Ethnobotany Research and Applications

Cultural and socio-economic determinants of natural dye usage: A case of African dye plants in Benin

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The use of natural dyes in Benin varies across cultural and regional contexts. This study explores traditional knowledge and practices while testing Phillips and Gentry’s hypothesis linking plant utility to taxonomic group, growth form, abundance, and size.

Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out in 31 communes (May–October 2024) with 722 participants selected using Dagnelie’s (1998) formula. Data on dye species, categories of use, determinants, and harvesting methods were analysed through informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value index (UVi), cultural importance index (CII), and statistical tests including Chi-square and correspondence factor analysis (CFA).

Results: Food-related dye use had the highest ICF (0.98), followed by cosmetics (0.92). Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel recorded the highest UVi (1.00), while Corchorus olitorius L., Spondias mombin L., and Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A.Juss. showed moderate values (0.33–0.50). Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don, Philenoptera cyanescens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty, and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench were culturally significant. The dominant uses were food (31.89%) and medicine (24.60%). Influencing factors included ancestral knowledge (21.91%), colour (20.92%), rituals (15.51%), availability (8.57%), and accessibility (8.12%). CFA highlighted socio-cultural variation, while Chi-square revealed gender differences (p = 3.454e-05): women mainly used food dyes, men handicrafts. Occupation was also significant (p = 2.2e-16), with weavers, chiefs, and artisans as key users.

Conclusions: Dye plant use in Benin is diverse and shaped by socio-cultural drivers. Results partly support Phillips and Gentry’s hypothesis. Further studies should evaluate species threats and promote sustainable conservation.

Keywords: Producing-dye plants; indigenous dye plants, traditional knowledge; use determinant, Benin

Therapeutic properties of trees and shrubs cultivated in the green spaces of the Algerian Sahara

Mohammed Souddi, Asma El Zerey-Belaskri , Wael El Zerey, M'hammed Bouallala — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Ethnobotanical studies are essential for understanding cultural diversity, the use of plant resources, drug discovery, and biodiversity conservation efforts. The current research highlights the medicinal properties of trees and shrubs growing in urban green spaces in the Algerian Sahara.

Methods: A total of sixty-five (65) articles published in academic journals between 1993 and 2024 were examined to identify the types of diseases treated, the plant parts used and the methods of preparing medical recipes from trees and shrubs growing in Saharan urban green spaces. The data were analyzed using statistical tools and techniques.

Results: Sixteen species belonging to 12 families and 15 genera were reported as being used to treat various diseases, grouped into 12 main categories. These include digestive, respiratory, dermatological, cardiovascular, endocrine, urinary, hematological diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and sexual problems. The plant families most commonly used to treat various diseases are Fabaceae (with 3 species), Lythraceae and Tamaricaceae (each with 2 species).

Conclusions: The findings provide valuable baseline information for further studies on the bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants in Saharan urban green spaces, which may be effective in the treatment of various diseases.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Green spaces; Medicinal properties; Diseases; Sahara; Algeria

Botanical trends in global skin care: a bibliometric analysis

Emma Sri Kuncari, Purnomo Purnomo, Ritmaleni Ritmaleni, Wawan Sujarwo — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The trend of using botanical-based ingredients in skin care is booming in the global cosmetics industry. A comprehensive and global bibliometric analysis of this field has never been conducted. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the current literature from 2000 to 2024 on the use of botanical ingredients in skin care. This analysis aims to identify global and comprehensive research trends and develop future research strategies.

Methods: References were obtained from the Scopus database. The data mining process involved filtering, extraction, export, selection, and validation. A data cleaning process was conducted to standardize the writing. The data were then analyzed and visualized using Bibliometrix-Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel.

Results: The use of botanical ingredients in global skin care is on the rise. Between 2000 and 2024, 1,127 articles were published by 357 publishers, with a 12.3% average annual growth. A total of 4,942 authors from 77 countries contributed to this topic. The United States is the leading contributing country, Tsinghua University is the most productive institution, Science of the Total Environment is the top journal, and Gang Yu is the most prolific author. The U.S. plays a key role in knowledge dissemination on this subject.

