | Lamiaceae | Leaves | Cold, chest problems [84] |
Nigella sativa
| Ranunculacea | Seeds | Whooping cough [43] |
Nonea edgeworthii
| Cucurbitaceae | Leaves | Cough [103] |
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. | Asclepidiaceae | Shrub flowers | Cough [73] |
Ocimum basilicum
| Solanaceae | Leaves and seeds | Bronchitis, cough, cold [52] |
Oenothera rosea L. | Lamiaceae | Whooping cough [70] | |
Olea ferruginea
| Leaves | Cough, cold, flue [103] | |
Onosma hispida
| Boraginaceae | Leaves, flower | Cough, respiratory diseases [81] |
Onosma bracteatum Wall | Moraceae | Whole plant | Asthma and bronchitis [125] |
Opuntia dillenii
| Lythraceae | Fruits | Asthma, whooping cough [83] |
Opuntia monacantha Haw | Caesalpinaceae | Whole plant | Bronchitis and asthma [126] |
Origanum vulgare
| Violaceae | Perennial herb | Respiratory problems, colds, flu, asthma [53] |
Oryza sativa
| Salicaceae | Fruit, leaves, stem | Cold [103] |
Oxalis corniculata L. | Ranunculaceae | Leaves | Respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma [103] |
Oxystelma esculentum
| Asclepiadaceae | Fruits | Expectorant, cough [93] |
Panicum antidotale Retz | Polygonaceae | Stem, leaves | Cough [103] |
Papaver hybridum
| Solanaceae | Petals | Flu and cough [86] |
Papaver nudicaule L. | Papaveraceae | Herb | Cough [120] |
Papaver somniferum L. | Papaveraceae | Seed, fruit | Cough [107] |
Peganum harmala
| Solanaceae | Seeds, leaves | Asthma [52] |
Pennisetum typhoides Burm. | Poaceae | Seeds | Flu and cough [78] |
Periploca aphylla
| Rhamnaceae | Whole plant | Nasal decongestant [54] |
Phalaris minor Retz | Solanaceae | Leaves, stem | Cold, cough [103] |
Phoenix dactylifera
| Capparaceae | Fruit, gum and seeds | Colds, bronchial catarrh [109] |
Phyla nodiflora
| Verbenaceae | Whole plant | Cold [93] |
Phyllanthus emblica
| Liliaceae | Fresh, fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves, bark | Asthma, bronchitis [70] |
Picrorhiza kurroa
| Scrophulariaceae | Root | Asthma [68] |
Pimpinella diversifolia
| Asteraceae | Fruit | Cough, cold [103] |
Pinus roxburghii
| Solanaceae | Areal part | Coughs, cold [44] |
Pistacia atlantica
| Anacardiaceae | Gum | Cough, Chestproblems [70] |
Pistacia integerrima
| Rosaceae | Leaf galls | Cough, asthma [70] |
Pistacia khinjuk
| Anacardiaceae | Fruits | Cough [84] |
Plantago lanceolata L. | Plantaginaceae | Leaves and seeds | Cough and chest diseases [70] |
Plantago major L. | Punicaceae | Leaves, stem | Asthma, cough [70] |
Plantago ovata Forssk | Brassicaceae | Seeds and husk | Cough and cold [101] |
Plantago lanceolata
| Plantaginaceae | Fresh or dried leaves | Relieving coughs [70] |
Polygonum affine
| Polygonaceae | Root | Lung disorder [110] |
Polygonum hydropiper L. | Polygonaceae | Aerial parts | Respiratory [90] |
Populus tremula
| Xanthorhoeaceae | Leaves, bark | Cough [74] |
Portulaca oleracea
| Asteraceae | Aerial part of plant | Asthma [86] |
Portulaca quadrifida
| Tamaricaceae | Leaves | Cold, flu, Respiratory problems [70] |
Potentilla bifurca L. | Rosaceae | Aerial part | Cough [57] |
Potentilla salesoviana
| Rosaceae | Flower | Cough, cold [57] |
Primula veris L. | Primulaceae | Flower | Bronchitis [127] |
Prosopis cineraria
| Moraceae | Fruit, pods | Asthma [70] |
Prosopis juliflora
| Asclepidaceae | Xerophytic shrub | Asthma, cough [70] |
Prosopis spicigera
| Cactaceae | Bark, leaves, flowers | Asthma [109] |
Prunella vulgaris L. | Asteraceae | Difficult breathing [70] | |
Prunus cornuta L. | Elaeagnaceae | Fruit | Asthma [92] |
Psammogeton biternatum
| Cough [101] | ||
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum
| Asteraceae | Leaves | Asthma/breathing problem [110] |
Psidium guajava
| Malvaceae | Fruit | Old cough, bronchitis and chronic whooping cough [70] |
Punica granatum
| Punicaceae | Roots, fruit, rinds | Cough [70] |
Pyrus communis L. | Rosaceae | Fruits | Cough [89] |
Quercus incana Bartram
| Podophyllaceae | Bark and fruits | Asthma/breathing problems [89] |
Quercus leucotrichophora
| Plantaginaceae | Banafsha | Asthma, cough [128] |
Quercus floribunda
| Rhamnaceae | Seeds | Asthma [70] |
Ranunculus arvensis L. | Acanthaceae | Whole plant | Asthma [22] |
Ranunculus muricatus L. | Solanaceae | Asthma [103] | |
Raphanus sativus L. | Brassicaceae | Whole plant | Asthma [81] |
Rheum australe D. Don | Polygonaceae | Roots, rhizomes, stem, leaves | Cough [70] |
Rhazya stricta
| Asclepiadaceae | Whole plant | |
Rheum emodi
| Rosaceae | Floral scape | Cough and flu [38] |
Rheum spiciforma Royle | Polygonaceae | Roots | Chronic bronchitis, asthama [70] |
Rhodiola imbricate Edgew | Crassulaceae | Root | Cough [110] |
Rhus coriaria L. | Apocynaceae | Leaves, flower, root | Cough, asthma [130] |
Rhynchosia minima
| Mimosaceae | Leaves | Asthma [93] |
Ricinus communis
| Leporidae | Leaves | Asthma and cough [49] |
Rosa damascene
| Amaranthaceae | Bronchitis, cough [76] | |
Rosa indica L. | Solanaceae | Flowers | Asthma [131] |
Rosa webbiana
| Umbelliferae | Fruits | Asthma [51] |
Rubus fruiticosus Hook. | Violaceae | Whooping cough [128] | |
Rubus ulmifolius
| Rosaceae | Leaves | Cough [59] |
Rumex crispus L. | Solanaceae | Cough [103] | |
Rumex dentatus L. | Tamaricaceae | Fruit, stem, leaves | Cold [70] |
Rumex hastatus D. Don | Fagaceae | Whole plant | Asthma, cough [130] |
Rumex nepalensis Spreng | Polygonaceae | Leaves, roots | Lungs diseases [103] |
Saccharum bengalense
| Violaceae | Stem | Cough [56] |
Salsola baryosma
| Amarylliadaceae | Stem, leaves | Cough [74] |
Salvadora oleoidesdecne
| Apiaceae | Stem, root, oil, seed, leaves, bark | Cough [46] |
Salvadora persica L. | Salvadoraceae | Seeds, roots | Cough [107] |
Salvia nubicola
