Study of medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary medical system in riverine areas of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Background

The use of medicinal plants to treat various veterinary illnesses has been practiced for millennia in many civilizations. Punjab is home to a diverse ethnic community, the majority of whom work in dairy farming, agriculture, and allied professions and have indigenous practices of treating animal illnesses using native flora. This study was designed to (1) document and preserve information about the applications of medicinal plant species in ethnoveterinary remedies among inhabitants of Punjab, Pakistan, and (2) identify popular plants for disease treatment by quantitative analysis of the obtained data and to assess the pharmacological relevance of these species.

Methods

To collect data from informants (N = 279), questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. The ethnoveterinary data were analyzed using principal component analysis, relative frequency citation, fidelity level, relative popularity level, and rank order priority.

Results

A total of 114 plant species utilized in the ethnoveterinary medicinal system were found, which were divided into 56 families and used to treat 16 different illnesses. The Poaceae family, with 16 species, was the most common in the region. The most commonly employed growth form in herbal preparation was herb (49%). The most used part in ethnoveterinary remedies was leaves (35%), while powder was the most commonly used way for preparing ethnoveterinary remedies (51 applications). According to principal component analysis, the most typically used species in the research region were grasses. Five grasses (Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum) showed a 100% FL value when used to treat diuretics, helminthiasis, digestive problems, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, oral infections, and genital prolapse. The maximum value of disease cured level (DCL%) was recorded at 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments in the study area.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that medicinal plants play an important part in satisfying farmers’ animal healthcare demands, making it a feasible practice. The study also provides a wealth of knowledge regarding ethnoveterinary methods for further planning and application, providing an option for farmers who cannot afford allopathic therapy.

Introduction

Traditional knowledge developed over time is influenced by elements of ancestral inheritance, intercultural connection, and interaction with the natural environment [1]. These facts explain the reasons for the variations of traditional knowledge among cultures, locations and ethnic groups [2, 3]. Studies conducted in various regions of the world described the existence of cultural variety in plant use knowledge and treatment systems [3]. Many societies have used medicinal herbs for treating various veterinary illnesses for centuries [4]. Traditional healers mostly rely on medicinal plants, which have long been known to be a rich source of phytonutrients in animals [5]. Traditional knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation, like all other traditional knowledge systems [6], and may disappear altogether [7] as a result of rapid social, environmental, and technological change [8], as well as the disappearance of cultural legacies masquerading as civilization [9]. In order to conserve the traditional knowledge before it is permanently lost, methodical research must be used to record it via systematic investigations [10, 11]. In addition, more surveys are needed in various sections of the nation, encompassing a broader range of sociocultural groups, with the goal of obtaining unique knowledge and cultural variations [12].

In Pakistan, the livestock sector contributes almost 56% of the value of agriculture and almost 11% of agricultural GDP [13]. This vital sector not only provides animal feed to the rural population, but it also contributes to poverty alleviation by providing draught power and employment to the people of this country. Pakistan is the 3rd largest milk-producer in the world, and its output is rising overtime, highlighting the importance of the buffalo [14]. Many Pakistani livestock producers are disadvantaged, and the majority of these farmers are unable to purchase modern allopathic drugs due to financial constraints [15], resulting in low animal production and health. In such cases, ethnoveterinary treatment may be supported as an alternative to modern medications [16], and it can help reduce poverty by allowing people to cure their animals using their own resources. Despite advancements in the pharmaceutical industry and the development of therapeutic agents, traditional indigenous medicine is still utilized in rural areas for the treatment of human [13] and cattle [17] ailments as well as the preservation of outstanding animal health in developing countries [9, 18]. The development of the livestock industry in Pakistan is hindered by a variety of challenges, including policy concerns, the increasing degradation of rangelands, unsanitary eating habits, subpar marketing schemes, inadequate extension services, and a lack of resources [19]. In Pakistan, various animal illnesses can be deadly [20], include black quarter, bovine viral diarrhea, hemorrhagic septicemia, and foot and mouth diseases. Dairy productivity is reduced because farmers do not routinely vaccinate their animals against these devastating illnesses [21]. Some animals, for instance, appear to have mastitis, which significantly contributes to the decrease in milk output. While they can be fairly complicated, the effects of animal illnesses are typically only thought of as having direct effects. Diseases reduce animal output and take away potential daily income from producers. These debilitating illnesses cause morbidity, which causes temporary or permanent product loss [22]. Parasitism in the Modern World Camelids, which comprise both ecto- and endoparasites, is a major public health concern across the world [23], notably in developing countries such as Pakistan [24,25,26,27,28]. The hot humid climate in the riverine areas of Punjab province substantially encourages the growth and development of endo- and ectoparasites, which causes parasitism to be violent. Ecto- and endoparasite illnesses reduce feed intake and utilization efficiency as a result of preclinical or severe infections [29,30,31]. Ticks, lice, flies, mange, and mites are examples of ectoparasites that cause illness in animals, such as acute inflammation, irritation, hair loss, weight loss, dull body, anemia, skin damage, serum exudation, and crust development owing to serum exudate buildup. Death occurs in animals that are neglected and mistreated animals [32].

