Medical ethnobotany.

This collection on medical ethnobotany focuses on contributions that explore the invaluable potential associated with the ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants, their phytochemical profiling, safety, and efficacy studies as well as their cultural and ecological context. This call for papers is expected to expand the knowledge base on how medicinal plants contribute toward the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in this case, goal 15 (life on land).

Strigolactones can be a potential tool to fight environmental stresses in arid lands.

BACKGROUND: Environmental stresses pose a significant threat to plant growth and ecosystem productivity, particularly in arid lands that are more susceptible to climate change. Strigolactones (SLs), carotenoid-derived plant hormones, have emerged as a potential tool for mitigating environmental stresses. METHODS: This review aimed to gather information on SLs' role in enhancing plant tolerance to ecological stresses and their possible use in improving the resistance mechanisms of arid land plant species to intense aridity in the face of climate change. RESULTS: Roots exude SLs under different environmental stresses, including macronutrient deficiency, especially phosphorus (P), which facilitates a symbiotic association with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF). SLs, in association with AMF, improve root system architecture, nutrient acquisition, water uptake, stomatal conductance, antioxidant mechanisms, morphological traits, and overall stress tolerance in plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SL-mediated acclimatization to abiotic stresses involves multiple hormonal pathways, including abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinins (CK), gibberellic acid (GA), and auxin. However, most of the experiments have been conducted on crops, and little attention has been paid to the dominant vegetation in arid lands that plays a crucial role in reducing soil erosion, desertification, and land degradation. All the environmental gradients (nutrient starvation, drought, salinity, and temperature) that trigger SL biosynthesis/exudation prevail in arid regions. The above-mentioned functions of SLs can potentially be used to improve vegetation restoration and sustainable agriculture. CONCLUSIONS: Present review concluded that knowledge on SL-mediated tolerance in plants is developed, but still in-depth research is needed on downstream signaling components in plants, SL molecular mechanisms and physiological interactions, efficient methods of synthetic SLs production, and their effective application in field conditions. This review also invites researchers to explore the possible application of SLs in improving the survival rate of indigenous vegetation in arid lands, which can potentially help combat land degradation problems.

Phyto-Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Their Biological Activities.

Background: Nanotechnology finds broad applications in the field of nanomedicine, an emerging new field used for diagnosis, treatment, prevention of diseases, and improvement of health. Objectives: To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Withania somnifera and Fagonia indica and to carry out their antimicrobial, insecticidal, and phytotoxic activities, a step toward the new range of nanomedicines. Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from Withania somnifera and Fagonia indica by chemical reduction method, and further biological activities of these nanoparticles were compared with crude methanolic extract, prepared through cold maceration process, at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. Results: Among all tested bacterial pathogens, crude extract of W. somnifera showed a statistically high significant inhibition zone in millimeter against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21; p < 0.01). AgNPs showed highly significant result against Streptococcus pneumonia (14; p < 0.01). In comparison with crude extracts, AgNPs showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) results against S. pneumonia (AgNPs, 14; crude, 8.33 mm). Crude extract showed significant inhibition zone against two bacterial strains, P. aeruginosa (crude, 21; AgNPs, 11.67 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (crude, 11.33; AgNPs, 8 mm). Crude extracts of F. indica showed the significant activity against Vibrio cholera (p < 0.01; 11.33 mm). Silver nanoparticles of F. indica exhibited the highest significant activity against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum while AgNPs of W. somnifera were active only against A. flavus. Extracts of W. somnifera and F. indica showed increasing phytotoxic activity with increasing concentrations. The highest significant inhibition was obtained for crude extract (46.7) and AgNPs (45.7) of F. indica at 1000 µg/ml. Insecticidal activity of crude and AgNPs of both plants showed significant inhibition against all tested insects with increasing time intervals, and the highest significant result was obtained at 72 hours with a value of p < 0.01 except T. castaneum. Conclusions: Both crude and AgNPs showed potent activity; however, in comparison, silver nanoparticles showed slightly enhanced activity. Crude and AgNPs of both plants showed good phytotoxic and insecticidal inhibition. Antimicrobial studies of AgNPs on diseases causing pathogens open a door for new antimicrobial agents and could be the answer to antibiotic resistance after further analysis.

In Vivo Efficacy, Toxicity Assessment, and Elemental Analysis of Traditionally Used Polyherbal Recipe for Diarrhea.

