4th International Conference on Natural Resources and Technology, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, 29-30 August 2022

These proceedings, with a theme of Natural Resources and Technology for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal through Academic, Industry, and Community and a subtheme of Resilience and Innovation Research on Sustainable Natural Resources and Technology Post-Covid 19, contain 104 articles covering 6 major topics in the related fields such as (i) Natural science and natural product, (ii) Natural resource technology, (iii) Information systems of tropical resources, (iv) Tropical biodiversity, (v) Food science and food technology, and (vi) Ethnobotany and ethnozoology.

Ethnobotanical study on the use of medicinal plants with antiviral interest, case of SARS-CoV-19, in the region of Seraidi (Annaba, north-east Algeria)

The taxonomic diversity and the richness of the region of Seraidi (North-East Algeria) in medicinal plants, as well as the appearance of diseases of viral origin, in particular, the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, led us to the realization of an ethnobotanical survey of plants with antiviral interests. The survey was conducted based on a pre-established quiz, with 120 people from different categories of the population of Seraidi, with the aim of listing the medicinal plants used in the treatment of viral diseases and collecting as much information as possible on this subject. After analyzing, the information provided by the people interviewed, we listed 32 species belonging to 20 families, of which the Lamiaceae family is the most represented. Older women are the most affected by the use of plants;people without a higher intellectual level have the most knowledge about the use of plants with antiviral interest. The leaf is the most widely used organ, in the form of a decoction or infusion, administered orally.

Ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological profile of Morus alba L.: A comprehensive review

Morus alba L. is a member of family Moraceae that have been traditionally used to cure various ailments in many Asian, South African and European countries. The plant has significant economic value due to its sweet and nutritious fruits which are used in various culinary applications. In addition, the leaves of this plant serve as the primary food source for silkworms, making it a crucial component of the global silk industry. Furthermore, the plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and its leaves, bark, and fruit have been utilized for their various therapeutic properties. Morus alba has been extensively studied for its phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and toxicological profile, with many studies showing promising results. However, despite the growing interest in this plant, there are very few extensive reviews on this topic. The current review provides a comprehensive summary of the distribution, traditional and ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and active chemical constituents of M. alba. This study includes distribution and ethnomedicinal use of this plant in different regions of India, explored the phytochemicals, their structure and pharmacological significance. Furthermore, a comparative analysis and investigation revealed the potential of this plant for treating cancer, diabetes, inflammation, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, antimicrobial properties, and potential for fighting coronavirus. Though, detailed studies are required on the clinical use of M. alba against human diseases. Additionally, the present study revealed that a thorough toxicological investigation must be carried out to ensure its safe and effective use as a health-promoting medicinal plant.

Local perception of the current state and threat factors of a critically endangered species, Celtis toka (Forssk.) Hepper & JRI Wood, in Burkina Faso: implications for species conservation

Celtis toka, the only species of the genus Celtis (family Cannabaceae) encountered in the flora of Burkina Faso, is critically endangered in the country. To engage the public for the future conservation and domestication of the species, knowledge of the factors threatening Celtis toka survival is necessary. Thus, the study objective was to identify the perceptions of local people concerning the current state and conservation strategies of Celtis toka in Burkina Faso. To investigate potential solutions to the threats posed to Celtis toka, we randomly surveyed 405 consenting participants using a selected semi-structured interview. Moreover, field observations were performed to assess the threat drivers cited by local people of the Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian climatic zones. Descriptive analyses (relative frequency and fidelity level) and generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to highlight the impact of sociodemographic factors and climate zones on the current state, threat drivers, and potential solutions. The chi-square test was used to assess whether to plant C. toka. GLM analyses revealed that local knowledge about the current state, threat factors and potential solution to the threat as related to natural stand varied significantly according to ethnolinguistic group (P < 0.000), sex (P = 0.01) and age (P = 0.01). Rural people had varying perceptions of the current state of C. toka. Sixty-eight percent reported a decrease in population, ten percent reported scarcity, and five percent reported extinction. The views of local people were that the factors affecting C. toka were pruning (25%), climate change (14%), deforestation (10%), ageing (10%), debarking (9%), and agriculture (7%). Potential solutions included planting (45%), conservation of C. toka and its habitat (27%), sustainable use of Celtis toka (14%), promotion of education and awareness about Celtis toka (10%) and tree/crop association (5%). The study concluded that the ethnobotanical knowledge of Celtis toka may play an important role in its conservation and domestication in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, its incorporation into reforestation and restoration programs is critical to species survival.