The documentation of EVR knowledge about the usage of medicinal plants by indigenous peoples is beneficial not only for the preservation of traditions, cultures, diversity of plant species but also for the development of drug and the protection of community healthcare in future [9]. Documenting EVR knowledge and evaluating plant uses for a range of purposes are important not only to preserve it, but also to make it available for future use in the face of fast cultural and socioeconomic and changes [33]. The main purpose of this study was to describe the medicinal applications of plant species used by the indigenous people of Punjab province for the treatment of veterinary health disorders. The main objectives were to (i) document the traditional EVR knowledge about the pharmacological uses of plant species and (ii) gather information on traditional treatments for a range of diseases, including the plant parts used, application, and preparation techniques.

Materials and methods

Study area

This research was carried out in reverie areas of Punjab, Pakistan. It is located at latitudes ranging from 27° 42′ N to 34° 02′ N and longitudes ranging from 69° 81′ E to 75° 23′ E. The majority of Punjab is made up of lush alluvial plains that are intensively watered by five rivers: the Indus, Ravi, Jhelum, Chenab, and Sutlej (Fig. 1). Small desert regions may be found in the Suleiman Range and southern Punjab. Punjab province is the 2nd largest province in Pakistan in terms of terrain area, and the first in terms of population. Punjab produces a variety of seasonal crops, wheat, and rice as well. Certain cities in Punjab are highly inhabited. Punjab has an area of approximately 205,000 km² and has elevations ranging from 200 to 2000 m. Both precipitation and temperature fluctuate throughout the year. The soil in the research region is mostly clay, loamy, and sandy [34]. Most of the places have foggy weather in the winter and scorching weather in the summer, with an average yearly temperature ranging from − 2 to 48 °C. The warmest month is June, while the coldest month is January. The annual mean rainfall over the previous 5 years has been around 479.8 mm. In comparison with the drier sections of the province, the northern regions of the province receive a good quantity of rainfall throughout the year [35].

Fig. 1

Map of Punjab showing study areas, i.e., river Chenab, river Sutlej, river Ravi, river Jhelum, and river Indus

The ethnic composition of the region is highly diversified, with several tribes and clans. The largest ethnic groups are Arain, Butt, Gujjar, Mughal, and Rana. The majority of population speaks Urdu and Punjabi, with Saraiki coming in second. At government offices, English is employed. Compared to the other provinces, Punjab has the greatest literacy rate. Also, Punjab province provides a significant portion of Pakistan’s GDP. The economy of this province is focused on farming, and wheat is the most extensively farmed crop, with substantial output of cotton, rice, sugarcane, maize, and grains. Farming is the primary employment of rural populations, and they rely on farming methods and farm animal’s management for a living. Because of linguistic and cultural differences, the people of Punjab province have a wide range of traditional knowledge and rituals.

Data collection and identification of plant and animal species

This study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 with the objective of documenting medicinal plants used for treating livestock ailments. After obtaining oral prior-informed agreement, group discussions and interviews (semi-structured) were undertaken with 279 respondents to gather knowledge on the ethnoveterinary applications of plant species (Fig. 2). The “code of ethics” of the “International Society of Ethnobiology” was followed properly (http://www.ethnobiology.net/). Responses were recruited at random or, in certain cases, using the snowball approach [36, 37]. The surveys were initially developed in English before being translated into Urdu, Punjabi, and Saraiki. Demographic information on respondents included their gender, age, degree of education, and linguistic background was gathered.

Fig. 2

Demographic features of the study participants. Informant catagory is categorized as traditional health practitioners (THP) and indigenous peoples (IP)

The principal author of the study area is a resident who travelled with a photographer to both high and low elevated areas. Plants with therapeutic properties were gathered, and voucher specimens were submitted in the Department of Forestry Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. During sampling, plant species were initially recognized, and the identifications were validated. The species entries were complemented along with data on taxonomic position (family), vernacular name, common name, growth form, and medicinal uses. The growth form was categorized into herbs, shrubs, grasses, climbers and trees according to the system proposed by [38, 39]. Collected plant species were identified by Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain (The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan and by using The “Flora of Punjab” [40] and “Flora of West Pakistan” [41]. The Royal Botanical Gardens Kew Science (http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org) and World Flora Online (http://www.worldfloraonline.org) websites were utilized to confirm the medicinal plant species taxonomy.