| Labiateae | Leaves | Cough, asthma and other respiratory issues [81] |
Salvia moorcroftiana
| Malvaceae | Root | Cough [52] |
Salvia officinalis Linn. | Liliaceae | Cough and asthma | Cough, cold [132] |
Saussurea atkinsonii
| Asteraceae | Aerial parts | Respiratory diseases like asthma, cough [133] |
Saussurea ceratocarpa
| Asteraceae | Whole plant | Asthma, bronchitis [68] |
Scorzonera tortuosissima
| Asteraceae | Roots, gum, flower, leaves | Cough and chest problems [107] |
Sema alexandriana Miller
| Asclepiadaceae | Dried leaves and pods | Asthma [52] |
Silybum marianum
| Sapindaceae | Leaves | Flu [35] |
Sisymbrium irio L. | Brassicaceae | Leaves | Cough [52] |
Skimmia laureola
| Solanaceae | Leaves | Asthma [128] |
Solanum melongena
| Adiantaceae | Fruit, leaf, root | Asthma, bronchitis [56] |
Solanum surratense
| Solanaceae | Berries, root, fruit | Cough, asthma [134] |
Solanum tuberosum
| Solanaceae | Leaf, flower and tuber | Cough [134] |
Solanum nigrum L. | Solanaceae | Leaf, berries, flowers, root | Cough, bronchitis [70] |
Solanum incanum L. | Acanthaceae | Leaves, seeds | Bronchitis [52] |
Sonchus asper
| Leguminosae | Whole plant | Cough, asthma [70] |
Spinacia oleraceal
| Amarylliadaceae | Leaves | Cough [103] |
Sporobolus ioclados
| Solanaceae | Stem, leaves | Cough [103] |
Stacia integerrima
| Scrophulariaceae | Bark and fruit | Bronchial disorder [103] |
Stellaria media
| Caryophylaceae | Herb | Cough [103] |
Suaeda fruiticosa
| Fabaceae | Flower, fruit, stem, leaves | Cough [103] |
Sussurea lappa
| Compositae | Root | Cough with cold [94] |
Swertia cordata
| Gentianaceae | Flower | Cough [110] |
Swertia petiolata
| Violaceae | Asthma, bronchitis [70] | |
Tamarix aphylla
| Amaranthaceae | Whole plant | Cough [135] |
Tamarix dioica
| Acanthaceae | Bark | Cough [136] |
Tamarix gallica
| Zygophyllacaea | Flower, fruit, stem, leaves | Asthma [58] |
Tanacetum senecionis
| Asteraceae | Floral parts | Asthma [57] |
Taverniera persica
| Myrsinaceae | Fruit, seeds, leaves, stem | Cough [74] |
Taxus baccata Linn. | Moraceae | Bark | Asthma and bronchitis [100] |
Taxus wallichiana Zuce
| Scrophulariaceae | Leaves and fruits | Pneumonia, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma [128] |
Tephrosia lupinifolia
| Myrtaceae | Roots, leaf, stem bark | Asthma [70] |
Thymus linearis
| Labiateae | Arial parts | Cough, asthma [128] |
Thymus serpyllum L. | Lamiaceae | Dried leaves | Whooping cough, asth ma and respiratory inflammation [70] |
Trachyspermum ammi
| Malvaceae | Seeds and oil | Bronchitis, asthma and colds, cough [52] |
Trianthema portulacastrum L. | Amaranthaceae | Roots | Asthma [70] |
Trianthema triquetra
| Chenopodiaceae | Flower, fruit, leaves, stem | Asthma [74] |
Tribulus longipetalus L. | Amaranthaceae | Stem, leaves, fruit, seeds | Flu [51] |
Tribulus terrestris L. | Amaranthacea | Root and fruit | Cough, asthma [70] |
Trichodesma africanum
| Boraginaceae | Leaves and fruits | Cough and chest problems [107] |
Trichodesma indicum
| Boraginaceae | Leaves and flowers | Flue and cough [70] |
Trifolium resupinatum
| Malvaceae | Whole plant | Whooping cough [70] |
Trifolium alexandrium
| Poaceae | Stem, leaves | Respiratory tract [74] |
Trifolium pratense L. | Fabaceae | Dried flowers | Whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma [70] |
Trifolium repens
| Lamiaceae | Perennial herb | Coughs, colds [70] |
Trigonella foenumgraecum
| Acanthaceae | Cough [70] | |
Tussilago farfara L. | Asteraceae | Leaves | Cough, respiratory problems [70] |
Tylophora hirsuta L. | Poaceae | Root, leaves | Asthma and whooping cough [70] |
Verbascum thapsus L. | Scrophulariaceae | Flowers and leaves | Cough [128] |
Vernonia anthelmentica
| Asteraceae | Seeds | Cough, chest infection, Pneumonia [76] |
Vicia sativa
| Primulaceae | Whole plant | Respiratory diseases [70] |
Viola serpens
| Violaceae | Whole plant | Cold, cough and flu [70] |
Viola betonicifolia Sm | Asclepiadaceae | Whole herb and flowers | Lung troubles, cough and colds, bronchitis [70] |
Viola biflora L. | Pteridaceae | Flower | Cold and flu [22] |
Viola canescens Wall. ex | Violaceae | Floral part | Cough [70] |
Viola fedtschenkoana
| Violaceae | Whole plant | Cough [22] |
Viola odorata L. | Berberidaceae | Whole Plant | Flu and cold [22] |
Viola stacksii
| Acanthaceae | Whole plant | Cold, cough [70] |
Viola sylvatica Fries
| Acanthaceae | Dried plant | Cough, and cold [70] |
Vitex negundo
| Verbenaceae | Leaves | Flu [50] |
Vitis vinifera L. | Rhamnaceae | Flowers | Bronchitis [133] |
Wattakaka volubilis
| Phasianidae | Leaves | Cough, cold and other respiratory problems [70] |
Withania coagulans
| Meliaceae | Fruit | Cough, asthma [74] |
Withania somnifera
| Zingerberaceae | Fruit, seeds, leaves, stem, flower | Flu [52] |
Zataria multiflora Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Stem and leaves | Cough and chest problems [101] |
Zea mays L. | Poaceae | Cough problems [44] | |
Zaleya pentandra
| Aizoaceae | Root | Cough, phlegmatic cough and flue [70] |
Zingiber officinalis
| Asclepiadaceae | Stem, leaves | Flu [70] |
Ziziphus jujube Mill. | Liliaceae | Fruits | Bronchitis [93] |
Zizyphus nummularia
| Solanaceae | Fruit | Bronchitis [40] |
Zizyphus sativa G
| Rhamnaceae | Fruit and leaves | Bronchitis [104] |
Data analysis
Respiratory disorders have been divided into 12 categories depending upon the diseases enlisted in published research articles on ethno botanical survey of Pakistan. Diseases or categories consisting of similar disorders or pharmacological effects have been grouped as single category. The plant list was prepared on the Pakistan level as a whole by enlisting each plant only once that is being reported in different provinces for the same respiratory disease.