Scientific Evaluation of the Remedies Used in Turkish Folk Medicine to Treat Possible Viral Infections

Background: Plants, with their rich phytochemical treasury, are one of the main sources of drug development. However, a randomized search on plant sources for the discovery of phyto-chemicals with specified pharmacological activity is expensive and tedious. Therefore, it is logical to constrain the sources to increase success. In the recent four decades, the importance of traditional information has been recognized by the scientific community. Consequently, interest in field sur-veys for the documentation of traditional worldwide medicines has significantly increased. Method(s): Infectious diseases induced by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, or viruses have been one of the most common health problems for the public, for which traditional remedies have been practiced. Since laypeople could not distinguish the microbial origin of the infection, the remedies used for treatment could not be delineated. The aim of this study was first to search the plants used in Turkish folk medicine for such infectious diseases. The second step was to find scientific evidence in the online databases for the frequently quoted plants whether they may have potential activity against virus replication. Result(s): A reference survey on the most frequently quoted plants revealed that 16 out of 17 were shown to possess virucide or inhibitory effects on the replication of various viruses. Conclusion(s): Since each virus type may have a different viral replication pattern, further detailed in-vestigations should be carried out to reveal their exact antiviral potentials.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

A review of Cameroonian medicinal plants with potentials for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic

Since the outbreak in December 2019, in Wuhan (China) of COVID-19, approved drugs are still lacking and the world is seeking effective treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the medicinal plants with potential to be used as complementary therapies against COVID-19. Bibliographic information was searched in several databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PROTA, ResearchGate and GLOBEinMED), to retrieve relevant papers on (1) plants used to manage common symptoms of COVID-19, (2) plant secondary metabolites with confirmed inhibitory effects on COVID-19 and (3) plants exhibiting pharmacological activities of relevance for COVID-19 management. A total of 230 species was recorded as potential source of ingredients for the fight against the 2019 novel corona virus. Of these species, 30 contain confirmed antiCOVID-19 secondary metabolites, 90 are used traditionally to manage at least 3 common symptoms of COVID-19, 10 have immunostimulant activity, 52 have anti-inflamatory activity, 14 have antiviral properties and 78 species are documented as used to treat malaria. A PCA analysis showing cluster formatting among the recorded species indicates 4 groups of species and an array of possibility of using individual species or a combination of species for their complementary effects. The authors argue that Cameroonian medicinal plants can be of potential contribution to the fight against COVID-19. Further applied research is needed to provide more scientific evidence for their efficacy, to establish standard formulations and clinical studies as part of efforts to develop therapies for COVID-19.Copyright © 2021, Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University.

'A disease like any other' traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use and perspectives in the context of COVID-19 among the Congolese community in Belgium.

BACKGROUND: As a hard-hit area during the COVID-19 pandemic, Belgium knew the highest mortality among people from sub-Saharan African descent, compared to any other group living in the country. After migration, people often maintain traditional perceptions and habits regarding health and healthcare, resulting in a high prevalence of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use among different migrant communities in northern urban settings. Despite being the largest community of sub-Saharan African descent in Belgium, little is known on ethnobotanical practices of the Belgian Congolese community. We therefore conducted an exploratory study on the use of medicinal plants in the context of COVID-19 and perceptions on this new disease among members of the Congolese community in Belgium. METHODS: We conducted 16 in-depth semi-structured interviews with people of Congolese descent currently living in Belgium. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Medicinal plant use in the context of COVID-19 was recorded through free-listing. Data on narratives, ideas and perceptions on the origin, cause/aetiology and overall measures against COVID-19 (including vaccination) were collected. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four overarching themes emerged from our data. Firstly, participants perceived the representation of the severity of COVID-19 by the Belgian media and government-and by extend by all governmental agencies in the global north-as exaggerated. As a result, traditional and complementary treatments were seen as feasible options to treat symptoms of the disease. Fifteen forms of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine were documented, of which thirteen were plants. Participants seem to fold back on their Congolese identity and traditional knowledge in seeking coping strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, institutional postcolonial distrust did not only seem to lead to distrust in official messages on the COVID-19 pandemic but also to feelings of vaccination hesitancy. CONCLUSION: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants in our study retreated to, reshaped and adapted traditional and culture-bound knowledge. This study suggests that the fragile and sensitive relationship between sub-Saharan African migrant groups and other social/ethnic groups in Belgium might play a role in their sensitivity to health-threatening situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food tourism challenges in the pandemic period: getting back to traditional and natural-based products

