Ethnopharmacological Survey of the Iranian Coastline of Makran Based on the Unani Medicine

Abstract

Background:: Makran is a semi-desert coastal strip that extends from southeastern Iran to Baluchestan, Pakistan, on the coast of the Oman Sea. This region has a special place in the country and enjoys the cultural diversity of the Baluch people. Aim:: As no specific ethnopharmacological data are available for the Makran coastline, the present work was undertaken to document and analyze traditional knowledge of medicinal approaches used by Baluch communities (Chabahar and Konarak counties) during 2021-2023 in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Methods:: Data were collected through direct observations during comprehensive field surveys, comprehensive questionnaires, and interviews with local traditional practitioners, herbal healers, and grocery and itinerant sellers of medicinal plants and minerals. Results:: Because of its strategic location, ethnomedicine knowledge of this area has been influenced by Indian and Pakistani medicine and has been endowed with a marvelous diversity of therapeutic approaches, such as Unani or Ayurvedic systems of traditional medication for the treatment of different diseases. Herbal integration, mineral (kushtas), mud, and music and heat therapy are examples of medicinal approaches utilized in the study area. A total of 74 potential medicinal plants belonging to 41 families and 6 mineral drugs have been identified to be traditionally used for remedial measures against special diseases. The inventory of medicinal plants showed that Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Malvaceae dominated other plant families. Out of the total documented species in this area, some species were used as medicine in at least two or further forms in the local communities. The results have shown that musculoskeletal (SKE-L), digestive (GAS-D), and respiratory (RES-R) diseases have high ICF (>0.90). In terms of temperament, 37% of the medicinal plants used in this region have been found to be hot and dry, 28% hot and moist, and 25% cold and dry. Also, 77% of the medicinal plants have been found to have two degrees of toxicity. Spearman's correlation showed a moderate correlation between temperament and phytochemical compounds (r=0.31). Comparing our data with ethnopharmacological references in Iran revealed that applications of minerals (kushtas) have not been investigated in other provinces and are significant in this region. Conclusion:: The culture of the coast of Makran is rich in the local knowledge of traditional medicine. In addition to herbal medicines, mineral substances are also used in this area, which are a good source for the treatment of various ailments. The Unani medical system and the composition of herbal medicine (multi-ingredients) are the main features of medicinal methods used at the Makran coastline. The variety of treatment methods used by the Baluch people can suggest a suitable candidate for finding drugs.