The conservation status of plant species was determined following the IUCN red list categories and criteria version 3.1 (IUCN red list categories and criteria, 2001) and economical value of plant species were determined using scientific literature based on the commercial value of medicinal plants in Pakistan.
Results and discussion
Diversity of plants remains essential for human beings, providing numerous modern and traditional remedies to the healthcare system. It can be precisely assumed that the present day ethno-botanical pharmacology is as old as man himself. Different medicinal plants have been in use since the ancient time. Even in the present age of science and technology, people in the developed countries still rely on traditional system of healthcare not only because of its low price, but also due to very less side effects, as compared to the modern allopathic medicines. Pakistan is rich in natural sources including medicnal plants and most of inhabitants are in remote areas and have limited economical sources so they rely on the plants for their health care needs.
Ethno botanical surveys and distribution of medicinal plants
Pakistan has been bestowed with distinctive biodiversity, consisting of a variety of climates, topographical regions, and ecological zones and holds rich diversity of medicinal plants used against various ailments [11]. The present review reported 385 plants of 85 families from different regions of Pakistan being ethno-medicinally used for treating different types of respiratory problems. Majority of 228 plants of 80 families were reported from Punjab followed by 148 plants of 60 families from Gilgit, 115 plants of 57 families from Kashmir, 95 plants of 48 families from KPK, 30 plants of 22 families from Baluchistan and 23 plants of 16 families from Sindh. Many of the plants were used in more than one region; those plants were counted just one time while enlisting. Literature review elucidates that majority of plant species being used for respiratory disorders in Pakistan belongs to Punjab. This botanical diversity from Punjab might be owing to its varied climate and soil types [12]. The distribution of plants in different regions of Pakistan is shown in Fig. 1.
×
A large portion of Ethno botanical overview have been accounted for from 30 districts of Punjab followed by 18 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 districts of Baluchistan, 9 districts of Sindh, 7 districts of Gilgit Batistan, 10 districts of Kashmir. Still there are number of under-investigated districts that need to be surveyed for ethno botanical studies including 6 districts of Punjab, 8 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 20 districts of Baluchistan, 20 districts of Sindh and 1 district of Gilgit Batistan. Another reason for majorty of the plants from Punjab might be that ethnobotanical surveys have been reported from maximum areas of Punjab except a few, while some regions of Northern areas and many areas of Balochistan and Sindh have not so far been explored concerning ethnobotanical knowledge. A list of investigated and under-investigated districts has been mentioned in Table 2.
Table 2
Investigated and under-investigated districts for ethno-botanical studies
Province | Investigated districts for ethno-botanical studies | Under-investigated districts for ethno-botanical studies |
---|---|---|
Punjab
| 30 | 6 |
Attock, Bahawalnaga, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Chakwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhang, Jhelum, Kasur, Khushab, Mianwali, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Narowal, Nankana Sahib, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sialkot, Toba Tek Singh, Vehari | Chiniot, Hfizabad, Khanewal, Okara, Rahim Yar Khan, Sheikhupura | |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
| 18 | 8 |
Abbottabad, Bannu, Battagram, Buner, Chitral, Dera Ismail Khan, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Upper Kohistan, LakkiMarwat, Lower Dir, Malakand, Mansehra, Peshawar, Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Kohstan | Charsadda, Hangu, Mardan, Nowshera, Shangla, Swabi, Tank, Tor Ghar | |
Sindh
| 9 | 20 |
Ghotki, Jamshoro, Karachi, Kairpur, Sanghar, Sukkur, Tharparkar, Thatta, Karachi West | Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Matiari, Mirpurkhas, NaushahroFiroze, ShaheedBenazirabad. Kambar, Shahadkot, Shikarpur, TandoAllahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Umerkot, Sujawal, Karachi Central, Karachi East, Karachi South, Korangi, Malir | |
Gilgit Baltistan
| 7 | 1 |
Ghanche, Skardu, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunzanagar | Kharmang | |
Kashmir
| 10 | |
Muzaffarabad, Hattian, Neelum, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Poonch, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhnati | ||
Baluchistan
| 12 | 20 |
Awaran, Barkhan, Kachhi (Bolan), Chagai, Gwadar, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Mastung, Musakhel, Quetta, Ziarat | Dera Bugti, Harnai, Jafarabad, Jhal Magsi, Kech (Turbat), Kharan, Kohlu, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, Nasirabad, Nushki, Panjgur, Pishin, Sherani, Sibi, Washuk, Zhob, Lehri, Sohbatpur |
Diversity, habit, and part used of medicinal plants
A total of 384 medicinal plants of 85 families were found in the literature that are being employed for the treatment of respiratory diseases in Pakistan. The most commonly used plants were member of Asteraceae family (32) followed by solanaceae (32), moraceae (17), Poaceae (13), Fabaceae (13), Amaranthaceae (13), Lamiaceae (12), rosaceae (11), Violaceae (10), ranunculaceae (10), Asclepiadaceae (10), Euphorbiaceae (9), apiaceae (9), polygonaceae (9), Malvaceae (8), Acanthacea (8), brassicaceae (8), Boraginaceae (7), liliaceae (6), Capparaceae (5), Labiatae (5), Mimosaceae (5), Papilionaceae (5), Myrtiaceae (5) and 10 families contain 4 plants, 9 families containg 3 plant species, 12 families consisting of 2 plant species and 28 families contain 1 plant species. The results, in terms of percentage, of plants in each family are represented in Fig. 2. Asteraceae holds the top position among the families used in ethno-medicines which indicates the presence of effective bioactive ingredients in the members of this family [13]. This predominance could be explained by worldwide highest number of species (23,000 species and 1535 genera) of this diverse family found in almost every habitat of all countries except Antarctica [14, 15]. Various secondary metabolites have been reported to be present in the members of this family especially sesquiterpene lactones, in addition to volatile oils and terpenoids [16, 17]. Perhaps these secondary metabolite profiles, together with the large number of species, are primarily responsible for the relevance of this family in traditional medicine. The prevalence of asteraceae family in medicinal use is not a new finding as studies from various other countries also reported similar results [18, 19]. Many species of asteraceae family are typically identified as weeds occurring in anthropogenic environments and are among the first species to emerge in the field after the soil is prepared for planting. This may contribute to the high rate of citations of species of this family in rural communities where the home gardens are the main source of medicinal plants [20].
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Anzeige
Most of the medicinal plants used in ethno medicine for treating the respiratory disorders are herbs (219) followed by Shrub (112), tree (69) and only three (3) plant species are being documented as grass. Habit of plants in different regions of Pakistan is shown in Fig. 3. This predominance of herbs as a source of herbal therapies is often attributed to the fact that their high ethno botanical studies could be an indication of their abundance easy availability and the traditional knowledge [21]. Whilst shrubs and trees seem to be preferred because of their availability round the year and they are resistant to drought and seasonal variations [22]. Majority of herbal recipes include trees and shrubs due to their easy accessibility round the year, followed by utilization of herbs which might be related to their easy collection methods, higher abundance and efficacy in curing ailments as compared to other life forms [23, 24]. Thus variation in the use of medicinal plants growth form might be associated with the difference in socio-cultural believes, ecological status and variations in the practices of traditional healers.
