Ethnobotanical Treatment of Conjunctivitis Using Medicinal Plants in Quetta District, Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as "pink eye" or "Madras eye," is an ocular inflammatory condition affecting the conjunctival membrane lining the eyelid and the exposed white portion of the eyeball (sclera). This disease manifests through symptoms such as ocular redness, itching, burning, pain, and a scratchy sensation. This study was conducted to document and analyze traditional knowledge regarding the use of ethnobotanical plant species for the treatment of conjunctivitis in the Quetta district of Balochistan, Pakistan. Ethnomedicinal data were collected from 120 local informants through a combination of structured surveys and both open and close-ended interviews. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Use Report (UR), Use Value (UV), Frequency Citation (FC), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) and Family Importance Value (FIV), were employed to assess the significance and popularity of the medicinal plants cited by the participants. This study identified 30 plant species, each belonging to a different family, traditionally employed in the management of conjunctivitis. Among these, the Solanaceae and Apiaceae families were the most dominant, each contributing three species. The leaves and fruits of plants were the most frequently utilized parts (35%), with the majority of preparations administered as extracts (39%). Other preparation forms included powders, oils, and pastes. Solanum tuberosum (potato) emerged as the most valued species, exhibiting the highest Relative Frequency Citation (RFC = 0.05) and Use Value (UV = 0.85). Cocos nucifera (coconut) also held high ethnobotanical significance, with the maximum Use Report (UR = 7) among all recorded species. This study is the first quantitative ethnobotanical documentation focused on conjunctivitis treatment in the Quetta district and highlights the continued reliance of indigenous communities on traditional plant-based remedies for ocular care. The findings affirm that while plant-based treatments may require extended application for noticeable therapeutic effects, their consistent use especially involving plant leaves and fruits can contribute to effective management of conjunctivitis without adverse side effects. The study establishes a foundational dataset for future pharmacological exploration and encourages further investigation into the phytochemical composition and toxicological safety of the most frequently utilized plant species for potential incorporation into modern therapeutic frameworks.