Ethnobotany Research and Applications

Ethnomedicinal use of plants by Ain Chkef (North Central Morocco) community to boost immunity and overcome SARS COV-2 infection

2024-04-07T10:19:49+00:00

Background: The appearance of the virus SARS-COV-2 in China, December 2019 has resulted in worldwide pandemic. In anticipation of the development of an effective vaccine against this virus, Moroccan people from different areas have used medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) to boost their immunity and overcome this pandemic. Thus, several surveys were performed in different Moroccan cities to gather data concerning MAPs used for this purpose. However, there is a lack of such studies in Moroccan rural communes where the use of herbal remedies is more dominant. Therefore, we have performed an ethnobotanical study in Ain Chkef rural commune to collect information related to MAPs used in this area during the pandemic COVID-19.

Methods: A survey regarding the use of MAPs by people of Ain Chkef area was performed. 149 people were interviewed. Collected data was analyzed using plant citation indexes. Multiple Components Analysis was performed to determine correlations between plants and humans’ socio-demographic characteristics.

Results: A total of 23 plants species were cited, belonging to 15 botanical families. The dominant families were Myrtaceae and Rutaceae. Whereas the most cited species were Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.). Leaves were used more frequently than the other plant organs, and fumigation was the preponderant preparation method.

Conclusion: The present study highlights MAPs used by people in Ain Chkef against COVID-19 during the pandemic. Thus, it constitutes an important database for researchers for the discovery of new bioactive compounds from MAPs, efficient against COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; medicinal plants; Ain Chkef community.

Local community perception on medicinal plant knowledge use and influencing variables among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia

2024-08-07T17:18:01+00:00

Background: In Ethiopia, affordability, religious beliefs, and access to healthcare facilities are theoretically linked with the preferences for medicinal plant knowledge uses. Yet, there is still insufficient information about the factors contributing to the link between medicinal plant knowledge use and associated drivers. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing local communities' preferences and perceptions of medicinal plant knowledge practice among Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama ethnic groups.

Methods: The study used ethnobotanical data from 837 participants from Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama ethnic group, collected through semi-structured interviews. A five-dimensional Likert scale was used to determine preferences and factors affecting the perceived use of medicinal plant knowledge. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared test was appled to examine the impact of socio-demographic variables on perceived use of medicinal plant knowledge among informants.

Results: The study found that efficacy was the most significant reason for practicing medicinal plant knowledge against several human ailments (RII = 0.686). Misleading communication is a major factor that alters the perceived use of medicinal plant

knowledge among ethnic groups (RII = 0.719). Age, gnder, education, and marital status are significantly (P < 0.05) associated variables with the perceived use of medicinal plant knowledge among the variables compared.

Conclusion: The study found that traditional knowledge is widely accepted among the three ethnic groups studied. The effectiveness and beliefs of traditional knowledge is considerable, indicating the need for publicizing its benefits and risks. Moreover, further research needed on safety, validity, and efficacy to make it widely available as an alternative medicine.

Keywords: Ethiopia, perception, rural-urban interface, socio-demographic variables, traditional plant medicine

An ethnobotanical survey of plant species used for medicinal purposes in Amuru district, northern Uganda

2024-07-09T07:37:40+00:00

Background: Medicinal plants provide health care to rural communities that have limited access to modern medicine in Uganda. Thus, documenting medicinal plants is important for their sustainable utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge.

Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in August 2021 to assess the knowledge and use of medicinal plants in Lamogi Sub-County, Amuru district. We randomly sampled and interviewed 334 household heads using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, familiarity index (FI), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF).

Results: Most of the respondents (90%) had knowledge of medicinal plants used for treating ailments in their community (high ICF values above 0.9). Plant with the highest FI value was Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip. indicating its wide use in the community. Chi-square tests showed significant associations between the knowledge of medicinal plants and education level, occupation, age, marital status and monthly income of respondents (p < 0.05). Forty-nine medicinal plants from 30 families were documented, with Fabaceae and Asteraceae having the most species. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (65.4%), followed by roots (13.6%). Herbal remedies were mostly prepared by crushing and smearing on the body, infusion, decoction and administered orally.

Conclusion: The people of Amuru district have rich indigenous knowledge of diverse medicinal plants used for treating ailments. Most medicinal plants are harvested from the wild, threatening their survival and this requires putting in place practical conservation measures.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical, Ethnomedicine, Herbal remedies, Northern Uganda, Traditional use

Diversity of plant species with ethnomedicinal potential for treating arterial hypertension and gastric ulcers, two chronic diseases: an ethnobotanical assessment in Benin

2024-06-06T09:35:05+00:00

Background: The high prevalence of chronic diseases, including arterial hypertension (AHT) and gastric ulcers, in Africa highlights a severe health problem. Many patients resort to medicinal plants due to the high cost of medications and an inadequate healthcare system. This study aimed to dertermine plant species used in remedies for AHT and gastric ulcers, their ethnomedicine features and users’ perceptions of threat and conservation strategies in Benin.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data by structured interviews were collected from 504 individuals (traditional therapists, plant consumers and sellers) from different sociocultural groups, identified by the snowball technique. Data relating to different medicinal plants used to treat AHT and gastric ulcers were collected. The relative frequencies of citation (RFC) of the species mentioned were calculated, then factorial correspondence analysis was used to determine the relationship between socio-cultural groups and plants.

Results: A total of 193 plant species belonging to 63 botanical families were determined as used to cure AHT and gastric ulcers. The most represented families were: Fabaceae (33 species), Malvaceae (9 species) and Asteraceae (8 species). Herbs (45%) and leaves (60%) were the most used life form and plant par, respectively. Decoction and infusion were the most common extraction methods of water-soluble drug substances in leaves while maceration was common for bark and roots.

Conclusion: Our study revealed an adaptive relationship between sociocultural groups and indigenous flora. Pharmacological and toxicological investigations must be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of reported plants, in order to contribute to the development of new or improved medicines.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, medicinal plants, chronic diseases, traditional therapy, Benin.

Traditional knowledge and biodiversity of medicinal plants in the Taounate region for treating human diseases: An ethnobotanical perspective

2024-06-25T04:45:01+00:00

Background: The Taounate region in Morocco boasts a rich diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants. Traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, plays a pivotal role in developing affordable medicines derived from natural products. Our primary objective was to investigate the botanical diversity, comprehend its importance for the local communities, and enhance the value of the plants utilized in this area for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Methods: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Taounate province through semi-structured interviews of 476 individuals from 15 different localities. The data were analyzed using specific ethnobotanical indexes such as the Cultural Importance Index (CI), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). Influence and correlation between sociodemographic variables and traditional therapeutic use were performed using a series of bivariate and multivariate tests.

Results: The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (80.66%), followed by seeds (9.03%). Oral ingestion was the most frequently cited way of remedy application (68.23%). The diseases for which plants are most commonly used are Gastrointestinal and Dermatological illnesses. After analyzing the results of the ethnobotanical indices, three plants stand out, namely Myrtus communis, Arbutus unedo and Inula viscosa. Moreover, the statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between various variables. A chi-square test demonstrated a significant association between the methods of preparation of the plants and municipalities (p = 0.032), as well as between plant parts and municipalities (p = 0.0036), but not between gender and types of plants used (p = 0.072). The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no significant effect of respondents’ age on the type of plants used (p = 0.6369). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) identified associations among methods, types of plants, and municipalities, accounting for 13.09% of the total variability. Lastly, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis confirmed significant relationships between plant distribution and municipalities, validated by the PERMANOVA test (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Knowledge Transmission: Despite the persistence of traditional medicine, gaps exist in knowledge transmission to future generations. Focusing on species like Myrtus communis, Arbutus unedo, and Inula viscosa could enhance short-term community health and pave the way for affordable natural medicines. Our study underscores the need for continued research, conservation, and knowledge dissemination to harness the full potential of Taounate’s botanical treasures.

Keywords: Plants, Survey, Ethnobotany, Taounate, Therapeutic use

Cultural importance of Neurolaena lobata (L.) Cass. from Nariño (Colombia) and neutralization of the biological activities of Bothrops asper venom by its ethanol extract

2024-05-08T14:08:08+00:00

Background: owing to the difficulties for accessing health centers and the limited availability of antivenoms in rural areas of Colombia, in many rural communities people rely on traditional medicine based on the use of plant extracts as a therapeutic resource for the snakebite envenoming. In the department of Nariño, the potential of these alexiteric plants is unknown. This work determined the cultural importance of Neurolaena lobata (L.) Cass., one of the plants most frequently used by the rural communities of Tumaco, municipality with high incidence of poisonings, and assessed the efficacy of an extract of this plant to inhibit toxic effects of the venom of the snake Bothrops asper.

Methods: semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 randomly sampled individuals and the Cultural Importance index (CI) of the plant was calculated. Phytochemical tests were carried out and a battery of biological assays was applied to determine the neutralizing capacity of the extract on the lethal, coagulant, hemorrhagic, and myotoxic activities of the venom.

Results: the CI of this plant (0.0544) reflects its ethnobotanical value for the rural communities of Tumaco. The ethanolic extract from the leaves contains tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and sesquiterpene lactones. Neutralization assays revealed that the extract inhibited the coagulant activity of B. asper venom, but failed to inhibit the myotoxic, and lethal activities, and only partially reduced the hemorrhagic effect. Moreover, the extract showed toxicity when assessed for lethality and myotoxicity.

Conclusions: despite the cultural importance of the plant, our experimental findings do not support the claim that the crude extract of N. lobata inhibits the toxicity of the venom of B. asper of Colombia.

