LAHORE, June 18: The Punjab University’s Institute of Mycology and Plant Pathology (IMPP) has preserved 350 types of rare plants and 75 flowers, as institute teachers and students are conducting various experiments on these rare plants to use them for the treatment of various diseases.

The institute has also established Herbal Heritage Centre, where rare plants are being looked after. Among these plants, there are some varieties that exist only in Pakistan. ‘Podophyilium emodie’ is such a plant that is available in northern areas and very much useful for treatment of cancer.

There is a dire need to create awareness among masses about the advantages of these plants and flowers so that the next generations could be benefited from them.

This was stated by Institute’s acting director Dr Ghazala Naseem in a news statement issued here on Wednesday.

She said there were a number of plants in Pakistan, whose use had brought about development in medical history. She said plants had the quality to change the weather and some plants had the properties to play an important role in killing sects around the plants, which were harmful to human beings.

She said ‘aloe vera’ was a plant whose gel was used in cosmetic items and Pakistan imported it in large quantity. She said the IMPP was working to get clear gel from the plant so that the money being spent on import could be saved.

She said plants like ‘parthinium’ were proving harmful to human lives in breathing in the federal capital and there was a dire need to create awareness among the people about this issue.

She said maximum use of ginger and garlic could be helpful in avoiding many diseases.

RESEARCH GRANT: The Punjab University Academic Staff Association has demanded of the university administration to double the research grant and overseas scholarships for faculty development.