Quantitative ethnoveterinary data analysis

The ethnoveterinary data were analyzed using various indices, including “Informant consensus factor” (ICF), disease cured level (DCL%), “fidelity level” (FL%), “relative popularity level” (RPL), and “rank order priority” (ROP). The index values are reported in proportions and percentages.

Disease cured level and informant consensus factor

Disease cured level (DCL%) describes the informants’ used percentage of medicinal plant species to cure a specific disease category. The maximum DCL% value indicates that there is homogeneity in the use of medicinal plants between the informants, whereas informant consensus factor (ICF) describes informants’ consensus on the medicinal plant consumption species and evaluates variability in mode of utilization against reported diseases. The maximum ICF value, i.e., close to 1, indicates that well-known species are used by a large proportion of local communities due to their authenticity regarding diseases. However, low ICF index close to 0 specifies that the informants use this species randomly to treat reported diseases [35].

Before calculating ICF and DCL value, ailments are broadly categorized into different categories, i.e., dermatological, endo- and ecto-parasitic, fever, gastrointestinal, reproductive, respiratory disorders, tonic, urinary disorders, and other health problem (hormonal disorders). The ICF and DCL% value was calculated using the following formula.

$${\text{ICF}}=\frac{{N}_{{\text{ur}}}-{N}_{{\text{t}}}}{{N}_{{\text{ur}}}-1}$$

(1)

$${\text{DCL}}\%=\frac{{N}_{{\text{ur}}}-{N}_{{\text{t}}}}{{N}_{{\text{total}}}}$$

(2)

where “N_total” is the total number of citations for each disease category, “N_ur” is the total number of use reports for each disease category, and “N_t” indicates the number of taxa used in said category.

Relative popularity level (RPL)

“RPL” is the ratio of a plant medicinal use to the total number of informants for any sickness. Consequently, the healing abilities of plant species with similar FL values but different informant numbers may vary. As a result, a corrective scale was developed, and all of the observed species were categorized in accordance with their level of popularity. RPL index is a scale from 0 to 1 where “0” indicates that no ailments are treated by plant species and “1” indicates that plant species are completely popular for treating significant conditions. A popularity index would be at 1.0 when all species had an equal prevalence of main illnesses, and it would decrease to zero as the species’ relative popularity went away from the popular side [42]. Popular species’ RPL values were wisely set to be equal to 1. For plant species in an unpopular group, the RPL value is below one. Depending on their relative popularity level, the selected plant species for EVM are categorized as either unpopular or popular [43].

Fidelity level (FL%)

The “FL” is the percentage of participants in the study area who claim to have used a specific type of species [44]. The “FL” index was noted applying the formula by Friedman et al. [45],

$$\mathrm{FL\%}=\frac{N}{{N}_{p}}\times 100$$

(3)

where “N_p” is the frequency with which interviewers indicated species for certain categories of medicinal use, and “N” denotes the total number of informants who mentioned the species for any reason. The high “FL” score reflected the relevance and regularity with which the research area’s respondents used the plant species for EVM.

Rank order priority (ROP)

With different FL and RPL values used as adjustment factors, species are suitably ordered using the “ROP” index [46,47,48,49]. The formula for “ROP” is to multiply RPL index by FL% [45]. The ROP value was obtained using the algorithm.

$${\text{ROP}}=\mathrm{FL }\times \mathrm{ RPL}$$

(4)

Statistical analysis

Using the ethnoveterinary data, multivariate ordination principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify patterns of different growth forms of plants. The contribution of plant part usage in the preparation of ethnoveterinary remedies was displayed in chord diagrams using circlize package in R software (4.2.1). All ethnoveterinary data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA), R software (4.2.1) and PAST 4.12b [50].

Results

Demographics of respondents

A total of 279 local informants were interviewed, comprising 231 men and 48 women (Fig. 2). These informants were divided into distinct classes based on demographic data as shown in Fig. 2. Local indigenous people (IP) accounted for 91 percent of the 279 respondents, compared to 9% of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs). Farmers, traditional healers or hakims, teachers, shopkeepers, and housewives were among the participants. The ages of the informants ranged from 19 to 70 years. Most interviewees (28%) were between the ages of 60 and 70 and had extensive traditional knowledge, whereas young informants provided minimal information. A total of 109 informants (39.1%) were illiterate, while the other informants had varying levels of education, including: less than “5 years of education” (31.9%), “8 years of education” (12.2%), “10 years of education” (9.68%), “12 years of education” (2.51%), “14 years of education” (2.87%), and more than “16 years of education” (1.79%).

