Traditional plant-based medicines used to treat musculoskeletal disorders in district North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: This paper provides noteworthy information about the use of therapeutic plants for treating musculoskeletal disorders in a district, in North Waziristan, Pakistan. This survey aimed to document information regarding indigenous uses of plants in basic healthcare practices among rural people in regions, which may guide natural drug discovery and development. Objective The present study aims to document indigenous knowledge regarding medicinal plants used against musculoskeletal disorders in North Waziristan. Methods In total, 130 informants were interviewed using group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Documented ethnomedicinal data was analyzed using quantitative indices of relative frequency of citation (RFC), used value (UV) and fidelity level (FL). Results During the present studyatotalof60plant species belonging to39 plant families were reported with their medicinal usage to treat musculoskeletal disorders. The most dominant growth form were herbs (56.67%), decoction was preferred method of utilization (32.31%) and leaves were the most used plant part (21.88%). The highest used category was recorded for rheumatism (26 spp.). The highest use value was reported for Bergenia ciliata (0.87). Conclusion This study provides important information about therapeutic plants practice for musculoskeletal disorders among local communities of North Waziristan, Pakistan. The baseline findings of this study might be valuable in compiling information for future pharmacological and phytochemical screening of plant species leading to natural drug discovery and development.