An ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used for equine digestive health in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage includes traditional knowledge of plant-based remedies for animal health. This study aimed to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat equine digestive disorders in Kazakhstan, focusing on identifying culturally significant plants, their modes of preparation, and administration. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with ۷۰ informants, including horse breeders, traditional healers, and community elders across three regions of Kazakhstan. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and deposited in a national herbarium. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ethnobotanical indices, including Use Value (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL). The survey documented ۴۰ plant species from ۲۴ families used in treating equine digestive disorders. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (UV = ۰.۸۶), Ferula assa-foetida (UV = ۰.۷۹), and Artemisia absinthium (UV = ۰.۷۴) were among the most frequently cited plants. Roots and aerial parts were commonly used, often prepared as decoctions (۳۷.۵%) or infusions (۳۰.۰%). High informant consensus was observed for treatments of gastric ulcers (ICF = ۰.۹۳۹) and diarrhea (ICF = ۰.۹۲۹). Artemisia absinthium showed the highest fidelity (FL = ۹۸.۰۸%) for treating intestinal parasites. The majority of informants (۵۴.۳%) reported acquiring their ethnobotanical knowledge through family traditions, and ۸۲.۹% practiced selective harvesting for conservation. This study reveals the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of the Kazakh community regarding equine digestive health. The high consensus among informants suggests a well-established traditional knowledge system.

Keywords:

Ethnobotany , traditional medicine , Equine health , Kazakhstan