An Investigation on the Medicinal Plants Promoting Women's Health in the Punjab Province of Pakistan

Methodology

The literature search was initiated by conducting an extensive background study, specifically emphasizing treatments, including herbal medicines to treat female ailment. A systematic and comprehensive exploration of several electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, Science Direct, Springer Link, Scopus, offline printed books and local civilians, was undertaken to identify pertinent papers published in English from 1975 to June 2023. The search technique diverse biodiversity encompasses nine primary ecological amplitudes, with certain sections endowed with exceptional biodiversity [9]. Pakistan comes somewhat late to the science of ethnobotany compared to other countries. However, in recent decades, researchers from around the country have done extensive work in this area.

Study area

Punjab is mostly a rich region within river basins, but  Cholistan  southern belt deserts are arid. Weather extremes are noticeable, ranging from the scorching and dry south to the chilly highlands of the north. The Himalayan Mountains can also be located in the far north. Punjab is situated in the north-eastern part of Pakistan, between 31°15′ - 31°45′ N and 74°01′- 74°39′ E in terms of latitude and longitude. On the northern outskirts of Punjab, the Ravi River runs (Figure 1). The environment is ideal for growing a wide variety of medicinal plants. Several medicinal plants supply raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry that thrive in the state’s climatic conditions.

included a variety of terms, such as “herbs,” “medicinal plants,” “herbal compounds,” “herbal remedies,” “  female sickness,” ”gynaecology,” ”amenorrhea,” “anemia,” “oligomenorrhea,” “dysmenorrhea,” “menorrhagia,” “uterine” and “haemorrhaging.” The papers were first evaluated based on their titles and abstracts. A thorough assessment of their whole texts was undertaken to ensure the independence of the chosen studies. In contrast, supplementary examinations were located by meticulously examining the bibliographies of the desired articles.

Abrus precatorius Linn.

Family: Papilionaceae; Fabaceae Common name: ratti, qirat Uses:  Previous literature surveys indicated that  Abrus precatorius  had been employed in several alternative medical systems. The leaves could treat mouth sores, boils, and other wounds and calm the nerves. Abrus precatorius is not only a powerful aphrodisiac but also an abortifacient, laxative, soothing, and digestive aid. The roots are used to treat gonorrhea, hepatitis, and hemoglobinuria bile. It is believed that the oil that may be derived from the seeds can encourage the development of human hair [27]. Local people used the paste of roots for curing abdominal pains, tumors, and abortion.

Achyranthes aspera L.

Family: Amaranthaceae Common name: aghara, chirchira Uses: The findings of a previous study made it abundantly evident that Achyranthes aspera is a significant medicinal plant. The root extract has a considerable amount of the hormonal action that causes insect molting. They also treat wounds, abdominal tumors, and stomach discomfort. It is often believed that this plant may protect from dangerous animals like wasps and reptiles [28]. Women in the area ground up the roots, leaves, and stem and used it as a paste in the vagina after birth to relieve vaginal discomfort. When cotton wool is soaked in this plant’s root juice and kept in the vagina, it relieves vaginal pain and flows menstruation blockage.

Artemisia vulgaris L.

Family: Asteraceae Common name: majtari, mastaru, buer, charmar Uses: According to the results of previous research, Artemisia vulgaris is often used in traditional Asian medicine to control gastrointestinal discomfort and cure gynecological disorders. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it has a long history of use in treating leprosy and cholera. For the treatment of diarrhea and sores, an essential oil is recommended [29]. The herb is also highly effective in addressing pregnancy issues, labor pain, and severe leucorrhoea. In addition, taking the water extracts (10-20 ml) made from the front part of the flower and the leaves is beneficial in menstrual-related diseases and menopausal disorders.

Artemisia absinthium

Family: Asteraceae Common name: afsanteen, qaisoom Uses:  The results of previous research made it clear that Artemisia absinthium is used in Unani medicine to treat chronic fever, hepatitis, and oedema, as well as in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat malignancy by reducing angiogenesis. The  Artemisia absinthium  plant›s blooms help treat digestive problems, while the leaves lower fever. Its tincture has a high market value and is used as a tonic and digestive aid. Numerous medical disorders, including jaundice, dyspepsia, obesity, anaemia, insomnia, and urinary ailments, have all been linked to the use of this plant. This plant is the source of several topical skin care treatments, wounds that are difficult to heal, and menstrual cramps [30]. Local herbal practitioners use alcoholic extract (10 drops three times a day) to treat premature menopause and to alleviate discomfort in the ovaries.

