Abstract:
The current exploration provides an important ethnobotanical data about the usage of
Wild Edible Fruit species from Northern Pakistan. It is the first study on the
ethnobotanical uses of WEFs, quantitatively assessed using several indices. A novelty
of use reports, part use and mode of utilization is derived from comparison with
previous published research works. The major focus of this investigation is to document
the traditional information, usage and to assess conservation status of WEFs.
Ethnobotanical information is recorded through semi-structured and open-ended
interviews using questionnaire and group discussions from 538 local informers of
varied ages, gender, education levels, and experience. The ethnobotanical information
was quantitatively analyzed using indices like FIV, RFC, FIC, RI, UV, JI, FI, CI and
PR. The study reported 95 WEF species and their traditional uses, belonging to 38
families, 58 genera with 47.4 % trees, 36.8 % shrubs and 15.8 % herbs. Family
Rosaceae dominate the list of families by 23 species, followed by Rhamnaceae 9
species and Moraceae 7 species. Family Berberidaceae represents highest values for
FIV (47.7 %). The maximum utilized plant part(s) is fruit used in raw form (47 %), 53
species are categorized for food and medicinal purpose, 33 species for Join/Body aches,
53 species for digestive disorders and 39 species of WEFs are specifically used in
respiratory complaints. Mean FIC was (0.25) indicates low agreement of respondents
for disease categories, FIC for Joint/body aches was highest (0.72), digestive disorders
(0.5) and Respiratory complaints (0.4). Use value suggests high relative importance for
Punica granatum (0.6), followed by Juglans regia (0.05). The average mean
percentages on use reports was (18 %) for each species. Traditional knowledge is
prevailing in the region, found more in people of old ages as compared to young ones.
Many of the WEFs documented have multiple uses, and a single fruit species for many
tenacities. The study encompasses the need to conserve the traditional knowledge and
carry out future phytochemical investigations to appraise important minerals, nutrients,
antioxidant potential and toxic effects of WEFs. The study will serve as a reference data
for nutritionists, particularly in food chemistry, health and industry. In addition, ways
and means are needed to preserve and use natural reserve in a maintainable way.