Useful plants

The usage of medicinal plants was frequently found to be a daily ritual in many homes, where such knowledge was passed down to the younger generation simply by observing the elders practice. There have been reports of 114 medicinal plant species from 49 families (Tables 1 and 2). Poaceae was the most dominant family of plants, with 12 species, followed by Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae (6 species each), Apiaceae and Myrtaceae (5 species each), Malvaceae, Mimosaceae, and Moraceae (4 species each), Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae and Apocynaceae (3 species each), whereas other families connected with mainly two or fewer species (Table 2).

Table 1 Catalogue of medicinal plants used by the indigenous people of Punjab for ethnoveterinary practices

Table 2 Families of medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine in the riverine areas of Punjab province, Pakistan

Plant parts used and mode of application

The leaves of medicinal plant species were the most utilized part in ethnoveterinary treatment, accounting for 35% of all uses, followed by roots (22%), fruits and whole plant (15% each), bark (4%), flower (3%), rhizome, bulb (2% each), whereas other part contributed with only 1% in traditional medicine (Fig. 3). Table 1 lists the growth forms of the reported species. The herbaceous life form contributes the most (49%) of the documented plant species, followed by trees (23%), shrubs (14%), grasses (11%), and climbers (4%) (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

Pie charts shows the percent of a growth form distribution, b plant parts usage, and c method of preparation of medicinal plants in the riverine areas of Punjab province, Pakistan

Local residents in the research region prepare recipes to treat many ailments in a variety of forms, including decoction, extract, juice, powder, paste, infusion, poultice, oil, and raw, among others (Fig. 3). Powder (51 applications) was the most often used method of medication preparation, followed by decoction, raw, oil, paste, infusion, extract, and juice (28, 15, 6, 5, 4, and 3, respectively). Extract and poultice, on the other hand, were used in two separate applications.

Principal component analysis (PCA)

Ethnoveterinary data were subjected to principal component analysis (Fig. 4), which revealed a significant difference in the use of different plant growth forms (herbs, shrubs, trees, grasses, and climbers) for medicinal purposes separated along the axis-1 (p 0.05). PC1 and PC2 explained 99.9% of the variance in Np, FL, ROP, and RPL values of medicinal plant species. Grass, herbs, shrubs, and climbers were the most commonly utilized species in the research region, according to PC1-axis factors, whereas trees were rarely employed by indigenous peoples (Fig. 4). For example, five grasses (i.e., Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine Indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum) are extensively used in the preparation of ethnoveterinary remedies in the research region.

Fig. 4

Plot of variables in the PCA conducted with Np (number of informants used particular medicinal plants for specific disease), FL (fidelity level), and ROP (rank order priority) showing the significant differences in the use of different growth form of plant species, i.e., herbs (blue dots), shrubs (orange dots), grasses (pink dots), climbers (golden dots), and trees (green dots). Each line of variables in PCA represents a specific correlation with different growth form of plant species. The length of the blue vector lines represents the total contribution of different growth forms to the analysis. The direction of the blue vector line illustrates the association of variables with each axis. (Vector lines parallel to an axis are significantly connected with that axis.) Correlations between factors are shown by the angles between vector lines

Category of ailments affecting livestock

Local people used 114 medicinal plants to treat a variety of diseases in livestock (Table 1). The reported ailments were classified into 9 major disease categories on the basis of use reports and number of citations (Table 3). Most use records were in the category endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments (1144 use reports; 1269 citation; 33 plant species; ICF = 0.972). The maximum value of disease cured level (DCL%) was recorded 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic, followed by reproductive disorder (74.9%), fever (74.2%), other health problems (73.4%), gastrointestinal diseases (71.1%), respiratory problems (69.7%), dermatological diseases (66.8%), urinary problems (65.8%), and tonic (63.6%) (Table 3).

Table 3 Categories of ailments

Relative popularity level (RPL)

The RPL values increase directly with the increase in informants. The RPL value of species varied from 0.22 to 1.00 (Fig. 5). The unpopular species (< 1.00 RPL) in the study area were Ziziphus jujuba and Ziziphus nummularia.

Fig. 5

Relation between the number of informants (N) and informants indicated species for certain categories of medicinal use (Np) shows the relative popularity level (RPL) of plant species in the riverine areas of Punjab province, Pakistan. Codes are presented in Table 1

Fidelity level and rank order priority (ROP)

The fidelity level is used to discriminate between medicinal plant species that are often utilized by locals to treat various illnesses [51, 52]. The FL of species in this research ranged from 10 to 100% and ROP varied from 2 to 100 (Fig. 6). Five species (Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine Indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum), which were applied for diuretic, helminthiasis, digestive disorders, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, mouth diseases, and genital prolapsed, had 100% FL and 100 value of ROP (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6

Relation between the number of informants (N) and informants indicated species for certain categories of medicinal use (FL) shows the rank order priority (ROP) of plant species in the riverine areas of Punjab province, Pakistan. Codes are presented in Table 1

Discussion

Socio-demographic data

The gathering information on respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics about challenges with livestock nutrition, breeding, and health management, as well as the use of ethnoveterinary approaches, is an important contribution of ethnoveterinary research [53]. Socio-demographic data play a substantial role in interpreting and analyzing the responses received [54].