Searching for rural, intact areas out of cities during the COVID-19 crisis, tourists brought renewed interest in consuming traditional food based on wild edible herbs/natural products. Increased interest in local herbal potentials could be a driving force in modelling rural destinations to enrich food tourism offers and provide a new experience. This study aimed to assess the relevance of ethnobotany and traditional knowledge on wild herbs utilization with a focus on increased demand for natural products as a basis for future food tourism offer creation in rural areas. By applying free-listed observations and semi-structured ethnobotanical interview approach data were obtained (n = 169) and quantitatively analyzed using indices of Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC). The final results were visualized using the Venn diagram and DIVA-GIS. The results indicate subtle transformation in food tourism demands and new trends in nutrition based on 34 species divided into 7 functional groups along the geographic gradient. Traditional food systems through reviving ethnobotanical knowledge and practices should be a matter of future food tourism management. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Madagascar's Green Gold: Nature Religion, Biotechnology, and the Global Race against Covid-19

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Madagascar's government garnered international media attention for their herbal remedy to COVID-19, made from the Artemisia plant, called "Covid-Organics" ( CVO). While global media outlets presented CVO as yet another example of an inherent conflict between traditional African medicine and Western medicine, this article hypothesizes that the release of CVO offers a rare window into the dynamic processes by which ecological, technological, and cultural developments in the production and distribution of artemisia and plant-based medicines in the country are giving rise to a multifaceted system of medical pluralism that attempts to strike a difficult balance between appeasing the rapidly growing global demand for plant- based medicines and preserving the country's unique religious heritage and biodiversity.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE JOVÍ COMMUNITY, COLOMBIAN PACIFIC

The Joví community, Colombian Pacific, is located in a geographically isolated region accessible only by boat. Considering its location in a global hotspot, its inhabitants are surrounded by high biodiversity, which favors its dependence on phytotherapeutic resources for health care. The present study aimed to identify the medicinal plant species of the region, their indications, forms of use and preparation, and to analyze if there is difference in medicinal plant knowledge between men and women. Data collection was made based on interviews (26 local experts), participant observation, and calculation of the relative importance of species. The data revealed the medicinal use of 77 species (39 families) to treat diseases related to 19 body systems. The family Lamiaceae showed the highest number of cited species, followed by Malvaceae and Asteraceae. There was no significant difference in knowledge about medicinal plants between men and women. Knowledge about medicinal plant resources in the Joví community is especially relevant to treat milder diseases. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are already recognized by the community, which uses the species Gliricidia sepium to treat the disease. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] La comunidad Joví, Pacífico colombiano, está ubicada en una región geográficamente aislada a la que solo se puede acceder por bote. Teniendo en cuenta su ubicación en un hotspot global, sus habitantes están rodeados de una alta biodiversidad, lo que favorece su dependencia de los recursos fitoterapéuticos para el cuidado de la salud. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las especies de plantas medicinales de la región, sus indicaciones, formas de uso y preparación, y analizar si existe diferencia en el conocimiento de las plantas medicinales entre hombres y mujeres. La recolección de datos se realizó con base en entrevistas (26 expertos locales), observación participante y cálculo de la importancia relativa de las especies. Los datos revelaron el uso medicinal de 77 especies (39 familias) para tratar enfermedades relacionadas con 19 sistemas corporales. La familia Lamiaceae presentó el mayor número de especies citadas, seguida de Malvaceae y Asteraceae. No hubo diferencias significativas en el conocimiento sobre plantas medicinales entre hombres y mujeres. El conocimiento sobre los recursos vegetales medicinales en la comunidad Joví es especialmente relevante para tratar enfermedades leves. Los signos y síntomas del COVID-19 ya son reconocidos por la comunidad, que utiliza la especie Gliricidia sepium para tratar la enfermedad. (Spanish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Etnobiología is the property of Etnobiologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Food and Medicinal Uses of Ancestral Andean Grains in the Districts of Quinua and Acos Vinchos (Ayacucho-Peru)

Andean grains are key elements in the construction of family production systems. These seeds speak of the history of a people, their customs and ancestral knowledge. The general objective of the work was to evaluate the food use, crop management and traditional knowledge about the medicinal use of ancestral Andean grains among the inhabitants of the districts of Quinua and Acos Vinchos (Ayacucho-Peru). Basic descriptive research, carried out by means of convenience sampling, the sample size determined by the Law of Diminishing Returns, after signing an informed consent form. Semi-structured individual interviews were applied to 96 informants. A total of 96.9% of the informants reported that they obtained quinoa grain from their own crops, and 24.0% obtained achita grain that they sowed directly on their land;no cañihua was cultivated. A total of 58.3% use quinoa and achita in their diet. The variability of the food use of ancestral grains, specifically quinoa and achita, constitute a natural source of vegetable protein of high nutritional value, which represents one of the main foods of the inhabitants of Quinua and Acos Vinchos. Traditional medicine derived from the ancestral knowledge of Andean grains is barely preserved, but this is not the case for other medicinal plants in the area, as this knowledge is still preserved.