Conclusions: The bibliometric analysis reveals growing interest and underscores opportunities for international collaboration, offering a useful reference for academics, researchers, and policymakers to bridge scientific and technological gaps and inform future policies and research.

Keywords: Bibliometric, Botanical, Science mapping, Skin care

Ethnopteridological knowledge of Afro-descendant communities in the humid forest of Chocó, Colombia

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Ferns are of great utility to neighboring communities due to their wide diversity of uses, ranging from medicinal to magical-religious applications. The Afro-Colombian population possesses a rich ethnobotanical tradition, making it an ideal setting for exploring ethnopteridological knowledge. This study documents and analyzes the diversity of uses of ferns species reported by the inhabitants of Alto Atrato, Chocó, Colombia.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 local experts from the Alto Atrato community. Additionally, botanical walks were carried out to collect ferns specimens, which were subsequently identified and deposited at the Herbarium of the University of Antioquia (HUA). The uses reported by the experts were classified according to the categories proposed by Cook, and the Cultural Importance Index (CI) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated.

Results: A total of 17 ferns species were reported with traditional uses. The species Pityrogramma calomelanos exhibited the highest CI (1.294), followed by Cyathea trichiata (0.706). Regarding RFC, C. trichiata and P. calomelanos shared the highest value (0.706). The most frequent use category was medicinal, accounting for 64.7% of the records.

Conclusion: There is a notable diversity of useful ferns species compared to the total number reported in the other surveys. Have been reported 13 new ethnopteridological species for Colombia. Additionally, an intergenerational gap in ethnobotanical knowledge was observed, underscoring the urgency of preserving this knowledge within the communities. Pityrogramma calomelanos holds significant cultural importance due to its diverse applications.

Keywords: Cyatheaceae, Ferns, medicinal, Pityrogramma, Use categories.

Resumen

Introducción: Los helechos son de gran utilidad para las comunidades aledañas, debido a su amplia diversidad de usos desde medicinales hasta mágico-religiosos. La población afrocolombiana cuenta con una rica tradición etnobotánica, lo que la convierte en un lugar ideal para explorar el conocimiento etnopteridológico. Este estudio documenta y analiza la diversidad de usos de las especies de helechos reportadas por los habitantes del Alto Atrato, Chocó, Colombia.

Métodos: Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con 17 conocedores de la comunidad del Alto Atrato. Complementariamente, se realizaron caminatas botánicas para la colecta de especímenes de helechos, los cuales fueron identificados y depositados en el Herbario de la Universidad de Antioquia (HUA). Los usos manifestados por los conocedores se agruparon en las categorías propuestas por Cook y se calcularon los índices de importancia cultural (IC) y frecuencia relativa de citación (FRC).

Resultados: Un total de 17 especies de helechos fueron reportados con algún uso tradicional. La especie Pityrogramma calomelanos presentó el mayor IC (1.294), seguida de Cyathea trichiata (0.706). En cuanto a la FRC, C. trichiata y P. calomelanos compartieron el valor más alto (0.706). La categoría de uso más frecuente fue medicinal, presente en el 64.7% de los registros.

Conclusión: Hay una notable diversidad de especies de helechos útiles, comparado con el número total reportado en otros estudios. Se reportan 13 especies etnopteridológicas nuevas para Colombia. Además, se observa una brecha en el conocimiento etnobotánico entre generaciones, destacando la necesidad de preservar este saber en las comunidades. Pityrogramma calomelanos es culturalmente importante por su diversidad de usos.

