Ethno-Medicinal Survey of Targeted Tribes in Idukki District, Kerala

An ethnobotanical study was carried out among Mannan, Urali, and Paliyan communities at Kozhimala and Chakkupallom villages of Idukki dist, Kerela. Information on one hundred plants used by them as a source of medicine for various ailments was collected through a questionnaire. Totally 68 plant species were collected from the Mannan community, 16 from the Urali, and another 16 from Paliyan community. The plant parts used as sources of medicine by targeted tribes were, leaves (52%), followed by roots (29%), stem, and bark (20%) Fruit and seed (19%), Whole plant (14%) Latex and resin (5%), flower and other parts (6%). Among which, mostly preferred plant parts as a source of medicine by Mannan tribe was leaf (35%) followed by root parts (16%), stem and bark (15%), fruit and seed (11%), whole plant (6%) latex and resin (5%) flower and other parts (4%) whereas Urali tribes used root parts (9%) leaf (5%) seed and fruit (3%) bark (3%) whole plant (3%) and flower (2%) and Paliyan used leaf (12%) followed by whole plant (5%), seed (5%) and root parts (4%). Mannas mostly use herbs (32%) as their medicine followed by Trees (21%) also shrubs (15%) and climbers (5%). Urali tribes use Herbs (9%), shrubs (8%), climbers, and trees 3% each. Paliyan tribes mostly use Herbs (15%), followed by trees (9%), Shrubs (3%), and climbers (1%).

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for various diseases in the remote areas of Changa Manga Forest, Pakistan / Usos etnomedicinais de plantas para várias doenças nas áreas remotas da Floresta Changa Manga, Paquistão

This study aims at reporting the indigenous knowledge of the medicinal flora from the inhabitants of surroundings of the World's largest artificial planted forest "Changa Manga", Pakistan. Data were collected by direct interviews and group meetings from 81 inhabitants including 32 local healers having information regarding the use of indigenous medicinal plants over a period of one year. Different statistical tools were applied to analyze the data including Frequency citation (FC), Relative frequency citation (RFC), Use Value, Factor of informants consensus and fidelity level. This study reported 73 plant species belonging to 37 plant families and 46 genera. The majority of plant species belong to compositae family. The most commonly used medicinal plants were P. hysterophorus L., P. dactylifera L., S. indicum L, P. harmala L., P. emblica L., and A. indica A.Juss. The greatest number of species was used to cure gastrointestinal disorders. The highest fidelity level (68.18%) was of E. helioscopia to cure gastrointestinal disorders. Maximum fresh uses (17) were reported by C. dactylon (L.) Pars. While the highest number of species reporting fresh uses in similar number was 13. In this study, five novel plants are being reported for the first time in Pakistan for their ethnomedicinal worth. Our data reflect unique usage of the medicinal plants in the study area. The statistical tools used in the study proved useful in pointing the most important and disease category specific plants. High use value plant and the new reported medicinal plants might prove an important source of the isolation of pharmacologically active compounds.

Este estudo tem como objetivo relatar o conhecimento indígena sobre a flora medicinal dos habitantes do entorno da maior floresta artificial plantada do mundo, a Changa Manga, no Paquistão. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas diretas e reuniões em grupo de 81 habitantes, incluindo 32 curandeiros locais, com informações sobre o uso de plantas medicinais indígenas durante o período de um ano. Diferentes ferramentas estatísticas foram aplicadas para analisar os dados, incluindo citação de frequência (FC), citação de frequência relativa (RFC), valor de uso, fator de consenso dos informantes e nível de fidelidade. Este estudo relatou 73 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 37 famílias de plantas e 46 gêneros. A maioria das espécies de plantas pertence à família Compositae. As plantas medicinais mais utilizadas foram P. hysterophorus L., P. dactylifera L., S. indicum L., P. harmala L., P. emblica L. e A. indica A. Juss. O maior número de espécies foi usado para curar distúrbios gastrointestinais. O maior nível de fidelidade (68,18%) foi de E. helioscopia para cura de distúrbios gastrointestinais. Os usos máximos em fresco (17) foram relatados por C. dactylon (L.) Pars. enquanto o maior número de espécies relatando usos frescos em número semelhante foi de 13. Neste estudo, cinco novas plantas estão sendo relatadas pela primeira vez no Paquistão por seu valor etnomedicinal. Nossos dados refletem o uso exclusivo das plantas medicinais na área de estudo. As ferramentas estatísticas utilizadas no estudo mostraram-se úteis para apontar as plantas mais importantes e específicas da categoria de doença. Plantas de alto valor de uso e as novas plantas medicinais relatadas podem ser uma importante fonte de isolamento de compostos farmacologicamente ativos.

