High valued medicinal plants and their cultivation

High Valued Medicinal Plants And

Their Cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

ByMr Allah Dad Khan

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants and Their Marketing in Pakistan by Allah Dad Khan

Medicinal Plants

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 utilised as centres for the gathering and writing of information and usage of medicinal herbs.

Medicinal Plants in Quran and Hadith

The Holy Quran is one of the best reference books describing the importance of medicinal plants in different Surahs as in 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.

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).

Medicinal plants from ancient times to the present

1. Plants have been used in treating human diseases for thousands of years. 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. It is impossible to determine at what point in time mankind first discovered the medicinal use of specific plants.

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, were medicinal plant gardens attached to medical faculties or schools.

4. The use of medicinal plants is not just a custom of the distant past. 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 of plants have been employed for at least a century 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

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.

Pakistan scenario and Medicinal plants

Traditional healers (Hakims/Tabibs) are Registered by the Govt. under an Act of the Parliament but there is no regulatory control on the manufacture, sale, distribution etc. of traditional medicines.

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".

Forest Status in Pakistan

Pakistan is the ninth most densely populated country in the world. According to the latest estimates, the population of the country is over 181 million.

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.

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 5. the market; 6. Are the largely drought tolerant, and not

easily grazed by animals; 7. Have low incidence of pest attacks and

diseases; 8. Require minimum resources, therefore the

cost of cultivation is lower compared to the traditional crops;

9. • Could be raised as inter-crops, along with traditional crops, and also on degraded lands.

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

Consumption in World

1. Over 120 compounds from 90 plant species are available as prescription drugs.

2. Over 80% of world’s population (5.3 billion people) relies on plant-based medicines.

3. Approximately $ 5 billion were spent in USA on phytoceuticals (1998).

4. China about 40% of total medicinal consumption is attributed to herbal medicines.

5. Thailand- Annual sale of herbal medicine is US$ 2.5 billion.

6. Japan- Herbal medicines are more in demand than mainstream pharmaceutical products

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.

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 and the number is increasing constantly due to current interest of local researchers in natural products.

Nearly 300 medicinal plants are traded locally and internationally. Pakistan obtains more than 80 per cent of its medicaments from higher plants.

Medicinal herb in Pakistan

1) In Pakistan almost 2000 medicinal plants exists.However few are exploited and 90 % of the country medicinal herb requirement is imported .

2) About 50% populate in Pakistan cure using traditional medicines

3) There are more than 40000 traditional herb practitioners.

4) Agriculture Research and development have been focused mainly on major crops and to some extent on minor crops .

5) The medicinal herbs and spices have been ignored altogether as a result this sector is facing problems such as

Importance of Medicinal Plants

The last decade has witnessed a great revival of interest in the use of herbal medicines both in the developed as well as developing countries. 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 specially for their primary health care needs.

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.

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.

2. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Medicinal Plants Uses

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.

Table (1): Important medicinal plant species of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Province , Kashmir and Baluchistan and Sindh

Plant names Parts used ApproximateAnnual Yield (tons)

Aconitum chasmanthum (Atees)

Roots 5

Aconitum heterophyllum (Atees)

Roots 1

Acontium sp. (Atees) Leaves 7Adianthum capillus Whole plant 120Angelica glauca Roots 7Artemisia vulgaris Leaves/ shoots 148Atropa acuminate (angoori shafa)

Roots 74

Berberis lyceum(Dar choob)

Roots 300

Dioscorea deltoidea Rhizome 148Dioscorea deltoidea (Kartha)

Twigs 233

.

Table (1): Important medicinal plant species of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Province , Kashmir and Baluchistan and Sindh

Plant names Parts used ApproximateAnnual 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

.

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.

Cultivation of Medicinal

Plants

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

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. Harvesting renewable wild resources is perfectly legitimate so long as this is conducted in a sustainable fashion that does not eliminate populations or degrade the habitat where the plants grow.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 ( Khurasani)

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 Kalwonji

Sep-Oct 30 March April-May 550-644

5 Tukhume balango

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

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Winter Season Contd



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


8 Zeera Sufaid

Dec-Jan Broadcast

--- Feb 350-375

9 Zeera Kala

Sept-Oct 35 Nov Dec 375-400

10

11 Coriander Aug-Sept Broadcast

---- 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

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Winter Season Contd



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


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

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Summer Season



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


1 Adrak March-April

45 --- Dec-Jan 2000-2500

2 Gekhwar (Aloe vera )

March Pots --- After 4 Years

3 Choongan(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

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants Summer Season contd



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


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

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants /trees



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


1 Sohanjana

2 Neem

3 Papita Sada Bahar

4 Mushk Bala

5 Podophylum

6 Narchi

7 Harmal

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants /trees



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


8 Unab

9 Ber

10 Timru

11 Bsanafsha

12 Falsa

13 Amla March 25 feet April-May Nov -Jan 40-60 kg/plant

14 Ajmood

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants



Flowering Time

Time of Harvesting


15 Amaltas

16 Kuchnar

17 Jamman

Tulsi

Aloe vera

Lemon Grass

Dhania

Methi

Haldi ( Turmeric)

Fennel

Oyster Mushroom

Jamun

Choongan