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb

Family: Cuscutaceae/Convolvulaceae Common name: amar bel Uses: Numerous research studies have shown the effectiveness of Cuscuta reflexa juice as a diaphoretic, astringent, anti- fertility agent, and treatment for itchy skin and jaundice. The entire plant may make a decoction that treats skin conditions, hepatitis, coughing, pneumonia, temperature, sex excitation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, dandruff, and bone joining. Stem decoction reveals beneficial effects in ulcer and liver problems, including laxatives, antihelmintics, sedatives, and diuretics. At the same time, the leaf extract is utilized as an anti-diarrheal and anti-hypertensive. The paste from this plant’s roots treats enlarged testicles, rheumatism, and joint discomfort. It also has abortion, anti-rheumatic, and analgesic effects. Fruit juice is beneficial for jaundice and effective for eczema and scabies as an antipyretic and cough suppressant [31]. According to Dais, washing the vagina after producing an amar bel decoction treats vaginal problems.

Abutilon indicum G. Don.

Family: Malvaceae Common name: kanghi Uses: Previous findings that have been published showed that this plant had been reported in many traditional Indian systems of medicine. Inflammations, ulcers, stomach cramps, headaches, hyperglycaemia, and infections have responded well to treatments, including all or part of this plant. It was utilized by traditional healers to treat various conditions, including gout, TB, ulcers, hepatitis, leprosy, gonorrhoea, pneumonia, malarial fever, piles, and many hemorrhage problems. A decoction from its roots and seeds treats fever and cough. The plant’s roots are a nerve tonic for treating paralyzed and rheumatic pain. Some indigenous communities in India use a powder made from the dry leaves of this herb combined with wheat flour to cure uterine dislocation. A decoction of leaves and roots is often employed to treat oral issues. It has been said that applying a paste made from leaves directly to the site of a scorpion sting may help reduce the agony [32]. Locals made paste from leaves, milk, and sugar crystals (mishri) for leucorrhoea treatment.

Allium cepa Linn.

Family: Amaryllidaceae Common name: onion, piyaz Uses: Allium cepa has been traditionally used for its remedial characteristics in managing various ailments. The essence of  Allium cepa  proliferated into ancient Greece, where it was used as a blood purifier for athletes. The Greek and Phoenician sailors consumed it to prevent scurvy. Moreover, the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed onion as a wound healer, diuretic, and pneumonia fighter. Published investigations have shown that  Allium cepa  is used in homeopathic medicine as a mother tincture to treat various conditions, including diarrhoea, facial paralysis, hay fever, hernia, laryngitis, pneumonia, and trauma. Onion has been used for healing both internally and externally. Internally, onion has been recommended to treat bronchitis, whooping, asthma, and other respiratory problems. It is believed to help loosen lung congestion and expand the airways. Maceration of  Allium cepa  is used in Hypertension, Diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, expectorant, flu, cough with catarrh, and snake bite. The juice of its bulb is given three times a day for a month for kidney stone disease. Moreover, bulb extracts mixed with mentha leaves are taken orally for a week for epilepsy, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, bacteriostatic, anthelmintic, and rubefacient. They are also used for pulmonary infections, ear infections, demulcent, and mouth ulcers [33]. For menstrual problems, the juice of the bulb is heated and given as four spoonful twice a day. To treat various skin conditions, including acne, gonorrhoea, and skin infections, one or two onion scales are boiled in mustard oil and pulverized, then applied twice daily for 2–3 days.

Blumea balsamifera

Family: Asteraceae Common name: ngai camphor Uses: Previous research has shown that Blume balsaminifera may effectively treat various medical conditions, including wounds, diarrhea, anemia, kidney problems, migraines, stomach issues, and arthritis. The plant’s dried leaves may be smoked to treat symptoms of bronchitis, abdominal pain, and coughing, and they can also be mixed with the leaves of other herbs to create a bath component for women immediately after birth [34]. The locals make a paste from the leaves to relieve painful periods.

Carica papaya L.

Family: Caricaceae Common name: papaya_, papita Uses: Based on the findings of past investigations, the juice extracted from papaya leaves has significantly improved blood coagulation, liver health, and overall platelet count. When the seed is eaten, it kills worms in the intestines. Coughing, pneumonia, and other related diseases are treated by chewing the root and swallowing the juice. Nasal congestion may also be alleviated by chewing the seeds of a ripe pawpaw fruit. Unripe, green papaya has medicinal use as an antibacterial. Green papaya leaf tea is beneficial for various digestive and metabolic issues, including but not limited to chronic indigestion, excessive weight, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cardiac weakness. The ripe fruit treats bleeding piles, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal, renal, purgative, hypnotic, and tonic issues. Fruits high in chlorophyll are effective against many diseases, including malaria, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high blood cholesterol, and hepatitis. Roots and bark have been used to treat syphilis, toothaches, abortions, and digestive issues [35]. For thousands of years, _Carica papaya has been used as an abortion agent, prevents pregnancy, increases menstrual flow, and induces lactation. Local used to treat menstrual irregularities (no menstruation, heavy bleeding during menstruation, and pain during menstruation) and to help the mother recuperate after pregnancy.