Ethno-Botanical Survey: Exploring Indigenous Remedies for African Animal Trypanosomosis in Nigeria

The Fulani pastoralist of Nigeria and other indigenous livestock farmers have used medicinal plants to treat various animal diseases for centuries, amongst which include the African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). It is a severe debilitating parasitic disease of livestock and some wild animal species. It is caused by pathogenic Trypanosomes and transmitted by Tsetse flies. It causes severe economic losses to livestock farmers in Africa. In this study, an ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the Tsetse-endemic areas of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States of Nigeria to identify medicinal plants used traditionally to treat AAT. During the study, eighty questionnaires were administered to the respondents who were predominantly Fulani pastoralists, and other indigenous livestock farmers. seventy-eight questioners were fully completed and retrieved. The study revealed that that most of the respondents have retained the tradition knowledge system of medicinal plants passed down to them for generations. The study revealed various herbal preparation methods employed by indigenous Nigerian livestock farmers, including decoctions, infusions, and incorporating plant material into feed. Fifteen medicinal plants species belonging to 13 families were identified to be used by Nigerian pastoralist for the treatment AAT. These included Khaya senegalensis (28.2%), Azadirachta indica (25.6%), Boswellia dalziellii (23%), Prosopis africana (23%), Anogeisus leocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides (21.8%), Adansonia digitata and Annona senegalensis (19.2%), Pilostigma thoningii (16.7%), Nauclea latifolia (15.0%). Balanites aegyptiaca (12.5%). Eucalyptus torelliana (11.5%), Tamarindus indica (10.3%), Ximenia americana (9%) and Guiera senegalensis 7.7%). Conclusions: The information obtained from this study and the medicinal plants identified can be harnessed for the development of plant-based medicaments for the treatment of AAT.

Medicinal plants for digestive disorders: a review of ethnobotanical studies conducted in southern Brazil / Plantas medicinales para los trastornos digestivos: una revisión de estudios etnobotánicos realizados en el sur de Brasil

This review focuses on plant species traditionally used in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná states (southern Brazil) for the relief of digestive disorders. Fifty ethnobotanical studies were compiled, resulting in 384 species mentioned, of which those cited in common to every state were selected. The search retrieved 63 native species used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, distributed in 21 botanical fa milies, mainly Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. The most cited species include Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) and Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Scient ific studies have corroborated their popular use for the relief the gastrointestinal disorders, but most of them are preclinical and mainly exploratory. In conclusion, the folk use of medicinal species with therapeutic purposes is widespread in southern Br azil, but further studies are needed to guarantee their efficacy and safety.

Esta revisión presenta especies de plantas utilizadas en Rio Gra nde do Sul, Santa Catarina y Paraná (Sur de Brasil) con enfoque en el alivio de los trastornos digestivos. Se recopilaron 50 estudios etnobotánicos en los que se mencionaron un total de 384 especies, siendo seleccionadas las especies en común a todos los e stados. La búsqueda recuperó 63 especies nativas citadas como utilizadas para aliviar trastornos gastrointestinales, distribuidas en 21 familias botánicas, principalmente Asteraceae, Lamiaceae y Myrtaceae. Las especies con mayor frecuencia de citación fuer on: Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) y Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Los estudios científicos han corroborado el uso de especies para el alivio de los trast ornos gastrointestinales, pero la mayoría de ellos son preclínicos y principalmente exploratorios. En conclusión, el uso popular de especies medicinales con fines digestivos está muy extendido en el sur de Brasil, pero aún se necesitan estudios científicos para garantizar la eficacia y seguridad de estas plantas.

Traditional Uses and Anticancer Potential of the Combretum Genus: A Literature Review

Background: Cancer incidence is increasing annually in all countries. So, it is nowadays a great burden for the different nations of the world. Research for new therapeutics is becoming an urgent need, particularly for intractable and chemoresistant cancer cases. The solutions can still be found by investigating natural products which are recognized as promising sources of bioactive compounds with a potential for the discovery of new preventive and therapeutic anticancer agents. Methodology: The present work used databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct and Google scholar to investigate the ethnobotanical uses of some Combretum species in the literature. It also allowed us to summarize some pharmacological studies on Combretum species. Results: This review gathers all available traditional uses and cytotoxicity studies of Combretum species in the literature. Special focus is given to pharmacological studies highlighting isolated potential anticancer molecules. These molecules present potent cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines and may contribute to improving the health of people suffering from various cancer diseases. Conclusion: The Combretum species are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of several pathologies including cancers. This study is of fundamental importance in highlighting Combretum species as a potential source for research of new anticancer compounds.

