5. Medicinal Plants Define As
Those plants that have healing properties are
termed as medicinal plants or herbs.
Many plants with medicinal virtues are
termed officinalis. The Latin name denotes that the
plant is medicinally useful.
This term dates back to the early Christian period,
when monasteries were utilized as centers for the
gathering and writing of information and usage of
medicinal herbs.
6. Medicinal Plants in Quran and Hadith
The Holy Quran ,Plants mentioned in Surahs
Al-Bakra, Sura Al-Isra, Al-Rehman, Al-Inaam,
and Al-Mominoon.
In the Holy Quaran Allah says, “And within the
land are neighboring plots and gardens of
grapevines and crops and palm trees, (growing)
several from a root or otherwise, watered with
one water; but We make some of them exceed
others in (quality of) fruit. Indeed in that are
signs for a people who reason (Sura Ar-Ra`d,
verse 4).
Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) used and
recommended medicinal plants for treatment of
various ailments.
7. Saying of Prophet SAW
The Prophet (SAW) said, " If my community had only known
what there is in fenugreek they would have paid its weight in
gold."
When considering the value of herbs, it is not their cost or
exotic quality that matters as much as their versatility. Many
herbs have been used historically as "cure-alls" or potent
"tonic herbs." Among these herbs are black seed, fenugreek
and aloe vera, three of the Prophet's (SAW) favorite herbs.
Aloe vera is another very useful and favorite herb of the
Prophet (SAW). Qays bin Rafi al-Qatsi narrates that God's
messenger (SAW) said, "Aloes and watercress are a sure
cure for illness." In fact, in some areas of the world such as
South America, aloe vera is still used as an "all-purpose"
cure. In some homes, it is the ONLY herb used - for all
illnesses.
We are wise to use these herbs that Allah has provided,
remembering that, "For every malady Allah created, He also
created its cure (and he who) acquires such knowledge shall
benefit from it and one who ignores it will forgo such benefit"
(Sahih Bukhari).
8. Medicinal plants from ancient times to the present
1. Some 60,000 years ago, it appears that Neanderthal man valued herbs as
medicinal agents; this conclusion is based on a grave in Iran in which
pollen grains of eight medicinal plants were found .
2. The earliest written historical information dates back to 2500 B.C. when
Sumarian ideograms described the use of medicinal plants such as the
poppy as the "the plant of joy" 1728 to 1686 B.C. in the Code of
Hammurabi, the King of Babylon. Plants mentioned include mint,
henbane, senna and licorice.
3. Up until the 18th century, the professions of doctor and botanist were
closely linked. Indeed, the first modern botanic gardens, which were
founded in 16th century Italy, in Pisa, Padova and Florence
4. Perhaps 90% of the world's population still relies completely on
raw herbs and unrefined extracts as medicines.
5. It has been estimated that about 13,000 species used as
traditional medicines by various cultures around the world
6. Sometimes the figure of 70,000 medicinal plant species is cited,
but this includes many algae, fungi, and micro-organisms that
are not really plants as the word is understood by botanists
9. Best Climate of Pakistan for Medicinal Plants
Pakistan is a developing country of South Asia,
spreading over an area of 87.98 million hectares. The
country is situated between latitude 23° and 37° North
and longitude 61° and 76° East. The annual rainfall
ranges from 125 mm in the South to 875 mm in sub-
mountainous and northern plains.
About 70% of the rain falls during the monsoon
season (July-September). However, occasional
showers also occur during the winter.
The summer months, except in mountainous areas,
are very hot, while the winter months are mild in the
plains and extremely severe in hilly regions.
10. Pakistan scenario and Medicinal plants
There are around 46,000 Registered "Hakims" and about 74,000
Registered Homeopaths as against some 102516 Registered
Physicians.
The number of recognized Tibbia Colleges and Dispensaries is 28
and 315 respectively Tibbi Pharmacopoeia published by the
National Council of Tibb lists about 900 single herbs whereas
Hamdard Pharmacopoea of Eastern
Medicine lists 186 single vegetable drugs used exclusively in
"unani medicine".
