Exploring the Untapped Potential of Wild Edible Plants and Sustainable Utilization in Sukkur Division, Sindh, Pakistan

Human populations depend on natural resources and the biodiversity they contain, which significantly impacts local vegetation and vice versa. Indigenous communities worldwide hold an extensive repository of knowledge regarding local wild plants. This knowledge is intricately integrated into daily practices and is primarily conveyed through oral traditions. The purpose of this study was to find out how the people of the Sukkur region use wild edible plants (WEPs) for food and medicinal purposes. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 140 informants (98 males and 42 females), and the ethnobotanical information was gathered through group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires. A total of 38 species, belonging to 32 genera and 19 families, were identified, with Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae being the most represented families. Herbs constituted the majority of life forms (61%), followed by trees (26%) and shrubs (13%). Fruits were the most commonly consumed plant part (35%), with species such as Cucumis melo, Morus alba, and Salvadora persica demonstrating significant cultural and nutritional importance based on use values (UV) and citation indices (CI). Leafy vegetables, including Chenopodium album and Portulaca oleracea, were the second most utilized taxa, primarily prepared by boiling. Flowers, seeds, and pods also contributed to dietary diversity, with Capparis decidua and Nelumbo nucifera exhibiting high relative importance due to their multifunctional uses. In addition to their nutritional roles, wild edible plants (WEPs) were extensively employed in traditional medicine to address a variety of health conditions. Respiratory disorders (16.55%) and skin infections (13.68%) were the most frequently treated ailments, followed by arthritis and gastrointestinal issues. Noteworthy multipurpose species such as Salvadora persica, Calotropis procera, and Withania somnifera were utilized for various ailments, including wound healing, typhoid, and stress-related disorders. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part in medicinal practices (45%), followed by fruits (26%), seeds (10%), flowers (9%), and roots (5%). Species with the highest use reports (URs) included Calotropis procera, Chenopodium album, Capparis decidua, and Calligonum polygonoides, reflecting their central role in local healthcare systems. These findings underscore the importance of WEPs in sustaining food security, promoting health, and preserving traditional knowledge, and they emphasize the need for conservation and further phytochemical validation of these valuable plant resources.