Ethanobotanical Diversity in Practices and Preparation of Punarnavadi Kwatha in Kerala Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic formulary has a long history of endogenous innovation. Its epistemic logic is best understood through the language of Oushadhayogam (polyherbal combination/ dosage forms). Punarnavadi kwatha (PUK) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, which is also known as Punarnavashtaka kwatha. It is generally used to treat diseases of respiratory system, bronchitis, liver diseases, hepatitis, joint inflammation, kidney stones, wounds, skin diseases, and gout. The present study intended to explore the Ethanobotanical diversity of Punarnavashtaka kwatha in Kerala Ayurveda market. Materials and Methods: Thorough search in classical Ayurvedic literature to collect data in PUK and cross-sectional survey to collect data of ingredients PUK used in Ayurveda industry. Results and Discussions: The ingredients of PUK along with botanical source of 5 Kerala Ayurveda manufactures were analysed and compared with AFI. The ingredients Punarnava, Nimba, Patola, Sunthi, Abhaya was common in all the manufactures. But marked variation in other ingredients were found in market samples of PUK when compared to AFI, except first sample. Conclusions: There are some ethanobotanical diversity in ingredient list of Punarnavadi kwatha (PUK) in Kerala Ayurveda market.

Pharmacological Actions of Valeriana Wallichii (Tagara): A Fundamental Analysis Supporting Traditional Benefits

Valeriana wallichii referred to as Indian Valeriana has a family circle Valerianaceae commonly known as "Tagara". India, Nepal, and China are home to the important variety of the Valeriana genus. It is indigenous to India and can be found between 8000-10000 feet altitudes in the Himalayan region. Valeriana is a popular ethnobotanical remedy throughout Europe for relieving stress and improving sleep. Vital Central nervous system (CNS) activity is mirrored in the genuine Ayurvedic text-based content and declared as one of the handiest treatments with inside the remedy of neurosis and is powerful in pacifying the body ache (Vedanasathpana), chills (Sheetprashmana), and headaches (Shirah shoolprshmana). Additionally, it has been addressed in the Charaka Samhita as a remedy for snake poisoning. The rhizome and supporting tissues of valerian are used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, hypertension, and psychosomatic disorders. Important phytochemicals can reduce pain, manage stress, protect the brain from radiation, and fight off microbes. Hesperidin, the statutory potent flavonoid, 6-methylapigenin, and four new varieties of the iridoids Valeriotetrates B and C, 8-methylvalepotriate, and 1,5-dihydroxy-3,8-epoxyvalechlorine A are just a few of the naturally occurring active phytochemicals in the Valeriana wallichii.

Characteristics of Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Medicine for Oral Diseases Treatment in Southern Benin

Background of the Study: In the oral health field, dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most frequent pathologies that affect all population to different degrees. In Benin, oral diseases constitute a serious public health problem. Care, whether curative or preventive, requires an investment that many cannot afford in developing countries like Benin. Because of oral diseases extent, appropriate solutions must be found to improve oral health in Benin. Place and Duration of Study: Data were collected through ethnobotanical surveys in the districts of Allada, Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou and Porto-Novo from May to August 2021. Aim: This study aims to identify the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine to treat oral diseases. Methodology: Prior to the ethnobotanical study itself, we proceeded to locate the markets where medicinal plants are sold in the study area. Then, in order to ensure a high objectivity degree of the data obtained during our study, the survey is carried out used a preestabilished questionnaires. The questionnaire focused on the following main points: (1) Profile of the respondent (surname, first name, age, gender, education level and experience in the field), (2) informations on the recipe (oral uses, vernacular and scientific names, parts used, preparation method, route and mode of administration, contraindications and side effects). The medicinal plants vendors were selected based their availability displays size and frequency level of displays. Results: One hundred and three (103) medicinal plants species were identified, divided into forty-four (44) families and ninety-one (91) genera. The most used plants are Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (11.72%), Ocimum americanum (4.88%), Ocimum gratissimum (4.39%), Lantana camara (2.93%), Bridelia ferruginea (2.93%), Moringa oleifera (2.44%), Lippia multiflora (2.44%), Mangifera indica (2.44%), Dialium guineense (2.44%), Pseudocedrela kotschyi (1.95%), Justicia flava (1.95%), Uvaria chamae (1.95%) and Xylopia aethiopica (1.95%). The most commonly plant parts used were leaves and roots. The decoction of these parts in mouthwash or gargle is most used for oral diseases treatment. Conclusion: The flora of Benin contains a rich diversity of plants. Many of which are used in traditional Beninese medicine and have the potential to provide pharmacologically active natural products. In order to know the different plants used to treat oral diseases, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in southern Benin (district of Allada, Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou and Porto-novo).

