Ethnobotany Research and Applications

Ethnobotanical knowledge and quantitative evaluation of medicinal plants in the Dahra Region, Northwestern Algeria

2025-12-09T08:04:34+00:00

Background: This ethnobotanical investigation documents and analyzes traditional medicinal knowledge in the Dahra region of northwestern Algeria.

Methods: Data were collected from 420 informants across 11 municipalities using semi-structured interviews. Sociodemographic analysis revealed that traditional medicine remains widely practiced across educational and urban–rural boundaries, with women serving as principal custodians of household phytotherapeutic knowledge. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Fidelity Level (FL %), were applied to assess the cultural importance and reliability of recorded species.

Results: A total of 45 medicinal plants belonging to 23 botanical families were identified. The Lamiaceae family predominated (28.9%), followed by Apiaceae (11.1%) and Asteraceae (8.9%), reflecting a preference for aromatic taxa rich in essential oils, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Leaves were the most frequently used organs (≈ 50%), while decoction and infusion were the dominant preparation methods. High ICF values for respiratory (0.87), digestive (0.83), and immunity-related (0.81) disorders. Among individual taxa, Origanum vulgare (UV = 0.51; RFC = 30.2%), Mentha spicata (UV = 0.35), and Foeniculum vulgare (UV = 0.07) emerged as cultural keystone species, illustrating both pharmacological relevance and symbolic significance. Several species exhibited perfect fidelity (FL = 100%), notably Citrullus colocynthis, Arbutus unedo, and Melissa officinalis, confirming their recognized specificity and therapeutic reliability.

Conclusions: Overall, the Dahra ethnopharmacopoeia represents a dynamic, adaptive knowledge system in which ecological adaptation, cultural continuity, and empirical efficacy converge.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Traditional medicine; Valorization; Quantitative indices; Dahra region; Algeria

Urban ethnobotany and phytochemical profiles of plants cultivated by Chinese migrants in Buenos Aires, Argentina

2025-11-30T10:41:12+00:00

Background: In the Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Chinese farmers grow fresh plants that supply Buenos Aires' Chinatown. These crops can be considered Neglected and Underutilized Species since they are little known to the majority of the urban population, who are unaware of their uses and nutritional value. The main objective of this work is to update the ethnobotanical data on plants grown organically and conventionally by Chinese farmers and to determine their phytochemical profile.

Methods: Fieldwork was conducted at two sites in Buenos Aires where two Chinese producers grow plants linked to the traditions of their country. The methodology used consisted of ethnobotanical walks, free listings, and open and semi-structured interviews with farmers and community members. The phytochemical profiles were analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS, and the data were processed using multivariate analysis to evaluate the differences between the cultivation systems.

Results: Brassica juncea and B. rapa var. chinensis are the most common species in Chinatown and are sold year-round. They are grown conventionally and organically, are linked to Asian culinary traditions, and are produced from imported seeds. Organic crops showed higher concentrations of kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives (compounds associated with antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties), which differentiates them from conventional samples.

Conclusions: Urban ethnobotany highlights the role of migrant communities in increasing local agrobiodiversity. Organic farming not only promotes sustainable agriculture, but also improves the biochemical quality of crops.

Keywords: Biocultural diversity, Botanical Knowledge, Organic agriculture, Pearson correlation, PCA, PLS-DA, UHPLC-PDA.

Biological characteristics of Megacarpaea gigantea Regel fruits and their use in traditional medicine of Uzbekistan

2025-11-17T04:52:39+00:00

Background: This article presents data on some biological, morphological, and anatomical features of the fruits of the valuable medicinal and honey plant Megacarpaea gigantea and their use in traditional medicine in Uzbekistan.

Methods: Standard methods were used to study the germination of Megacarpaea gigantea seeds in laboratory conditions. A written questionnaire was used to collect ethnobotanical data. The local population was surveyed with the consent of the respondents. Interviews were conducted in accordance with the Code of Ethics established by the International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE Code of Ethics, 2006).

Results: Due to the presence of fatty acids and other biologically active substances, Megacarpaea gigantea seeds are used internally as a medicinal remedy for kidney and gallbladder ailments, a fact that has been observed by local populations and tabibs over a long period of historical use. An analysis of herbarium specimens included in the electronic database of the National Herbarium of Uzbekistan, Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has identified the distribution areas of Megacarpaea gigantea in Uzbekistan (mountainous areas of Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Jizzakh, and Tashkent regions). The species is most found in the Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions, where the fruits are primarily collected by locals for ethnobotanical purposes. Three Megacarpaea gigantea seed samples, tested in laboratory conditions, failed to germinate due to pericarp sclerifications and high temperatures. A germination analysis of seeds in small containers sown in autumn and spring revealed significantly higher germination rates (up to 82-87%) in autumn, especially in clean sand. This is because the seeds sown in the autumn were subjected to natural stratification, their germination was at a satisfactory level, and with subsequent introduction work, Megacarpaea gigantea can be successfully grown based on the identified biological characteristics of the seeds.

