Pharmaceutically significant ethnomedicinal flora of District Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, India

Himachal Pradesh situated in North-west Himalayas is known for its varied vegetation found at different altitudes of the hilly state. Flora of district Kangra also shows variation from tropical to the alpine zone. Local people living in close vicinity of luxuriant medicinal flora have a great indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and have been using this flora persistently to fulfil various requirements including treatment of various health problems. The study was carried out in the years 2018–2021. The ethnobotanical wisdom acquired through generations supports the appropriate use of local flora. These plants are frequently used by local people to alleviate ailments. A total of 42 wild plant species relevant to local people and their usage in herbal formulations prepared by local pharmaceuticals have been collected and reported in this study carried out between 2018- 2021. Local herbal pharmaceutical industries were visited to study the composition of their formulations. The main focus of this study was on the identification and documentation of ethno-medicinally and pharmaceutically important plants commonly found in the area. Utilization of plant parts varies in different plants; it may be whole plant, roots, stem, rhizome, fruits, seeds or bulb and tuber in herbal medicines. Our findings depict that the leaves of most of the studied plants specimens have been used in treatment of diseases. This comprehensive study of plants of ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical significance can be beneficial for future generations and prospective pharmaceutical studies.