2020, Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part B

author(s)
Abdulrahman AL Hinai, Darach A Lupton and Ghudaina Al Issai

abstract
The history of traditional plant uses in Oman stretches back over millennia. However, little detail relating to the species and their uses has been documented. Here we focus on documenting medicinal plant species and their applications in the Eastern Hajar Mountains in northern Oman. 107 plant species, belonging to 50 plant families were recorded as having one or more medicinal uses. Gastro-intestinal disorders such as colic, diarrhea, and constipation were the most cited ailments treated using traditional plant-based medicines. Other conditions include eye disorders; cardiovascular and circulatory diseases; dental; dermatological diseases; ENT; fever; headache (diaphoretic); genital and sexual diseases; nerve disorders; respiratory problems; skeletal-muscular problems; snake and scorpion bites, and urinary complaints. Rhazay stricta Decne. is the most widely used plant species. Many of the surveyed plants are common, widely distributed throughout the area; 4 plants are endemic to Oman; 9 are regionally endemic, and 3 rare and threatened.