Conclusions: The medicinal properties of Megacarpaea gigantea have been identified, and a seed germination experiment was conducted in laboratory conditions and small containers with a closed root system. The mucilaginous layer of the exotesta of the spermoderm plays a role in seed adhesion to the soil and accumulates moisture for embryo germination. The fatty oils in the myrosin cells of the embryo are adaptive features for its full growth and development in arid conditions and have medicinal properties when consumed orally for gallstones and kidney stones due to their content of various beneficial fatty acids.

Keywords: Megacarpaea gigantea, fruit, seed, seed germination, morpho-anatomical structure, traditional medicine.

Quantitative ethnobotany of medical plants in non-indigenous communities of Loboc, Bohol, Philippines

2025-12-14T11:15:07+00:00

Background: Ethnobotanical knowledge among non-indigenous populations remains underdocumented, limiting our understanding of the role traditional medicine plays in rural Philippine healthcare. This study aimed to quantitatively assess and compare ethnomedicinal plant knowledge in two non-indigenous barangays, Gon-ob and Buenavista, in Loboc, Bohol, Philippines.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 146 respondents to document the use of medicinal plants. Four quantitative ethnobotanical indices, Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL), were calculated to determine cultural significance, agreement, and specificity of plant use within and between communities.

Results: From 146 informants, a total of 42 medicinal plant species belonging to 27 families were recorded, with Euphorbiaceae being the most represented. While several species were commonly used in both communities, differences were observed in use values, relative frequency of citation, preparation methods, and ailment-specific consensus between Gon-ob and Buenavista. Halib-on (Blumea balsamifera), kalabo (Coleus amboinicus), and lagundi (Vitex negundo) exhibited the highest UV and RFC values, underscoring their importance in community health traditions. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts, and decoction was the predominant preparation method. High ICF values for respiratory and skin ailments indicated a strong, yet community-specific, consensus among informants.

Conclusions: The study provides baseline quantitative evidence of both shared and distinct ethnomedicinal practices between two non-indigenous rural communities in Bohol, highlighting culturally significant species that warrant prioritization in future research and conservation efforts. In particular, B. balsamifera, C. amboinicus, and V. negundo, identified as the most culturally important species, should be prioritized for focused documentation, sustainable management, and further pharmacological research.

Keywords: Bohol, Philippines, Ethnobotanical indices, Ethnomedicinal plant, Non-indigenous local communities, Traditional knowledge

Ethnobotanical assessment of medicinal plants in the ecosystems of the Nurata Range, using an integrated approach

2026-01-19T03:44:43+00:00

Background: Medicinal plants play an essential role in traditional healthcare systems; however, their ethnobotanical importance is often assessed using single-parameter approaches that do not fully reflect their multifunctional value. Integrated evaluation frameworks are therefore required to provide a more comprehensive assessment of medicinal plant resources at the regional scale.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data were obtained from an original database comprising 374 medicinal plant species traditionally used in Uzbekistan. Based on clearly defined selection criteria, 110 species directly associated with the ecosystems of the Nurata Range were selected for analysis. An integrated Ethnobotanical Value Index (EVI) was applied, incorporating five parameters: use diversity, chemical composition richness, diversity of utilized plant parts, diversity of preparation and application methods, and additional functional value. All parameters were standardized and equally weighted.

Results: The calculated EVI values revealed a clear differentiation in ethnobotanical importance among the studied species. Twelve species (11%) were classified as low-value, 46 species (42%) as medium-value, and 52 species (47%) as high-value medicinal plants. Species with high EVI values were characterized by broad use diversity, functional versatility, and high practical adaptability. Based on EVI rankings, the top 20 medicinal plant species were identified as priority ethnobotanical resources in the Nurata Range.

Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the integrated ethnobotanical evaluation approach is effective for assessing medicinal plant importance at the regional level. This framework enables the identification of both widely used and less-studied species with high applied potential and provides a solid methodological basis for conservation prioritization, sustainable use of medicinal plant resources, and future comparative ethnobotanical studies.

Keywords: medicinal plants; ethnobotany; Ethnobotanical Value Index (EVI); integrated assessment; Nurata Range; biodiversity; traditional medicine

Ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible and medicinal plants in Southern Morocco: The case of Guelmim Province

2025-11-15T14:56:51+00:00

Background: In Morocco, Wild edible plants (WEPs) constitute an essential element of traditional knowledge, contributing to food security, healthcare, and cultural heritage. However, their use is declining due to modernization, agricultural intensification, and the loss of local knowledge, highlighting the need for documentation.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from August 2024 to August 2025 in Guelmim Province, Southern Morocco. The study covered Guelmim city and three rural communes: Timoulay, Laqsabi Tagoust, and Tighmert. Ethnobotanical Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with local informants and analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotanical indices, namely the Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF).