Estudio etnobotánico con estudiantes de grado 5° de la escuela rural mixta el Colorado, del resguardo indígena de Cohetando, Páez, Cauca / Ethnobotanical study with students of 5th grade of the mixed rural school el Colorado, of the indigenous Resguardo of Cohetando, Páez, Cauca

RESUMEN Uno de los desafíos más complejos que enfrenta la escuela es la articulación de los saberes culturales con los currículos escolares. De esta manera, la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo reconocer la flora útil, las categorías etnobotánicas y de estimar si existe una diferencia entre las especies utilizadas, según su origen (silvestre o cultivado), en estudiantes de Grado 5° de la Escuela Rural Mixta El Colorado, del Resguardo Indígena de Cohetando, municipio de Páez, Cauca. El proceso metodológico se realizó bajo un enfoque mixto; lo cualitativo, desde el método etnográfico, haciendo uso de técnicas, como la observación participante, recorridos etnobotánicos y entrevista semiestructuradas; lo cuantitativo, se llevó a cabo a partir de un análisis multivariado, utilizando el índice de Jaccard, para estimar la similitud entre las categorías etnobotánicas; asimismo, se realizó un análisis de varianza (ANOVA), para estimar si existe diferencias significativas entre el origen de las especies. A partir de lo anterior, los estudiantes reportaron 81 especies de plantas útiles, agrupadas en seis categorías etnobotánicas, siendo ornamentación y medicinal y alimenticia, las más relevantes, por número de especies. En cuanto al origen, se encontró una diferencia significativa, en cuanto al mayor número de usos para las especies cultivadas, respecto a las silvestres. Finalmente, se evidencia el alto grado de conocimiento que tienen los estudiantes sobre la flora, así como la importancia para su Resguardo Indígena, como un símbolo de resistencia, que permite salvaguardar la memoria histórica.

ABSTRACT One of the most complex challenges faced in the school is the articulation of cultural knowledge with school curricula. Thus, this research aimed to recognize the useful flora, the ethnobotanical categories, and to estimate if there is a difference between species according to their origin (wild and/or cultivated) according to the knowledge constructed by the 5th grade students of the Mixed Rural School El Colorado, of the Indigenous Resguardo of Cohetando, municipality of Páez, Cauca. The methodological process was carried out under a mixed approach, the qualitative from the ethnographic method, making use of techniques such as participant observation, ethnobotanical tours and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative part was carried out from a multivariate analysis, using Jaccard's index to estimate the similarity between the ethnobotanical categories; likewise, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to estimate if there are significant differences between the origin of the species and the origin of the species. From the above, students reported 81 useful plants grouped into six ethnobotanical categories, being ornamentation, and medicinal and food the most relevant by number of species. In terms of origin, a significant difference was found for the cultivated category with respect to the wild category. Finally, the high degree of knowledge that the students have about the useful flora is evident, as well as the importance for their Indigenous Reservation as a symbol of resistance that allows safeguarding the historical memory.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Calotropis gigantea — An update

Calotropis gigantea is a perennial herb known for its applications in traditional medicine. It has been efficiently used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicinal systems for years. All the plant parts have been used as medicine owing to its analgesic, anthelmintic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, sedative, anti-asthmatic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, procoagulant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and pregnancy interceptive properties. For instance, the leaves, latex, flowers, stem bark, root of the plant are used as expectorant, depilatory, in leprosy scabies of the scalp, eruptions on the body, piles, asthma, liver and spleen enlargement, and painful joint swellings. Moreover, the plant is beneficial for the treatment of various diseases including tumors, ulcers, and piles thereby providing great opportunity to be used in pharmaceutical industry for modern drug synthesis. Phytochemical constituents of the plant responsible for its pharmacological activities include alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, alcohol, fatty acids, esters of calotropeols, glycosides and proteases. Besides, there is a strong correlation between the chemical structures and therapeutic activity of C. gigantea. Therefore, present review tries to give a brief description of its phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical characteristics, and pharmacological activity.