Local ecological knowledge and resilience of ethnomedical systems in a changing world – South American perspectives

We are experiencing an era of great and rapid changes that directly affect biocultural systems. Ethnomedical systems are complex social-ecological structures and processes affected by drivers that may lead to changes in the trajectories of these systems, or even to collapse, according to their resilience and adaptation capacity. We examine ethnomedical systems in the context of social-ecological resilience, discussing how these systems are adapting and responding to current challenges, threats and risks. Seven case studies from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities living close to forest ecosystems in South America (Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay) provide an overview and offer strategies for research and public policies related to biocultural diversity and health. We discuss some nuances of ethnomedical systems resilience, such as the importance of utilitarian redundancy, the effects of biomedicine and technologies on traditional practices, including the hybridization process;the effects of contaminated environments in the use of plants;the influence of COVID-19 on traditional practices and peoples’ creative responses to the pandemic;and the influence of Brazilian health care policies for Indigenous Peoples. Based on these case studies at different spatial scales (individual, local community, metacommunity, and macrosystem levels), we discuss the adaptation, transformation, and resilience of ethnomedical systems, as well as the role of local ecological knowledge in this process. We highlight new perspectives for research, actions and public policies that can favor the quality of life and health of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Araceae): a nutraceutical for food disorders, novel bacterial & viral infections

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius is a very common tuber plant having diverse secondary metabolites and palatability levels. Keeping the problems of food shortage & novel infectious diseases throughout the world, an attempt has been made through fieldworks during 2009 to 2020 to gather the information on its ethnobotany, bioactive compounds from lab work and pharmacological properties from secondary sources to make it future nutraceutical against food disorders & novel microbial diseases. The tuber is used as food and medicines, it is rich with primary & secondary metabolites and its extracts are used to treat various infectious diseases. The compounds present in the species have potential to make novel drugs against present health problems throughout the world. The present study highlights the importance of wild tuberous plants in mitigation of food shortage, food disorders, anti-microbial resistance, novel bacterial & viral diseases like MDR-TB and COVID-19.

Traditional plants utilized for the viral disease treatment

Ethnobotanical research is a well-established field of science that attracts a lot of interest in medicine. Plants are responsible for over 80% of folk remedies used in primary care worldwide. Traditional and herbal medicine knowledge is essential in scientific research, especially when the literature and survey data are not adequately examined. Viral diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide, and they have a significant impact on human health and socioeconomic growth. Many infectious and non-infectious illnesses have long been treated with medicinal plants. The value of medicinal plants has risen in recent centuries. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) alone affects almost 40 million people. Coronavirus disease is now the most common viral illness globally, affecting an estimated 176 million people worldwide (COVID-19). A wide range of plant species was found to be effective in treating viral diseases. This review summarizes viral illness, disease outbreaks, and medicinal plants and herbs with antiviral properties useful in drug development programmes.

A cross-sectional survey of herbal remedy taking to prevent COVID-19 in Turkey. (COVID-19 dedicated issue.)

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented challenges for human life. During this pandemic, Turkish people have used various herbal remedies for both the prevention of Covid-19 and the alleviate of its symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the herbal remedies used to prevent Covid-19 in Turkey and to determine whether the usage of herbal remedies was associated with sociodemographic properties. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted between November and December 2020. A total of 871 individuals (15 years of age or older) who lived in various provinces of Turkey participated in this study. Analysis was made in SPSS version 26.0 software using the descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of statistical significance for the comparisons. About 54.4% (n=474) of the participants reported that they have used herbal remedies during the pandemic period. We identified a total of 45 plant species, the most frequently cited were ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), linden (Tilia spp.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), sage (Salvia spp.), and rosehip (Rosa canina L.), respectively. It has been found that the usage of herbal remedies was associated with several demographic variables. A considerable proportion of the participants reported the use of herbal remedies in order to prevent disease. This paper demonstrated the potential herbal remedies that can be used against Covid-19. Further research should be carried out to evaluate the efficacy of these medicinal plants and should control the flow of misleading information.