×
It has also been revealed after literature review that leaves (131) are most commonly used in ethno medicine for the treatment of respiratory disorders. While other plant parts use frequencies are as follows, fruit (74), root (62), seeds (53), whole plant (70), stem (44), flowers (63), bark (23), and latex (6), and gum (6). Frequency of use of different plant parts are shown in Fig. 4. Preference of leaves over the other plant parts is commonly thought to be due to the reason that leaves are the photosynthetic organs containing the photosynthates which might be accountable for their medicinal values [25, 26]. It is may be due to the reason that the collection of leaves does not affect the life cycle of plant so it is preferred to use the leaves in ethno-preparations [27]. Fruit was the second most commonly used plant part according to the literature of Pakistan. It has also been reported in different studies that Fruit is being commonly used by Americans as well [28]. Roots were the third frequent used plant parts which may be due to the reason that active constituents are rich in roots [29, 30] but the collection of underground parts of the plant is not viable as it affects the plants life and such plants are considerd as highly threatened [31, 32]. The overview of ethno-botanical literature of whole country reveals that different plant parts are being used of the same plant in different areas which is may be due to the availability, ease of collection or ethnic believes of local people.
×
Use and mode of preparation
The reported plants were used in 12 different respiratory disorders. The highest number of medicinal plants documented are being employed in the treatment of cough (214) followed by asthma (150), cold (57), bronchitis (56), flu (42), respiratory tract infections (27), whopping cough (16) and breathing problems (16). Percentage of plants used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of different respiratory conditions is shown in Fig. 5.
×
Different recipes are being used by local peoples for the use of medicinal plants but most common mode of preparations of phytomedicines are decoction (110), powder (14), juice (18), infusion (30), paste (8), tea (8) and oil (4). Different mode of preparation of the plants is shown in Fig. 6. Decoctions are prepared by boiling the plant in water until the volume of water is reduced to half. Previously studies reported that decoction and infusion predominates [33] because these preparations are rapid to prepare, inexpensive and easy to consume. In addition, high usage of decoction might be related to their proven efficacy over many years’ trial and indigenous knowledge accumulated on effectiveness of such preparations.
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Anzeige
Even though the literature was scrutinized exhaustively, there was missing information regarding the mode of preparation of ethno medicine. Many ethno-botanical studies published include raw lists of plants used medicinally, only indicating which parts are used for what ailments. Detailed preparation and application are rarely mentioned. These types of studies do not reveal the ideas underlying the use of the cited medicines nor do they explain why certain plants were selected. It is necessary to include precise medicinal indication for each species in future ethno-botanical studies in order to be able to reproduce the traditional preparations and understand their modes of actions. For example, individuals of the same species collected at different localities, in different seasons, even various times of the day and night or at different stages of growth might have strikingly different levels of active compounds [34]. Comprehensive information about both the collection and handling of each plant remedy needs to be meticulously recorded.
Pharmacological evaluation and herbal preparations
An attempt has been made to investigate the pharmacological activity of the enlisted plants from available literature to confirm their traditional use against respiratory conditions. Only 53 plants out of 384 have been found on which pharmacological studies were conducted to evaluate their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, smooth-muscle relaxants, anti-allergic, anti-histaminic, mast cell stabilizing, bronchodilator and antioxidant properties as these properties are useful for the treatment of respiratory conditions [35]. Remaining 331 species mentioned in the table still needs to be pharmacologically evaluated in order to confirm their folkloric claim. Medicinal plants evaluated for pharmacological effects have been mentioned in Table 3.
Table 3
Pharmacological evaluation of medicinal plants
Scientific name | Family | Part used | Traditional use | Pharmacological effect | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abies pindrow
| Amaranthaceae | Leaves | Cough, asthma and other chest infection | Brochoprotective against histamine-induced bronchospasm, cromoglycate-like action on the mast cells and inhibition of sensitization and synthesis of reaginic-type antibodies | [40] |
Abrus precatorius
| Leguminosae | Root and leaves | Asthma, cough | Anti-allergic and Mast cell stabilizing effect in egg albumin induced degranulation of mast cells | |
Achyranthes aspera Linn. | Amaranthaceae | Leaves | Pneumonia and asthma | Antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, mast cell stabilizer and bronchoprotective effect. Inhibits action of histamine, acetylcholine and 5-HT | |
Albizia lebbeck Benth | Moraceae | Bark | Flu, cough, lung problems | Bronchodialator, Anti-allergic, Mast cell stabilizing property due to histamine release and cytokine expression of antigen –ige activated mast cells | |
Alstonia scholaris
| Fabaceae | Bark, Leaves | Asthma | Bronchodialator, anti-tussive effect against sulfur dioxide induced mice coughing and citric acid induced guinea pigs coughing. Anti-asthmatic activity against histamine induced bronchoconstriction | |
Althaea officinalis L. | Lythraceae | Flowers, leaves, roots, fruits | Asthma and bronchitis | Cough suppressant activity in citric acid-induced cough reflex | [145] |
Artemisia vulgaris
| Asclepiadaceae | Leaves | Asthma | Bronchodilator due to anticholinergic and Ca2+ antagonist mechanisms | [146] |
Artemisia maritime
| Asteraceae | Aerial parts | Cough | Bronchodilator activities mediated possibly through dual blockade of calcium channels and phosphodiesterase | [102] |
Adhatoda vasica
| Capparidaceae | Whole plant | Cough, bronchitis, asthma | Antiallergic, anti-anaphylactic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, bronchodilator and bronchoprotective activity | |
Allium cepa
| Apiaceae | Stem, leaves | Cough | Mast cell membrane stabilizing activity through inhibitor of mast cell secretion and decrease in the release of tryptase, MCP-1 and IL-6 | [150] |
Bauhinia variegata
| Mimosaceae | Bark, root, buds | Asthma | Mast cell membrane stabilizing effect | [151] |
Boerhavia procumbens
| Rutaceae | Roots | Cough, asthma | Anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory properties in Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) allergic model in rat | [152] |
Cynodon dactylon
| Ranunculaceae | Leaves | Asthma | Anti-anaphylactic activity and mast cell stabilizing activity | [153] |