Medicinal Plants Used for Management of Asthma in FCT, Abuja and Its Environs

Aim: Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in human lungs. It causes its (lungs) inflammation and hyper-responsiveness. Conventional therapies used in its management are expensive and have been found to come with undesirable side effects. The use of herbal remedies in treating the disease is widespread especially in local communities with little or no access to primary health care. This indigenous knowledge on the cure of asthma is gradually being lost among the populace. This study is aimed at documenting local remedies used in the management of asthma. Methodology: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Federal Capital Territory (FCT)- Abuja and surrounding communities, among Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs), Herb’s sellers and elderly in the community using semi-structured questionnaire and interview methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ethnobotany index. Results: 80 respondents were interviewed, 58 of them laid claims to knowledge about medicinal plants used in asthma management. Majority of the respondents are Traditional Medicine Practitioners (48%). 59 plants species belonging to 38 plant families was documented with most belonging to the Moraceae plant family (10%). The recipes mentioned were mostly prepared as decoctions which are taken orally with a case of two being by smoking and inhalation. Conclusion: This study has shown that the Federal Capital Territory and settlements within its environ are blessed with medicinal plants used in the management of asthma which serve as a cheap and alternative source of remedy for the local populace and as well, being a repository for scientific inquest that may lead to yet another drug discovery from plant origin used in the management of asthma.

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices on Medicinal Plants Used by Local Communities of Gambella Region, South West Ethiopia

Indigenous knowledge and practices on medicinal plants used by local communities of Gambella region, south west Ethiopia was conducted to investigate those potential and popular medicinal plantsused for the treatment of various diseases in Gambella region.A total of 100purposivelyselected inhabitants were employed in the study of which 84 were male and 16 werefemales. A traditional use of plants information was obtained by semi structured oral interviews from experienced rural elders, Focus group discussion and through questionnaire administered to traditional herbal medicine practitioners of the study area. 81 medicinal plants were identified for the traditional treatment of both human (25) and animal (16) disease. The highest numbers of medicinal plants for traditional uses utilized by this community were belonging to shrubs 30(37.03%) followed by trees (32.10%). The result reviled that 15.2% of the remedies are prepared from root part and Original ResearchArticle squeezing accounts 17(20.99%) followed by chewing 14(17.28%). The major routs of administration of traditional medicines were reported oral 50(61.73%). Urine, placental retention and milk let down accounts higher informants’ consensus factor value (0.96). Thefindings showed that sheferaw and leele have higher fidelity level which is 100 and 92 respectively. Various factors were recorded as the main threats of medicinal plants in the study area. In conclusion,the community carries a vast knowledge of medicinal plants but this knowledge is also rapidly disappearing in this community. Such type of ethno-botanical studies will help in systematic documentation of ethno-botanical knowledge and availing to the scientific world plant therapies used as antivenin by the Gambella community and further research on plant species identification and chemical extraction is recommended

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus in Sidi Bel Abbes region (North-west Algeria) / Estudio etnobotánico de plantas medicinales utilizadas para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus en la región de Sidi Bel Abbes (noroeste de Argelia)

An ethnobotanical study was conducted with the aim to identify the medicinal plants used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus (DM) in Sidi Bel Abbes region (Northwest Algeria). Sidi Bel Abbes, known for its diverse ecological habitats, such as mountains, steppe, lake, and fertile plains with diverse medicinal plants. The data was collected through questionnaire and interviews with inhabitants and traditional healers. The results obtained revealed that 33 plant species distributed in 20 genera belonging to 21 families for the treatment of DM were used. The most represented families were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae and Lauraceae. Medicinal plants commonly used were Trigonella foenum-graecum, Olea europaea, Cinamomum cassia, Artemisia herba-alba, Lupinus albus, Juniperus communis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Prunus dulcis and Berberis vulgaris. The study revealed that, leaves, followed by seeds and stem bark were mostly used parts. Also, decoction and infusion were the most frequently used method of preparation. This study confirms that most people with Diabetes mellitus in the study areas rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs.

Se realizó un estudio etnobotánico con el objetivo de identificar las plantas medicinales utilizadas para el tratamiento de la Diabetes mellitus (DM) en la región de Sidi Bel Abbes (noroeste de Algeria). Sidi Bel Abbes, conocida por sus diversos hábitats ecológicos, como montañas, estepas, lagos y fértiles llanuras con plantas medicinales. Los datos se recopilaron mediante cuestionarios y entrevistas con habitantes y curanderos tradicionales. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que 33 especies vegetales distribuidas en 20 géneros pertenecientes à 21 familias fueron utilizadas para el tratamiento de DM. Las familias más representadas fueron Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae y Lauraceae. Las plantas medicinales comúnmente utilizadas fueron Trigonella foenum-graecum, Olea europaea, Cinamomum cassia, Artemisia herba-alba, Lupinus albus, Juniperus communis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Prunus amygdalus y Berberis vulgaris. El estudio reveló que las hojas, seguidas de las semillas y la corteza de tallo, eran en su mayoría partes usadas. Sin embargo, la infusión y la decocción son el método de preparación más utilizado. El estudio reveló que las hojas, seguidas de las semillas y las partes del área, eran en su mayoría partes utilizadas. Tambien, la decocción y la infusión fueron los métodos de preparación más utilizado. Este estudio confirma que la mayoría de las personas con Diabetes mellitus en las áreas d'estudio dependen de la medicina tradicional para sus necesidades d'atenciónn primaria de la salud.