11. Forest Status in Pakistan
The state-owned forest area, under the control of
the Forest Department, is 4.58 million hectares,
only 5.2 % of the total area of Pakistan, Azad
Jammu and Kashmir. Annual production of timber
and fuelwood is 0.482 million m3 and 0.234 million
m3 respectively.
12. The cultivation of medicinal crops has many
advantages. These include:
As compared to the traditional crops,
1. Medicinal crops provide better returns than
traditional crops;
2. Have very high domestic and export
demand;
3. Fetch better prices in the market;
4. Could be stored for a long time, and sold at
a time when better prices prevail in the
market;
5. Are the largely drought tolerant, and not
easily grazed by animals;
6. Have low incidence of pest attacks and
diseases;
7. Require minimum resources, therefore the
cost of cultivation is lower as compared to
the traditional crops;
8. Could be raised as inter-crops, along with
traditional crops, and also on degraded
lands.
13. WORLD IN 21st CENTURY
100% increase in World’s population (12 billion by
the year 2035).
50% reduction in forests cover.
Life expectancy close to 100 years in most parts of
the world.
World resources of fossil fuel will be totally
consumed.
Plant products are used as
Foodstuffs
Flavoring agents and spices
Perfumes and cosmetics
Pharmaceutical and biological agents
Recreational substances
14. Status of Medicinal Plants in Pakistan
1. A survey of the naturally available plant wealth of Pakistan
shows that medicinal plants grow in abundance in Hazara,
Malak and Kurram Agency, Murree Hills, Azad Kashmir,
Northern Areas and Baluchistan, or are cultivated on
farmlands in Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Province and Kashmir.
2. According to the surveys carried out by the Pakistan Forest
Institute 500 tons of medicinal plants are produced in Hazara
and Malakand, 16 tons in Murree Hills, 38 tons in Azad
Kashmir and about 24 tons in Northern Areas.
3. These plants are collected from the wild, dried and processed
and sold in the local markets or exported to other countries.
Pakistan obtains more than 80 % of its medicaments from
higher plants.
15. Medicinal Plants and Pakistan
Pakistan has a diverse climatic condition supporting
the growth of nearly 6000 higher plant species of
which nearly 700 plant species are reported for their
medicinal value .
Nearly 300 medicinal plants are traded locally and
internationally.
Pakistan obtains more than 80 per cent of its
medicaments from higher plants.
16. Importance of Medicinal Plants
Almost 50% of the medicines we use today are
derived straight from plants and 25% of the
prescription drugs have their genesis of plants.
According to WHO, 80% of the world population
rely chiefly on plant based traditional medicines.
The common belief based on tradition, that
medicinal plants being "natural" or near to nature
are always safe, is not held to be true lately.
The advancement of technology has enabled the
scientists to detect minute amounts of
carcinogenic and toxic chemicals in these herbs
and recognize or evaluate potentially hazardous
effects of some of the herbs used in traditional
medicines since centuries.
17. Importance of some important medicinal plants
1. Cinnamon ( Darcheeni) - cinnamon bark contains
an oil-like substance that kills a variety of illness
causing bacteria,
including E.coli and Salmonella, and research shows
that cinnamon is able to stop the growth of the
Asian fluvirus. Cinnamon has a surprisingly strong
effect on the brain and mood; its distinctive smell
helps to reduce anxiety and stress, increase
alertness, and prevent mood swings caused by
fluctuating blood-sugar levels.
1. 2.Turmeric ( Haldi) - turmeric contains curcumin, a
powerful antioxidant chemical that
detoxifies carcinogens and calms inflammation,
making it useful for easing auto-immune conditions
such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies. It appears
to work just like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, without the side effects. Turmeric is such as
strong anti-inflammatory that only a small amount is
enough to reduce the risk of illness.Curcumin, which
gives this spice its vivid golden color, also helps to
prevent the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries,
and so may protect against conditions such
as Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
18. 3. Basil ( Niazbo) - basil contains volatile oils, which account for the
medicinal properties of this herb. It relieves flatulence, is an aid
to digestion and its antiseptic properties are said to benefit acne. This
fragrant oil also hasantimicrobial effects. Recent tests have found
that basil oils can counteract the growth of antibiotic-resistant superbugs,
including those that cause food poisonin g and others that infect wounds.
