Cross-cultural ethnomedicinal study of the wild species of the genus Berberis used by the ethnic communities living along both sides of the Indo-Pak border in Kashmir

Background: Plants have been the basis of human medical systems for thousands years in Pakistan and India. This study was conducted to compare traditional medicinal knowledge species diversity genus Berberis that are widely distributed area. Methods: The data collected through group discussion face-to-face interviews from 2,368 participants during 2020–2022, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: We total five Berberis. Four (Berberis aristata, lycium, pseudumbellata, vulgaris) were documented Kashmir four kashmirana, pseudumbellata) most commonly reported both areas lycium. common diseases treated Kashmir, India, digestive diseases, Pakistan, liver endocrine system diseases. root found be used plant part regions (33% all uses). decoction predominantly preparation herbal remedies (26%). Conclusion: results this clearly show ethnomedicinal is still alive area, but due political restrictions, local people cannot share easily. Keywords: Ethnomedicine; Genus Berberis; Cross-cultural study; Pakistan; India