A polyherbal formulation consisting of Mentha piperita L., Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton with a ratio of 10 : 5 : 2, respectively, was recommended for curing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Experimental validation is crucial to affirm its therapeutic property leads toward the development of modified antidiarrheal agents. This research aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiarrheal efficacy of traditionally used polyherbal recipe in a castor oil-induced animal model. Moreover, the study also presents the elemental screening and in vivo toxicity of tested polyherbal recipe. Individual plant parts of the polyherbal recipe were mixed according to the traditional prescription ratio, and hydromethanolic extract was prepared by the cold maceration process. The antidiarrheal activity was assessed by castor oil induction method, charcoal meal test, and enteropooling procedure in Sprague-Dawley rats. Elemental analysis and in vivo subacute toxicity were carried out, followed by biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analyses. Polyherbal extract significantly delayed the diarrhea onset in a dose-dependent manner and showed marked inhibition at 200 and 400 mg/kg. Fecal weight was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) at 200 mg/kg (0.26 ± 0.25) in comparison with the control (1.63 ± 0.15). The diarrhea score was zero at a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Antienteropooling effect of the extract was greater than that of loperamide. Following subacute toxicity, all the treated rats were normal, survived, and showed no changes in behavior. There were no significant differences between values of blood parameters in both the control and extract-treated groups except a significant decrease in monocytes (control 8.4; polyherbal 2.2). Elemental analysis showed a slight increase in the amount of manganese (Mn, 8.076 ppm) as compared to the WHO recommended level (2 ppm). Traditionally used polyherbal recipe is effective and safe for combating diarrheal diseases. In vivo evidence supported the use, safety, and efficacy of the polyherbal recipe that has been used as an alternative medicine for diarrhea in the study area. Inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhea and antisecretory effect of the studied polyherbal recipe makes it a potent antidiarrheal drug without no or limited toxic effects at the tested dose after further analysis.

Nanoparticles as Alternatives for the Control of Haemonchus contortus: A Systematic Approach to Unveil New Anti-haemonchiasis Agents.

Haemonchus contortus is an infectious gastrointestinal nematode parasite of small ruminants. This study addresses the in vitro/in vivo anti-haemonchiasis potential, toxicological effects, and mechanism of action of nanoparticles. Online databases were used to search and retrieve the published literature (2000 to 2021). A total of 18 articles were selected and reviewed, out of which, 13 (72.2%) studies reported in vitro, 9 (50.0%) in vivo, and 4 (22.2%) both in vitro/in vivo efficacy of different nanoparticles. Mostly, organic nanoparticles (77.7%) were used including polymeric (85.7%) and lipid nanoparticles (14.3%). The highest efficacy, in vitro, of 100% resulted from using encapsulated bromelain against eggs, larvae, and adult worm mortality at 4, 2, and 1 mg/ml, respectively. While in vivo, encapsulated Eucalyptus staigeriana oil reduced worm burden by 83.75% and encapsulated Cymbopogon citratus nano-emulsion by 83.1%. Encapsulated bromelain, encapsulated Eucalyptus staigeriana oil, and encapsulated Cymbopogon citratus nano-emulsion were safe and non-toxic in vivo. Encapsulated bromelain damaged the cuticle, caused paralysis, and death. Nanoparticles could be a potential source for developing novel anthelmintic drugs to overcome the emerging issue of anthelmintic resistance in H. contortus. Studies on molecular effects, toxicological consequences, and different pharmacological targets of nanoparticles are required in future research.

Antimicrobial screening of polyherbal formulations traditionally used against gastrointestinal diseases.

Emerging antibiotic resistance has become a cosmopolitan problem and evoking researchers to search for new antimicrobials from natural constituents. The present study was intended to test the antimicrobial potential of traditionally used unexplored polyherbal recipes for curing digestive ailments. A total of 25 plants species were combined in different ratios to form 14 polyherbal recipes. After collecting and grinding plant parts, methanolic extracts of 14 polyherbal recipes were prepared by the cold maceration process. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the polyherbal extracts was checked by agar well diffusion method at a concentration of 50 mg/ ml while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by serial dilution method. Polyherbal recipes B and D showed significant inhibition zone each against Vibrio cholerae (25.63; p < 0.001). Recipe G (23.33; p < 0.001) showed better efficacy against Escherichia coli. Recipe E and G significantly inhibited Proteus species (28.33; 24.33; p < 0.001). Recipe B was highly effective against Salmonella typhi. Recipe C, A and F had significant antifungal affect and inhibited Aspergillus nigar (28.67; p < 0.05), Aspergillus fumigatus (27; p < 0.01) Trichoderma (30; p < 0.001), Rhizopus (19.67; p < 0.01), and Fusarium graminearum (28.67;p < 0.001). Polyherbal formulations A, B, D, K, and N were active with the lowest concentration. MIC ranges within 3.12-25 mg/ml while minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) between 12.5 and 50 mg/ml. Polyherbal recipes' A, B, D, G, K and N have enhanced antimicrobial potential with better efficacy than tested antibiotics and should be evaluated for further scientific validation.