4. Clove (Loong) - clove oil is 60 to 90 percent eugenol, a potent pain-
relieving compound, effective for numbing the pain toothache,
headaches, and other areas of pain, such as the joints. As well as their
anaesthetic effects, clovescombat the bacterial infection
and inflammation that can lead to gum diseaseand the risk of further
damage to teeth.
19. 5. Cumin (Zeera)- cumin seeds are valued for their digestive
benefits. Cuminrelieves wind and can prevent digestive upsets
such as diarrhea. This is thought to be because these
small seeds stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes
that help the body break down foods and absorb the nutrients.
This fragrant spice is a source of iron and is rich in essential
oils. Regularly eating cumin is associated with blood glucose-
lowering effects.Chewing a few seeds of cumin sweetens the
breath after eating a meal. End a meal by chewing a blend
of cumin seeds, fennel, cloves and cardamom to
enhance digestion.
6. Fennel (Saunf)– Rich in volatile oils, fennel is a carminative
herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, flatulence, and
digestive spasms. As well as digestion, scientific research has
demonstrated fennel’s anti-cancer, intestinal healthand eye
health benefits. Fennel seeds can also reduce bad breath and
body odor. The fennel bulb contains a significant amount
of Vitamin C, and is a source of fiber, folate and potassium,
making it a powerful antioxidant herb.
20. 7. Mint ( Pudina)- mint is widely used as a highly effective digestive aid,
and to counteract nausea and vomiting. Mint improves fat digestion and
is an effective antacid, due to its essential oils. Peppermint oil is still the
basis for many indigestion remedies, because it is extremely soothing to
the stomach lining. Mint tea is not only beneficial for digestion; it is a
simple treatment for stress-induced headaches. Chewing the leaves or
drinking the tea stimulates the cortex of the brain to
improve concentration and induce relaxation.
8. Oregano Seed ( Ajwain)- One tablespoon of oregano has about the
same antioxidantcapacity as one banana or a cup of string beans.
Its antioxidant qualities combat the conditions of aging, especially heart
disease and cancers.Oregano contains at least four compounds that
soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action, which are
associated with offering protection against food-borne diseases.
Freshly-picked oregano leaves are the most effective.
21. 9. Parsley ( ajmood /ajwai e khurasani) - parsley
is rich in essential oils, and contains Vitamin A,
C, and some iron and calcium. It is a diuretic
and digestive herb, helping to prevent problems
such as kidney stones and bladder infections,
and keeping the body’s plumbing running
smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. It
also aids in the elimination of uric acid – useful
for arthritis, rheumatism orgout, and it is an
effective breath freshener because it contains
high levels of chlorophyll.
10.Fenugreek ( Methi)- fenugreek is rich in
vitamins A and C,and iron andphosphorus.
Studies have shown that fenugreek is a potent
stimulator of breast milk production in nursing
mothers. Fenugreek seeds have also been
found to protect against cancers of the colon
and breast, and have anti-diabetic effects. The
regular intake of fenugreek seeds helps to purify
theblood, flush out harmful toxins and lowers the
risk of a heart attack.
23. Uses of Medicinal Plants
1. Health care products in traditional medicine (either as raw,
single herb preparations or as manufactured finished products,
including substances of psychotropic and ritual/religious value);
2. Raw material for the pharmaceutical industry for extraction of
essential oils, fixed oils, tannins, gums and resins, and
pharmacologically active constituents like alkaloids, glycosides,
flavonoids, etc.;
3. Culinary additions, spices and colorings;
4. Natural cosmetics and in perfumes;
5. Health foods either distributed through pharmacies under
prescription or as "over-the-counter" medicines.
Castor oil that was used as a powerful laxative, one teaspoon
to two tablespoons taken in the evening.
Fennel seeds that were used for their carminative, stomachic
and other digestive problems, taken steeped with water, or as
two drops of seed oil.
Saffron was used as a carminative or to increase the blood
flow.