Keywords: Bothrops asper, Neurolaena lobata, alexiteric plants.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants with therapeutic interest in the province of Khemisset, Morocco

2024-07-16T07:47:03+00:00

Background: For centuries, the Moroccan population has been using medicinal plants to treat various diseases. However, few investigations have been conducted to document and properly preserve these traditions. This ethnobotanical study aims to compile a comprehensive inventory of medicinal plants used by the residents of Khemisset, a region noted for its significant plant biodiversity, for the treatment of various diseases.

Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 200 participants, evenly distributed across different divisions, over a seven-month period from January 1 to July 31, 2023. Data on the participants' traditional therapeutic practices were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Fidelity Level (NF), and Use Value (VU). Additionally, the analysis was further refined using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS).

Results: The study highlights the enduring significance of traditional medicine among the local population, especially among the elderly and middle-aged individuals. A total of 66 species of medicinal plants were identified, with the Lamiaceae family being the most prevalent (19.70%), followed by the Asteraceae and Apiaceae families, each constituting 13.64%. MCA revealed relationships among variables such as gender, age, marital status, education, occupation, therapeutic plants, districts, and province. nMDS illustrated correlations between plant distribution and their respective divisions. Notably, leaves were the most commonly used plant part (57.2%), and the majority of preparations were made through decoction (48.4%) and administered orally (75.6%) to treat various conditions, including gastrointestinal (ICF = 0.82), urogenital (ICF = 0.73), and bronchopulmonary (ICF = 0.89) ailments.

Conclusion: This study underscores the prevalent use of aromatic and medicinal plants as traditional remedies among the Khemisset population. It aims to enhance the recognition of Moroccan traditional natural heritage while providing researchers with a valuable ethnobotanical database for the advancement of pharmacognosy.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Khemisset; Traditional medicine; Medicinal plants; Knowledge.

Ethnobotanical investigation on herbal remedies for musculoskeletal disorders in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

2024-04-26T11:28:11+00:00

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are of common occurrence among the elderly people which impair mobility and associated with mild to acute pain. A large number of synthetic drugs are available to treat different kinds of MSDs but often associated with severe side effects. People of rural and remote regions overcome these problems by traditional herbal treatments available locally which are safe and effective. Traditional herbal therapies are age-old practices evolved and orally transferred to generations over a period of time. Hence, this survey has been undertaken to document the ethnomedicinal practices pertaining to MSDs.

Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out during April 2018 to October 2023 in rural and remote regions of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state, India, to collect primary data on usage of medicinal plants for treating MSDs. Information was gathered from 149 traditional practitioners through semi-structured open ended interviews using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed by conventional methods and quantitative parameters such as use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and informant consensus factor (ICF).

Results: A total of 210 plant species belonging to 68 families have been documented. This survey has recorded 352 herbal preparations with 634 use reports to treat arthritis, backache, bone fracture, joint pain, muscle pain, spasm and vertigo. Medicinal plant species which exhibited high RFC values are Brassica nigra (0.27), Cuminum cyminum (0.24), Ricinus communis (0.21) and Allium sativum (0.21). High ICF value is reported for the disease category vertigo (ICF=0.67), followed by spasm (ICF=0.56), bone fracture (ICF=0.51), muscle pain (ICF=0.27), backache (ICF=0.18), joint pain (ICF=0.12) and the least ICF value for arthritis (ICF=0.03).

Conclusions: Fabaceae was the most dominant family in terms of species diversity (22 species), followed by Apocyanaceae, Malvaceae and Rubiaceae (9 species each); Phyllanthaceae and Rutaceae (8 species each); Acanthaceae (7 species), Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae and Moraceae (6 species each); Lauraceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae (5 species each). Plant species such as Brassica nigra, Cuminum cyminum and Vitex negundo have been used to treat 6 disease categories; Cocos nucifera, Croton persimilis, Rauvolfia serpentina, Ricinus communis, Scleropyrum pentandrum and Tamarindus indica were used to treat 5 disease categories. The main route of administration of drug was external application (82.10%). Among the documented plant species, 17 species are endemic to Western Ghats and Peninsular India. Plant species Syzygium travancoricum is critically endangered whereas Borassus flabellifer, Syzygium caryophyllatum and Tectona grandis are in endangered category as per IUCN red list.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Arthritis, Traditional knowledge, Informant consensus factor

Ethnoveterinary plants of Renuka tehsil in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh (India)

2023-11-13T13:27:59+00:00

Background: Aboriginal therapeutic awareness of medicinal plants possibly will have realistic inference in the development of novel medications and offer additional imminent for sustenance of their unrelenting utilization in society. But, there was very less documentation on ethno-veterinary formulations, therefore, an assessment was conceded in a precise area of our country to obtain the knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicines amongst the inhabitants of Renuka Tehsil located in district Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh.

Methods: Information on ethno-veterinary medicinal plants has been recorded through intensive field survey, interviews and discussion with the inhabitants of Renuka tehsil of Himachal Pradesh. Information were collected surveying 245 households with the help of semi structured interview and open-ended questionnaires.

Results: Overall 68 ethnic veterinary therapeutic species belonging to 63 genera and 40 families were recorded. Usage of herbs is maximum amongst all the plant species (35.30%) in the region. The medicinal preparations include powder, extract, decoction, paste and among the plant parts usage of leaves was maximum (42.16%). Stomach disorders was predominant in the area and treated through 14 plant species (11.2%). Vitex negundo, Acorus calamus, Artemisia roxburghiana, Opuntia dillenii are well known and utmost used plant species in the region.

Conclusions: Significance of ethnoveterinary plants in conventional medicines should be put into practice which endow with an indication to explore original vicinity. This study will be helpful in providing the records of unique ethnoveterinary medicinal formulations. The research work will prove valuable in the maintenance of these plant resources and their acquaintance which are used by the inhabitants of the region.

Keywords: Ethno-veterinary, Inhabitants, Medicinal plants, Renuka, Traditional knowledge

Factors influencing agropastoralists’ adoption of fodder banks in the Central West Region of Burkina Faso, West Africa

2024-05-21T09:26:57+00:00

Background: In the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, the reduction of natural rangelands due to an unbridled advance of the agricultural front has a negative impact on livestock production, which is mainly based on the rangeland ecosystems. Thus, there is a need for improvements to the livestock feeding system. One possible solution is the adoption of fodder production techniques, including fodder banks, by agropastoralists. This study examines the factors influencing agropastoralists' decisions to incorporate forage production (i.e., fodder banks) into their fields.

Methods: This study was carried out in the villages of Somé and Tiogo situated in the western-center region of Burkina Faso. The Participatory Analysis of Poverty and Livelihood Dynamics method was used to classify each farm household according to their wealth status using a stratified sampling approach. Data were collected from surveys of 240 agropastoralists using a questionnaire and an interview guide during January to December 2022. . Data were analyzed using principal component analysis and linear multiple regression.

Results: The results of the Bartlett sphericity test were significant (χ2 = 2658.145, df = 190, p ˂ 0.0001). The three-component solution accounted for a total of 45% variance, with the three components contributing 27%, 12%, and 6%, respectively. Factor analysis summarized 25 indicators into three factors (i.e., reasons for participating in a forage production program, benefits and opportunities, and constraints).

These results show that agropastoralists' decisions to produce fodder in their fields are mainly due to their level of skills/knowledge on fodder production, their perceptions of benefits and opportunities related to the conservation of fodder trees in the fields, their membership of agropastoralist groups/associations, and constraints related to the establishment of fodder banks. Factors most associated with variations in agropastoralists’ level of motivation for forage production and conservation include socio-economic and demographic factors such as gender, source of income, household wealth status, household size, type of livestock, education, livestock herd size, membership of farmer and herder groups, ethnicity, marital status, land tenure, and livestock trend.

Conclusions: The success of projects seeking to popularize the adoption of fodder banks amongst agropastoralists is dependent upon adequate consideration of their determinants of innovative technology adoption.

Keywords: Forage conservation; forage crops; livestock production; Principal Component Analysis; semi-arid areas; socioeconomic and demographic attributes

Ethnobotanical study of the therapeutic plants of the Beni Haoua region in the wilaya of Chlef (Algeria)

2024-09-23T20:40:56+00:00

Background: The aim of this study is to identify the use of medicinal plants and to highlight the ethnobotanical knowledge of the inhabitants of Beni Haoua, located to the north-east of Chlef (Algeria).

Methods: Ethnomedical data were collected from 100 local informants via semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews between 2022 and 2023. The main information collected concerned useful plant names, harvested plant parts, preparation methods, categories of use and the various diseases treated. Statistical processing of the data was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2016 for Windows and XLstate 2024.For a quantitative analysis we used the following indices (IFC), (UV) and (RFC).

Results: This study found that there were more women herbalists than men. Younger practitioners (aged 20-30) seem to be more associated with higher levels of education. The above experiment shows that the local population uses 54 plants belonging to 28 botanical families. The most frequently used families are Lamiaceae (20%), Asteraceae (13%) and Apiaceae (7%). The most frequently cited species are Mentha spicata L. (0.042), followed by Eucalyptus globulus Labill (0.038). Leaves, fruits and aerial parts were the most commonly used parts, oral administration is the most widely used, with infusion and decoction being the most common techniques. Most disease categories have a high informant consensus factor (IFC) of between (0.91) and (0.94).

Conclusions: The primary objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the ethnobotanical heritage of the Beni Haoua population. The study revealed a rich diversity of medicinal plants, demonstrating the deep bond between the local population and their natural environment. This study lays the foundations for future interdisciplinary collaborations between ethnobotanists, pharmacologists and healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Medicinal plant, Ethnobotany, Beni Haoua area, Chlef, Algeria

Medicinal plants used to treat and manage menopausal symptoms in Grand-Lahou and Katiola Districts, Cote d'Ivoire

2024-08-02T17:07:37+00:00

Background: Menopause is a natural physiological process, which can affect physical, psychological and social well-being, to varying degrees depending on the individual. This study aims to contribute to improving of women’s health through knowledge of menopausal symptoms and the plants used in their treatment.