Medicinal Animals and Plants as Alternative and Complementary Medicine in Southern Regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Background: Local communities use animals and plants as common traditional therapies for various diseases. The study aimed to document animals and animal-plant mixture recipes that are used as alternative and complementary medicine in southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: The data were collected (2017-2018) in three remote areas (Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat) through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with local inhabitants. Data on ethnomedicinal uses and cultural values of animal products or parts and their mixture with plants were analyzed using various indices such as frequency of citation (FC), informant consensus (FIC), and fidelity level (FL) to find the highly preferred species in the area. Results: A total of 185 informants (117 females and 68 males) were interviewed. The study documented 32 animal species, vertebrates (n = 24) and invertebrates (n = 8), for curing 37 types of diseases. Mammals (n = 13) were among the most commonly utilized species followed by birds (n = 8), arthropods (n = 7), reptiles (n = 2), and fishes and annelids (n = 1 each). Among the reported animals, Herpestes edwardsi (mongoose), Macaca mulatta (monkey), Labeo rohita (rohu), Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit), and Streptopelia decaocto (dove) were the newly reported species used as alternative medicine. The meat of Capra hircus (goat), monkey, and rabbit was used to treat chronic diseases such as hepatitis C, cancer, epilepsy, and asthma. A total of 17 plants belonging to 15 botanical families were used in combination with animal parts/products. The commonly used families were Piperaceae (31%) followed by Apiaceae (27%). The notable plant species in combination with animal products were Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Coriandrum sativum, Brassica rapa, and Phoenix dactylifera. Seeds were the highest used part in animal-plant mixture recipes. Gallus gallus (chicken) and Columba livia (pigeon) secured the highest (FC = 28) and (FL = 80%), respectively. FIC results had shown the highest degree of consensus for general body weakness (FIC = 0.88) and pyrexia (FIC = 0.86). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that local communities in the southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have substantial knowledge about the formulation of ethnomedicines from both flora and fauna that need urgent documentation to avoid eroding and for conservational purposes. The newly reported phytozootherapeutic recipes and animal species can potentially be a source of pharmacologically active constituents and should be checked experimentally for further confirmation.

A Systematic Review on Comparative Analysis, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Against Haemonchus contortus.

Background: Haemonchus contortus is an important pathogenic nematode parasite and major economic constraint of small ruminants in tropics and subtropics regions. This review is an attempt to systematically address the; (a) efficacy of different plants against H. contortus by in vitro and in vivo proof; (b) toxicology, mechanism of action, and active phyto-compounds involve in anti-haemonchiasis activity; (c) and comparative analysis of plant species evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Online databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were searched and published research articles (1980-2020) were gathered and reviewed. Results: A total of 187 plant species were reported belonging to 59 families and 145 genera with Asteraceae and Fabaceae being frequently used. Out of the total plant species, 171 species were found to be evaluated in vitro and only 40 species in vivo. Twenty-four species were commonly evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anti-haemonchiasis activity. Among the reported assays, egg hatching test (EHT) and fecal egg count reduction (FECR) were the most widely used assays in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Moreover, sheep were the frequently used experimental model in vivo. After comparative analysis, Lachesiodendron viridiflorum, Corymbia citriodora, Calotropis procera, and Artemisia herba-alba were found highly effective both in vitro and in vivo. L. viridiflorum inhibited enzymatic activities and metabolic processes of the parasite and was found to be safe without toxic effects. C. citriodora was moderately toxic in vivo, however, the plant extract produced promising nematicidal effects by causing muscular disorganization and changes in the mitochondrial profile. Additionally, C. procera and A. herba -alba despite of their high anti-haemonchiasis activity were found to be highly toxic at the tested concentrations. C. procera caused perforation and tegumental disorganization along with adult worm paralysis. Nineteen compounds were reported, among which anethole and carvone completely inhibited egg hatching in vitro and significantly reduced fecal egg count, decreased male length, and reproductive capacity of female in vivo. Conclusion: This review summarized different medicinal plants owing to nematicidal activities against H. contortus eggs, larvae, and adult worms. Plants like L. viridiflorum, C. citriodora, C. procera, and A. herba-alba, while compounds anethole and carvone having promising nematicidal activities and could be an alternative source for developing novel drugs after further investigation.

Antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants of northwest Pakistan traditionally used against mastitis in livestock.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of traditionally used anti-mastitis plants (Allium sativum, Bunium persicum, Oryza sativa and Triticum aestivum) in northwest Pakistan against bacterial pathogens. Selected plants were phytochemically screened for Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Saponins and checked for in vitro antibacterial activity at concentration of 50 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and K. pneumoniae by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration was determined against multidrug resistant bacteria using tube dilution method. All extracts were found to significantly inhibit (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) the activity against bacterial strains examined. Among phytochemicals, alkaloids of all tested antimastitis plants produced significantly higher inhibition zones against bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of phytochemicals and crude methanolic extracts against tested bacterial strains ranged between 12.5-50 mg/ml and 25-50 mg/ml, respectively. Medicinal plants traditionally used against mastitis are therapeutically active against bacterial pathogens. A. sativum and B. persicum were found to be potential candidate species for the development of novel veterinary drugs with low cost and fewer side effects.

Review: Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and antibacterial activities of medicinal flora of Pakistan used against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-A Review.

Medicinal plants have been used from ancient time against different infectious diseases caused by microorganisms across the globe. The present review represents different medicinal plants of Pakistan used traditionally for the treatment of variety of ailments caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, their in-vitro activities against P. aeruginosa and phytochemistry. These plants were extracted with different solvents that showed good in-vitro activities against P. aeruginosa, due to the presence of active phytoconstituents including alkaloids, terpenoids etc. Among all the solvents used for extraction process, alcoholic extracts were mostly preferred in Pakistan. However, non-alcoholic solvents like ethyl acetate and chloroform also showed good anti-P. aeruginosa activities. Statistically, increase in concentration (mg/ml) of ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts significantly increase (p=0.000 and p= 0.046) inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa. This review provides scientific validation of the traditional knowledge in using medicinal plants for the treatment of different diseases caused by this bacterium. Reported Pakistani medicinal plants contain variety of phytochemical compounds that could be very useful in the production of new drugs with fewer side effects on living system compared to some allopathic drugs. This review also provides baseline information for future research studies on the phytochemistry of unexplored plants. Further research studies should be carried out on non-alcoholic extracts that could be helpful in the extraction new compounds, which could lead to the development of some novel drugs in the pharmaceutical industries of Pakistan.

A systematic review on ethnomedicines of anti-cancer plants.

Cancer is a serious health problem and the second leading cause of death around the globe. Present review is an attempt to provide utmost information based on ethno-pharmacological and toxicological aspects of anti-cancer plants of the world. A total of 276 articles published in English journals and containing maximum ethnomedicinal information were reviewed using several data sources such as; Google scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and floras of different countries. A total of 199 anti-cancer plants were recorded in present review and results indicated that traditional medicines are mostly being use in developing countries for cancer treatment. Traditionally and scientifically skin and breast cancer types gained more focus. Seventy plants were reportedly analyzed for in-vitro activities while 32 plants were having in-vivo reports. Twenty nine pure compounds (mostly phenolic) were reportedly isolated from anti-cancer plants and tested against different cancer cell lines. Inspite having better efficiency of ethnomedicines as compared to synthetic drugs, several plants have also shown toxic effects on living system. Therefore, we invite researchers attention to carry out detailed ethno-pharmacological and toxicological studies on un-explored anti-cancer plants in order to provide reliable knowledge to the patients and develop novel anti-cancer drugs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A review on antiviral activity of the Himalayan medicinal plants traditionally used to treat bronchitis and related symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Bronchitis is a common respiratory tract infection of humans mainly caused by influenza virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus. The aim of this review was to gather fragmented literature on ethnomedicinal plants used against bronchitis in the Himalayan region and their in-vitro validation against bronchitis causing viral pathogens. KEY FINDINGS: Present review contains ethnomedicines of total 55 plants from different countries of the Himalayas. Most of the literature reported was from India followed by Pakistan, China and Nepal. Familiarly used plant families for bronchitis treatment in the Himalayan region were Leguminosae (six plants) and Lamiaceae (five plants). Leaves and roots were the most common parts used in ethnomedicines against bronchitis. Of these 55 plants, only six plants have been studied in vitro against viral pathogens causing bronchitis. Different compounds like monoterpenoids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides, sesquiterpenes, benzoic and phenolic compounds were reportedly isolated from these plant extracts having strong antiviral potential. SUMMARY: The Himalayan regions possess variety of ethnomedicinal plants used against respiratory diseases, but still there are only few studies related with their in-vitro validation. We invite the attention of researchers for detailed ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on unexplored plants used to treat bronchitis for the development of novel antiviral drugs.

Corrigendum to "Use of Ethnomedicinal Plants by the People Living around Indus River".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2014/212634.].