24. Table Important medicinal plant species of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa
Province , Kashmir and Baluchistan and Sindh
Plant names Parts used Approximate
Annual Yield (tons)
Aconitum chasmanthum
(Atees)
Roots 5
Aconitum heterophyllum
(Atees)
Roots 1
Acontium sp. (Atees) Leaves 7
Adianthum capillus Whole plant 120
Angelica glauca Roots 7
Artemisia vulgaris Leaves/ shoots 148
Atropa acuminate (angoori
shafa)
Roots 74
Berberis lyceum(Dar choob) Roots 300
Dioscorea deltoidea Rhizome 148
Dioscorea deltoidea (Kartha) Twigs 233
.
25. Table Important medicinal plant species of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Province
, Kashmir and Baluchistan and Sindh
Plant names Parts used Approximate
Annual Yield (tons)
Geranium wallichianum (Lejahari) Roots 18
Myrtus communs Fruits 45
Paeonia emodi( Mamekh) Rhizome 99
Podophyllum emodi (Ban kakri) Rhizome 55
Polygonum amplexicauler(bandok) Roots 27
Rheum emodi ( Rewand chini) Roots 259
Saxifraga ciliate ( Roots 37
Thymus serphyllum ( Ban Ajwain) Leaves 7
Valeriana wallichii ( Muski Bala) Rhizome 148
Zizyphus vulgaris (Unab) Fruits 30
.
26. Issues related to Medicinal Plants in Pakistan
1) Depletion of existing stock and presently most of the plants are found
scattered in the distant areas.
2) Threat to genetic erosion due to indiscriminate exploitation by the
collectors
3) Quality deterioration
4) Few species are reported endanger to the extinct.
5) Development of the technology of propagation and regeneration of
medicinal plants in their natural habitat.
6) Conservation of this natural resources.
28. Increasing popularity of medicinal plants
I. Low cost: herbals are relatively inexpensive and the cost
of pharmaceuticals to governments and individuals is rising
II. Drug resistance: the need for alternative treatments for
drug-resistant pathogens
III. Limitations of medicine: the existence of ailments without
an effective pharmaceutical treatment
IV. Medicinal value: laboratory and clinical corroboration of
safety and efficacy for a growing number of medicinal
plants
V. Cultural exchange: expanding contact and growing
respect for foreign cultures, including alternative systems of
medicine
VI. Commercial value: growing appreciation of trade and
other commercial economic opportunities represented by
medicinal plants
29. Economic opportunities and cultivation of MP
1. Most of the world's supply of medicinal herbs is obtained by wild
collection (often called "wildcrafting"), not by cultivation.
2. There are still many minor medicinal plant species in Country that
are abundant in nature and can be collected in a sustainable
fashion.
3. However, because of shrinking wild resources and a strengthening
sentiment that biodiversity should be preserved, cultivation is
becoming increasingly important.
4. Cultivation offers the possibility of not only preserving economically
important wild plants in their natural habitats, but also of providing
farmers with new crops.
5. Domestic and foreign markets for medicinal plants are growing
rapidly and provide important opportunities for the development and
diversification of Pakistani agriculture
30. CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS
a. A variety of medicinal plants grow in the temperate hilly region of
Pakistan. These plants gained importance in the allopathic
system of medicine .
b. Plants such as Digitalis purpurea,Atropa belladonna, Colchicum
sp. (Suranjan talkh), and many others were used in British and
American pharmacopoeias
c. This has resulted in the depletion of the existing stock and
presently most of the plants are found scattered in the distant
areas.
d. Some other species are also endangered through indiscriminate
exploitation by the collectors. For quite a few of these valuable
plants, either the quality has deteriorated or they have become
extinct.
e. Development of the technology of propagation and regeneration
of medicinal plants in their natural habitat is essential for the
conservation of this natural resource.
f. Studies carried out by the Medicinal Plants Branch have
revealed that temperate medicinal plants acquire perennial
habits and therefore take more time to reach the stage of
commercial exploitation.
31. Cultivation of medicinal plants
In country cultivation of medicinal plants is
very intermittent.Definately the medicinal
plants are not alternative in major crops.