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf and Stem-bark Aqueous Extracts of Diospyros mespiliformis

Objective:To investigates the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the leaf and stem-bark extracts of D. mespiliformisagainst some pathogenic microorganisms.Methods:The leaf and stem-bark extracts ofDiospyros mespiliformis fromEbanaceae family,which is used as herbal remedies for the cure of many ailments by natives in northern part of Nigeria, were collected from Mubi in Mubi North Local Government area of Adamawa State, air dried, pulverised, extracted by simple overnight maceration techniques and analyzed. Aqueous extracts of the aforementioned parts of the plant were screened phytochemically for its chemicalconstituents and subjected to antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes andSalmonella typhi.Results:The results show that alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates,flavonoids, phlobatannins,saponins, steroids,tannins and terpenoids are present in both the leaf and the stem-bark extracts of the plant while glycosides are present in the leaf extract but absent in the stem-bark extract. The antimicrobial activity reveals that both the leaf and the stem-bark extracts of the plant, showed high sensitivity to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes andSalmonella typhi. Conclusion:The phytochemical constituents and the antimicrobial potential of the plant part may account for varied ethnobotanical uses of the plants in traditional medicine in Nigeria, which if further purified can be used to source novel antibiotics

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of Holguín, Eastern Region, Cuba / Estudio etnobotánico de las plantas medicinales usadas por los habitantes de Holguín, Región Oriental, Cuba

The present study was aimed to archive the etnhnomedicinal knowledge of plants used by inhabitants of seven villages of Holguín, Eastern region, Cuba. The ethnomedicinal information was collected through interviews. The collected data were analyzed through use value (UV), informant consensus factor (Fic) and fidelity level (FL). A total of 195 species of plants distributed in 166 genera belonging to 70 families were identified for the treatment of 17 ailment categories. The most treated conditions were digestive and liver disorders. The most important species according to their use value were Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (0.236) and Annona muricata L. (0.194). Cancer and tumors had the Fic value of 0.94. A total of 19 species has a highest FL of 100 percent. This was the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in Holguín region, which will contribute to preserve valuable information of medicinal plants that may otherwise be lost to future generations.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo registrar el conocimiento etnomedicinal de las plantas usadas por los pobladores en 7 comunidades de Holguín, Región Oriental, Cuba. La información fue recogida a través de entrevistas y analizada cuantitativamente mediante indicadores etnobotánicos: valor de uso (UV), factor del consenso de los informantes (Fic) e índice de fidelidad (FL). Fueron reportadas un total de 195 especies de plantas, distribuidas en 166 géneros y 70 familias, para el tratamiento de 17 categorías de usos. Las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron los problemas digestivos y del hígado. Las especies medicinales con mayor UV fueron Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (0.236) y Annona muricata L. (0.194). Cáncer y tumores tuvieron el valor más alto de Fic (0.94). Solo 19 especies presentaron un valor de FL de 100 %. Este primer estudio contribuirá a preservar la información de las plantas medicinales y que esta no se pierda en las futuras generaciones.

Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Aspects of Melastoma sp

@#Melastoma is a genus that belongs to the Melastomataceae family and consists of 50–70 species distributed around India, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Island. Numerous species of this plant show potential therapeutic purposes. This review summarizes the scientific findings on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Melastoma sp. The leaves of Melastoma sp. was widely used by Asian as decoction for the remedy of gastrointestinal disorder apart from root, which was consumed as juice for skin diseases, fever and pain. Majority of the scientific studies focused on M. malabathricum showing high antimicrobial activity towards selected gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria from different parts of the plant. In vitro studies showed that Melastoma sp. possessed anti-coagulant, antioxidant, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities. Apart from in vitro, various in vivo studies have been conducted involving methanolic leaf extracts using Sprague Dawley rats for inhibition of anti-ulcer, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic activities. Flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, saponins and steroids are the main classes of secondary metabolites identified from Melastoma sp. Kaempferol derivatives exhibited significant main constituents from the flowers and leaves using various semi polar solvent extracts. Few phytosterols were also isolated from the leaves extract albeit the absence of alkaloids. This review shows that Melastoma sp. is an important genus of Melastomataceae family, however, the phytochemical and pharmacological findings of various species in this genus are still limited, indicating a great opportunity to explore new therapeutic activities with novel bioactive constituents.