Palabras clave: Categorías de uso, Cyatheaceae, Helechos, medicinal, Pityrogramma

Contemporary ethnobotany of Opuntia ficus-indica in Algeria: perceptions, practices, and trust across sociodemographic groups

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The aim of this study was to document the ethnobotanical uses and perceptions of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) in Algeria, a country where traditional knowledge of this multipurpose plant remains underexplored despite its ecological and economic significance.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected from 525 respondents via a structured, anonymous online questionnaire between May and July 2023. The survey covered sociodemographic profiles, plant parts used, forms and frequency of use, sources of acquisition, preparation methods, perceived benefits, and adverse effects. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Cramer’s V, and network analysis, performed using RStudio (v4.2.2) with the igraph, ggraph, and tidygraph packages).

Results: The study revealed that women, university-educated individuals, and younger age groups (18–35) were the primary users of Opuntia ficus-indica. The fruit was the most used part, followed by seeds and cladodes. Uses ranged from cosmetics and food to herbal remedies. Modern processed forms (e.g., oils, capsules) were preferred by educated users, while traditional preparations remained popular among older adults. Strong associations were found between usage patterns and variables such as age, gender, education, and profession. Network analysis confirmed key relationships between plant use, form, frequency, and expected effects.

Conclusions: This study highlights the rich and dynamic role of Opuntia ficus-indica in Algerian ethnobotanical practices. It underlines the influence of sociodemographic factors on knowledge and use patterns and supports future strategies for sustainable development, health promotion, and cultural preservation involving this species.

Keywords: Opuntia ficus-indica; Prickly pear; Ethnobotany; Algeria; Sociodemographic factors; Traditional knowledge

Is there a relationship between the concentration of phenolic compounds and the versatility of medicinal plants in the Caatinga biome?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study investigates whether the concentration of phenolic compounds—specifically phenols, tannins, and flavonoids—correlates with the medicinal versatility of woody plant species in the Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. Given the well-documented bioactivity of phenolic compounds, we tested the hypothesis that higher concentrations are associated with a broader range of medicinal uses.

Methods: We selected 20 woody medicinal plant species and classified them into high- and low-versatility groups based on their Relative Importance (RI) values drawn from the ethnobotanical literature. Stem bark samples were collected from Catimbau National Park, Pernambuco, Brazil. Methanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolics using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, for tannins using casein precipitation, and for flavonoids using the aluminum chloride complexation method.

Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, no statistically significant differences in phenolic compound concentrations were observed between high- and low-versatility groups. While highly versatile species such as Astronium urundeuva (232.85 mg TAE/100 g DM) and Anadenanthera colubrina (254.24 mg TAE/100 g DM) exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics, some less versatile species as Mimosa tenuiflora (244.86 mg TAE/100 g DM) and Schinopsis brasiliensis (219.85 mg TAE/100 g DM) showed similarly high values. A similar pattern was observed for tannins and flavonoid concentrations.

Conclusions: Although phenolic compounds contribute to the pharmacological potential of medicinal plants, their concentrations do not account for greater medicinal versatility in the Caatinga. Other factors—such as ecological availability, cultural preferences, and traditional knowledge systems—likely play a more decisive role. These findings highlight the need for integrative approaches in ethnopharmacological research that move beyond chemical profiles alone.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Ethnopharmacology; Flavonoids; Phenols; Phytochemistry; Seasonal dry forests; Tannins; Woody Plants

Ethnobotanical uses, diversity, and palatability of weeds in the tobacco crop, Yaqubi field, tehsil Razar, district Swabi

Samar Mushtaq, Ismail Ijaz, Lal Badshah, Sumbal Khan, Asad Ullah — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: A research region's phyto-diversity provides a diversity of services to humans and their livestock, including food, feed, and medicines. The livestock's inclinations are quantified by the plants' palatability. This present study is the first attempt to document the diversity, palatable status, and ethnomedicinal uses of weeds in the region.

Objectives: The primary aim of this investigation was to record the biodiversity of weed species in tobacco crops and their ethnomedicinal uses and palatability.

Methods: An examination survey with frequent visits to the research area was conducted to determine the ethnobotanical uses and palatability status of weeds in tobacco crops.

