THE ETHNOMEDICINAL PROFILE OF FAMILY ROSACEAE; A STUDY ON PAKISTANI PLANTS

Abstract

Keeping in view the growing interest of people worldwide towards the medicinal plants; it is of critical importance to document and authenticate the indigenous knowledge regarding medicinal plant administration for the treatment of various ailments. This will also enable the forth coming generation to conduct scientific studies using high throughput technologies to investigate the potential of such medicinal plants. Ethnobotany and ethnomedicine have attracted many scientists because it involves the struggle for cheaper, novel and effective therapeutics from plants. Since the beginning of humanity, plants are used for medicinal purposes in various forms. In the last few years herbal practices have attained global relevance. Among the different plant families, Rosaceae is well known for its therapeutic potential. Plants belonging to Rosaceae are common in Pakistan and used by the different ethnic groups to treat their ailments. The present communication deals with the different ethnomedicinal uses reported in the peer reviewed articles of the various species present in Pakistan.