Methods: A survey was conducted from August 2016 to August 2017 in Grand-Lahou and Katiola Districts using a semi-structured interview with 267 women going through menopause and nine herbalists.

Results: We found that 25.14% of women in these two localities liable to menopausal symptoms between the age of 40 and 45. The majority of women (62.87%) were menopausal between 45 and 55 years old and 6.58% of them after 55 years old. It appears that these women’s health was more affected by hot flashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches and palpitations. Among the women interviewed, 12.29% used modern medicine, 11.18% used traditional medicine and 11.17% used a combination of the two types of medicine. In 60.00% of cases, women who used traditional medicine obtained satisfaction. Of 32 medicinal plants cited for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae), Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae) and Landolphia owariensis P. Beauv. (Apocynaceae) were the most widely used. The plant parts used in the different treatments are mainly the leaves (55.81%) and the stem bark (30.23%).

Conclusions: Ivorian flora abounds in plants that can play a role in the management of menopausal symptoms.

Keywords: Menopausal symptoms, plants, traditional care, Cote d’Ivoire

Indigenous knowledge and uses of medicinal plants in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

2024-06-14T05:30:45+00:00

Background: In Burkina Faso, plant-based products are widely used by city dwellers to treat and/or prevent various diseases and ailments. Due to rapid population growth, the demand for plant products is increasing with high harvesting pressure on medicinal plants. This pressure combined with the erosion of indigenous knowledge related to medicinal use of plants, compromise the conservation and sustainable use of these plants. To this end, this study aimed to develop a checklist of medicinal plants used for human health in cities, as well as their applications.

Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted from March 3, 2020, to December 15, 2020 in the city of Ouagadougou to account for plant availability based on their phenological occurrences. A total of 155 participants involved in traditional medicine (herbalists and healers) were interviewed using semi-structured approach.

Results: A total of 42 plant species, comprising herbaceous and wood species were identified as medicinal plants and used for the treatment of seven disease categories. Results also indicated that liver diseases were the main category for which medicinal plants are highly demanded. Leaves and trunk bark were the most commonly used parts. The most frequently cited method of preparation (58%) was decoction.

Conclusions: This study revealed that medicinal plant species supports the treatment of diseases for which conventional medicine failed to provide curative solutions such as liver diseases. Our findings are useful for guiding future investigations on quality control of plant-based products in the treatment of diseases by demonstrating their ethnopharmacological relevance.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Traditional medicine, Human health

Originality and meaning of the vernacular names of medicinal plants common in the central Middle Atlas – Morocco

2024-07-08T02:37:23+00:00

Background: The vernacular naming of plants, including medicinal ones, is not the result of chance. It rather finds its roots in the use of characters and characteristics of plants. In addition to being a junction between generations and different regions of a country, it is also a result of the mixing of civilizations and cultures. This work aims to highlight the diversity and origin of the vernacular names of the most used medicinal plants in the central Middle Atlas.

Methods: The combination of in-depth ethnobotanical investigations with actors of traditional medicine in the central Middle Atlas with floristic prospections in the field with the analysis of different scientific publications made it possible to highlight the most common plants in traditional medicine in the study area as well as the diversity and origin of their vernacular names.

Results: In the study area, 83 plant species are frequently used in traditional herbal medicine. These plants are characterized by a heterogeneity of their vernacular names in Moroccan Darija, also known as the Moroccan dialect /or Amazigh language, indigenous language of North Africa also known as the Berber Some names are specific to the study area, others are shared with other regions. Furthermore, the study revealed that these vernacular names are not arbitrary in the majority of cases, but they find their origins in the particularities of the plant, its appearance, use, biotope or even sometimes they refer to legends.

Conclusions: In Morocco, the vernacular names of medicinal plants present a rich and diverse popular vocabulary which has survived different socio-cultural metamorphoses, thus constituting an integral part of the national intangible heritage.

Keywords: Vernacular names, diversity, medicinal and aromatic plants, ethnobotany, etymology, central Middle Atlas, Morocco.

Inventorization of Phyto-remedial formulations prevalent among the natives of Deiya range, Nerwa, Himachal Pradesh, India

2024-04-07T10:28:55+00:00

Background: Indians has long been using plants and their parts as medical remedies to treat various diseases. They have been utilized as medications to treat various illnesses since ancient times. The majority of tribal people still rely on regional traditional healing methods to cure their illnesses. Therefore, documenting the use of traditional medicinal plants by the natives will provide valuable information on the distribution and utilization of medicinal plants in the region.

Methods: The present study commenced to explore the traditional knowledge of ethno-medicinal plants used by indigenous people of Deiya range, tehsil Nerwa of district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. Snowball sampling was used to gather data from 110 people living in 11 distinct villages within the study area. Present work contains a compilation of information obtained through field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires conducted with the natives of studied area.

Results: In this investigation, total 52 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 distinct families were recorded from the natives as potential remedies for various illnesses. The indigenous inhabitants primarily utilized the 26 species of herbs for medical purposes. Rosaceae and Amaranthaceae families were the two most frequently employed in medicine. The most species (26) were used to cure skin ailments followed by 12 plant species for curing Gastro-intestinal Disease (GID), 11 plant species for General Health (GH) and 10 species for Muscle/Bone Problem (MBP).

Conclusion: This study offers comprehensive details about the Deiya range's significant medicinal plants. In this study we concluded that mostly old age people possess most of the information of medicinal plants, whereas the generation below forty has a little or no knowledge. Herbs and leaves (as a part) are majorly used as medicinal preparation and skin problems are most treatable disease in the study area. Angelica glauca, Gentiana kurroo and Taxus wallichiana need to be carefully monitored for conservation due to their great therapeutic value in the research region.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical Uses; Indigenous; Medicinal Plants; Phytotherapeutical; Traditional Knowledge

Ethnobotanical study of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties in Nigeria

2024-05-28T01:32:36+00:00

Background: This study was carried out to explore the indigenous traditional knowledge about the two horticultural species and their uses in seven major sweet orange and mango-producing states in Benue, Kaduna, Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, Osun, and Oyo states.

Methods: The ethnobotanical data were collected using questionnaires and extensive conversation with 493 respondents grouped into 23 ethnic groups. A descriptive statistical method was used in the analysis of the collected data.

Results: Thirty-four mango varieties and one orange variety were identified in the local communities surveyed through a multi-stage sampling procedure, indicating a genetic diversity of mango varieties. The results also showed that among the farmers, 68% were men and 30% were women. Forty-eight percent of respondents had more years of experience in fruit farming. Among the farmers, 37% had 6 to 10 acres of mango crop and sweet orange varieties. Mango and sweet orange were primarily cultivated in mixed cropping and monoculture farming systems. Some farmers produced sweet orange varieties and mango varieties in cultural associations. The harvested mango and sweet orange fruits, leaves, and barks were mainly used for commercial, healing, and occult consumption. Informants recognized that the mango fruit, leaves and barks have been effective in treating blood pressure, diabetes I and II, malignant hypertension, malaria, typhoid, increased immune system, preventing blindness, and ringworms.

Conclusion: We documented farmers’ indigenous traditional knowledge on the utilization of the two horticultural species, the methods of processing, administration, and ailments treated, and recorded the different mango species produced in Nigeria.

Keywords: Biodiversity, curing, ethnobotany, fruit tree parts, herbal medicine

Ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants traditionally used in Sakhra Valley district Swat, Pakistan

2024-07-07T10:12:49+00:00

Background: In Pakistan, out of 6000 species of higher plants only 600-700 are being used for medicinal purposes. It demands further exploration of more species having medicinal properties. The current study aims to document the traditional medicinal knowledge among the local communities residing in Sakhra Valley, district of Swat, Pakistan

Methods: The ethnomedicinal surveys were done from April 2021 to September 2022, and data was collected by organizing semi-structured interviews. For this purpose, 222 local informants with different age groups, genders, and professions were randomly selected to share their traditional wisdom. The data was evaluated by ethnobotanical indices like Informants Consensus Factor (ICF), Relative Frequency of Citation (FRC), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Popularity Level (RPL) and Informants Consensus Factor (ICF).

Results: A total of 153 plant species belonging to 63 families and 100 genera were reported. Lamiaceae was reported as the dominant family followed by Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Brassicaceae, and Polygonaceae. Whole plant with 60 species was the leading group used in various formulations followed by leaves (30 species) and fruit (28 species). The most commonly used form was powder (55 species) succeeded by extract and decoction with 29 and 17 species respectively. Among the 24 commonly reported ailments categories, the gastrointestinal problem was the common ailment for which 81 species were cited, followed by excretory problems (36 species), and respiratory problems (28 species), while for skin and hepatic problems 23 and 19 species respectively.

Conclusions: The ethnobotanical study in Sakhra Valley unveiled some novel uses of ethnomedicinal plants. The traditional healers and local community members participated in the survey and provided vital information about the medicinal plants which will help in future research and new drug discovery.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Traditional knowledge, Indigenous communities, Use Reports, Fidelity level,

Exploring conservation status and ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plants in Upper-Haramosh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

2024-05-07T04:15:45+00:00

Background: Ethnoveterinary practices are declining, depleting valuable knowledge over time in the Haramosh region. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore and document indigenous knowledge regarding ethno-veterinary plants in Upper Haramosh and simultaneously assess their conservation status.