Results: The present study highlights the ethnobotanical importance of weed species traditionally used by indigenous communities for treating various ailments. Several of these species also serve as valuable fodder resources for livestock, reflecting their dual role in local healthcare and agricultural practices. In total, 50 weed species were recorded, belonging to 47 genera and 23 families. Poaceae with 12 spp. (24 %) emerged as the most dominant family, followed by Asteraceae with 9 spp. (18 %), and Amaranthaceae with 4 spp. (8 %). Therophytes were the prevailing life-form (66 %), with microphylls being the most common leaf-size category (30 %). The overall diversity reflects a rich and ecologically significant weed flora in the study area. Moreover, a large proportion of these species (94 %) were found to be palatable, indicating their strong potential as a forage resource.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, it is recommended to employ natural weed management procedures that conserve the ethnobotanical value of palatable species while reducing the influence of lethal weeds on tobacco cultivation.

Keywords: Weeds diversity, Tobacco field, life forms, leaf size spectra, palatability, ethnobotany, Yaqubi field, Swabi district.

Ethnobotanical uses of the Flora of Banrgai, Talash Valley, District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The present study was carried out in the region of Banrgai, Talash Valley District Dir Lower North, Pakistan. The purpose of the study to explore the areas of Talash valley from all aspects regarding diversity of medicinal plants and folk medicinal knowledge. Traditional knowledge about medicinal plants used for various health problems was collected from the study area.

Methods: Comprehensive field work was carried out in Banrgai valley, Talash district Dir Lower KP, Pakistan starts from, March to September 2014. The data obtained from informants were analyzed through various statistical techniques such as Use value (UV), Relative frequency citation (RFC), Relative popularity level (RPL) and Rank order priority (ROP).

Results: The present study revealed that in Banrgai Valley has 39 plant families comprising of 63 species and 59 genera which were utilized by local inhabitants for various purposes. The Use Value (UV) ranged from 0.01 to 0.19, with the highest UV recorded for Verbascum thapsus (0.19) and Amaranthus viridis (0.19). The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) values varied from 0.05 to 0.71, with the highest RFC documented for Sonchus oleraceus (0.71). The Fidelity Level (FL) ranged from 7.58% to 91%, with the highest FL recorded for Saccharum bengalense (91%). The Relative Popularity Level (RPL) ranged from 0.13 to 0.98, with the highest RPL values observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris and Chenopodium ambrosioides (both 0.98). The analysis revealed that the most commonly used plant portion for medicinal purposes is the leaves, underscoring their importance in traditional healing practices

Conclusions: The Region of Banrgai, Talash Valley have rich diversity of medicinal flora. The several causes for this decreasing resource were, unsuitable agriculture applies, over grazing, over exploitation, deforestation occur for many uses such as fuel and timber in the investigation area.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Plant diversity, Banrgai, Talash valley, Pakistan

Traditional management and genetic diversity of Cereus jamacaru DC. subsp. jamacaru (Cactaceae) in the semi-arid region of Brazil

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Cereus jamacaru subsp. jamacaru is a columnar cactus with high utilization potential. It is used as of animal feed in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the knowledge, use, and management of this species in a rural community in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 family heads (n = 104) of the village of Santa Rita. Genetic analyses were carried out to evaluate the structure and genetic diversity of populations exposed to different types of management. A total of 90 individuals, 30 in each stand (wild, managed and cultivated) were selected and georeferenced.

Results: Interviews revealed that fodder was the most important use category. Both in situ (gathering and tolerance) and ex situ (planting and transplanting) management were recorded. There was no significant difference in genetic diversity between the wild, cultivated, and managed stand. The analysis of molecular variance showed that most of the variation occurs within the populations (99.76%). Based on the Nei´s genetic distance matrix, it was possible to verify in the dendogram that the cultivated population is more distinct than the wild and managed ones.

Conclusions: The different types of use and management practiced demonstrate the high cultural and economic value of the mandacaru. In situ management, involves human selection in favor of individuals more robust and more and larger fruits. This selection is not detected by the genetic analysis performed, although it is possible to infer that gene flow among populations is high thus counteracting effects of selection.

