Ethnobotany Research and Applications

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

Parul Singhal, Prabhakar Semwal, Ankit Singh, VK Purohit — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Yogeesha Andaka, Krishnakumar Gulimane — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Priya, Suman Rawat — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Biswajeet Acharya, Amulyaratna Behera, Prafulla Kumar Sahu, Suchismeeta Behera — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Khadija Benamar, Saad Ibnsouda Koraichi , Saad Benamar, Kawtar Fikri-Benbrahim — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Fatima El-Ghazouani, Rachid Boukhanfer, Bouchra Yacoubi, Abderrahmane Zekhnini — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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 Daphne gnidium L. species in Taza (Northeastern Morocco).

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Neema Gideon Mogha — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Muhammad Zamin, Muhammad Adnan, Shaheen Begum, Irfan Ullah — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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,

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

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Salim Khadim, Sujjad Hyder, Arshad Ali Shedayi, Tehseen Zuhra, Hasnain Abbas — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

Ethnobotanic and genetic diversity of sugarcane in French Polynesia

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Alfred Maroyi — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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

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

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.