Methods: Direct interviews were conducted with shepherds, farmers, and senior citizens possessing traditional knowledge. Semi-structured questionnaires were also developed for collecting knowledge from inhabitants. The conservation status of the species was checked referring to IUCN red list data.

Results: The current study revealed ethno-veterinary uses for 25 plant species spanning 24 genera and 22 families. The Polygonaceae and Asteraceae families dominate, with three and two species, respectively. Seven common ailments were reported, with injuries having the highest plant frequency. The most common administration method was decoction, followed by powder, paste, and direct consumption. RFC values ranged from 0.3 - 0.9, with Berberis orthobotrys, Geranium pratense, Punica granatum, and Zea mays depicting the highest values. Use values ranged from 0.3 to 1, with the highest reported for B. orthobotrys, G. pratense, and Z. mays. Fidelity levels (%) for disease categories varied, with B. orthobotrys, G. pratense, Juniperus excelsa, Juglans regia, Saussurea Simpsoniana, Delphinium brunonianum, and P. granatum all demonstrating 100% fidelity for their reported disease types. Conservation status is Least Concern for all species except D. brunonianum, S. simpsoniana, and Ephedra gerardiana, which are classified as vulnerable according to IUCN Red List data.

Conclusions: The study underscores the area's potential for medicinal plants, emphasizing the need for phytochemical studies to further validate their efficacy.

Keywords: Ethno-veterinary, Indigenous Knowledge, Conservation Status, Pets, Medicinal Plants

Ethnobotanical applications of medicinal plants of family Asteraceae in Allah Wali Lake Gutumsar, District Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

2024-04-06T05:30:01+00:00

Background: The current research was conducted in Allah Wali Lake Gutumsar district Astore, Pakistan. The research aims to document the local indigenous knowledge for effective treatments of diverse ailments from the family Asteraceae.

Methods: During the fieldwork in the study site, ethnobotanical data was collected through free listings and interviews involving 63 local key informants. To measure the cultural significance of collected flora, we employed indices; Relative Frequency Citation, Use Value, Fidelity Level, Informant Consensus Factor Index and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: 13 medicinal plant species from the Asteraceae family in the region are documented, which belong to 10 genera and were utilized for diverse ailment treatments. In the habit, herbs (92%) were dominant, among the plant parts, aerial part (46%) were prevalently used in traditional medicine. Traditional practices heavily rely on decoctions (56%) to address issues such as digestive problems, fever, cold, and cough. Taraxacum officinale stands out with the highest RFC (0.889), UV (0.952), FL (100%), and ICF for dermatitis, diuretic, dysentery, and fever (1), highlighting its prevalence and significance in the region. The relationship between RFC and UV shows, strong correlation coefficient r (0.675*) with p value is less than 0.05 (< 0.011), whereas the (r2) value of (0.427).

Conclusions: The locals of the study area depend on medicinal plants for healthcare, highlighting rich indigenous knowledge. This research commences the recording of indigenous knowledge, endorsing responsible resource management. Subsequent studies seek to unveil biodiversity, sustainable use of medicinal plants, and conservation management in the region.

Keywords: Allah Wali Lake, Asteraceae, Ethnobotany, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plants

Ethnobotanical knowledge of Medicinal plants in Fez-Meknes region: Origin of used species, plant-disease associations, used parts, and preparation forms

2024-02-19T03:10:04+00:00

Background: Ethnobotanical studies conducted in the Fez-Meknes region, located in North-central Morocco, and home to UNESCO cultural sites such as Fez and Meknes, have been limited in scope. The existing studies primarily concentrate on the use of medicinal plants for treating particular ailments. The present study unveils the plentiful ethnomedicinal knowledge in the region employed to address a wide array of health concerns. The present study aims to gather and document ethnobotanical data from local populations, encompassing herbalist and non-herbalist informants in the Fez-Meknes region, with a focus on comparing their knowledge.

Methods: 478 informants participated in this study, comprising 408 local inhabitants (non-herbalists) and 70 herbalists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at eleven sites throughout the study area to collect data. Descriptive and Multivariate statistics were used for data analysis. Comparisons have addressed both non-herbalists and herbalists among sampled sites.

Results: In total, 82 species from 73 genera and 34 families were identified. Herbalists, citing 67 species to non-herbalists' 56, showed greater knowledge, with a notable 41-species overlap. The plants were mostly cultivated (40.6%) or from the wild (34.7%). Herbalists acquired knowledge from their parents and elderly individuals (52.9%), while informants from written sources. Leaves were the most used parts, while decoction and infusion were the dominant preparation modes. Administration was mostly oral to manage fifteen illness categories (i.e. digestive system, respiratory, dermatological problems).

Conclusion: The study unveils rich traditional knowledge, emphasizing the vital role of traditional medicine, especially medicinal plants, in addressing various diseases. Herbalists exhibit distinct knowledge, with partial overlap between non-herbalists and herbalists in understanding plant uses. Many plants serve versatile therapeutic purposes across different ailments, and respondents introduce novel uses for medicinal plants.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical survey, Clustering, Traditional use, Medicinal plants, Fez-Meknes region, Morocco.

Indigenous knowledge on the uses and morphological variation among Strychnos gerrardii N.E.Br. morphotypes at Emkhandlwini area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2024-07-22T10:02:40+00:00

Background: Strychnos gerrardii N.E.Br., a member of the Loganiaceae family, is primarily known in rural communities for its edible fruits. However, indigenous knowledge on the uses and morphological diversity of native fruit trees such as S. gerrardii has not received much research. This study aimed to document the existing ethnobotanical knowledge on local uses and morphological diversity of S. gerrardii morphotypes growing in the Emkhandlwini area.

Methods: The existing indigenous knowledge were collected from 100 randomly selected participants using a structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was used for selection of participants.

Results: Different food uses of S. gerrardii include direct fruit consumption as well as fruit processing into fermented beverages and food products called umbhantshi, ujwembe, amahewu, umnkwankwa in isiZulu local language, and alcohol. Therapeutic reports of S. gerrardii include its use to treat stomach disorders, influenza virus, high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory problems, as well as increasing milk production in females and cleansing of the body system. Other uses of S. gerrardii include its importance as a homestead defence against thunderstorms and lightning, treatment for livestock diseases, ornament making, and controlling traditional spiritual problems. S. gerrardii varied morphologically according to its leaf, fruit, and organoleptic traits. Leaf colours varied from light green, green, dark green, and grey. Most leaves were roundish followed by elongated, round and heart-shaped, and elongated and heart-shaped leaves. Fruit shapes ranged from roundish, wedged, and pear-shaped, with the wedge-shaped fruits being reported sweeter than others.

Conclusion: Indigenous knowledge will benefit future breeding initiatives and the selection of desired traits for domesticating the species as a food crop.

Keywords: edible fruits, ethnomedicine, ethnofood, indigenous knowledge, morphological variation, organoleptic properties, Strychnos gerrardii.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in the rural area of the Western High Atlas (Morocco)

2024-05-08T14:07:08+00:00

Background: This study aimed to address the lack of comprehensive research on the use of medicinal plants in the Western High Atlas, a landlocked region known for its rich plant biodiversity.

Methods: A survey was conducted among 150 participants, utilizing semi-structured interviews to collect socio-economic data and information on medicinal plants.

Results: Most respondents had limited education (76%). Approximately half of the population reported no income (49%), and a significant proportion lacked medical insurance (84%). The study documented the use of 101 plant species from 54 families. High Use Values were observed for Argania spinosa, Opuntia ficus-indica, Tetraclinis articulata, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Trigonella foenum-graecum (UVs 3.17 – 3.67). Thymus broussonetii, Thymus satureoides, T. articulata, and Chenopodium ambrosioides exhibited high Relative Frequencies of Citation (0.23 - 0.47). Notable Fidelity Levels (100%) were observed for T. satureoides, Allium sativum, and Ephorbia officinarum for respiratory diseases, T. foenum-graecum for urinary affections, C. ambrosioides for fever, and Cuminum cyminum for bloating. Digestive and respiratory disorders were the most treated, with respiratory ailments demonstrating the highest ICF (0.86). The study documented new uses, such as Ononis natrix for hepatic disorders, Ammodaucus leucotrichus for digestive and respiratory ailments, and T. articulata for diarrhea.

Conclusion: One hundred and one medicinal plants were listed. The remedies primarily aimed to treat respiratory, digestive, and urinary diseases that recorded high ICFs. New uses were noted for O. natrix, A. leucotrichus, and T. articulata.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; High Atlas; Morocco; Traditional Medicine

Ethnobotanic and genetic diversity of sugarcane in French Polynesia

2024-04-21T15:19:51+00:00

Abstract

Background: In French Polynesia, traditional tō (Saccharum officinarum) have been re-exploited in the recent years to produce organic certified rum. Former botanists have described the sugarcane which were spread by Polynesians during their migrations of the Eastern Pacific. One of them, referred by botanists as Otahiti was the main cultivar grown for sugar production until the 1880s.

Methods: Between 2013 and 2017, we collected 15 sugarcane accessions in the Society Islands and examined their taxonomic status to establish the correspondence with those described by former botanists. Nine morphological traits were repeatedly measured including stalk colour, tillering, stalk height, stalk diameter, and internode lengths. We also analyzed them using flow cytometry, PCR markers and in one case molecular cytogenetics.

Results: The results showed 4 modern hybrids cultivars, 9 traditional S. officinarum and one intergeneric hybrid between S. officinarum and the wild genus Miscanthus floridulus, Tō 'ā'eho. Among the traditional S. officinarum sugarcane cultivars, we suggested that Polynesian sugarcane called Tō ‘irimotu and Tō re’are’a could correspond to Otahiti.

Conclusions: The studies of processing characteristics also revealed the high Brix of the Tō 'ā'eho and its potential for producing rum. These types of hybrids support the hypothesis of Pacific being a satellite center of sugarcane diversity.