Emblica officinalis
| Euphorbiaceae | Tree | Cold, cough | Anti-tussive activity | [37] |
Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. | Moraceae | Fruit | Cough | Protective effect in lung inflammation and bronchitis | [154] |
Bunium persicum
| Apiaceae | Seeds | Cold, cough | Anti-histaminic effect | [155] |
Calotropis gigantean
| Convolvulaceae | All parts | Cough and asthma | Protective effect in anaphylaxis and allergic disorders due to antihistaminic and mast cell stabilizing effect | [156] |
Cannabis sativa
| Cannabiaceae | Whole plant | Cough | Bronchodilator | [157] |
Capparis spinosa L. | Capparidaceae | Flowerl, seeds | Asthma, cough | Antiallergic and antihistaminic effect Bronchorelaxant effects in histamine-induced bronchospasm | [158] |
Capsicum annum L. | Asteraceae | Fruit | Bronchitis | Bronchodilator | [159] |
Carum capticum L. | Violaceae | Seeds, leaves and flowers | Cough bronchitis and diarrhea | Bronchodilatory and anti-cholinergic effect, anti-histamine effect | |
Carum carvi L. | Asteraceae | Stem and leaves | Bronchitis, cough | Bronchodilatory and anti-cholinergic effect | [163] |
Ephedra gerardiana
| Ephedraceae | Stem | Asthma/breathing problem | Anti-asthmatic activity in ovalbumin induced mice model | [164] |
Euphorbia hirta
| Labiatae | Whole plant | Asthma | Antihistaminic, antiallergic activity and mast cell from degranulation | [165] |
Ficus religiosa L. | Papilionaceae | Fruit, leaves | Asthma | Mast cell stabilizing effect in histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm model | [166] |
Inula racemosa
| Violaceae | Root | Asthma andbronchitis | Anti-histaminic, anti-serotonergic and Mast cell membrane stabilizing activity | [167] |
Lepidium sativum
| Fabaceae | Shoot | Cough and cold | Bronchodilator activity in histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm model | [168] |
Mimosa pudica Linn. | Lamiaceae | Roots, leaves | Asthma | Bronchodilator in histamine induced bronchospasm model | [169] |
Nyctanthes arbortristis
| Asclepidiaceae | Shrub flowers | Cough | Antihistaminic activity | [170] |
Glycyrrhiza glabra
| Adiantaceae | Roots | Cough | Demulscent, anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic effects via modulation of th1/th2 cytokines and enhancement of cd4+ cd25+ foxp3+ regulatory t cells in ovalbumin-sensitized mice | |
Helianthus annuus
| Papilionaceae | Flower, root, seed, leaves | Asthma, bronchial | Anti-asthmatic effect in Ovalbumin-induced mice | [172] |
Hyoscyamus niger Linn. | Zygophyllaceae | Whole plant | Asthma, whooping cough | Bronchodilator effect through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels | [173] |
Trachyspermum ammi
| Malvaceae | Seeds and oil | Bronchitis, asthma and colds, cough | Antiallergic, bronchodilator and spasmolytic effect (calcium antagonist) | [173] |
Mangifera indica
| Capparaceae | Flowers, leaves, bark and fruits | Asthma, cough | Anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic anti-cholinergic and anti-histamine effect | |
Murraya koenigii
| Rosaceae | Leaves | Asthma | Mast cell membrane stabilizing activity, anti-histaminic and anti-cholinergic effect | |
Nigella sativa
| Ranunculacea | Seeds | Whooping cough | Anti-histamine, bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic effect in asthmatic patients | |
Ocimum basilicum
| Solanaceae | Leaves and seeds | Bronchitis, cough, cold | Bronchodilator and vasodilator activities through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels | [180] |
Onosma bracteatum
| Moraceae | Whole plant | Asthma and bronchitis | Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory action in bronchial hyperreactivity | |
Oryza sativa
| Salicaceae | Fruit, leaves, stem | Cold | Antianaphylactic effect, anti-inflammatory action by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells | |
Papaver nudicaule L. | Papaveraceae | Herb | Cough | Cough and asthma-relieving effects in histamine phosphate induced asthma in guinea pigs | [185] |
Portula caoleracea
| Asteraceae | Aerial parts | Asthma | Bronchodilator, anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic effect in histamiin induced asthmatic model bronchodilator effect, anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic effect | |
Ricinus communis
| Leporidae | Leaves | Asthma and cough | Antiasthmatic activity in milk induced leukocytosis and eosinophilic mice | [188] |
Salvia officinalis Linn. | Liliaceae | Leaves | Cough, cold | Bronchodilator effect via activation of voltage-dependent K+ channels and inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzyme | [129] |
Solanum nigrum L. | Solanaceae | Leaf, berries, flowers, root and stem | Cough, bronchitis | Mast cell stabilizing effect in milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilic mice | [189] |
Spinacia oleracea L. | Amarylliadaceae | Leaves | Cough | Anti-asthmatic effect in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic model | [190] |
Taxus baccata Linn. | Moraceae | Bark | Asthma and bronchitis | Protective effect against bronchoconstriction and bronchial hyperreactivity in e histamine and acetylcholine aerosol induced bronchospasm | [191] |
Viola odorata L. | Berberidaceae | Whole Plant | Flu and cold | Anti-asthmatic effect and Bronchodilator | |
Artemisia scoparia Waldst. and Kit. | Asteraceae | Whole plant | Cough, chest problems | Anti-asthmatic effect | [194] |
Vitexnegundo Linn. | Verbenaceae | Leaves | Flu | Anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic mast cell stabilizing and bronchodilatory activity | [182] |
Cistanche tubulosa
| Poaceae | Whole plant | Cough | Mast cell membrane stabilizing activity, anti-allergic effect | |
Zingiber officinalis
| Asclepiadaceae | Stem, leaves | Flu | Anti-asthmatic anti-inflammatory and protection against LPS induced airway hyperreactivity | |
Ziziphus jujuba Mill | Liliaceae | Fruits | Bronchitis | Anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity, anti-histamine action in milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis |
Herbal formulations are the finished labeled products containing active ingredients or plant material or combination of medicinal plants [36]. With the increase in demand of traditional medicine, worth of herbal industry is also increasing day by day [37]. Local healers from different areas use different plants in various combinations to treat respiratory conditions. Some plants mentioned by tribal healers for the treatment of respiratory conditions are known to be used in the preparation of popular herbal medicines. Among such plants are Achyranthes aspera, Adhatoda vasica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Viola odorata and Onosma bracteatum. The major domestic manufacturers like Hamdard, Qarshi, Ajmal and others produce 300–400 herbal products. A list of 17 commercially available herbal medicines used for respiratory conditions with their composition is mentioned in a Table 4. In recent time it is important to collect the valuable knowledge from local folklore regarding medicinal use of plants to treat respiratory conditions and give more focus on the useful pharmacological evaluation of medicinal plants for their protection, usefulness and effectiveness of this disease.