Traditional healing is often a gendered activity in which both men and women take part [55]. In the study area, female interviewers were uncommon (Fig. 2). This is due to the fact that fewer women work in livestock management and cattle husbandry. Most women were not permitted to debate or share indigenous knowledge with outsider males. Another ethnoveterinary research from Pakistan [7, 56] and overseas revealed a similar pattern [57,58,59]. Our findings contradict the findings of an ethnoveterinary research conducted in Neelum Valley, Kashmir Himalaya, Pakistan. They found that women are more in number than males and had better knowledge about ethnoveterinary medicine practice [60]. In general, gender disparities in ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge can be attributed to experience and cultural exposure with therapeutic plants. Men are the primary collectors of medicinal plants growing wild, which could explain our findings.

Compared to younger participants, older responders, especially those over 60 years old, are more numerous and have a high level of traditional knowledge (Fig. 2). Similar studies conducted in Pakistan and other countries found that respondents who were older were more numerous and possessed more traditional knowledge than those who were younger [61,62,63,64]. Community elders are often the ones who have the most information about therapeutic plants, according to Nolan and Turner [65]. Because community elders are occupied with family responsibilities including financial, health, and training, they no longer pass on their expertise to the following generation. The understanding of the usage of therapeutic herbs is vanishing as a result.

Indigenous knowledge regarding the use of medicinal plants was more common among illiterate people (36.9%), and knowledge was diminishing within education. These studies results are in agreement with other ethnobotanical studies carried out in Pakistan [63] and Morocco [66]. Because of their greater exposure to modernization, educated persons are found to be less knowledgeable about the use of medicinal plant in ethnoveterinary practices than uneducated people in Punjab, Pakistan. Furthermore, because of the low literacy rate in the study region, the residents are significantly reliant on medicinal plants for a few uses to sustain their needs. Education reform is also critically required to preserve folklore and traditional knowledge, as well as prioritized majors such as humanities and social sciences [67].

In our study, traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) with more than 20 years of experience held the most knowledge about ethnoveterinary practices. Similar findings were found in other areas, e.g., in Turkey [68, 69] and Bangladesh [70]. Plant species were harvested by TMPs during appropriate times of seasons. Some of the locals also grew medicinal plants and sold them, typically for modest costs, to herbalists or in nearby marketplaces. Many TMPs recorded their herbal formulations in writing, but they typically did not divulge this information to the public in order to limit the number of healers. They preferred to transfer their knowledge verbally either to their close relatives, i.e., wife, son, daughter, and brother, or to their helpers and students. The usage of medicinal herbs was frequently found to be a daily ritual in many homes, where such knowledge was passed down to the younger generation simply by observing the elders practice. The most frequent transfer of cultural and traditional knowledge, like in other communities across the world, was found to be from parents to children, especially boys [71,72,73,74,75,76]. It is also critical to protect traditional knowledge and local flora by promoting awareness among local communities about the value of their knowledge and plants [77].

Pharmacological assessment

Medicinal plants of this area are very famous, and effectiveness of medicinal plants is seen as associated with the climate of the area (arid to semiarid), which might lead to an increase in the concentration of bioactive molecules [78]. We found that local people used more grasses, climbers, and herbs to treat various livestock ailments, while trees are less commonly used in the treatment of various livestock ailments (Fig. 4). According to Harun et al. [79], grasses are chosen over other therapeutic herbs and plants for treating bovine illnesses in agricultural areas such as Punjab because they are abundant, pleasant, and easy to collect. Here, we addressed the pharmacological uses of several species against some specific diseases in the research region to better assess and estimate quantitative data obtained concerning the use of species in ethnoveterinary remedies.

Medicinal uses of plants in ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM)

Herbs provided the majority of the components used in remedies (Fig. 7a). People have more opportunities to experiment and learn about therapeutic applications because herbs are frequently the most commonly used species [80]. Herbs have applications in gynecological, surgical, and bovine mastitis interventions as well as a variety of other infections as acaricidal and anthelmintic treatments [81]. According to Silva et al. [82], herbaceous plants often have a greater amount of bioactive chemical compounds than shrub or tree species.