Key words: Saccharum officinarum, noble sugarcane, Saccharum maximum, French Polynesia, Otahiti

Ethnobotanical knowledge of Daphne gnidium L. species in Taza (Northeastern Morocco).

2024-05-28T14:40:19+00:00

Background: Documentation of indigenous knowledge of plant species is the most important factor for their conservation. Daphne gnidium L. species is a Mediterranean basin plant belonging to the genus Daphne, which belongs to its family Thymelaeaceae, widely used in this area to treat various ailments. This study aims to evaluate and document the local traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal uses of the D. gnidium plant, possessed by the native population to contribute to its better valorization.

Methods: A total of 112 native informants including laypeople, herbalists and practitioners of traditional healers were interviewed through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The data was analyzed and compared by descriptive indicators such as Relative Frequency of Citation, Fidelity level, Jaccard’s index, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis.

Results: The highest values of the relative frequency of citation (1 and 0.61) and fidelity level (100% and 62%) were obtained for hair care and skinhead disease respectively. Four categories of use of Daphne gnidium L. were identified by the different groups of informants; the cosmetic use category is the most cited (100%) and the medicinal category (64%). The frequent mode of preparation is powder form. New use (bone fracture) was cited and documented for the first time in the current ethnobotanical study about D. gnidium species.

Conclusion: Our results contribute to the documentation of local knowledge, for development of conservation strategies, and sustainable use of Daphne gnidium, and to encourage further pharmacological research.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical survey, Daphne gnidium, Relative Frequency of Citation, Fidelity Level, Multiple Correspondence Analysis.

Extension of the EU "Traditional Herbal Medicine" concept to an oral transmission context: the traditional uses of the five anti-infectious medicinal plants most widely used in Burundi

2024-03-03T15:28:18+00:00

Background: In Burundi, five plants, namely Urtica massaica Mildbr., Mikania natalensis DC., Senecio maranguensis O. Hoffm., Justicia nyassana Lindau and Helichrysum congolanum Schltr. & O. Hoffm., are widely cited for the treatment of infectious diseases. The present work aims to compare the local knowledge and uses of these five popular anti-infectious plants.

Methods: A survey was carried out among 43 traditional healers from different regions of Burundi to fully repertory the uses of these five medicinal plants and define consensus in their uses through their fidelity levels and use values for each cited disease. Phytochemical analyses of these plants allowed to identify their main classes of secondary metabolites.

Results: For the five investigated plants, the leaves and aerial parts are the organs mainly used. Preparation methods include maceration, decoction and squeezing of juice, powdering and calcination. From their fidelity levels and use values, the studied plants appear extensively reported for infectious diseases, except for U. massaica, that is mainly used in inflammatory conditions. The phytochemical classes we detected in these plants [terpenoids, (poly)phenolic compounds including flavonoids and tannins, saponins] may explain their uses and warrant further studies.

Conclusions: The survey indicates that the five plants studied are widely used in the treatment of infectious diseases. The convergence of some usages indicates a plausibility of efficacy and safety, coherent with the EU concept of "Traditional Herbal Medicine", which points to possible rational recommendations of treatments. A study of the antimicrobial activities of these plants would complete this work.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, traditional medicine, infectious diseases, phytochemistry, Burundi.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of two Indian communities in the Monte Desert: the role of age, time outside, and residence isolation

2024-07-14T07:51:54+00:00

Background: The contributions of ethnobotany are essential for understanding the relationship of local communities with their environment and, therefore, for planning effective conservation and management measures. In this paper, we present the results of the first quantitative approach to the ethnobotany of Indian communities of the Santa María valley, a semiarid region in Tucumán province (Argentina) with marked signs of environmental degradation where people face harsh socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the relevance of a set of plant species for the local communities and to analyze the effects of predictor variables on local people’s knowledge about uses of plants.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured ethnobotanical surveys inquiring about the uses of 41 plant species. We analyzed the relevance of each species following consensus and versatility criteria. We searched for patterns in individual knowledge and their relationship with gender, age, time of residence outside the valley, and residence isolation, through ordinations and generalized linear models.

Results: We present a ranking of the species based on their Cultural Importance value. We found that age and residence isolation positively affect knowledge about plant uses, while time outside the valley has a negative effect.

Conclusions: Given the socioeconomic transformations the region has gone through in recent decades, these results highlight the importance of preventing cultural erosion and the loss of its traditional ethnobotanical knowledge.

Key words: plant uses, numerical ethnobotany, cultural importance, age, isolation

Novel plant uses and their conservation status in a semi-arid subtropical region of Pakistan

2024-04-06T05:52:45+00:00

Background: The semiarid subtropical regions of Pakistan are known for their diverse native flora used for medicinal and cultural purposes by local communities. Unfortunately, these plants are threatened by improper harvesting, habitat degradation, and fragmentation. To address this issue, this study was designed to corroborate the traditional uses of native flora and the status of their conservation in District Kohat, Pakistan.

Methods: An ethnobotanical approach was used to gather primary information on plant species, including semi-structured questionnaires and corner meetings. Pearson's correlation test and ethnobotanical indices were employed to analyze the importance of documented medicinal flora. Additionally, medicinal flora's conservation status was determined using species inventory, population decline, and IUCN Red List data.

Results: The study revealed an inventory of 103 plant species, with 36 newly reported recipes, 15 other uses, 14 medicinal uses, and 7 specific part uses. Herbs were the most dominant plant type, with leaves and young twigs being the frequently practiced plant parts. Senegalia modesta (Wall.) P.J.H. Hurter, Bauhinia variegata L., and other species had high fidelity values. The study also found that 44 plant species were highly threatened, 30 moderately threatened, 17 less threatened, and 12 not considered threatened.

Conclusions: The research presents a comprehensive list of plant species and their uses, shedding light on significant cultural and ecological aspects. This study underscores the importance of innovative applications of specific plant species in traditional practices. However, there is a worrisome number of endangered plant species, which require conservation efforts. Overall, the research highlights the significance of sustainable practices in safeguarding this valuable traditional knowledge.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Semiarid region, NWEPs, Novel applications, Kohat, Pakistan

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in management of COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania

2024-02-15T09:58:00+00:00

Background: The increase in drug resistance has resulted in significant health challenges in managing respiratory tract infections, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made people rely on medicinal plants (MPs) for its management. This study aimed to document MPs used for the management of COVID-19 during the disease outbreak in Tanzania.

Methods: The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro regions. A semi-structured interview and field observations were used to gather information from 120 informants. The study focused on plant parts used, preparation, administration and sources of MPs. Descriptions and inferential statistics were performed for data analysis.

Results: Twenty-one MPs belonging to 12 families and 16 genera were documented. Out of these recorded MPs only five were native species and the remaining 16 were exotic. The most cited plant species were Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae), Citrus x aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle (Rutaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae), and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (Myrtaceae) each with relative frequency of citation of one. The families with higher number of MPs were Lamiaceae (28.6%) and Myrtaceae (14.3%). Herb (47.6%) and leaves (57.1%) were the most utilized growth form and plant part, respectively. Decoction (76.0%) and oral (73.0%) were the most used method of preparing and administering the remedies, respectively. Market (38.0%) was the most common source of MPs in both study areas. Traditional knowledge was mainly acquired from family members (75.8%).

Conclusion: The findings indicate both regions had a reasonable number of MPs used to manage COVID-19. The effectiveness of MPs should be validated further through research on phytochemistry, toxicity and clinical evaluation.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, medicinal plants, pandemic, respiratory disorder, traditional medicine

An ethnoveterinary survey of medicinal plants used to treat poultry diseases in drylands of Zimbabwe

2024-08-01T13:31:12+00:00

Background: The major constraints in the production of poultry by rural farmers include predation, poor nutrition and diseases leading to high mortality rates. Conventional drugs are either unavailable or too expensive for resource-poor farmers.

Methods: An ethnoveterinary survey was done in Chiredzi, Chivi and Mwenezi districts of Masvingo province in order to identify diseases that affect poultry in drylands and to identify plants that are used to treat the diseases. Two hundred and seventy farmers were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire in vernacular language. Frequency of responses was obtained using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 and informant consensus factor (FiC) for different ailments were calculated. Scoring and ranking was done to identify the most used Aloe species in treating poultry diseases.

Results: Twelve poultry ailments were identified with diarrhoea (46.7%) being the most common. Thirty-two plant species were used in the study area for managing poultry diseases. Respiratory diseases had the highest FiC of 0.87. Aloe species were mentioned by 74.4% of the respondents. Of the Aloe species available and used in the districts; Aloe aculeata was the most used for managing poultry ailments. Most of the plants reported as being used to treat poultry diseases belonged to the Fabaceae family. Leaves were the most used plant part for treating poultry ailments.

Conclusions: Thirty-two plants from twenty plant families were used to treat various poultry ailments in dryland communities in Chiredzi, Chivi and Mwenezi. Aloe species were the most used plants. Aloe aculeata and Lippia oatessi have not been previously reported as being used for poultry health management. This study is useful in providing documentation of ethnoveterinary plants utilized by Zimbabwean dryland inhabitants to manage poultry health.

Keywords: Ethnoveterinary, poultry, parasites, diseases, drylands, herbal, traditional, conventional

New ethnobotanical know-how characterizing the medicinal flora of the province of Taza (northern Morocco): Valorization and quantification of qualitative knowledge

2024-06-25T05:01:53+00:00

Background: Understanding how medicinal plants are used allows one to appreciate the richness of traditional medicine practices and to respect and preserve cultural knowledge.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey including 340 respondents was carried out in 28 communities of Taza province from March 2021 to June 2022. Sociodemographic data and characteristics accompanying the uses of medicinal species were characterized. The percentages of new parts-used, new preparation methods and new methods of administration are calculated for the first time. Encryption of the criteria of collection period (CCP), plant state (CPS), part used (CPU), preparation (CP), administration (CA) and type of use (CTU) is adopted to facilitate the quantitative analysis of these qualitative characteristics. The Literature indices of plant part value (PPV), family importance value (FIV) and family use value (FUV) were calculated. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed.