Table 4
Herbal products used for respiratory disorders
Sr. no. | Brand (manu-facturer) | Use /dose | Composition | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ephedra gerardiana
|
Papaver somniferum
|
Achyranthes aspera
|
Glycyrrhiza glabra
|
Menthe arvensis
|
Valeriana officinalis
|
Mentha piperita
|
Hyssopus parvifloria
|
Zizphus vulgaris
| |||
1. | Corezcol [1] | Expectorant/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
2. | Hoopinil [1] | Cough/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
3. | Asthimna [1] | Asthma/10 ml TID | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
4. | Expectum [1] | Expectorant/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
5. | Joshabasadar [2] | Cough/10 ml OD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
6. | Linkus [3] | Cough/10 ml TID | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
7. | Shaafijoshanda [3] | Cough/1 sachet flu/BID | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
8. | Sualin [2] | Cough, flu/1–2 tablets TID | ✓ | ||||||||
9. | Suduri [2] | Bronchitis/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | ||||||||
10. | Joharjoshanda [1] | Cough/1 sachet flu/BID | ✓ | ||||||||
11. | Tiryaq e nazla [2] | Cough, flu/6 gm OD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
12. | Infuza [2] | Asthma/10 ml OD | ✓ | ||||||||
13. | Joshina [2] | Bronchitis/1 sachet BID | ✓ | ||||||||
14. | Sharbatsadar [1] | Bronchitis/10 ml TID | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
15. | Surfali [4] | Cough/10 ml TID | ✓ | ||||||||
16. | Joshanda [2] | Cough and flu/1 sacet TID | ✓ | ||||||||
17. | Sharbat e banafsha [1] | Cough/30 ml BID |
Sr. no. | Brand (manu-facturer) | Use /dose | Composition | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mentha arvensis
|
Ocimum basilicum
|
Adhatoda vasica
|
Onosma bracteatum
|
Viola odorata
|
Acacia arabica
|
Zizphus sativa
|
Foeniculum vulgare
| |||
1. | Corezcol [1] | Expectorant/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
2. | Hoopinil [1] | Cough/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | |||||||
3. | Asthimna [1] | Asthma/10 ml TID | ✓ | |||||||
4. | Expectum [1] | Expectorant/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | |||||||
5. | Joshabasadar [2] | Cough/10 ml OD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
6. | Linkus [3] | Cough/10 ml TID | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
7. | Shaafijoshanda [3] | Cough/1 sachet flu/BID | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
8. | Sualin [2] | Cough, flu/1–2 tablets TID | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
9. | Suduri [2] | Bronchitis/10 ml 6 times/day | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
10. | Joharjoshanda [1] | Cough/1 sachet flu/BID | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
11. | Tiryaq e nazla [2] | Cough, flu/6 gm OD | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
12. | Infuza [2] | Asthma/10 ml OD | ||||||||
13. | Joshina [2] | Bronchitis/1 sachet BID | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
14. | Sharbatsadar [1] | Bronchitis/10 ml TID | ✓ | |||||||
15. | Surfali [4] | Cough/10 ml TID | ✓ | |||||||
16. | Joshanda [2] | Cough and flu/1 sacet TID | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
17. | Sharbat e banafsha [1] | Cough/30 ml BID | ✓ |
Conservation status
During the investigation of conservation status of medicinal plants used against respiratory conditions in Pakistan 51 plant species were evaluated through IUCN Red list categories and criteria. Among these species 5 were endangered, 1 critically endangered, 11 vulnerable, 14 rare, 16 least concern, 3 infrequent and 1 near threatened. Conservation status of 51 medicinal plants is mentioned in Table 5. Non-scientific and indiscriminate collection of medicinal plants in various parts of the area has led to the severe pressure on the availability of medicinal plants. Using the part like roots, rhizomes, bulbs could also be a severe threat for reproducing medicinal plants of the area. Unplanned collection, loss of habitat, increased exploitation and unsustainable harvesting, intensive grazing, and land leveling for agriculture, deforestation and erosion attack of pathogens were the major threats to the medicinal plants. According to IUCN threatened plant data base, about 32,000 species of plants are threatened with extinction. This figure represent 13% of estimated 250,000 of plants It is stated that rate of plant extinction has reached to one specie per day as a result of mentioned threats and it is considered 1000–10,000 time faster than that would occur naturally. If the trend remains constant, 60,000 and 100,000 plant species may disappear in the near future [38, 39]. So in order to save these medicinal plants some important measures should be taken. Government should distribute saplings each year among the villagers to plant them. Media should be used to save nature and its importance. Establishment of nurseries and botanical garden as well as local community awareness and involvement to protect these national assets will be the best conservation measure.
Table 5
Conservation status of plants
Scientific name
| Family | Medicinal use | Conservation status | Population trend | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abies pindrow Royle | Amaranthaceae | Cough, asthma | Least concern | Stable | [199] |
Acacia modesta Wall | Acanthaceae | Cough, asthma | Endangerd | Persistent | [38] |
Aconitum chasmanthum
| Ranunculaceae | Cough, and asthma | Critically endangered | Decreasing | [200] |
Aconitum violaceum
| Ranunculaceae | Asthma, cough | Vulnerable | Decreasing | [200] |
Alstonia scholaris
| Fabaceae | Asthma | Least concern | – | [201] |
Arisaema flavum
| Berberidaceae | Cough, cold | Rare | Increased | [38] |
Arisaema jacquemontii
| Asclepiadaceae | Asthma | Rare | Increased | [38] |
Artemisia scoparia
| Asteraceae | Cough chest problems | Rare | Increased | [38] |
Avena sativa
| Poaceae | Asthma | Infrequent | Decreasing | [202] |
Berberis lyceum
| Adiantaceae | Cough | Vulnerable | Increased | [82] |
Bergenia ciliate
| Apiaceae | Coughs and colds, asthma | Engangerd | Increased | [82] |
Bistorta amplexicaulis
| Polygonaceae | Flue. | Endangerd | Persistent | [82] |
Bunium persicum
| Apiaceae | Cold, cough | Rare | Increased | [82] |
Celtis australis L. | Ulmaceae | Cough | Engangerd | Persistent | [38] |
Cichorium intybus L. | Asteraceae | Asthma and breathing problems | Rare | Increased | [38] |
Cupressus sempervirens
| Asteraceae | Flu and cold | Least concern | Unknown | [203] |
Daucus carota
| Moraceae | Asthma, bronchitis | Infrequent | Decreasing | [204] |
Desmostachya bipinnata
| Nyctaginaceae | Asthma | Least concern | Unknown | [205] |
Ephedra gerardiana
| Ephedraceae | Asthma/breathing problem | Vulnerable | Increased | [82] |
Ephedra intermedia
| Rosaceae | Asthma and tuberculosis. | Least concern | Stable | [206] |
Ficus carica L. | Moraceae | Cough | Least concern | – | [207] |
Ficus elastic
| Moraceae | Cough, asthma | Rare | Increased | [38] |
Ficus palmata
| Myrtaceae | Expectorant | Rare | Increase | [38] |
Inula grantioides
| Asteraceae | Asthma | Rare | Increased | [38] |
Juglans regia
| Euphorbiaceae | Asthma | Near threatened | Decreasing | [207] |
Juniperus excelsa
| Cupressaceae | Chest infection | Least concern | Stable | [203] |
Lemna minor
| Convolvulaceae | Cold | Least concern | Unknown | [208] |
Mangifera indica
| Capparaceae | Asthma, cough | Infrequent | – | [201] |
Mentha longifolia
| Labiateae | Cough | Rare | Increased | [82] |
Mimosa pudica L. | Lamiaceae | Asthma | Least concern | Stable | [209] |
Morus alba L. | Solanaceae | Cough | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Morus nigra L. | Poaceae | Cough | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Olea ferruginea
| – | Cough, cold, flue | Endangerd | Persistent | [38] |
Opuntia dillenii
| Lythraceae | Asthma, whooping cough | Least concern | Stable | [210] |
Opuntia monacantha
| Caesalpinaceae | Bronchitis and asthma | Least concern | Stable | [211] |
Phyla nodiflora
| Verbenaceae | Cold | Least concern | Stable | [212] |
Pinus roxburghii
| Solanaceae | Coughs, cold | Least concern | Stable | [38] |
Pistacia integerrima
| Rosaceae | Cough, asthma | Vulnerable | Increased | [82] |
Plantago lanceolata
| Plantaginaceae | Cough and chest diseases | Rare | Increased | [82] |
Punica granatum
| Punicaceae | Cough | Least concern | – | [207] |
Pyrus communis L. | Rosaceae | Cough | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Rhynchosia minima
| Mimosaceae | Asthma | Least concern | Stable | [207] |
Rubus fruiticosus
| Violaceae | Whooping cough | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Salvia nubicola
| Labiateae | Cough, asthma | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Thymus linearis
| Labiateae | Cough, asthma | Rare | Increased | [82] |
Thymus serpyllum L. | Lamiaceae | Whooping cough, asthma | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Verbascum thapsus L. | Scrophulariaceae | Cough | Rare | Persistent | [38] |
Viola serpens
| Lamiaceae | Lung trouble | Vulnerable | Persistent | [38] |
Viola biflora L. | Pteridaceae | Cold and flu | Rare | Increased | [82] |
Viola canescens
| Violaceae | Cough | Rare | Increased | [82] |
Vitis vinifera L. | Rhamnaceae | Bronchitis | Least concern | – | [213] |
Anzeige
Commercially available important plants
Among the 384 plants used against respiratory diseases 58 plants belonging to 32 families were commercially important and are a source of income for the local community. These plants are used as drugs for treating respiratory diseases in traditional system of medicine. The detailed list of local uses, part used price and commercial status for each plant is mentioned in the Table 6. The prices of each species vary from year to year and also depend on demand and supply. There was an increase of three to fivefolds in prices from collectors to the national market [40].