Fig. 7

The chord diagram represents the usage of medicinal plants in ethnoveterinary remedies. Various plant growth forms a herb, b shrubs, c trees, d grasses, and e climbers used for treating specific ailments in the riverine areas of Punjab province, Pakistan

In this study, the FL% of herbs ranged from 89 to 44% (Fig. 6). The most used herbs were Allium sativum (mastitis), Allium cepa (stomach disorders), Trachyspermum ammi and Linum usitatissimum (galactagogue), Amomum subulatum (indigestion), Anethum graveolens and Ocimum basilicum (diarrhea), had FL more than 85% (Table 1 and Fig. 7a). Allium sativum extract was found to significantly inhibit the activity against bacterial strains [83]. When compared to other anti-mastitis plants, A. sativum had the greatest concentration of antioxidants and was identified as a feasible choice for the development of innovative veterinary medications with minimal cost and less adverse reactions. According to Mehlhorn et al. [84], sheep with gastrointestinal cestodes and nematodes were fed specific extracts of Allium cepa (onion) and Cocos nucifera (coconut) along with polyethylene glycol propylene-carbonate or milk powder for eight days. When compared to untreated animals, they gained significant weight and greatly diminished the worm infestation. In India, “National Dairy Research Institute” examined the content of estrogen in several plants (including T. ammi) that are traditionally used to enhance milk production in cattle and sheep [85]. The phytoestrogens found in T. ammi and L. usitatissimum seeds, referred to as galactagogues [86, 87]. According to Kaur [87], the dried T. ammi seed exhibited the second-highest total phytoestrogen concentration (473 ppm) among the eight plants studied (total concentrations of estrogen, 131–593 ppm). The fruits of Amomum subulatum are used to treat gastrointestinal ailments in the Ayurvedic medicine (i.e., desiccant, stomachic, digestive, resolvent, and carminative) [88]. The ability of petroleum ether soluble fractions and essential oils of A. subulatum to prevent aspirin and ethanol-induced gastrointestinal lesions was investigated in rats. Both pharmaceutical components effectively reduced gastrointestinal lesions. [89]. Anethum graveolens powder was used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, and after two weeks, all IBS symptoms improved without any side effects [90]. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular and widely used spice that has been found to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diarrheal properties [91].

Shrubs are used to prepare majority of recipes (Fig. 7b) as they are accessible all year [92]. Indigenous knowledge of the medicinal and ethnoveterinary uses of shrubs can benefit livestock farmers economically [93]. Although the current scientific world is unfamiliar with indigenous knowledge and traditional uses of shrubs in ethnoveterinary practice [94], Calotropis procera (Aak in Punjabi) is widely used in traditional medical system of Pakistan [95], as an laxative, anthelmintic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic [96, 97]. The latex-rich blooms of this plant are widely recognized for both their therapeutic and poisonous characteristics, which include their impact on worm infestation. In Pakistan, the most common methods for administering C. procera flowers as an anthelmintic to small ruminants are crude powder or decoction combined with honey [98]. Chemical components can fluctuate significantly across plants because of environmental or genetic variations, plant growth phases at harvest, and storage methods [99]. According to in vitro investigations, “crude methanolic” and “crude aqueous” extracts of C. procera blooms were shown to exhibit antihelmintic effects on live Haemonchus contortus, as proven by death or transitory paralysis. According to in vivo investigations, C. procera flower extracts (“crude powder,” “crude aqueous,” and “crude methanolic”) were administered to sheep that were naturally infected with a number of gastrointestinal worms, resulting in the reduction of nematodes egg percent [95].

Ethnoveterinary trees are plants that are used to cure common cattle ailments (Fig. 7c). In most situations, infusions or decoctions of tree barks are drank or used topically to cure common cattle ailments [100]. Leaf extracts of many tree species are used in EVR to treat helminth infections [101]. Ruminant production is hampered by parasitic illnesses on a global scale, which results in significant economic losses from stunted development, weight loss, decreased food consumption, decreased milk output, poor fertility, and, in severe infections, high mortality rates. From the perspective of parasite management and their minimal environmental impact from residues compared to commercial anthelmintics, the use of plant-based veterinary medication with anthelmintic qualities appears to be a successful option. For instance, the helminth infections-treating plants Melia azedarach, Mangifera indica, Mallotus pallidus, and Syzygium cumini exhibited FL values of 37.0, 35.7, 34.5, and 31.3, respectively. Szewczuk et al. [102] found that extracts obtained from M. azedarach drupes were shown to be more efficacious against tapeworms and hookworms which cause gastrointestinal diseases in goats and sheep.