Results: The average age of the studied population was (52±13 years) of which 62.1% were males, 77.9% were married, and 35% were illiterate. Fifty-seven used parts, 91 preparation and 34 administration methods are newly identified. Knowledge sources are parental (82.6%). Plants are used for their high efficiency (84.3%), separately (80.5%), orally (94.3%), dried (68.8%), stored shady (48.1%), airly (61.4%), based on Infusion preparation (61%) and harvested throughout the year (61.5%). Leaves are the most used part (VPP=49.4%). Treatment satisfaction is higher (93.9%). The highest (FIV=120) and (FUV=0.353) are of Oleaceae. The first PCA revealed that (PCI=38.76%) is constructed following a strong positive correlation is significant with socio-economic level, monthly income and education level, which forms three sociodemographic characteristics that tend to be evaluated together. The second PCA revealed that most of the variation was captured by (PC1=40.50%), which grouped (CPS, CPU, CCP and CP), While (PC2=20.35%) included CA and CTU. The third PCA revealed that (PC1'=76.32%) has a strong positive correlation with FUV and FIV, while (PC2'=23.68%) has a strong positive correlation with FUF.

Conclusions: The way medicinal plants are used can vary greatly depending on cultural traditions and desired therapeutic effects. This know-how strengthens social practice, reflects the heterogeneous ethnocultural sociodemographic profile and deserves to be optimized via the ethnopharmacological experiences of experts.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical survey, Indices, Medicinal plants, Preservation, Taza (Morocco).

Plants used for ethnoveterinary treatment of free-range indigenous chicken diseases in Ghana

2024-05-22T07:52:02+00:00

Background: Indigenous chickens raised in free-range production systems constitute a significant source of poultry products, particularly in rural communities. The free-range system exposes indigenous chickens to diseases, with access to veterinary services constrained by the remoteness of most rural settlements. Ethnoveterinary practice is used to manage indigenous chicken diseases in Ghana. This study aimed to take an inventory of the plant species used to treat indigenous chicken ailments and determine their cultural importance in the Adaklu district of the Volta region.

Methods: Ethnoveterinary data on botanicals used for treating chicken diseases were gathered from 120 respondents in the Adaklu district of the Volta region. The cultural significance of species for ethnoveterinary purposes was evaluated using quantitative ethnobotanical indices.

Results: A total of 36 plant species from 25 botanical families were identified to be used for treating chicken ailments. Word frequency of ailments using WordItOut revealed that Newcastle Disease (ND) symptoms, commonly associated with free-range indigenous chickens, were the most common conditions. Mangifera indica and Gymnosporia senegalensis were the most culturally important and versatile plant species applied to treat symptoms associated with Newcastle Disease.

Conclusions: Most plant species cited in this study can be grouped as belonging to fringes of cultural practices due to their infrequent number of mentions and low cultural importance indices. The study recommends documenting indigenous knowledge about ethnomedicine recourses in local communities before they are relegated to fringes of cultural practices.

Keywords: Volta region, Newcastle Disease (ND), Mangifera indica, Gymnosporia senegalensis, idiosyncratic knowledge, perceived efficacy

Taxonomy, ecology, harvesting methods, ethnopharmacological use, trade and prospects for sustainable management of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae)

2024-07-04T07:16:17+00:00

Background: Prunus africana (Hook. F) Kalkman has been the spotlight of foresters and scientists for several decades. However, the knowledge about this plant, which is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is patchy. This article provides a bibliographic review for the current knowledge on Prunus africana, focus on harvesting methods, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological use, trade and stakeholder involvement in the sustainable management of this species.

Methods: The literature cited was obtained from Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR and Scopus databases. A total of 122 documents (scientific articles, reports and thesis) were consulted. Grey literature was used in addition to published scientific research.

Results: Knowledge on the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological importance of P. africana has developed considerably in recent years. Prunus africana is known in more than 22 countries and is for the use of utilized for its bark, which is used on medicinally to treat various diseases. The literature shows the climatic diversity of P. africana habitats (altitude, rainfall and temperature) in African countries. Currently, eight techniques are used to harvest the bark of P. africana: 1/2, 2/4 opposite, 3/4, 4/8, complete debarking, 1/4 felling and 3/6. Six techniques have been categorized as illegal (felling, complete debarking, 3/6, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4), while two have been presented as legal (2/4 and 4/8). While international trade in P. africana is regulated to ensure sustainable management, the impact of exploitation and trade in products destined for local markets is not yet known and evaluated in the literature on this species. The article raises concerns about the impacts of medicinal use, logging, land-use and land-cover change, deforestation, habitat fragmentation and climate change on the conservation and endangerment of P. africana.

Conclusion: Future research should be conducted to improve knowledge on ecology, genetics and phylogeny, phenology, harvesting techniques that promote natural regeneration after debarking, and vulnerability of P. africana to climate change to promote sustainable management of this species.

Keywords: Prunus africana, harvesting methods, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological use, trade, sustainable management

Ethnobotanical study of Burkea africana Hook. in the Reserves of Bontioli and the Classified Forest of Koulbi, Burkina Faso

2024-06-22T14:49:24+00:00

Background: Burkea africana Hook. is one of the species exploited throughout Africa, particularly in south-western Burkina Faso. However, this species has not been investigated at a community level. The aim of the study is to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by B. africana to three communities located around two protected areas, which will allow for the identification of strengths and weaknesses that can guide local conservation.

Methods: Data were collected using a semi-structured survey involving 360 respondents from 12 villages around the Reserves of Bontioli and the Classified Forest of Koulbi. Respondents were randomly selected, mainly among the three indigenous communities of Birifor, Dagara and Lobi. Informant diversity value, informant equitability value and consensus value of use types (CTU) were used to analyse the data.

Results: The best-informed respondents knew 14.7% of all uses, while the least informed respondents knew 4.0% of the uses of the plant. Burkea africana is used in the construction (CTU = 1.054) and the handicrafts trades (CTU = 0.824), as firewood (CTU = 0.714), medicine (CTU = 0.311), culture artifacts (CTU = 0.245), and as fodder (CTU = 0.096). Twenty-six medicinal uses were reported. Asthenia is treated by washing and drinking the decoction of leaves. Decoction and macerated roots treat hernia.

Conclusion: The use of this species in construction and culture is of great importance for the traditional life of the Birifor, Dagara and Lobi. The transition to modern housing construction materials should be encouraged so that the wood is used less, thus contributing to the conservation of B. africana.

Keywords: Construction wood, Distribution of knowledge, Informant diversity value, Plant conservation, Traditional drugs.

Traditional medicinal plants used for gastrointestinal disorders by the Nyamwezi traditional health practitioners of Tabora region, Tanzania

2024-08-09T13:31:59+00:00

Background: Gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) have a considerable effect on global morbidity and mortality. Nyamwezi people in Tanzania still use traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) as their first-aid medications against GIDs. The purpose of this study was to record the TMPs that Tanzania's Nyamwezi traditional health practitioners (THPs) employ to manage GIDs.

Methods: Ethnomedicinal data on TMPs were gathered from 108 THPs. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate Family Use Value (FUV), Species Use Value (UV), Plant Part Value (PPV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL).

Results: The study revealed that 64 TMPs belonging to 33 families were used to treat GIDs. The most prevalent family was Fabaceae (11 species). Root (PPV = 0.464) and decoction (51%) were the preferred plant part and preparation method, respectively. About 96.9% of the remedies were orally administered. The highest ICF value of 0.97 was recorded for constipation, diarrhoea and gastritis/worm infections, indicating excellent agreement among the THPs. The highest FL of 100% was recorded for Euphorbia candelabrum, Sorghum bicolor and Cassia abbreviata, indicating conformity of knowledge on the species with the best curative potential.

Conclusions: The study reveals that locals in the Tabora region use a wide diversity of TMPs to treat GDIs. The relatively high ICF advocates a substantial consensus among THPs on using the recorded TMPs. Though the ethnomedicinal data presented in this study serve as the baseline for further research for developing new drugs against GIDs, further research on the phytochemistry, safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of the recorded TMPs is recommended.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical, ethnomedicine, herbal medicine, indigenous, pharmacology, quantitative study

The role of local experts in the selection and use of fodder crop species: a case study in the Brazilian dry forest

2024-04-15T13:55:26+00:00

Background: Native vegetation is the primary source of animal forage in Brazil's semiarid region. However, comprehensive ethnobotanical studies are lacking, hindering understanding of local knowledge on Caatinga plants and their selection criteria for animal feed. The study aims to investigate the differential use of native Caatinga plant species for domestic animal feeding and identify factors influencing their use in a rural community in the Northeast semiarid region of Brazil.

Methods: The free-list technique was used to identify the known forage plants offered to the animals by the small livestock farmers. In order to identify the most important species and evaluate the criteria for selection of forage plants by small livestock farmers, the calculation of the Index of Cultural Significance of Forage Plants (ICSFP) was performed.

Results: The findings revealed that the selection of forage species is influenced by various factors, including considerations for animal welfare and environmental changes perceived by small livestock farmers. The most culturally significant species identified were Portulaca oleraceae L., Cereus jamacaru DC., Manihot glaziovii Müll. Arg. and some species from the Poaceae family.