Keywords: Mandacaru; Caatinga; Ethnobotany; traditional population; Columnar cacti.

Socio-demographic determinants of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the Andean region of Ecuador

Fani Tinitana, Vladimir Morocho, Omar Malagón, Ángel Benítez — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Ethnobotany studies provide preservation of traditional knowledge related with plant use with a pharmacovigilance prospective, where socio-demographic and educational factors have shaped traditional knowledge of medicinal plants at a broad level.

Methods: This study presents information on the use of medicinal plants and their relationship with socio-demographic factors in six Andean localities in northern and southern Ecuador. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with different population groups, 665 interviews were conducted (472 women and 193 men), including age, region, gender, level of education, species, morphological structures used, health disorders treated, mode of preparation, and use. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices as Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) were calculated.

Results: A total of 187 medicinal plants belonging to 70 families and 149 genera were reported, with Asteraceae and Lamiaceae being the families with the highest number of species. Gender and age were determining factors in the use of medicinal plants. The most used plant parts were stem, young branch, bark (48.2%) and whole plant (13.8%) and the most used forms of preparation were infusions, juices and decoctions. Twenty-four disease categories were reported, where the main categories were inflammation and digestive infections (47.4%). Most species were used by a large proportion of informants for each disease category (ICF ≥ 0.65). The diversity of medicinal plant species and the traditional knowledge associated with them are of considerable value to communities in northern and southern Ecuador.

Conclusions: Species (stems, leaves, branches and bark) may have potential in the treatment of anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory diseases related to the treatment of major disorders such as infection and inflammation of the stomach, liver, kidneys, urinary tract, cancer and internal tumors. Gender, age and region were determining factors in the knowledge about the use of plants to treat anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: Ethno-medicine; Ethnobotanical survey; gender, medicinal plants; biodiversity; Ecuador

Ethnobotanical survey and ecological approach of medicinal and aromatic plants in Algeria

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Herbal medicine remains widely used globally, often preferred due to concerns over pharmaceutical side effects. In Algeria, where 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine, this study aimed to document medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) used in a semi-arid region of northeastern Algeria.

Methods: Conducted from 2017 to 2020, the ethnobotanical survey involved 300 participants. The data were evaluated using a range of botanical citation indexes. In addition, for each plant species identified, ethnobotanical features were assigned, including the plant part used in herbal medicine, preparation modes, medication routes of administration, and diseases treated. Furthermore, ecological characteristics such as plant morphological types, IUCN Red List status, and geographic origins were recorded.

Results: All participants reported using MAPs for treatment. Data analysis using Multiple Component Analysis revealed that married, urban housewives aged 36 to 61 years were the primary users. Additionally, 158 species were identified from 62 families, with Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae being the most represented. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, with infusion and decoction as the main preparation methods. Ecological data included IUCN status, with some species listed as Vulnerable or Endangered. Several species showed high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL), notably Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, Olea europaea L., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

Conclusion: This study underscores the significant role of MAPs in traditional healthcare practices in northeastern Algeria, offering key insights into their use for the treatment of various diseases. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in alternative medicine and provide a valuable ethnobotanical database that could be leveraged for pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords: Herbal medicine, Medicinal and aromatic plants, Semi-arid regions, Ethnobotanical survey, Botanical citation indexes, Montane habitats.

Knowledge and medicinal plants in El Ach region (Algeria)

Aida Radjai, Djamel Sarri, Abdelghani Zedam — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This ethnobotanical study intended to count the plants species according to their uses by people, whether as ethno-medicinal in the local traditional medicine, food or anything else in El Ach region southern Bordj-Bou-Arreridj (Algeria).

Methods: The ethnobotanical data were collected in 2023 from 130 local informants through structured questionnaires and interviews, focusing on medicinal plant names, parts used, preparation methods, applications, and treated ailments. Quantitative analysis involved two indices, Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL), to assess data significance and reliability, while Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) was used to explore the relationship between plant use and participants' socio-demographic characteristics.

