Study of Biological Properties of Ethnobotanically Important Plants of Tehsil Kotmomin

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical and antimicrobial evaluation of Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) and Mentha piperita (mint), two medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities in Kot Momin, Sargodha District, Punjab, Pakistan. Ethnobotanical data were collected from two demographic groups aged 20–35 and 35–55 using structured questionnaires to document plant parts used, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications. Participants reported that Mentha piperita is commonly consumed as powdered leaves or tea to manage gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory illnesses, kidney issues, CNS-related problems, and immune deficiencies. In contrast, Eriobotrya japonica is primarily used in the form of decoctions and infusions prepared from leaves, seeds, and fruits to treat cough, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, allergies, lung cancer, and to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Extracts of both plants were prepared in ethanol, methanol, and distilled water and tested against bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida, and Bacillus subtilis, as well as fungal strains including Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Microsporum ferrugineum. Results revealed significant antibacterial activity, particularly from methanolic and aqueous extracts. Mentha piperita ethanolic stem extract showed exceptional inhibition against E. coli, exceeding the standard antibiotic rifampicin. Essential oil and methanolic root extracts exhibited strong activity against Bacillus subtilis and Pasteurella multocida. Eriobotrya japonica also demonstrated notable antibacterial and antifungal properties, especially in ethanol-based root and seed extracts due to triterpenoids and saponins. Leaf aqueous extracts showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella multocida. The overall findings validate the traditional medicinal relevance of both plants and highlight their potential as sources of natural antimicrobial agents. Plants constitute an essential component of life on Earth and are considered an inexhaustible biotic resource for sustaining ecological and human health. They provide food, oxygen, shelter, and numerous therapeutic substances, forming the foundation of traditional healing systems worldwide. Of the estimated 2.5 million plant species, nearly 80,000 are believed to possess medicinal value, and approximately three quarters of the global population continues to rely on plant-based remedies for primary healthcare. Traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants arises from long-standing cultural practices and comprises skills, beliefs, and methods evolved within local community.