These must be included as minor crops.
Cultivation in Rainfed area
Plants as xerophyte are growing there
potential must be exploited through
awareness and training.
32. Cultivation as intercropping in various cropping
system
Various medicinal plants , keeping in view their growth habit
can be inter cropped in orchids, forest and with major crops .
Cultivation of trees
The deciduous natural medicinal plants require more than
10 to 15 years for harvesting and economic return. These
plants may be planted on separate lands, on slope hill sides
,Banks of canal and water resources.
Weeds as Medicinal Plants
There is a need develop agro technologies to keep theses
weeds as a secondary crop. The farmers can earn an
additional income for collecting and selling different parts of
weeds.
33. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants (Winter season)
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance from
Line to Line
Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
1 Ajwain
(
Khuras
ani)
Sept-Oct 36 March May -June 500-550
2 Ajwain
desi
Sept-Oct 36 March April- May 350-400
3 Alsi Oct-Nov 30 Feb April-May 700-800
4 Kalwon
ji
Sep-Oct 30 March April-May 550-644
5 Tukhu
me
balang
o
Sept-Oct 30 Feb April 450-600
6 Malathi Sept-Oct 100 ----- After three to 4
years
4000-5000
7 Kuth Oct-Nov
(roots)
Pots --- After 3 Years
34. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Winter Season
Contd
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance
from
Line to
Line Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
8 Zeera
Sufaid
Dec-Jan Broadcas
t
--- Feb 350-375
9 Zeera Kala Sept-Oct 35 Nov Dec 375-400
10
11 Coriander Aug-Sept Broadcas
t
---- Oct-Nov
12 Methi July-Aug
13 Mehindi June -sept 45 --- March -June 1500-3000
14 Aspaghool Sept- Oct 15-20 Feb March -April 450-500
35. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Winter Season
Contd
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance
from Line
to Line
Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
15 Rai Oct-Nov 36 Feb March-April 300-350
16 Soyia Oct-Nov 36 Feb March -April 400-500
17 Kali
Zeeri
Aug-Sept 50 Nov Dec-Jan 200-250
18 Kao Oct-Nov 36 -- Feb-March 400-450
19 Meethra Sept-Oct 36 --- March-April 400-500
20 Haloon Oct-Nov 36 -- March-April 300-400
21
36. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Summer Season
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance
from Line
to Line
Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
1 Adrak March-April 45 --- Dec-Jan 2000-2500
2 Gekhwar
(Aloe
vera )
March Pots --- After 4 Years
3 Choonga
n(seed)
July Pots --- ----
4 Haldi March-April 45 --- Dec-Jan
5 Pudina Feb-March 30 --- 15-20cm
Stage
200-250
6 Saunf March -
April
45 --- June-July
7 KilKil Feb-March 50 --- Oct-Nov 160-200
37. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Summer Season
contd
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance
from
Line to
Line Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
8 Babchi March-
April
40-50 -- July -Dec 1000-1200
9 Lemon
Grass
Feb-March 50 Nov- Dec June -Aug 25000-30000
10 Koortuma March-
April
50 --- June -July 8000-1000
11 Kulfa March-
June
25 --- April-Aug 1000 kg saag
12 Till July 45 Oct-Nov
13 Castor July-Aug 3 meter ---- Nov 800
14
38. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants /trees
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance
from Line
to Line
Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield
per
Hecta
re in
Kgs
1 Sohanjana
2 Neem
3 Papita Sada Bahar
4 Mushk Bala
5 Podophylum
6 Narchi
7 Harmal
39. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants /trees
# Name Time
of
sowin
g
Distance
from Line
to Line
Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
8 Unab
9 Ber
10 Timru
11 Bsanafs
ha
12 Falsa
13 Amla March 25 feet April-May Nov -Jan 40-60 kg/plant
14 Ajmood
40. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants
# Name Time of
sowing
Distance
from Line
to Line
Cm
Flowering
Time
Time of
Harvesting
Yield per
Hectare in
Kgs
15 Amaltas
16 Kuchnar
17 Jamman