Table 6
Economical value of plants
Scientific name | Local name | Family | Part exported | Traditional use | Price/kg | Commercial status/exported to | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acacia nilotica
| Kikar | Apocynaceae | Flowers | Asthma | 40 | Increased | [214] |
Achyranthes aspera Linn. | Puthkanda | Amaranthaceae | Rhizome/fruit | Pneumonia and asthma | – | Increased | [55] |
Aconitum chasmanthum
| Baroboma | Ranunculaceae | Roots | Cough, and asthma | 25 | Increased | [215] |
Aconitum heterophyllum
| Shaowboma | Ranunculaceae | Roots | Cough, asthma | 400 | Increased | |
Aconitum violaceum
| Bezhumolo | Ranunculaceae | Rhizome | Asthma, cough | 250 | Persistent | |
Adhatoda vasica
| Bansa | Capparidaceae | Leaves | Cough, bronchitis, asthma | 5 | Persistent | [215] |
Adiantum capillus-veneris
| Hansraal | Liliaceae | Whole plant | Coughs, bronchitis | 250 | Increased/Germany, Scotland, Iran and India | |
Adiantum incisum Forssk | Pershoofa | Liliaceae | Fronds | Cough and cold | – | Increased/Germany, Scotland, Iran and India | [55] |
Adiantum venustum
| Sumbal | Liliaceae | Whole plant | Cough | 5 | Increased | [82] |
Allium sativum
| Thoom | Euphorbiaceae | Bulbs/leaves | Respiratory tract infection | Increased | [55] | |
Ammi visnaga
| Chalveray | Amaranthaceae | Fruit | Bronchial asthma, breathing problems | 40 | Increased | [82] |
Artemisia vulgaris
| Baniru | Asclepiadaceae | Leaves/shoot, root | Asthma | 12 | Increased | |
Atropa acuminataroyle
| Lubbhar | Ranunculaceae | Whole plant | Cold, flu | 12 | Increased | [215] |
Berberis lyceum
| Kashmal | Papilionaceae | Wood roots | Cough | 25 | Increased | |
Bergenia ciliate
| Shaphus | Apiaceae | Leaves, rhizome, roots | Coughs and colds, asthma | 300 | Increased/China | [55] |
Bistorta amplexicaulis
| Saag | Polygonaceae | Rhizome | Flu | 300 | Persistent/Europe and India | |
Bunium persicum
| Zeera | Apiaceae | Fruit | Cold, cough | 1000 | Increased | |
Calotropis procera
| Akk | Asclepiadaceae | Roots, flowers | Cough | 1000 | Increased | [214] |
Cannabis sativa
| Bung | Cannabiaceae | Whole plant | Cough | 10 | Increased | [70] |
Capsicum annum
| Subzmirch | Asteraceae | Fruits | Bronchitis | – | Increased | [55] |
Carum carvi
| Sounjmik | Asteraceae | Seeds | Bronchitis, cough | 160–180 | Increased | [134] |
Carum copticum
| Ajwaindesi | Violaceae | Seed | Whooping, cough | 15 | Increased | [215] |
Cassia fistula
| Amaltas | Moraceae | Poods | Cough and flue | 15 | Increased | [215] |
Cicer arietinum
| Cholay | Myrtaceae | Fruit | Flu | 40 | Increased | [214] |
Cichorium intybus
| Qarali | Asteraceae | Leaves | Asthma and breathing problems | 13 | Increased | |
Citrullus colocynthis
| Bitter apple | Cucurbitaceae | Fruit | Bronchial asthma | 50 | Increased | |
Colchicum luteum
| Suranjaan-e-talkh | Colchicaceae | Coms | Bronchial diseases | 500 | Increased/Germany, South Africa, France and Bulgaria | |
Coriandrum sativum
| Dhaniya | Brassicaceae | Leaves/fruit | Respiratory tract infection | 25 | Increased | |
Diospyros lotus
| Amlok | Punicaceae | Fruits/leaves | Cough | 300 | Increased | [40] |
Ephedra gerardiana
| Soom | Ephedraceae | Fruit/leaves | Asthma/breathing problem | – | Increased | [55] |
Ephedra intermedia
| Somani | Ephedraceae | Bark/leaves | Asthma and tuberculosis | 8 | Increased | [82] |
Eucalyptus globulus
| Safaida | Moraceae | Bark/leaves | Flue | 110 | Increased | [214] |
Foeniculum vulgare
| Sonf | Papilionaceae | Leaves/seeds | Cough, pneumonia | 20 | Increased | |
Fumaria indica
| Pithpapadah | Fumariaceae | Shoot | Cough | – | Increased | [55] |
Hyoscyamus niger
| Khoobkalan | Zygophyllaceae | Seeds | Asthma, whooping cough | 20 | Increased | [215] |
Juglans regia
| Akhrot | Euphorbiaceae | Bark/fruit | Asthma | 30 | Increased | |
Mentha longifolia
| Jangli Podina | Labiateae | Whole plant | Cough | – | Increased | [55] |
Origanum vulgare
| Ganeyar | Violaceae | Root | Colds, flu, asthma | 7 | Increased | [82] |
Peganum harmala
| Harmal | Solanaceae | Seeds, leaves | Asthma | 50 | Increased | [214] |
Pistacia integerrima
| Kangar | Rosaceae | Leaves | Cough, asthma | – | Increased | [55] |
Plantago lanceolata
| Smanharswa | Plantaginaceae | Leaves/seeds | Cough and chest diseases | – | Increased | [55] |
Punica granatum
| Anar | Punicaceae | Fruit/bark/leaves | Cough | – | Increased | [55] |
Portulaca oleracea
| – | Asteraceae | Seeds/leaves | Asthma | – | Increased | [55] |
Rheum australe
| Chontal | Polygonaceae | Rhizome/leaves | Cough | 10 | Increased | |
Salvia moorcroftiana
| Gadakan | Malvaceae | Leaves/seeds | Cough | – | Increased | [55] |
Sisymbrium irio
| Khubkalan | Brassicaceae | Seeds | Cough | 50 | Increased | |
Skimmia laureola
| Nyra | Solanaceae | Leaves | Asthma | 12 | Increased | [82] |
Solanum surratense
| Kundiyara | Solanaceae | Fruits | Cough, asthma | – | Increased | [55] |
Tamarix dioica
| Rukh | Acanthaceae | Bark | Cough | 100 | Increased | [214] |
Thymus linearis
| Tumburu | Labiateae | Fruits | Cough, asthma | – | Increased | [55] |
Trachyspermum ammi
| Ajwain | Malvaceae | Fruits | Asthma and colds, cough | 550 | Increased | [40] |
Viola biflora
| Lilio | Pteridaceae | Flower | Cold and flu | 16 | Increased | |
Viola canescens
| Banafsha | Violaceae | Whole plant | Cough | 16 | Increased | [55] |
Viola serpens
| Banafsha | Violaceae | Flowers leave | Lung trouble | 100–240 | Increased/India, Germany and Scotland | |
Withania coagulans
| Akri | Meliaceae | Fruit | Cough, asthma | 5 | Increased | [215] |
Withania somnifera
| Asgand | Zingerberacee | Roots | Flu | 35 | Increased | |
Zizyphus nummularia
| – | Solanaceae | Fruit | Bronchitis | 30 | Increased | [214] |
Zizyphus sativa
| Mark Hany | Rhamnaceae | Fruit | Bronchitis | 30 | Increased |
In 2006 global trade of medicinal plants reached US$ 60 billion. Europe alone annually imports about US$ 1 billion from Africa and Asia. Such trade is expected to expand substantially by the year 2050 because of the increasing popularity of herbal medicines. Pakistan exports of high value plants generate over US$ 10.5 million annually in 2012, with a substantial percentage of the supply coming from Swat District [41]. Approximately 300 plant species are being traded in Pakistan of these were 22 medicinal plant species worth 14.733 million Rs were traded in 1990 while it was increased by 8.5 folds (122 million Rs). The geographical location of Swat District provides an ideal physical environment for the growth and nourishment of many high value medicinal and aromatic plants. These medicinal plants can make a contribution to the economic development of the area in particular and the country in general [41].