Conclusions: Despite the potential of these species as forage, further research is needed to evaluate their nutritional, toxic, and medicinal properties, as well as their ecological impact. Additionally, more studies on the selection criteria for forage plants are necessary to identify potential species for inclusion in public policies aimed at sustainable livestock management, particularly in semiarid regions.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Local knowledge, Animal feed, Caatinga, Selection criteria.

Sustainable Health Practices: Ethnobotanical Insights into Seasonal Plants of Kalahandi, Western Odisha, India for Food and Medicine

2024-03-03T15:55:30+00:00

Background: Indigenous communities rely on different plant resources available during specific seasons. The development and utilization of resources inherited from one generation to another play a crucial role in shaping a community's identity and way of life. The study aimed to conduct ethnobotanical research across multiple regions in Kalahandi, Western Odisha, to identify the significant utility of various seasonal plants, trees, and other natural resources.

Methods: Ethnomedicinal data were gathered from 87 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews between August 2022 and June 2023. These data were analyzed using quantitative indices Frequency citation (FC) and Relative frequency citation (RFC) for food and medicine preparation.

Results: The above experiment shows that the Kalahandi indigenous people use 32 seasonal plant types for food and medicine. According to the survey, RFC ranked first with Bambusa vulgaris (1), Azadirachta indica (0.96), and Citrus acida (0.94), respectively. Bambusa vulgaris is widely accessible during the rainy season and is commonly used to treat various conditions, including menstrual disorders, constipation, epilepsy, and arthritis. The indigenous communities typically boil the bamboo shoots and prepare numerous dishes with them. Among many, "Kardi Pitha" has the highest RFC_food value of 1, gaining popularity.

Conclusions: The study examines the Kalahandi tribes' utilization of seasonal herbs for sustenance and medicinal purposes. It also delves into the culinary traditions of bamboo cuisine. It emphasizes preserving plant diversity and cultural history, discovering therapeutic capabilities, expanding food options, and sustaining climate resilience for future relevance.

Keywords: Bamboo shoots, Bambusa vulgaris, Ethnobotanical survey, Kalahandi, Medicinal plant

Knowledge, use, and management of pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) in the region of the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí, Brazil)

2024-08-02T17:02:52+00:00

Background: This study aimed to identify and characterize the knowledge and forms of use and management of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. in rural communities in the region of the Sete Cidades National Park – PNSC (Piauí, Brazil).

Methods: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire sought information on knowledge of the species, forms of use and management, period, areas, and forms of collection, transport, storage, processing, and commercialization of the resource, as well as socio-economic data, such as age, marital status, level of education of the informants, and length of residence in the community.

Results: A total of 375 use citations were recorded across the following categories: food (84), construction (81), technology (62), medicinal (57), fodder (50), veterinary (21), fuel (15), magico-religious (4), and others (1). Food and construction had the highest use diversity value (UDV). Pequi oil stood out in the medicinal category due to its commercialization. A gender-based analysis indicated men knew more uses than women. The primary forms of management were collection (27) and protection (8). The results suggest overexploitation of C. coriaceum, putting local availability at risk.

Conclusions: Considering the use pressure on C. coriaceum, studies for investigating possible anthropogenic impacts caused by the unsustainable management of pequi in the region should be conducted, seeking more information for the development of conservation strategies for this species.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Local Knowledge, NTFP, Extractivism.

A review of the benefits and uses of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) from Islamic and scientific perspectives

2024-08-08T07:08:27+00:00

Background: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) are herbaceous plants used for their medicinal and culinary properties since ancient times. They are also mentioned in the divine scriptures, such as the Qur'an as al-fum (الفوم) and al-basal (البصل), respectively, which have further popularised their wide utilisation as blessed plants. This study was aimed (1) to analyse scholars' interpretations of garlic and onion in the Qur'an and Hadith, (2) to assess the medicinal benefits of these plants in Islamic medicine, and (3) to explore the relationship between scientific findings and religious beliefs.

Methods: The library research method was employed. The literature review was performed using various sources including the Qur’an, Tafsir, Hadith, books, journal articles, and dissertations.

Results: The presented review on the benefits and uses of garlic and onion, particularly in medicine from the Islamic perspective, has been scientifically proven, such as for anti-fatigue and chest pain reliever. Garlic and onion possess various phytochemical properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer. These plants have been used to treat several ailments like hypertension, gastritis, and liver disease to name a few.

Conclusion: Garlic and onion possess a wide range of benefits and uses, particularly in medicine. Even though the benefits and uses of both plants are not mentioned directly in the Qur'an and Hadith, the analysis of dalil indicates a correlation between the scientific findings of garlic and onion and the revelation that was revealed 1400 years ago before the emergence of science and technology.

Keywords: Allium sativum L., Allium cepa L., medicine, Qur'an, Tafsir, Hadith

Ethnobotanical uses of Helinus species (Rhamnaceae family) in tropical Africa and Asia

2024-08-22T12:38:50+00:00

Background: Helinus species are distributed in tropical Africa and Asia and are widely used as sources of traditional medicines and cosmetics. This review compiles existing information on ethnobotanical uses, chemical, pharmacological properties, and further use potential and applications of Helinus species.

Methods: Information on ethnobotanical uses, chemical, pharmacological properties of Helinus species was obtained from online databases such as Scopus®, Google Scholar, SpringerLink®, SciELO, ScienceDirect®, PubMed® and Web of Science, and pre-electronic sources such as books, journal articles, dissertations, book chapters, theses and other scientific articles obtained from the University of Fort Hare library.

Results: This comprehensive review summarizes the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of five Helinus species: H. brevipes, H. integrifolius, H. lanceolatus, H. mystacinus and H. spartioides. Four of these species have ethnomedicinal records, with H. integrifolius and H. mystacinus having the highest utility reports. Chemical compounds isolated from the species include aconitic acid, saponins, scyllitol, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and benzoic acid. The crude extracts of H. integrifolius, H. lanceolatus and H. mystacinus exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, glucose stimulatory and cytotoxicity activities.

Conclusions: Results of this study contribute towards the existing knowledge about ethnomedicinal uses of Helinus species that could be useful in bio-prospecting for new health-promoting products required in the primary healthcare delivery system. Future research should focus on elucidation of phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, in vivo and clinical research of Helinus species.

Keywords: Helinus, pharmacological, phytochemical, Rhamnaceae, traditional knowledge, tropics

Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. (Sapindaceae): Evaluation of its traditional and future potential uses

2024-05-23T16:33:28+00:00

Background: Pappea capensis has potential as a fruit plant on the basis of fruit size, palatability, yield, abundance and nutritional properties. But today, P. capensis it is a well-known medicinal plant throughout its distributional range, with local communities relying on its traditional materia medica for primary healthcare needs. The present review compiles existing information on traditional uses, chemical, pharmacological properties, and further use potential and applications of P. capensis.

Methods: Multiple searches on existing literature on the traditional, medicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of P. capensis were conducted in online databases such as Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct as well as using pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library.

Results: This study showed that P. capensis is a multipurpose species used as food plant, source of firewood, timber and herbal medicine. Pappea capensis is used as medicinal plant against human and animal diseases in 11 countries, representing 55.0% of the countries where the species is indigenous. The chemical evaluation of the plant species revealed that it contains acids, alcohols, aliphatic, alkaloids, alkyl, amino acids, anthocyanidins, cardiac glycosides, cyanidins, cyclic esters, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolics, phytol, phytosterols, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. The pharmacological evaluations showed that the crude extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species demonstrated anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antigonococcal, antifungal, anti-HIV, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, cardioprotective and molluscicidal.

Conclusions: Detailed ethnopharmacological evaluation of P. capensis focusing on its phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicological evaluations, in vivo and clinical research are recommended.

Keywords: indigenous pharmacopeia, materia medica, Pappea capensis, traditional medicine, tropical Africa

Spatial and temporal distribution of knowledge on Ritchiea capparoides (Andrews) Britten

2024-08-09T14:16:44+00:00

Background: Ritchiea capparoides is a fast-growing ornamental climbing shrub native to Africa, classified under the Capparaceae family. Despite its importance, it is commonly associated with genera Maerua and Crateva. This bibliometric analysis assesses the spatial and temporal distribution of scientific knowledge concerning these genera, utilizing major academic databases.

Methods: Scientific literature was retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, accessed indirectly via the Research4Life platform. A total of 410 publications from 1941 to the first quarter of 2024 were processed and analyzed using tools such as Microsoft Excel 2020, ArcMap, Ghephi, and R Studio with the Bibliometrix package and Biblioshiny.

Results: The analysis showed that these genera have been the subject of 391 articles, accounting for 95.37% of all publications, predominantly in English, and have been cited 8,316 times. This equates to an average of 21 citations per publication and approximately one citation every five years. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology emerged as the most productive outlet, whereas the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research had the highest impact based on citation metrics. Collaboration analysis revealed that, of the total, 363 publications involved 1,381 authors in collaborative efforts, though 6.6% of studies were conducted without any collaboration between authors, institutions, or countries. Only 29.4% of the publications featured international collaborations, with the most significant networks centered around Ethiopia, India, and South Africa.

Conclusions: This study highlights the rich knowledge and collaborative importance in advancing research on Ritchiea capparoides, Maerua, and Crateva.

