Exploration of exotic ethno botanical potential in district Poonch Azad Jammu Kashmir

Abstract

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a famous natural territory with ecological zones for medicinal and aromatic plants. Especially district Poonch is blessed with wide range of climatic zones from subtropical to alpine zones which provide a home for medicinal herbs. Keeping these facts in mind twelve exotic species (Calendula officinalis L., Cynara scolymus L., Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., Lavendula angustifolia Mill., Mimosa pudica L. Mentha X piperita L., Melissa officinalis L. Origanum majurona L. Rosmarinus officinalis L., Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni), Solanum muricatum Ait., Thymus vulgaris L. were acquired from (Bio Conservation Institute) NARC Islamabad and were planted in botanical repository at Govt. Boys College Campus. After successful plantation and cultivation different formulations like powder, oil, paste, infusion and extract were prepared from these medicinal plants. To check medicinal value of each species these formulation were distributed to 100 local habitants of Azad Kashmir. These investigations on exotic species in local area were continued during the last four years. These studies revealed that AJK has good adoptability for exotic species. Introduction, adoptability and ethno botanical collaboration of exotic MAPs can be proved beneficial for local peoples for curing basic health problems and for pharmaceutical developments.