Characterization of consumers of aromatic and medicinal plants in Argentina

Aromatic and medicinal plants (AMP) have been used since ancient times to treat people's health, either because they are considered natural remedies for their low cost or by popular knowledge. Numerous studies show the relationships between humans and the plants in their environment, the consumption patterns, the use in the communities and the places where they are sold in different regions of our country. However, there are no up-to-date national surveys describing the consumption of AMP in the Argentine population. During the isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, INTA's project team for the genetic improvement of ornamental, aromatic and medicinal plants decided to update the information on the national market of these plants. An exploratory descriptive study was carried out through an online nation-wide survey, by non-probabilistic sampling, with the objective of characterizing the profile of consumers of aromatic and medicinal plants and to inquire about their preferences, forms of consumption and supply of the main AMP used. The results indicated that the surveyed population has a high consumption of AMP and uses a great diversity of plants with different levels of industrialization and origin. The consumer acceptance and interest in natural products is remarkable. This work will define the current market needs and new lines of research and development that will contribute to the sustainability of the sector.

Phytotherapy in response to COVID-19 and risks of intoxication: A field study in the city of Meknes (Morocco)

Context: The contagious global pandemic of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has prompted many Moroccans to turn to traditional phytoremedies. Aims: To highlight the ethnopharmacological information and the risks of intoxication related to the use of herbal medicine to combat COVID-19. Methods: Through a semi-structured questionnaire and using the "Free listing" technique, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 36 herbalists of the Meknes prefecture to collect ethnopharmacological data on species used in the fight against COVID-19. Then, many databases were used to document their pharmacological and toxicological activities. Results: A total of 36 species in 22 families were reported to be used to prepare traditional recipes against COVID-19. According to the relative frequency index of citation, the species Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. were recommended by all respondents and recorded the highest usage values. Based on the value of the plant parts index, leaves were the most used part (PPV = 0.37). Most of the remedies were prepared as infusions and administered orally. The bibliographic research revealed that the plants used have several biological activities and are frequently used to treat respiratory diseases. However, some of them have been reported to be toxic. Conclusions: Recommended species are endowed with innumerable biological activities. They can be a promising alternative to combat COVID-19. However, their toxic effects require pharmacotoxicological studies to ensure the safety and efficacy of these natural remedies.

Homogenisation of Biocultural Diversity: Plant Ethnomedicine and Its Diachronic Change in Setomaa and Võromaa, Estonia, in the Last Century.

When studying the evolution of the use of medicinal plants, it is important to identify what role, and to what extent, external factors and local biocultural diversities play in shaping cultural changes. We chose as a case study, which forms part of a larger project, a religiously and linguistically distinct group, the Seto, and compared their current and past plant use with that of the surrounding Võro. Ethnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in the summers of 2018 and 2019. Current uses of plants constituted 34% of the total registered use reports and 41% of those were used to treat general diseases or used as prophylactics. In total, the medicinal use of 86 taxa was recorded, and of these 48 were prevalent. Strong erosion (the abandonment of 43, mainly wild taxa used historically) and valorisation of the uses shared with neighboring as well as distant regions once part of the Soviet Union, were evident, signalling the potential influence of the centralised distribution of knowledge. The results clearly show that the plant medicine-related biocultural diversities of the two groups have been considerably homogenised, eroded and influenced by the knowledge spread through various means during the Soviet era and over the last 30 years.

The Renaissance of Wild Food Plants: Insights from Tuscany (Italy).

This paper provides an overview of wild food plants traditionally used in the gastronomy of Tuscany, an Italian region with high biological diversity and whose cultural heritage is well known. Forty-nine bibliographic sources, including five unpublished studies, were reviewed. A list of species with ecological characteristics, plant parts used, use category (food, liquor, or seasoning), methods of preparation (raw or cooked), and recipes is presented. The use of 357 taxa (3711 use reports, URs), was recorded, belonging to 215 genera and 72 botanical families. Over the total taxa, 12 are new for Tuscany, 52 seem not to be present in other Italian regions, and 54 were not detected in the consulted European ethnobotanical literature. Of these taxa, 324 (3117 URs) were used as food, while 49 (178 URs) and 81 (416 URs) were used for liquor and seasoning, respectively. Of the 17 different food recipes, cooked vegetables constituted the largest group, followed by salads, omelets, snacks, and fillings. The chemical composition of the recorded food plants and the possible safety risks associated to their consumption, as well as their traditional medicinal use, are also shown. This review highlights the richness of ethnobotanical knowledge in Tuscany. Such biocultural heritage can be a "source of inspiration" for agriculture. As a reservoir of potential new crops, wild edible flora may contribute to the development of emerging horticultural sectors such as vertical farming and microgreens production. Moreover, the nutrient content and healthy properties of many wild food plants reported in this study has the ability to meet consumer demand for functional foods.