Ethnopharmacological Insights into Brassicaceae Plants of Quetta: Traditional Medicinal Applications

The reliance on plants as sources of traditional medicine is one of humanity’s oldest healthcare practices and remains vital in many communities today. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacological knowledge of Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) plants used for medicinal purposes in District Quetta, Pakistan. Field data were collected through structured and semi-structured interviews using open- and close-ended questionnaires with 200 informants, including 58% males, 27% females, and 15% traditional healers (pansars). Participants were categorized into three age groups (20–39, 40–59, and 60–70 years) to evaluate generational differences in knowledge. A total of 44 plant species belonging to 15 genera were documented, such as Brassica, Capsella, Caulanthus, Alyssum, and Arabis. For each taxon, ethnomedicinal applications, plant parts used, life form, frequency of citation (FC), and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were recorded. The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF = 0.85) was observed for respiratory ailments, indicating strong agreement among informants regarding the efficacy of Brassicaceae remedies for lung-related illnesses. Brassica nigra (black mustard) showed the highest use value (UV = 5), while Caulanthus amplexicaulis had the greatest number of use reports (UR = 9). Both Capsella and Caulanthus amplexicaulis shared the highest RFC (0.065). The findings highlight the significant role of Brassicaceae species in local healthcare practices and their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. However, unsustainable harvesting and increasing anthropogenic pressures threaten these valuable plant resources. Conservation strategies and documentation of indigenous knowledge are urgently needed to safeguard both plant biodiversity and cultural heritage in Quetta.