Grasses are used not only for hay and pasture, but they also have an essential role in the treatment of a number of cattle ailments (Fig. 7d). The fidelity level (FL%) is used to identify between medicinal plant species that are often utilized by locals to treat various illnesses. In this study, the faithfulness level (FL%) of grass species ranged from 100 to 90%. Locals in rural Punjab utilize grasses extensively for ethnoveterinary uses [69]. The fidelity level (FL%) is used to identify medicinal plant species that are often utilized by locals to treat various illnesses. FL (%) of grasses in this research ranged from 90 to 100%. Locals in rural Punjab employ grass species extensively for ethnoveterinary purposes. According to Harun et al. [79], certain stomach issues have been reported to be treated by Bromus japonicus, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis minor, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine indica, and Phragmites australis, whereas microbial infections in cattle can be treated by Arundo donax, Brachiaria ramosa, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Panicum antidotale, and Sorghum bicolor Furthermore, rural communities all over the world use grass species as a key source of domestic animal feed and as a medication to cure a variety of illnesses in both humans and animals.

Grasses are particularly important in health care because they contain physiologically active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins [103]. In our investigation, 100% fidelity level was observed for five species to treat ailments, i.e., Arundo donax for the treatment of helminthiasis, Desmostachya bipinnata for ailments of digestive disorders, Eleusine Indica for therapy of cough, Hordeum vulgare for treatment of diarrhea, and Pennisetum glaucum for treatment of galactagogue. According to Sharatkumar et al. [104], A. donax crude powder reduced the count of fecal egg by 50.5% in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Antihelmintic activities of A. donax extracts (about 55% effectiveness) against cattle gastrointestinal parasites (Ascaris, Oesophagostomum, and Paramphistomum) [105]. The root of D. bipinnata has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive problems. The D. bipinnata alcoholic extract substantially decreased the faces weight, and it also delayed the flow of charcoal meal through the digestive tract [106]. Eleusine indica aerial parts infusion is used to treat respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza that induce airway irritation [107]. Pretreatment with crude extract of E. indica inhibited pulmonary neutrophil activation by 98% in rats exposed to lipopolysaccharide aerosols from Gram-negative bacteria. These findings may clarify the widespread usage of E. indica to treat inflammatory diseases of the airways. Sena et al. [108] reported that rice starch mixed with barley (Hordeum vulgare) flour in 3: 1 ratio had an effective supportive therapy in diarrhea in calves. Arogundade et al. [109] reported that P. glaucum grains have been used to improve lactation. According to the histopathological analysis performed on rats, P. glaucum extract increased milk production and emptying in a similar manner to domperidone. The extract of grains demonstrated potential as a galactagogue that may be used not only in humans but also in the dairy sector to improve milk production.

Climbers have an essential role in human health care as self-medication [110]. Climbers have been employed in a variety of medical procedures for millennia, and traditional medical practitioners (TMP) have reported excellent medical outcomes, as some of the medications have been discovered to cure numerous life-threatening and serious chronic conditions. Several of the climbers identified in the literature of Ayurveda as medicinally useful have been validated by scientists and shown to have fascinating pharmaceutical properties such as antiulcer, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, and anti-tumor [111]. Ajaib et al. [112] reported the use of 36 climber plants for food, medicines, and livestock by the native inhabitants of AJK, Pakistan. Another research from India describes the use of 26 climbers as EVR for the treatment of endoparasites in goats [113]. The highest FL of Piper nigrum, a climber species used to cure cough (Fig. 7e), was 83% in our research (Table 1). P. nigrum fruits are not only a beloved spice, but also a valuable medicinal agent that treats a variety of disorders such as cold, asthma, cough, and respiratory disorders [114]. According to Khawas et al. [114], the extract of P. nigrum fruit showed antitussive activity in guinea pigs to various extents that is connected to pectic and piperine polysaccharide with type II arabinogalactan sidechains.

Major ailments affecting livestock

Endoparasites (Haemonchus spp., Paramphistomum spp., Toxocara spp., and Coccidial oocysts) and ectoparasites (ticks, lice, and mites) are serious illnesses affecting livestock in the research region. Studies carried out in various countries show that the average extensiveness of gastrointestinal nematode infection (endoparasites) ranges from 61.96% in Mexico [115], 56% in Canada [116] to as much as 90% in Belgium and the Netherlands [117]. Wide distribution of ecto- and endoparasites in cattle is a serious problem in the sustainability of a farm, due to the negative impact on animals’ health and productivity [118]. Parasitic invasions are the major cause of production losses in dairy cattle herds including losses in milk production, decreased growth performance, impaired reproduction, and poor welfare [119, 120]. The signs of parasitosis are not specific and often pass without any noticeable signs. The action of parasites leads to chronic disease and economic losses long after the invasion has ceased [121].