Results: A total of 36 wild edible plant species were recorded. The most dominant families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae (8% each). The study revealed a diversity of uses, with leaves (29.09%) predominating for medicinal purposes, followed by fruits (7.27%) and seeds (5.45%). Decoction was identified as the most common preparation method (38.1%). FL ranged from 18.45% to 96.67%, and RFC values varied from 0.21 to 0.86, indicating variable use importance across species, while the ICF values showed overall high informant consensus.

Conclusions: The present study highlighted that the people of Guelmim Province possess valuable traditional knowledge Documentation of this heritage can support biodiversity conservation, dietary diversification, and food security. Moreover, providing a foundation for sustainable agricultural practices, notably organic farming.

Keywords: Wild edible plants; Ethnobotany; Traditional knowledge; Food security; Guelmim Province; Morocco.

Ethnobotanical approach of plant diversity and market availability used for diabetes management in Benin and Burkina Faso, West Africa

2026-01-08T12:09:22+00:00

Background: The management of diabetes in sub-Saharan African countries remains a major challenge for low-income populations. This study provides a comparative analysis of the plants used by herbalists to manage diabetes in Benin and Burkina Faso.

Methods: Market surveys were conducted among 27 herbalists in each country from 2023 to 2024. A semi-structured interview was performed with herbalists who agreed to participate. The main information collected included the local names of the plants sold, the methods of preparation and administration of the recipes, and the recipe prices. Diversity, similarity, market availability indices, and informant consensus factors were determined. The most cited plants underwent phytochemical screening and analysis of chemical compounds.

Results: forty species were identified in each country, but with a very low similarity index (Ij = 0.0256). Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou index revealed comparable diversity structures between the two countries, despite a vastly different floristic composition. The market availability index was not correlated (p = 0.35; p = 0.85) with conservation status (IUCN), suggesting that the presence of species on the markets does not depend on their overall threat level. However, bark is mainly cited (38.5 %) in Burkina Faso, while leaves are dominant (38.3 %) in Benin. The most cited species reveals the presence of chemical compounds of interest for diabetes management.

Conclusions: these results highlight the importance of local knowledge in diabetes management in both countries, while raising sustainability concerns about the exploitation of plant resources.

Keywords: market survey, diabetes, species diversity, management, West Africa

Use of the alien invasive species Amaranthus retroflexus L. in Armenia

2025-12-23T10:13:24+00:00

Background: Two editions of "Ethnobotany of the Caucasus" (2017 and 2025) include data on the use of the invasive species Amaranthus retroflexus L. in the Caucasian countries. We have now obtained new data on the use of this species in Armenia.

Methods: Data on the use of Amaranthus retroflexus were collected through surveys of local populations in four rural communities of the Lori region of Armenia, comprising 42 villages. The Australian Weed Risk Assessment was employed for the invasion risk assessment of the investigated species.

Results: Residents of the Lori region use Amaranthus retroflexus as a food plant. Young shoots and leaves are consumed in salads or pies. A decoction of the plant is also used medicinally for gastrointestinal ailments. Locals use this species as fodder for cattle and sheep, and for fattening pigs. Our estimates indicate that 90% of families in rural communities of the Lori Plateau harvest Amaranthus retroflexus during the three summer months, primarily for their own use, with a small quantity sold in the markets of Stepanavan, Vanadzor, and Yerevan, and supplied to some restaurants in these cities.

Conclusions: Amaranthus retroflexus is widespread in Armenia but is primarily used by the population in only one region of the country as a food and forage plant. People are largely unaware of its beneficial properties and potential medicinal uses. A special campaign should be launched to promote this species as a food plant, while also raising public awareness of its medicinal properties.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Alien invasive species, Amaranthus retroflexus, Edible and medicinal plants

Interpreting flora motif in the Karmawibhangga relief: A Buddhist iconography of Borobudur

2025-09-14T08:02:05+00:00

Background: Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is one of the world's UNESCO World Heritage sites, known for its beautiful architecture, with reliefs, sculptures, and carved stone. The Karmawibhangga reliefs, hidden at the temple’s foot, uniquely illustrate the law of karma through cause-and-effect vignettes. Despite their fragmented preservation, these reliefs reveal flora as active narrative elements, though their species and symbolic roles remain understudied.

Methods: This study employed a multidisciplinary approach to analyse the flora motifs in the 160-panel Karmawibhangga. Flora identification was conducted through a morphological approach, comparing the habitus, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, and analysing relief as a discourse that combines social and ecological dimensions in an interpretive manner. Narrative structure was examined through intratextual, intertextual, and extratextual.

