Ethnobotanical appraisal of the medicinal flora and funga in Rukum West District, Nepal

Documenting Indigenous and local knowledge is crucial to safeguard it amid biocultural crises. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical methods to document the medicinal flora and fungi used by a mixed community in one of the least explored regions of western Nepal. A total of 124 species used to treat as many as 63 diseases and disorders were reported by 52 purposively selected informants. Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most commonly used plant families, with herbs being the dominant growth form, represented by 64 species. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts in medicinal formulations, followed by roots. Ninety-five percent of the species were gathered from the wild and primarily used to treat dermatological and gastrointestinal conditions, for which higher informant agreement was also recorded. Additionally, Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora were the most valued species among the respondents. While this study identified a few novel uses, reports of similar uses for various species highlight the cultural exchange of knowledge and practices among communities. This study also examined threats to medicinal plants and recommended raising public awareness, along with developing locally adapted conservation strategies.