The hot, humid weather of Punjab province’s riverine regions fosters the creation and growth of endoparasites (Haemonchus spp. and Toxocara spp.) and ectoparasites (ticks, lice, and mites), resulting in aggressive parasitism. This conclusion validates Hassan et al. [122] findings, which found that Bangladesh’s hot, humid environment favors the formation and survival of ectoparasites and endoparasites, as well as parasitic violence. The signs of an ecto-parasitic infection are visible to the naked eye. The larvae or adults of the parasite are visible on the animal’s body. The animals become restless as a result of the extreme itching, and the condition of their hair and skin deteriorates. These animals are less productive because they have less time to relax, ingest, and chew food while fending off insects [123]. Endo-parasitic infections cause general weakness and a decrease or inhibition of weight gain. It is brought on by digestive issues, malabsorption, or diarrhea. Sick animals have pale mucous membranes due to anemia. Reduced milk supply and changes in milk nutritional composition are markers of cow parasite infection [124, 125], as are reproductive difficulties such as embryo death and miscarriage. The severity of symptoms is determined by the parasite type, the level of infection, the food ration, the environment, and the animal’s overall health. In many cases, people are more vulnerable to bacterial and viral diseases [118]. Indigenous peoples of Punjab used different medicinal plants to treat endo- and ectoparasites infection such as, Achyranthes aspera, Allium sativum, Arundo donax, Bambusa bambos, Calotropis procera, Capsicum annuum, Cleome viscosa, Cocos nucifera, Convolvulus arvensis, Cucumis melo, Cyperus rotundus, Datura inoxia, Eruca vesicaria, Ficus religiosa, Lagenaria siceraria, Launaea procumbens, Mallotus pallidus, Mangifera indica, Medicago sativa, Melia azedarach, Nerium indicum, Ocimum basilicum, Piper nigrum, Psidium guajava, Punica granatum, Solanum Nigrum, Syzygium cumini, Tamarix aphylla, Tinosporia cordifolia, Trianthema portulacastrum, Vitis Vinifera, Withania coagulans, and Ziziphus jujuba (Table 1).

Traditional knowledge for animal health management

Traditional knowledge plays a significant role in human–environment interactions in local ecosystems [126]. Indigenous peoples have relied on nature for survival for millennia, resulting in a strong connection with their environment and a sense of their surroundings based on observation and experience [127]. Local communities have developed an awareness of their environment, which has shaped and sustained intergenerational livelihoods such as livestock rearing, crop cultivation, and animal husbandry [126]. We noticed that locals have more knowledge about using grasses to cure various livestock diseases. Majeed et al. [35] found that the inhabitants of Punjab province have a strong connection to their surrounding plant diversity and extensive traditional knowledge about the medicinal uses of grasses to treat a number of animal health issues. Due to a shortage of veterinary clinics and extension services, high drug costs, and the efficacy of ethnoveterinary treatments, many farmers have preferred to employ their traditional knowledge for animal health management. In general, these approaches are low cost, locally available, and sustainable, particularly in times of climate change and fluctuation [128]. Promoting ethnoveterinary heritage in rural development programs in Pakistan can improve animal welfare and food quality [21].

Research and scientific validation of traditional knowledge on EVR are thus critical for increasing their application in animal health management. The knowledge of experienced elderly people and traditional health practitioners should be used to gather information on these methods so that future generations might enjoy the same advantages [53]. For example, the forms in which the medicine must be administered for a certain ailment, and this knowledge must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, traditional medicinal applications of 114 plant species that are used to cure a range of animal illnesses in the research region have been described. Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine Indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum showed a 100% FL value when used to treat diuretics, helminthiasis, digestive problems, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, oral infections, and genital prolapse. Nonetheless, grasses are particularly important in medicine because they contain physiologically active substances such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. Endoparasites (Haemonchus spp., Paramphistomum spp., Toxocara spp., and Coccidial oocysts) and ectoparasites (ticks, lice, and mites) are serious illnesses affecting livestock in the research region. The maximum value of disease cured level (DCL%) was recorded 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments in the study area.

The abundance of indigenous knowledge on EVR is a significant validation for expanding the process to collect records from other regions of Pakistan in order to gather important information about current plant-based veterinary practices and incorporate them into the official R&D system of veterinary science. Documenting the traditional knowledge has several uses, including safeguarding it for future generations, making it available to the public, and utilizing it as a starting point for more study and conservation initiatives. This EVR knowledge is useful for contemporary pharmaceutical research since it may open up opportunities for the identification of new compounds with significant therapeutic potential in the future. Important toxicological studies would be necessary to guarantee the continuous and secure use of the presented EVR practices.