Results: This study identifies 39 plant species—dominantly Mangifera indica (mango), Calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu), and sacred composites such as the Kalpataru—through morphological analysis and cross-referencing with the Javanese flora and Buddhist texts. Results reveal intentional species selection: mango groves reflect abundance and meditation sites, while tamanu’s riverbank habitat symbolises karmic dissemination. Spatial analysis shows that the flora is arranged hierarchically (middle > left > middle > right panels) and viewed from distinct angles (frontal, aerial, and ground-level), reinforcing narrative themes. The Kalpataru, blending Ficus religiosa (Bodhi tree), Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen), and Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus), exemplifies sacred hybridity, strategically placed in the north-east panels associated with heavenly realms (svargga). Agricultural depictions (taro, rice, millet) further intertwine subsistence with cosmology, as millet’s north-facing panels align with Buddhist celestial symbolism. The study underscores flora as semiotic devices that encode karmic principles through ecological realism and artistic convention.

Conclusion: The Karmawibhangga reliefs depict flora as a dynamic semiotic system. By integrating naturalistic details with doctrinal symbolism, these reliefs can articulate a holistic vision of life's meaning.

Keywords: Borobudur, Buddhist iconography, Flora symbolism, Javanese ecology, Karmawibhangga reliefs

Ethnobotanical study of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. and its parasites of the genus Tapinanthus in Benin

2025-12-23T10:15:14+00:00

Background: In response to climate change and the degradation of ecosystems, the promotion of indigenous knowledge is a key strategy for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity in West Africa. This study examines the variety of local knowledge and traditional practices related to X. aethiopica and Tapinanthus species.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 172 respondents familiar with these species in order to document their uses and the plant parts involved. Statistical analyses (Chi² test and Correspondence Analysis) revealed that ethnicity significantly influenced the distribution of knowledge and uses.

Results: For X. aethiopica, the fruit was identified as the most valuable part of the plant (UV = 10). The species is mainly used for medicinal (39.4%), medico-religious (32.75%) and culinary (13.73%) purposes. In contrast, medico-religious (55.88%) and medicinal (38.73%) uses predominated for Tapinanthus spp., reflecting knowledge systems structured by the cultural heritage and ritual traditions of each ethnic group.

Conclusions: These findings emphasise the richness and specificity of indigenous knowledge, highlighting its central role in conserving and sustainably using local plant resources. It is essential to document and integrate this knowledge into participatory ecosystem management policies in order to promote culturally appropriate and sustainable conservation strategies.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, Xylopia aethiopica, Tapinanthus spp., Benin, conservation.

Traditional knowledge of medicinal macrofungi commonly used by riverine populations of the Taï, Comoé and Marahoué national parks (Côte d’Ivoire)

2025-12-13T13:42:18+00:00

Background: Medicinal mushrooms are generally listed without specific therapeutic indications. This study aimed to enhance knowledge and practices regarding the use of medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of various ailments.

Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted using a questionnaire focusing on local names, parts used, preparation methods, and routes of administration of macrofungi. The knowledge gathered was assessed based on the frequency of recipe citations and the relative level of exploitation of ethnopharmacological species.

Results: This study reveals that women are the main holders of ethnopharmacological knowledge. The work focused on twelve species grouped by the informants into seven ethno-species. Species belonging to the genera Auricularia and lycoperdon were each considered a single ethno-species. The naming of ethnospecies is based on the shape of the sporophore, the color and the sociolinguistic affiliation of the users. These ethno-species are used in the treatment or relief of 28 conditions for which the ethno-medicinal recipes have been inventoried. The majority of conditions listed are treated using whole sporophores. The treatment of twelve conditions involves the combination of various inputs. The most common preparation method involves grinding the sporophores into powder. The method of administration of the recipes depends on the location of the condition. The analysis shows variability in the use of preparations and unequal exploitation of ethnospecies.

Conclusions: This study highlights the wealth of ethnopharmacological knowledge about macrofungi. However, the gradual erosion of this knowledge among young people underscores the need to document and promote it.

Keywords: Traditional knowledge, Medicinal macrofungi, Local communities, National parks, Côte d'Ivoire.

Current issues in the preservation of wild plant resources in the Tashkent Region (Uzbekistan)

2025-12-05T09:32:46+00:00

Background: The article provides research on the biological resources of the natural medicinal flora of Tashkent region (Uzbekistan), which have started to decrease sharply in recent years due to anthropogenic factors.

Methods: The assessment of the distribution ranges of medicinal plants was carried out using the route-reconnaissance method widely applied in resource surveys. Field observations were conducted across all foothill and mountain regions of the Tashkent Province. To ensure data comparability, the standard methodology for evaluating the stocks of medicinal and technical plant raw materials (Borisova 1966; Khojimatov 2021) was employed, which includes delineation of population boundaries, characterization of habitats, estimation of projective cover, and assessment of resource potential.

Results: Annually harvested species of medicinal plants of the Tashkent region with a volume of more than 30 tons are such species as Crataegus turkestanica Pojark., Ephedra equisetina Bunge, Ferula tenuisecta Korovin, etc. Limited reserves, less than 1 ton are: Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. cilicica (Klinge) H.Sund., Helichrysum maracandicum Popov ex Kirp., Tussilago farfara L. The main reasons for the ecological tragedy of the region and the reduction of the area of medicinal plants are the expansion of residential areas, the construction of industrial enterprises, cattle grazing, and the uncontrolled collection of plant raw materials, among others. In addition, the taxonomic analysis of the medicinal flora of the Tashkent region in recent decades and information on the dynamics of the decline of some medicinal plant resources in this region are presented.

Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, we have given recommendations on the collection of plant raw materials and their use on an industrial scale only for the mountainous part of the Tashkent region, since the foothills and plains are largely subject to anthropogenic pressure, that is, there is active urbanization of the territories, industrial enterprises are being built and lands are being developed for agricultural purposes.

Keywords: harvesting; medicinal plants; resources; Tashkent region; sustainable using, plant introduction.

Species composition and ethnobotanical values of karst plants: implications for conservation in Padang Bindu, South Sumatra

2025-11-24T08:37:35+00:00

Background: Karst ecosystems have high biodiversity with important cultural value, but floristic and ethnobotanical studies are limited, including in the Sumatran Karst. Therefore, this research documents plants diversity and utilization used by The Ogan community in the Padang Bindu Karst.

Methods: Data were collected using flora inventory and semi-structured interviews. Analysis included Important Value Index (IVI), distribution, conservation status (IUCN), Invasive Alien Species (IAS), ethnobotanical value (Number of Uses [NUs] and Cultural Importance Index [CI]) using R studio software.

Results: Padang Bindu Karst has important ecological and socio-economic values. The high biodiversity and community’s dependence on key species emphasizes the urgency of community-based conservation through the protection of economically and culturally valuable species, restoration of native species, and participatory control of IAS. Thus, this research provides an integrative contribution among data floristic, conservation status, invasion, and ethnobotany as a model for community-based conservation in South Sumatra.

Conclusions: The communities of the Rwenzori region depend a lot on herbal medicine to treat various diseases irrespective of the availability of modern health care.

Keywords: Padang Bindu Karst; Ethnobotany, Use value; Cultural importance index, Community-based conservation

Endogenous knowledge and use value of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze, an invasive alien plant in Burkina Faso

2026-01-02T15:19:17+00:00

Background: Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is an alien invasive plant species in many countries in tropical Africa, including Burkina Faso. This study aimed to document the indigenous knowledge of local people regarding the invasion of M. suaveolens, its uses, and the impact of its proliferation.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted from January to March 2024 with 260 individuals from six ethnic groups in four sites across two climate zones of Burkina Faso. The use values and citation frequencies were calculated. A multinomial regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing indigenous knowledge.

Results: The proliferation of M. suaveolens has intensified over the past two decades. Livestock was identified as a primary source of the species' spread. The uses of M. suaveolens were classified into six categories; medicinal uses were by far the most common (69.61% of responses), followed by the use of the species as a mosquito repellent (4.61%). Values varied significantly according to climate zones and ethnic groups (p < 0.001). Most respondents (93.7%) reported that the species is fast spreading, and 75.4% of them considered the proliferation of M. suaveolens as a major threat to local plant resources. The impacts of the invasion include the extinction of local species, the reduction of biodiversity, and the depletion of pastures.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the huge endogenous knowledge from local communities that can serve for the implementation of strategies to mitigate the invasion impacts of M. suaveolens.

Keywords: Biodiversity, ethnobotany, invasive species, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, endogenous knowledge.

Contexte : Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze est une espèce végétale exotique envahissante présente dans de nombreuses régions, notamment au Burkina Faso. Cette étude visait à documenter les connaissances traditionnelles des populations locales concernant l’invasion de M. suaveolens, ses usages et l’impact de sa prolifération.

Méthodes : Des entretiens semi-structurés ont été menés auprès de 260 personnes appartenant à six groupes ethniques répartis dans deux zones climatiques du Burkina Faso. Les valeurs d’usage et les fréquences de citation ont été calculées. Une analyse de régression multinomiale a été réalisée afin d’identifier les facteurs influençant les savoirs autochtones.

Résultats : La prolifération de M. suaveolens s'est intensifiée au cours des deux dernières décennies. L'élevage a été identifié comme une source majeure de propagation de l'espèce. Les usages de M. suaveolens ont été classés en six catégories ; parmi ceux-ci, les usages médicinaux étaient de loin les plus fréquents (69,61 % des réponses), suivis de l'utilisation comme répulsif contre les moustiques (4,61 %). Les valeurs variaient significativement selon les zones climatiques et les groupes ethniques (p < 0,001). La plupart des répondants (93,7 %) ont indiqué que l'espèce se propageait rapidement, et 75,4 % d'entre eux considéraient la prolifération de M. suaveolens comme une menace majeure pour les ressources végétales locales. Les impacts de cette invasion comprennent l'extinction d'espèces locales, la réduction de la biodiversité et la diminution des pâturages.

Conclusion : Cette étude a mis en évidence l’immense savoir endogène des communautés locales qui peut servir à la mise en œuvre de stratégies visant à atténuer les impacts de l’invasion de M. suaveolens .