Medicinal plants profile used by the 3rd District population of Maceió-AL / Perfil de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população do 3º Distrito Sanitário de Maceió-AL

Abstract Herein the use of medicinal plants by the population of the 3rd Sanitary District of Maceió-AL city is reported. Transversal description was conducted from February 2013 to January 2014, with a sample of 116 individuals of both Gender Genders aged over 18 years. The ethnobotanical information interviews ethnobotanical information were obtained through semi - structured questionnaire featuring the use of medicinal plants and social and economical data. Descriptive statistics was applied for quantitative variables as mean and standard deviation and proportions for qualitative variables in the frequency table format. The results showed that 85.34% of the interviewees used plants for medicinal purposes. As the majority of these were (73.28%) females in the age group between 30-60 years of old. Among a total of 45 identified plant species, the highest use frequency were for Boldus Peumus (bilberry), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and Mentha piperita (mint). The most widely used plant foliage part was (53.53%) prepared as an infusion (55.5%). The use of medicinal plants in Maceió cityis widespread, highlighting the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge for the study of medicinal plants.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o perfil de utilização de plantas medicinais dos indivíduos residentes no 3º Distrito Sanitário do município de Maceió, Alagoas. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo de caráter transversal que foi realizado no período de fevereiro de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, com amostra de 116 indivíduos, maiores de 18 anos de ambos os gêneros. As informações etnobotânicas foram obtidas através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas realizadas por meio de questionário semiestruturado para traçar o perfil de utilização de plantas medicinais e dados socioeconômicos e demográficos dos entrevistados. A estatística descritiva foi aplicada para as variáveis quantitativas na forma de média e desvio padrão e proporções para variáveis qualitativas no formato de tabelas de frequência. Os resultados evidenciaram que 85,34% dos entrevistados utilizavam plantas para finalidades medicinais. Sendo a maioria destes, (73,28%) do Gênero feminino estando na faixa etária de 30 a 60 anos de idade. De um total de 45 espécies vegetais identificadas, as de maior frequência de utilização foram o Peumus boldus (boldo), a Melissa officinalis (erva-cidreira) e a Menta piperita (hortelã). A parte mais utilizada das plantas foi às folhas (53,53%) sendo ainda esta preparada sob forma de infusão (55,5%). A utilização de plantas medicinais no município de Maceió, Alagoas é bastante difundida, reforçando a importância de estudos etnobotânicos a fim de trabalhar com o resgate do conhecimento popular aliado a literatura científica.

Ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants used in the Qampaya District, Bolivia / Inventario etnobotánico de plantas medicinales usadas en el Distrito Qampaya, Bolivia

Herbal medicine therapy is traditionally practiced by indigenous healers in Bolivia for hundreds years. Due to the great geographical and ecological diversity, there are thousands of native plants, which are utilized against diverse types of diseases. Nowadays, there is a worldwide problem connected with possible loss of ethnobotany knowledge because of the lack of the interest of young people. In present study, survey focused on medicinal plants used by rural people in Qampaya District, Potosí Department, Bolivia has been done. The data were collected from 60 respondents by semi-structured interviews. The results showed that 60 plant species belonging to 30 families are known as curative plants in this area. The mostly named families were Asteraceae (14 species) followed by Lamiaceae (7 species) and Brassicaceae (4 species). Predominant health problems treated by these plants are urological problems and gastro-intestinal disorders. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves and the preparation is mostly done as infusion. Even though the knowledge of using medical plants plays important role in life of Bolivian rural people, which use plants as medicines against various types of diseases, this study showed that 25 percent of respondents didn’t know any medicinal plants. On the other hand 40 percent of asked people have known 6 or more medicinal plant species.

