TURK 2025

Wounds are a common ailment among domestic animals in the Kyrgyz Republic, primarily due to uncontrolled grazing, where multiple species share pastures without separation. The lack of designated grazing areas and limited access to modern veterinary medicine in remote regions force farmers to rely on traditional herbal remedies for first aid and treatment. This study aims to document the plants used by Kyrgyz farmers to treat wounds, including their local names, preparation methods, and applications. The research is based on scientific studies conducted in 2015, 2018, and 2021. Participants were selected using both snowball and spontaneous sampling methods, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. According to 446 use reports (URs), farmers utilized 24 plant species from 15 families to treat wounds. These included wild herbs (435 URs) and wild trees (11 URs). The most frequently used plant families were Asteraceae and Polygonaceae (both 4 species), followed by Apiaceae (3 species) and Plantaginaceae (2 species), while the remaining families were represented by one species each. The most commonly used plants included Dracocephalum nodulosum Rupr. (58 URs), and Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (46 URs). Farmers primarily used aerial parts (218 URs), whole plants (103 URs), and roots (75 URs). The most common preparation methods were without extraction (137 URs), decoction (126 URs), and infusion (124 URs). These herbal remedies were mainly used for horses (218 URs), followed by cattle (160 URs), sheep (39 URs), donkeys (27 URs), and goats (2 URs). The remedies were primarily administered through topical application to the affected skin (413 URs), with a smaller number given orally (15 URs). Most plants used by Kyrgyz farmers to treat animal wounds are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, further phytochemical and pharmacological research is needed to validate their efficacy and safety.