Mots-clés : Biodiversité, ethnobotanique, espèces envahissantes, Mesosphaerum suaveolens , savoir endogène.

Ethnobotanical study of Tetraclinis articulata in western Algeria: traditional uses and therapeutic potential

2025-12-04T11:02:23+00:00

Background: This ethnobotanical survey, carried out in four wilayas of western Algeria (Bechar, El Bayadh, Tlemcen and Ain Temouchent), was based on interviews with specialists in traditional phytotherapy (herbalists and traditional healers) to identify and document the popular uses associated with Tetraclinis articulata (T. articulata), locally known as arar tree.

Methods: Information was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, enabling the investigation of the therapeutic uses of T. articulata across several clearly defined dimensions, including medical indications (ailments targeted by traditional treatments), plant parts used (leaves, wood, cones, etc.), preparation and administration methods (infusion, decoction, inhalation, external application, etc.), types of treatments practiced, and potentially reported side effects.

Results: The study reveals a widespread integration of the arar tree in local folk medicine, with a usage rate of 99.09 % among participants. A total of 42 ailments were recorded, including digestive disorders (e.g., gastric ulcers), respiratory conditions (e.g., cough), and urological diseases (e.g., urinary tract infections). Two quantitative indicators confirm the importance of the species, with a Use Value (UV) of 2.7 and a Cultural Importance Index (CI) of 1.76.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate the major role of T. articulata in traditional local healthcare, as well as its strong cultural value. The study highlights the richness of orally transmitted knowledge surrounding this species and emphasizes the need to integrate it into a scientific framework for the sustainable development and rational conservation of this plant resource from the Mediterranean region.

Keywords: Tetraclinis articulata, Ethnobotanical survey, Traditional medicine, Therapeutic properties

The ethnomedicinal plants of Purko, Maasai in Central Narok, Kenya

2026-01-13T12:10:45+00:00

Background: Indigenous plants are integral to the Maasai community’s healthcare throughout East Africa. This research documented traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK) among the Purko Maasai community in Kenya. While this knowledge has typically been orally transmitted, a request was made by local elders to write it down for future generations.

Methods: Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, researchers and community members collaborated with the director of Olosho Initiatives in study design, participant recruitment, and data gathering.

Results: The community identified 31 plant species. Common medicinal usage was determined through In-depth interviews and consensus analysis. From the total, there were 15 plants noted specifically for their preventative health benefits, including body strengthening and immunity enhancement.

Conclusions: Almost half of the plants documented had uses that were preventative in nature, which highlights how this traditional knowledge both endures and remains relevant

Keywords: Maasai; Ethnobotany; Traditional Medicinal Knowledge

Medicinal plants used in traditional management of breast cancer: An ethnobotanical survey in Sidi Bel Abbès and Saïda, Northwestern Algeria

2025-12-01T00:13:54+00:00

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide and represents a major public health challenge in Algeria. Despite advances in modern therapies, their limited accessibility and potential side effects lead many communities to continue relying on herbal remedies. Documenting this traditional knowledge is essential for preserving cultural heritage and identifying promising candidates for future pharmacological research. This study aimed to document the traditional use of medicinal plants for breast cancer management in northwestern Algeria, focusing on the wilayas of Sidi Bel Abbès and Saïda

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted between 2023 and 2024 among 300 informants, using semi-structured interviews and free-listing techniques. Data were collected on plant species, parts used, and preparation methods. Botanical identification was confirmed using reference floras and specialized databases, and validated by taxonomic experts. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Use Value (UV), were applied to assess the cultural significance of the recorded species.

Results: A total of 59 species belonging to 55 genera and 34 families were recorded. Herbs predominated (81%), with Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Apiaceae as the most represented families. Leaves (29%) and seeds (20%) were the most frequently used plant parts, while infusion (36%) and decoction (27%) were the dominant preparation methods. The most cited species included Ephedra alata Decne., Nigella sativa L., Allium sativum L., Curcuma longa L., and Berberis vulgaris L., alongside therapeutic uses of several less-documented taxa in the context of breast cancer treatment, such as Euphorbia officinarum L., Annona muricata L., and Hammada articulata (Moq.).

Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plants used for breast cancer in northwestern Algeria. The results reveal both widely recognized and previously underreported species, highlighting the potential of local knowledge to inspire the discovery of novel therapeutic agents.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Breast cancer; Herbal medicine; Traditional knowledge; Lamiaceae; Northwestern Algeria.

Raphia harvesting and management by traditional communities in the Makoua District, Congo

2025-12-24T09:18:54+00:00

Background: The survey of traditional knowledge associated with Raphia involves three riverside communities, the largest Raphia plantations in Makoua (Congo). The aim is to perpetuate traditional knowledge and the daily involvement of raffia in strengthening the socio-cultural base.