Curcuma longa L.

Family: Zingiberaceae Common name: turmeric, haldi Uses: According to evidence from previous studies, Curcuma longa  is a traditional medicine in Pakistan and India to aid in healing wounds and reducing acne in folk medicine used as a tonic, an antiviral, an antimicrobial, an anti- inflammatory, and a preservation. In addition, it is also used in treating gastrointestinal difficulties such as heartburn, bloating, flatulence, and sores, as well as a variety of other dental and gastrointestinal complaints. Indian villagers traditionally apply a rhizome paste to sore muscles and joints for immediate relief. To treat skin infections and enhance their appearance, tribal women use a paste made from freshly ground rhizomes. Daily use of Curcuma longa reduces the risk of blood clots and high blood sugar levels. Some evidence is that turmeric may help reduce discomfort in the mucous membranes that border the lungs, throat, stomach, and intestines. As a traditional home medicine, turmeric has been used to speed the healing of wounds. It also treats gastrointestinal problems, liver difficulties, leukemia, cardiovascular, rheumatism, menstruation disorders, infectious diseases, and glaucoma. Curcumin is currently considered a good potential “unique drug” often used as a supplement in many countries [36]. Locals mixed turmeric and lodhra herb powder in water and applying it on the breasts is beneficial for breast-related diseases.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

Family: Malvaceae Common name: gudhal Uses: According to evidence from previous studies, people have relied on the healing properties of the flower to alleviate symptoms of anything from high blood pressure and abdominal discomfort to liver issues. Much evidence indicates that hibiscus has a diuretic effect. Additionally, the fruits may be used to treat sprains, wounds, and other ailments. The flowers may help with heart disease, insulin levels, epilepsy, tuberculosis, etc. A root infusion is employed to cure vaginal infections [37]. Local women use this plant to treat menstrual abnormalities, such as excessive bleeding during menstruation and venereal illnesses. They make a cup of honey-enhanced hibiscus tea to control heavy menstrual bleeding, and drink this 1-2 times per day to reduce symptoms.

Psidium guajava L.

Family: Myrtaceae Common name: amrood, guava Uses: The prior literature survey reveals that eating raw guava leaves first thing in the morning helps to control diabetes. In India, it is common for indigenous communities to employ a traditional practice of utilizing guava leaf-infused tea to manage and averter episodes of diarrhea. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders are sometimes prescribed guava leaf extracts. Guava seeds are a powerful laxative that may relieve bowel problems and empty the intestines in addition to their other applications. The leaves may be eaten right away in the case of a toothache. Guava leaf consumption has been linked to reduced cold and flu symptoms severity. Incredibly beneficial effects have been linked to using guava leaf to alleviate hyperacidity in the stomach [38]. Locals said that root barks of  Psidium guajava  alleviate symptoms of monthly irregularities and discomfort, and it can also act as an emmenagogue and stop uterine bleeding. Moreover leaf extract resulted in reduced pain intensity.

Ricinus communis L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae Common name: arandi Uses:  Evidence from the existing body of work suggested that the oil of Ricinus communis has several practical uses, including as a laxative, a lubricant, and a light source. Moreover, it is often used to induce labor in late pregnancies, on its own or in combination with quinine sulphate. The oil may be injected intramuscular injections or subcutaneously to deliver steroid hormones. Leaves are sometimes given to cattle to boost milk production. A dry powder of the leaves is applied to the skin to ward off aphids, mosquitoes, insects, and rust lice. Oiled and warmed leaves are traditionally applied to the stomachs of youngsters suffering from flatulence. Leaves infused in water are used topically to the eyes and to soothe stomach aches. Lumbago and related pain may be treated with a decoction from the roots, while toothache can be alleviated with a paste from the same ingredients. Some people claim that the bark of some roots may be used as an effective laxative. The juice of the leaves or a poultice rubbed on the breasts stimulates lactation. In cases of drugs like opium poisoning, the fresh juice of the leaves is used as an emetic; it is also said to be effective in jaundice [39]. The locals claim that three seeds are administered to women for anti-fertility after removing their seed coatings, and they will not be able to conceive for several years. Moreover, to stimulate menstruation, take 1-2 leaf juice orally daily in the morning.