La terapia de la medicina herbolaria es practicada, tradicionalmente, por los curanderos indígenas en Bolivia, desde hace cientos de años. Gracias a la gran diversidad geográfica y ecológica, hay miles de plantas nativas, que se utilizan para el tratamiento de diferentes tipos de enfermedades. Hoy en día, hay un problema mundial relacionado con la posible pérdida del conocimiento etnobotánico, esto debido a la falta de interés de las nuevas generaciones. El presente estudio descriptivo, mediante una encuesta, fue enfocado a las plantas medicinales utilizadas por la población rural del Distrito Qampaya, Departamento de Potosí, Bolivia. Los datos se obtuvieron de 60 informantes mediante una encuesta semiestructurada. Los resultados mostraron que 60 especies de plantas medicinales. pertenecientes a 30 familias botánicas, son conocidas en el área de intervención. Las familias botánicas, más importantes de uso medicinal son Asteraceae (14 especies), seguido de Lamiaceae (7 especies) y Brassicaceae (4 especies). Los problemas predominantes de salud, tratados con estas especies, son los urológicos y trastornos gastrointestinales. La parte de la planta más utilizada son las hojas y la forma más común de uso es en infusión. A pesar de que el conocimiento sobre la utilización de las plantas medicinales, juega un papel importante en la vida de la población rural de Bolivia, quienes utilizan las plantas medicinales para el tratamiento de diversos tipos de enfermedades, este estudio mostró que el 25 por ciento de los encuestados no tienen conocimiento sobre la utilidad medicinal de ninguna especie vegetal. Por otro lado, el 40 por ciento de los informantes conocen 6 o más especies de plantas medicinales.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Commonly used for Diabetes in Tarlac of Central Luzon Philippines

Introduction: Plants have been used for the treatment of diabetes in Philippine system of medicine and in other countries. They provide clues for the development of new and better oral drugs for diabetes due to the fact that prevalence of diabetes is on a steady upsurge worldwide and identified as one of the leading causes of mortality in Philippines. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Tarlac of Central Luzon Philippines to evaluate the relative efficacy of the plants used to treat diabetes. A total number of 450 respondents medically diagnosed of having diabetes were interviewed using a previously prepared questionnaire. Fidelity levels (FLs) and use values (UVs) were calculated to identify and verify most preferred plant species used in study areas. Results: A total of 25 plant species are utilized by the respondents to treat diabetes. Medicinal plants commonly utilized are Momordica charantia Linn., Moringa oleifera Lam, Annona muricata Linn., Psidium guajava Linn., Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., Hibiscus esculentis Linn., Amomum zingiber Linn., Myrtus cumini Linn., Garcinia mangostana Linn., and Aloe vera Linn. Decoction process is used to prepare the leaves of the medicinal plants for medical consumption in the form of tea. Conclusion: This study confirms the use of different plant species to treat diabetes. It further affirms that most people with diabetes in the study areas rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs.

Plantas medicinales, comestibles y aromáticas de una ciudad patagónica de Argentina: características y potencialidades de un recurso poco explorado / Medicinal, edible and aromatic plants in hedges of a patagonian city of Argentina: characteristics and potential of a resource little explored

Los cercos vivos urbanos tienen un rol significativo por ser reservorios de biodiversidad y por las funciones socioeconómicas que pueden sustentar. En Bariloche (Río Negro, Patagonia Argentina) se estudiaron 300 cercos familiares, la riqueza de especies leñosas componentes, sus usos medicinales y comestibles, presencia de aromaticidad, como así también su disponibilidad en comercios locales. Los cercos se componen de 86 especies, entre estas las más frecuentes son las exóticas: Cytisus scoparius, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Cupressus macrocarpa y Rosa sp., y las nativas: Chusquea culeou y Nothofagus antarctica. El 73 por ciento de las especies son medicinales, el 59 por ciento comestibles y el 33 por ciento. Solo el 24 por ciento de las especies están disponibles en comercios de la ciudad dedicados a la venta de alimentos y/o productos herbolarios. Se concluye que los cercos de Bariloche tienen un alto potencial para la complementación, diversificación de la dieta y el tratamiento de dolencias menores de los pobladores locales.

Urban hedges have a significant role to be reservoirs of biodiversity and socio-economic functions that it can sustain. In Bariloche (Río Negro, Patagonia Argentina) we studied 300 family hedges, the richness of woody components, their medicinal and edible uses, presence of aromaticity, as well as their availability in local stores. The hedges are composed of 86 species, among these the most common are the exotics: Cytisus scoparius, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Cupressus macrocarpa y Rosa sp., and the natives: Chusquea culeou and Nothofagus antarctica. 73 percent of these one are medicinal, 59 percent are edible and 33 percent are aromatic plants. Only 24 percent of the species are available in shops of the city dedicated to the sale of food and/or herbal products. We conclude that the hedges of Bariloche have a high potential for supplementation, dietary diversification, and treatment of minor ailments of the local people.