Methods: In addition to bibliographic research, the ethnobotanical survey is coupled with the collection of samples and tangible evidence of the use of these taxa. Informants, aged at least 15, were classified according to gender and socio-professional category. Data collection took place from 17 February 2021 to 15 March 2021 and from 15 September 2021 to 15 November 2021.

Results: Data collection revealed three species (Raphia cf. gentiliana, R. hookeri, R. laurentii), two of which are known to be used in food, phytotherapy and handicrafts. At ethnolinguistic level, the taxa are perfectly serialised by the communities. Ethnobotanical indices (frequency of citation of species and uses (FC), number of uses reported (Nur), relative frequency of citation (FRC), level of fidelity (NF), cultural index of importance of each use category (FC/N), cultural index of importance of all use categories (CI), use value (VU), respondent diversity indices (ID), equitability index (IE)) reveal that all communities, regardless of socio-professional category, use Raphia for the same purposes (food, medicinal, craft), albeit to different degrees. Raphia products come from vegetative and generative organs, and the most prized are leaves, sap, fruits and the beetle larvae that develop on them. Despite some harvesting preferences, these products are a guaranteed source of income for the local population. Although communities are unanimous in their harvesting practices, their anthropic impact on the resource and dependence on it are not expressed with the same acuity. The ever-increasing demand for raffia products on urban and local markets, coupled with the annual harvesting of individuals and unsustainable harvesting techniques, expose Raphia and raffiales to over-exploitation. Traditional communities unanimously approve of the socio-economic and cultural attractions of raffia and its products.

Conclusions: The data from this study is sufficient evidence for us to take another look at these ecosystems. Sustainable management of raffia palm groves and Raphia spp. is more than necessary, both for local populations and for humanity, in the context of the fight against global warming.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Raphia, endogenous knowledge, ethnobotanical index, sociocultural base, Congo

Ethnobotanical knowledge and plant use patterns among the major ethnic communities of Mahankal Rural Municipality, Lalitpur District, Central Nepal

2025-12-18T05:46:39+00:00

Background: Plant species and their traditional knowledge play a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods, culture and health of communities in Nepal. Although several ethnobotanical studies have been conducted across the country, systematic documentation at the local level and active conservation initiatives remain limited, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Methods: This study was conducted in Mahankal Rural Municipality of Lalitpur District, central Nepal to document local ethnobotanical knowledge and practices under various aspects. Field work was carried out during June-July 2024 using purposive sampling of 56 respondents representing diverse genders, age groups and ethnic communities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participatory field walks with key informants including traditional healers and elderly knowledge holders.

Results: A total of 98 plant species belonging to 54 families were recorded of which 58 species were medicinal, 19 used as fodder, 15 for cultural/religious purposes and 14 used in food items. Those medicinal species were used in treating 41 various ailments with leaves and whole plants as the most commonly used parts. Similarly, oral administration was the predominant mode of application and juice was the common form medicinal products administered to the body. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) analyses revealed strong agreement for treatments of neoplasms (ICF=0.95), poisoning (ICF=0.92) and reproductive disorders (ICF=0.89). This highlights the reliability and cultural significance of certain species such as Zanthoxylum armatum, Ageratina adenophora and Mentha spicata. Statistical analysis demonstrated that education level (χ²=18.42, p<0.01) and ethnicity (χ²=24.67, p<0.001) significantly influenced knowledge distribution with Tamang communities showing distinctly higher familiarity with medicinal applications compared to Brahmin and Chhetri groups. Ethnicity also significantly affected treatment preferences for gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments (p<0.05). Younger generations (<40 years) exhibited markedly reduced knowledge of traditional practices compared to elders (>60 years) (H=32.15, p<0.001).

Conclusions: The study highlights both the richness of ethnobotanical species and vulnerability of traditional knowledge and its transfer to future generations. Priority conservation attention is required for overexploited species including Zanthoxylum armatum, Taxus wallichiana, Swertia chirayita and Valeriana jatamansi, which face habitat loss and unsustainable harvesting pressure in the study area.

Keywords: Ailments, Ethnomedicine, Indigenous knowledge, Informant consensus factor (ICF), Local healers, Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Traditional practices

Documentation of medicinal plant use in Karaj, Iran: An urban ethnobotanical study of herbal markets and shops

2025-12-22T20:24:53+00:00

Background: Urban ethnobotany provides critical insights into how traditional plant knowledge adapts within modern societies. Despite Iran’s rich ethnomedicinal heritage, little attention has been paid to cities such as Karaj, where traditional and modern herbal markets coexist.

Methods: Between 2018 and 2024, we surveyed 25 herbal outlets across 12 districts of Karaj. A total of 186 medicinal plant samples were collected, identified, and deposited as herbarium vouchers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with herbalists and customers to document vernacular names, plant parts used, preparation forms, and therapeutic applications. Quantitative indices, including frequency and relative frequency of citation, were calculated to reveal use patterns.