Market share of Pakistan has been declining due to unreliable and often poor quality of the material supplied, length of the supply chain, and poor marketing strategies. The availability of medicinal plants drastically decreased due to increased marketing pressure on medicinal plants, lack of job opportunities in the area, non-sustainable harvesting methods like digging of whole plant and increased population of the area. So to maximize the exports and benefits of medicinal plants, trade monitoring, equitable sharing of benefits of wild resources, improved control on harvesting and trade for the conservation of resources, enhancement of cultivation efforts, future research into trade in wild harvested plants, community participation in natural resource management and value addition in the herbal products are recommended [42].
Future recommendations
In this review, we described the medicinal plants used in Pakistan to treat respiratory disorders. Local people are using plants without any scientific base. There is a gap between traditional use of plants and pharmacological evaluation as well as very limited number of phytochemical studies has been documented. In recent time it is important to collect the valuable knowledge from local folklore regarding medicinal use of plants to treat respiratory conditions and give more focus on the useful pharmacological and phytochemical evaluation of medicinal plants for the isolation of novel compounds as well as for their protection, usefulness and effectiveness of this disease. We examined investigated areas across Pakistan in relation to medicinal plants richness and based on this we provide recommendations for the areas that should be targeted in future ethno-botanical surveys. From the review of literature it is deduced that proper documentation of data was lacking in several research articles studied. There were many spelling mistakes in the plant names and families. Life form, part used and mode of preparation for herbal remedies were also not stated in many published ethno-medicinal surveys. So in future ethno-pharmacological research with comprehensive information should be carried out in the under investigated areas to save the traditional knowledge and to take it to the light of science. Appropriate measures should be taken to increase the market share of Pakistan as well as to maximize the exports and benefits of medicinal plants. Properly monitored trade and marketing for stability in product supply, unbiased sharing of profits of wild resources, improved control on harvesting and trade for the conservation of resources, enhancement of cultivation efforts, creation of new markets for various products so as to profit the public, implementing rules and regulations at public level to facilitate attaining goals of economic development and ecosystem conservation, community participation in natural resource management and value addition in the herbal products are recommended.
The problems of biodiversity loss can be solved by underlying recommendations
-
Government should distribute saplings each year among the villagers to plant them.
-
Media should be used to save nature and its importance.
-
Initiating afforestation projects and controlling over grazing.
-
Reducing biotic pressure by supplying gas and electricity.
-
Establishment of nurseries and botanical garden as well as local community awareness and involvement to protect these national assets will be the best conservation measure.
-
Commercial exploitation of medicinal plants should make sure to safeguard the intellectual property rights of local people.
-
Providing educational material in native languages to update collectors about occurrence of medicinal flora, their therapeutic significance, and market values.
-
It is important to identify valuable species, precisely map their distribution, document their status, study their life cycle, and formulates guidelines for their conservation and management.
Conclusions
In essence, the current investigation identified that people from Pakistan discern and make use of 384 therapeutic plants, belonging to 85 families for respiratory disorders. Keeping in view the results, Asteraceae family contains more plants and herbs are the dominant life form, whereas among the parts, leaves have been maximally used in decoction form for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Moreover, 17 plant species are being frequently used by the manufacturers in different herbal products for the treatment of respiratory disorders and only 53 plants have been pharmacologically evaluated while 51 plants are in the IUCN threatened list as well as 58 plant species have reasonable commercial significance. This review will not only provide a baseline data for initial screening of promising plants used in respiratory disorders but also will be helpful for conducting phytochemical studies by the application of ethno botanical indices. The study also provides recommendations for the areas that should be targeted in future ethno-botanical surveys. The need of hour is to implement productive policies for the careful use of valuable ethno botanical inheritance of Pakistan and to fill the gap between ethno-medicine and pharmacological research, to fully elucidate promising significances of plant-derived medicines on public health.
Authors’ contributions
All the authors have contributed equally in conducting research work and in writing research paper. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the financial support of Prince Abdullah Ben Khalid Celiac Disease Research Chair, Vice Deanship of Research Chairs, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Availability of data and materials
All the data collected is presented in the paper.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.
Funding
Not applicable.
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