Open Herbarium

This checklist was created from the source cited, but the names and families reflect the taxonomic treatment adopted by the Pteridoportal, a Symbiota portal run by Pteridologists. The following abstract is modified from that provided by Ullah et al. The indigenous communities of Shishikoh valley regularly use various ferns taxa. This paper documented the ethnomedicinal knowledge of ferns. A total of 17 species representing were recorded as  having antithelminthic, antirheumatic, astringent or wound healing properties and were used in the treatment of ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, hepatitis, infertility, influenza, kidney disorders, measles, oral ulcer, oral thrush, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, pharyngitis, scorpi-on bite, sinusitis, tonsillitis and tuberculosis. Ethnomedicinal knowledge is a valuable source for the innovation of different allopathic, homeopathic and herbal drugs that are used for the treatment of different ailments. The fern species may be used commercially for medicinal purposes through sustainable way. Research, sustainable harvesting and cultivation combined with awareness of their medicinal value among local communities could lead to the discovery of new drugs. Mary E. Barkworth, 5 November 2023