Keywords: Ritchiea capparoides, Bibliometric analysis, Medicinal plants, Collaboration networks

A comprehensive review of Saccharum spontaneum, its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

2024-04-04T07:56:46+00:00

Background: Saccharum spontaneum belongs to the Poaceae family. It is also known as kans grass or wild sugarcane. It is a perennial grass that can grow up to 4 meters tall with deep roots and rhizomes. Higher morphological variability, early vigour, the ability to root, and resistance to a range of biotic and abiotic stressors are characteristics of this wild species. Tropical regions of the world such as tropical Australia and the tropical nations of Asia, Africa, and America are home to this plant. when plants are at juvenile stages camels and goats eat it. Quinones, Terpenes, Alkaloids, Phenolic Compounds, Coumarins, Saponins, Tannins, Steroids, proteins, and Carbohydrates are among the phytoconstituents present in leaves. This herb treats respiratory problems, gynaecological problems, burning pain, piles, and dyspepsia.

Aims of the study: To aware all the people about Saccharum spontaneum and its valuable traditional and medicinal uses and also about the presence of phytochemical constituents and their role in different fields.

Materials and methods: Google Scholar, PubChem, and Open Access Library were used to locate references about Saccahrum spontaneum between 1998 and 2024.

Conclusion: Saccharum spontaneum has bright futures ahead of it, including potential uses in complementary and alternative medicine and drug development. To identify and isolate the main bioactive compounds and to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying their pharmacological actions, more research is required. Furthermore, investigating its production and sustainable harvesting methods may result in the creation of cutting-edge medications or nutraceuticals.

Keywords: Saccharum spontaneum, Traditional, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology.

Exploring the miracles toward the Ethnobotany of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) in Iran (hitherto unknown uses of the plant), alongside an overview worldwide

2024-09-21T18:01:22+00:00

Background: Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium, Rutaceae) is extensively cultivated and known in Iran for its feeding and medicinal uses. However, its ethnobotanical knowledge has not yet been fully understood in Iran. To shed further light on the local knowledge of bitter orange within Iranian communities, and to summarize the worldwide pharmacological and traditional uses of C. aurantium based on a large number of works, we aim to carry out a comprehensive study of the historical and contemporary medicinal uses of this herb.

Methods: To unravel the indigenous knowledge of the bitter orange, data was systematically collected in the region. Semi-structured and electronic interviews were performed using 100 participants of dissimilar age, education, gender, and occupation. We also compiled extensive data regarding published papers, libraries, and online databases such as Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library within Iran and the world.

Results: The majority of Iranian respondents were included in the 20-30 and 30-40 age groups, representing the appropriate transmission of herbal medicine knowledge among young people. Various uses of bitter orange were listed, of which the most frequently recorded ailment was the treatment of psychological disease. Flowers were the most frequently used part of the plant. Overall, C. aurantium comprises significant chemicals such as carotenoids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, and is mainly reputed for its beneficial health roles.

Conclusions: This study reviews and presents comprehensive information on C. aurantium and its outstanding and novel traditional uses, together with its pharmacological properties and bioactive constituents.

Keywords: Bitter orange; Ethnobotany; Herbal medicine; Iran; pharmacological use

An overview of documented medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Iran with ethnobotanical and evolutionary perspective (2002-2022)

2024-09-05T15:34:31+00:00

Background: Iran country with high plant species richness along with ethnic group diversity is significant for the application of medicinal plants in various types of disease treatments such as diabetes. Based on the WHO organization, the total prevalence of diabetes in Iran is 10.3%. In this review, we aimed to offer a comprehensive documentation of plants used for anti-diabetic purposes in Iran, incorporating phylogenetic aspects. Furthermore, we aim to spotlight the plants most commonly employed by local communities to introduce them as potential candidates for further pharmacological research.

Methods: In this study, ethnobotanical information from documents spanning the past twenty years, available on the "Ethnobotanical Database of Iran," has been collected, compiled, and analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out to identify lineages with the presentation of plant families used in the treatment of diabetes.

Results: There were 282 species of plants from 63 families reported for treating diabetes in Iran. Urtica dioica followed by Citrullus colocynthis, Teucrium polium, Juglans regia, and Trigonella foenum-graecum represent the most utilized species for diabetes treatments. Phylogenetic relationships between families and plant organs used in diabetes treatments was significantly correlated through plants evolutionary patterns.

Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive review studying medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes from ethnobotanical and phylogenetic perspectives in Iran. The findings of this research underscore the significance of further exploration into utilizing indigenous knowledge to address emerging advanced diseases.

Keywords: Blood sugar; Endemic species; Hyperglycemia; Medicinal plants; Traditional knowledge

Ethnobotany and notes on conservation for Tillandsia imperialis (Bromeliaceae) in Huayacocotla (Veracruz, Mexico), a species in a risk category

2024-06-08T00:32:36+00:00

Background: Easter is an important celebration in Huayacocotla municipality, Veracruz. The residents traditionally decorate the streets with representations of the Viacrucis, using plants for biocultural traditions.

Methods: The study took place in Huayacocotla municipality in Veracruz (Mexico) at Easter. We register plant species used in 11 floral arches and religious decorations. Some semi-structured interviews with people involved in the decorations and their perceptions are reported. We calculate IUCN categories based on species distribution.

Results: Every Good Friday, the local community includes several plants as Dasylirion sp. and bromeliads, for the decoration of arches and streets. Four tillandsias have been reported as being employed for these religious celebrations: Tillandsia usneoides, T. deppeana and principally T. imperialis, and recently T. botterii. Tillandsia imperialis is the main species used (at least 230 individuals) and it appears in the list of Mexican protected species in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT- 2010. Photographs of the biocultural process and suggestions for species conservation are included to promote species protection and implement strategies to continue using these plants, but with less impact on the wild population.

Conclusions: This study provides ceremonial plants data with current conservation status in Huayacocotla, Veracruz. We propose strategies that could be implemented by the authorities and addressed to the residents who can help to preserve cultural rituals while conserving the species.

Key words: Floral arch, NOM-059-Semarnat-2010, threatened species, IUCN, conservation, traditional knowledge.

Wooden Locks and Keys

2024-09-09T13:53:07+00:00

The Azores Island of Corvo (Portugal) is home to a centuries-old woodworking tradition that has stood the test of time and passed down through generations. Central to this craft is cedro-do-mato [Juniperus brevifolia (Seub.) Antoine], an endemic species of juniper found in the Azores. Artisans on Corvo have honed their skills in working with this and other local woods to create a variety of functional wooden locks characterized by intricate carving techniques and a deep understanding of the material, which allows them to produce durable pieces. Cedro-do-mato is particularly significant, as this wood is prized for its durability, workability, and aromatic properties. This traditional craft reflects the resourcefulness of the island's inhabitants and plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and maintaining a connection to the natural environment. The ongoing practice of this craft serves as a living testament to the sustainable use of local resources and the enduring cultural traditions of Corvo.

Traditional chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) embroideries (Marvão, Portugal)

2024-07-20T14:03:46+00:00

By the late nineteenth century, in Marvão (Portugal), women created a new art by embroidering the chestnuts' pericarp – Castanea sativa Mill. –in linen fabric. This tradition has been kept alive and is now the most representative traditional art from Marvão. The pattern of the embroideries includes flowering branches in which the chestnut's pericarps are used to create imaginary leaves and petals. The embroideries are always framed and protected by glass and can include photos of family members and friends.

Keywords: Chestnut fruits, Castanea sativa Mill., chestnut embroideries, Marvão, pericarp.

Introduction of valuable medicinal plants of traditional medicine of Lamiaceae family in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden

2024-05-06T09:25:30+00:00

Background: The article shows the results of introduction of essential oils bearing medicinal plants of Lamiaceae in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden, with their phenological observations and information on use in folk medicine.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected in surveys from 2018-2024 as a result of interviews. Interviews with the local population were conducted in the form of a questionnaire with the consent of informants. The interviews were conducted in accordance with the rules of the ISE Code of Ethics 2006 established by the International Society of Ethnobiology (www.ethnobiology.net). The study was conducted in markets, interviews with tabibas (traditional healers) and elders throughout Uzbekistan.

Results: Some essential plants such as, Hyssopus officinalis L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L., Origanum vulgare L., Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L., were introduced in the Tashkent Botanical Garden in 1963-1965. Over the years of introduction, all plants have successfully adapted in the dry climatic environment of the city of Tashkent. For several generations, these species resume as self-defined. Due to the successful introduction of these valuable medicinal plants, the created collection site was a mother material nursery for breeding Lavandula angustifolia, Origanum vulgare, Salvia rosmarinus and Salvia officinalis in other regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Compared with previously mentioned species, Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze was introduced only 10 years ago. However, despite the shorter adaptation time, Agastache foeniculum also has a positive introduction rating, reproduces well with self. In addition, the work provides ethnobotanical information on the use of introduced species in folk medicine in Uzbekistan.

Conclusion: Over a long period of time, widely known essential oil plant species from Lamiaceae had a positive acclimatization result under Tashkent conditions. The most promising medicinal species for use in folk and official medicine are Lavandula angustifolia, Origanum vulgare, Salvia rosmarinus and Salvia officinalis.

Keywords: phenology, ethnobotany, Lamiaceae, introduction, raw materials, essential oil plants.

Quo vadis ERA ? - Editorial 2024

2024-07-28T08:13:01+00:00

The first volume of ERA was completed in 2003. Over the last two decades, the journal has diligently pursued its stated aims, as declared in the editorial of its inaugural issue: “to serve as a free, browsable, non-proprietary, searchable electronic publication which can be inexpensively and quickly produced and distributed via the Internet to make ethnobotanical research material available worldwide” (McClatchey & Thomas, 2003). ERA at that time attempted to fill a gap that existing journals in the field had left:

publication with complete open access to information
inexpensive publication
rapid peer-review and publication
continuous publication of peer-reviewed research
multi-media support for various data
support of a plurality of perspectives and languages

Now, after 20 years of publication, ERA still follows these guidelines, and still provides completely free open access publications for both authors and readers. However, publication practice does have changed over the years.