A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Medicinal Plant Utilization among the Four Ethnic Communities in Northern Regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Local ethnic communities have accumulated good traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge on the utilization of plant resources through many generations. In order to preserve and utilize traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge sustainably in the future, ethnobiologists have recently focused on cross-cultural research to record and evaluate the processes driving this system of knowledge evolution within a particular group. The current study records the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of plant resources from four ethnic groups in the northern districts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 109 plants from 35 families were recorded as being used for the treatment of various disorders by these communities. Asteraceae was found to be the dominant family, with herbs contributing the highest percentage of 86%. The Bakerwal, Gujjar, and Pahadi ethnic groups showed a higher similarity (14% species) in the use of plants, whereas the Bakerwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups used plants with the least similarity (1%). In order to better understand the various traditional plant-use systems, the current study is a collaborative effort that includes not only the documentation but also cross-cultural comparisons of the reported species. This will not only broaden the understanding of cross-cultural ethnobotany in the area but will also create possibilities for locals to benefit from rewards for showcasing their knowledge and taking part in future development projects. ABSTRACT: Medicinal plants are utilized around the globe for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. This study is an attempt to document the utilization of medicinal plants across the four different cultural groups residing in the rural and remote villages of the northern districts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. To gather information related to medicinal plants and health care practices among the local folk, field surveys were conducted from February 2018 to May 2021. The ethnomedicinal information was gathered through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. During the study, a total of 109 plant species belonging to 35 families were recorded as commonly utilized by the local population, with Asteraceae reported as the dominant family. The most common growth form was herbs, with a percentage contribution of 86%. Leaves (38%) were the most commonly used plant part for the preparation of traditional remedies, and most of the remedies were prepared as paste and applied topically. The highest use value of 0.30 was reported for Capsella bursa-pastoris. Greater similarity (14% species) in the usage of plants was shown by Bakerwal, Gujjar, and Pahadi ethnic groups, whereas the least similarity (1%) was observed between Bakerwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups. Based on the results obtained in the present study, further phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of plants is recommended to confirm the efficacy and safety of the remedies used and to possibly elucidate candidates for the development of new drugs.