Results: An inventory recorded 53 medicinal plant species from 26 botanical families, with Asteraceae being the most represented (12 species), followed by Lamiaceae (7 species), and others having between 1 to 4 species each. Asteraceae species were widely used to treat various diseases using methods like decoction, compress, infusion, and powder. For example, Artemisia herba-alba asso with a fidelity level (FL) of 89.39%, is notably used to treat diabetes, stomach pain, colon issues. Additionally, Non-Metric Multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis showed significant relationships and differences in plant knowledge across different age groups.

Conclusions: This research explores the rich ethnobotanical heritage of the El Ach community, revealing a wide variety of traditional medicinal plants used locally. It emphasizes the community's strong bond with nature and the importance of ethnobotanical studies in preserving indigenous knowledge for the future.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicine, El Ach region, Algeria.

Two hundred years of plant blindness in Baden (Germany) - from C.C. Gmelin´s 1817 "Nothülfe gegen Misswachs" to the post Covid-19 foraging hype, including a preliminary Checklist of the Flora of Karlsruhe

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Plants have been used for centuries in almost all cultures worldwide as traditional medicines to cure many chronic infections, including viral diseases. In recent decades, scientists have been attempting to scientifically validate the health-improving potential of functional and nutraceutical foods. At the same time, lockdowns due to SARS-CoV-2 had a profound influence on urban foraging behavior. On the other hand, 21 century plant blindness has been well documented. Our hypothesis however was that this is not the case, and that plant blindness, especially in more urban environments, is not a new phenomenon at all. During the curatorial work it became evident that the first director of the collection, CC Gmelin also focused on ethnobotanical topics to improve livelihoods and increase government revenue, publishing a foraging volume in 1817 to remedy the effects of the Napoleonic Wars and the "Summer without harvest" caused by the 1815 Tambora eruption. The pure fact that such a volume was of interest in 1817 seems to proof our hypothesis that plant blindness is by no means a recent phenomenon. Thus, we decided to have a closer look at the volume and to compare the indications given with more recent uses of the respective species.

Methods: For this review we used a manual transcript made from using a digital facsimile edition from the British Library. For most recent uses of species we consulted the broader global literature, especially the recent series "Ethnobotany of Mountain Regions". To elucidate if Gmelin indeed referenced the species he promoted, correctly identified the material, and to review the current availability of the species, we reviewed the complete currently accessible spermatophyte, lycophyte and pteridophyte plant collection in KR (about 250000 specimens), and used this resource to elaborate a first preliminary checklist of the Flora of Karlsruhe including vouchered material from 1785 - 2025.

Results: Gmelin's 18 century foraging handbook contains 169 species (144 plants, 23 fungi, 2 lichens) belonging to 122 genera (104 plants, 16 fungi, 2 lichens), in 54 families (38 plants, 14 fungi, 2 lichen). Of these 143 are recommended for food, 88 for fodder, and 14 for utensils. All the species had contemporary uses, mostly in Eastern Europe, while only very few have contemporary uses in the original region. The Flora of Karlsruhe has been vouchered since 1785, but despite decades of discussion no preliminary checklist had been published. We take this opportunity of review of Gmelin's "Nothülfe" book to present a first preliminary, voucher based, Checklist of the Flora of Karlsruhe 1785-2025 including almost 2600 species.

Discussion: The publication of Gmelin is certainly interesting, because it underlines first, that plant blindness is by no means a problem of the 21. century. Apparently over 200 years ago citizens had similar issues. It is however not entirely clear why Gmelin wrote this volume. Certainly, Carl Christian Gmelin was not only Director of the Natural History Museum and the Botanical Gardens in Karlsruhe, but also Privy Councilor of the Grand Duchy of Baden and published his guide at a time when the still young Grand Duchy of Baden was struggling with particularly serious social, economic, ecological, and political conflicts. What is striking though is that all species that Gmelin mentioned in his 1817 volume are still used in the wider European and Mediterranean region.

