Medicinal Plants and Human Wellbeing: A Phylogenetic and Ethnobotanical Approach in the Hilly Zones of Karak, KP

Abstract

This study presents the first phylogenetic and ethnobotanical assessment of plant communities across four hilly regions in District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The research aimed to analyze the phylogenetic structure of local flora and document traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal and utilitarian uses of plant species in the area.Field surveys were conducted from March 2018 to April 2019 across four communities: Tappi Kanda, Andai, Metta Khel, and Algadi Karak. Floristic data were collected and analyzed for species richness and phylogenetic diversity. Ethnobotanical information was gathered through interviews with local inhabitants, herbalists, and traditional healers. Species were identified and classified according to standard botanical protocols.  A total of 45 plant species from 23 families were documented. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high species richness and diversity but a non-significant pattern of phylogenetic clustering across communities, suggesting a random distribution influenced by stochastic processes such as dispersal and recruitment limitations. Dominant families included Poaceae, Lamiaceae, and Chenopodiaceae, many of which propagate vegetatively. Traditional knowledge among the local population was extensive, with plants like Convolvulus arvensis, Aloe vera, Acacia modesta, and Withania coagulans used widely for medicinal purposes. However, modernization and lifestyle changes threaten the transmission of this knowledge. Additionally, overgrazing, logging, and uncontrolled harvesting were identified as major threats to local biodiversity. The findings indicate that environmental and stochastic factors shape the phylogenetic structure of plant communities in the study area. The region is rich in medicinal flora, and local communities depend heavily on plant resources for healthcare and livelihood needs. Urgent conservation strategies are needed to protect threatened species and preserve traditional knowledge. Integrating ethnobotanical heritage with sustainable resource management can support both biodiversity conservation and community development.