Results: The study recorded 186 species belonging to 144 genera and 68 families. The most represented families were Asteraceae (10%), Lamiaceae (9%), Apiaceae (8%), and Fabaceae (7%). Fruits (24.9%) and seeds (16.9%) were the most frequently traded parts. The dominant therapeutic categories included digestive (21.4%), immune/general tonic (17.7%), respiratory (10.1%), and nervous system (8.1%) uses. Native species constituted 57% of the recorded flora, while 33% were cultivated or imported.

Conclusions: The herbal markets of Karaj demonstrate both continuity and transformation of traditional medicinal plant knowledge in an urban context. While long-established attari shops preserve vernacular expertise, modern outlets introduce packaged and imported products, reflecting shifts in consumer behavior and trade networks. These findings contribute to understanding urban ethnobotanical systems and emphasize the importance of documenting and safeguarding traditional medicinal knowledge within rapidly changing metropolitan environments.

Keywords. Ethnobotany; medicinal plants; urban markets; Iran; Karaj; traditional knowledge

Bridging culture and nature: An ethnobotanical exploration of the Dayak Ga’ai in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan

2025-12-16T09:33:39+00:00

Background: Dayak Ga'ai, who lived in Berau, East Kalimantan, has rich ethnobotanical knowledge reflecting their deep connection with nature. Ethnobotanical knowledge in Dayak Ga'ai communities does not exist in the form of comprehensive documentation; it is only passed down orally, so it is at high risk of being lost. Documenting and preserving this knowledge is crucial for cultural and environmental conservation.

Methods: This study employs interview methodologies utilizing purposive sampling. We conducted interviews with 70 respondents from five villages. The questions encompass respondent characteristics and ethnobotanical aspects of local wisdom knowledge. We additionally investigated and cataloged the plant. The Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Cultural Significance Index (ICS) are ethnobotanical indexes employed for data analysis.

Results: The results show that 169 species belonging to 56 families are known and utilized in the live of Dayak Ga’ay community. Categorized into revealed that 13 species are used for cultural purposes, 15 species for handicrafts, 114 species for traditional medicine, 67 species for food, and 38 species for traditional tools and equipment. There are 7 species in each index, namely Calamus sp. (RFC = 0.61; UV = 2.46; ICS = 36), Goniothalamus macrophyllus (RFC = 0.56; UV = 2.78; ICS = 46), Eusideroxylon zwageri (RFC = 0.46; UV = 1.37; ICS = 15), Vitex pinnata (RFC = 0.41; UV = 0.83; ICS = 15), Shorea sp. (RFC = 0.37; UV = 1.48; ICS = 17), Licuala spinosa (RFC = 0.31; UV = 1.57; ICS = 40), and Curcuma longa (RFC = 0.30; UV = 0.60; ICS = 18). They found plants in forests, gardens, and yards.

Conclusions: The Ga'ai Dayak utilize diverse plants. Nevertheless, the ethnobotanical knowledge of these plants is decreasing due to modernization, migration, and deforestation. It is necessary to conserve natural resources and incorporate ancient knowledge into contemporary conservation and educational initiatives.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Dayak Ga’ai; Traditional knowledge, Cultural heritage, Berau

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don: A bibliometric analysis of an alpine medicinal herb

2025-11-28T12:11:25+00:00

Background: Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don is a high-value alpine medicinal herb endemic to the Himalayan region, valued in traditional Asian medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory benefits. Its bulbs command high market prices, leading to unsustainable harvesting, ecological threats, and endangered status (IUCN Vulnerable). Despite its ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological significance, research trends and gaps remain underexplored, necessitating a bibliometric analysis to map scientific output, collaborations, and future directions for conservation and sustainable use.

Methods: This bibliometric study analyzed publications on F. cirrhosa from 1939 to June 2025, retrieved from the SCOPUS database using search strings targeting "Fritillaria cirrhosa" and synonyms like "Fritillaria roylei." Data were processed with VOSviewer for network visualization (co-authorship, co-occurrence) and R Studio (Bibliometrix) for trends, citations, and thematic mapping.

Results: A total of 128 documents were analyzed, revealing China's dominance (89 documents, 1538 citations), followed by India (24 documents, 250 citations) and Hong Kong (17 documents, 368 citations). Top institutions included Sichuan University (53 articles) and Chengdu University (51 articles), with key authors like Wang S (h-index 7, 266 citations), Li, P (h-index 6, 270 citations). Citation analysis showed recent publications gaining rapid impact, while keyword clusters emphasized traditional medicine, alkaloids, and pharmacology. However, from 2020 onwards, the publication and citation record or research output of the Fritillaria cirrhosa drastically increases, which signifies that the species globally is gaining attention among researchers.

Conclusions: This first bibliometric analysis highlights research imbalances, with negligible contributions from other Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Despite the rich species’ distribution in the countries, the publication and citation trends were still restricted. This would largely impact the species' global attention and scientific evidence at the international level.

Keywords: Fritillaria cirrhosa, Medicinal properties, R Studio, Forest product, NTFP, Ethnobotany.