Conclusion: Our review indicates that "plant blindness" is by no means a phenomenon of the 21. century. Already over 200 years ago, a guidebook was necessary to allow "ordinary" citizens, not only in urban, but also rural areas, the identification of wild plants as food and forage, to remedy years of bad harvests. Herbarium collections are essential to allow for a detailed revision of such publications, and have the potential to elucidate both genetic, as well as metabolic changes in species, e.g. important for food and medicine. The foraging and self-medication craze during and after SARS-CoV-2 underlines the dire need for better taxonomic assessment of plants used by the wider public. Our presented Checklist of the Flora of Karlsruhe 1785-2025 will serve as baseline for future analyses of this urban flora.

Keywords: CC Gmelin, foraging, historic plant use, Baden, plant blindness

Exploring the therapeutic landscape of Baccharoides anthelmintica: from traditional use to modern applications

Prachi Bhatt Bhatt, Priya Mahawar, Mamta Baunthiyal — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Baccharoides anthelmintica (also known as Vernonia anthelmintica), a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, is widely recognized in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine. It has been traditionally utilized to address inflammatory issues, gastrointestinal disorders, skin ailments, and reproductive health problems. Its seeds are particularly esteemed for their capability to eliminate parasitic worms, which is reflected in its species name “anthelmintica.” Beyond its ethnomedicinal importance, the plant has piqued the interest of modern science for its potential pharmacological benefits and industrial applications.

Methods: This review involved the examination of 25-30 original research studies, 10-15 review articles, classical literature, ethnobotanical surveys, and electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar). Local traditional knowledge was also gathered from healers in Uttarakhand. Information on phytochemical components, pharmacological effects, and therapeutic uses was systematically compiled, with a focus on its anthelmintic properties.

Results: Phytochemical investigations uncovered a variety of bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones, fatty acids, flavonoids and triterpenoids. These compounds exhibit antihelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Their mechanisms include disruption of the parasite, inhibition of larval development, modulation of oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.

Conclusions: B. anthelmintica stands out as a valuable natural resource for the development of innovative anthelmintic and multi-target therapeutic agents. Its diverse phytochemical profile provides a scientific foundation for traditional claims; however, additional in vivo studies, clinical trials, and safety assessments are necessary for sustainable pharmacological and industrial use.

Keywords: Baccharoides anthelmintica; Anthelmintic; Phytochemistry; Traditional Medicine; Asteraceae

Edible species of Boraginales

Hamid Nazari, Farrokh Ghahremininejad — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The order Boraginales comprises numerous species known for their medicinal properties, but their role as food sources remains understudied and largely confined to local traditions. This review aims to systematically document edible species within this order, highlighting their nutritional, cultural and economic significance and advocating for their broader integration into global food systems.

Methods: This study compiles data from diverse botanical and ethnobotanical sources, identifying 107 edible species whitin Boraginales. The analysis includes taxonomic distribution, with the Boraginaceae family contributing the most species (50), followed by Cordiaceae (32), Hydrophyllaceae (10), Ehretiaceae (9), Heliotropiaceae (3), Lennoaceae (2), and Namaceae (1). Preliminary fieldwork in Iran supplements literature-based research to assess local availability and traditional uses.

Results: The findings reveal that edible Boraginales species are widely consumed in various regions, yet their potential remains undervalued in mainstream agriculture and nutrition. Many of these plants play crucial roles in local diets but lack comprehensive scientific evaluation of their cultivation and nutritional benefits.

Conclusions: In addition to identifying edible Boraginales species that are consumed only in a specific region, this review reveals a biogeographic split in organ use: temperate regions favor leafy herbaceous taxa, whereas seasonally dry and wet tropical regions emphasize fleshy fruits, especially within Cordia and Ehretia. Representative records illustrate this contrast: leafy parts are used in Europe/Turkey/Iran and North America, and fruit are used in Africa, the Neotropics, and South/Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Edible plants, Boraginales, Culinary traditions, Traditional knowledge