Ethnomedicines and anti-parasitic activities of Pakistani medicinal plants against Plasmodia and Leishmania parasites.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis and malaria are the two most common parasitic diseases and responsible for large number of deaths per year particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan population rely on medicinal plants due to their low socio-economic status. The present review was designed to gather utmost fragmented published data on traditionally used medicinal plants against leishmaniasis and malaria in Pakistan and their scientific validation. METHODS: Pub Med, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ISI Web of knowledge and Flora of Pakistan were searched for the collection of data on ethnomedicinal plants. Total 89 articles were reviewed for present study which was mostly published in English. We selected only those articles in which complete information was given regarding traditional uses of medicinal plants in Pakistan. RESULTS: Total of 56 plants (malaria 33, leishmaniasis 23) was found to be used traditionally against reported parasites. Leaves were the most focused plant part both in traditional use and in in vitro screening against both parasites. Most extensively used plant families against Leishmaniasis and Malaria were Lamiaceae and Asteraceae respectively. Out of 56 documented plants only 15 plants (Plasmodia 4, Leishmania 11) were assessed in vitro against these parasites. Mostly crude and ethanolic plant extracts were checked against Leishmania and Plasmodia respectively and showed good inhibition zone. Four pure compounds like artemisinin, physalins and sitosterol extracted from different plants proved their efficacy against these parasites. CONCLUSIONS: Present review provides the efficacy and reliability of ethnomedicinal practices and also invites the attention of chemists, pharmacologist and pharmacist to scientifically validate unexplored plants that could lead toward the development of novel anti-malarial and anti-leishmanial drugs.

Ethnomedicinal Evaluation of Medicinal Plants Used against Gastrointestinal Complaints.

Aim of the present study was to document ethnomedicinal plants used against gastrointestinal complaints in five selected remote regions of Pakistan and to select potential medicinal plants for further in vitro and in vivo investigation. Data on ethnomedicinal plants and ethnographic profile of respondents was documented using semistructured questionnaires. The present study revealed utilization of 52 medicinal plants for the treatment of different gastrointestinal infections in studied regions. Apiaceae was the most dominant family reported to be used for the treatment of these infections (4 plants). Among all the plant parts fruit (24%), whole plants and leaves (23% each) were the most preferred plant parts used by the healers. Dosage of recipe was found to be related with the age of the patient. Highest degree of informant consensus was reported for vomiting, nausea (0.92 each), abdominal pain (0.9), and diarrhea (0.89). Withania coagulans scored highest FL value (86%) followed by Mentha longifolia and Melia azadirachta ranked second with FL value (75% each). Young generation was found to possess little traditional knowledge about utilizing plant recipes against these infections. Plants with high Fic and FL values should be subjected for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.

Ethnogynaecological assessment of medicinal plants in Pashtun's tribal society.

The present study was designed to document detailed ethnogynaecological knowledge of selected remote regions of Pashtun's tribe in northwest Pakistan. Semistructured questionnaires were designed to collect ethnogynaecological and ethnographic data. Total of 51 medicinal plants belonging to 36 families were documented that were used by the women of studied regions for the treatment of 9 types of gynaecological complaints. Majority of the plants (19) were found used against menses followed by 11 plants each for gonorrhea and pregnancy. Bannu region has high number of gynaecological plants (22) followed by Karak (15). Women of the regions mostly used whole plants (33%) and leaves (31%) for various ethnomedicinal preparation of gynae. Fic results showed that all ailments in different areas scored high consensus ranges between 0.6 and 1.00. Majority of the female respondents (44%) were aged between 61 and 70 years, of which most were illiterate. Women in the remote regions of Pakistan have tremendous traditional knowledge in utilizing medicinal plants for their reproductive health. Plants with high Fic values should be cross-checked for their in vitro and in vivo validation. Young girls should be educated on the importance of ethnogynaecological practices to conserve this valuable knowledge.

Review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological evidence of Himalayan anticancer plants.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Himalayan plants have 6500 years old history of being using as traditional medicines. Inhabitants of the region use indigenous knowledge for the preparation of various herbal recipes in order to treat different kinds of cancer. The aim of this review is to provide ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and toxicological overview of Himalayan medicinal plants having anticancer potential. This will provide a baseline for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 155 articles (mostly published) were reviewed by using online search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and floras of different Himalayan countries. RESULTS: Sixty four anticancer medicinal plants were documented belonging to 59 genera and 37 families. Majority of 42 plants were reported from India followed by 17 from Pakistan. Traditional healers in the region mostly prepare ethnomedicinal recipes from leaves (32% plants) and roots (30% plants) in the form of decoction. Thirty plants had reported anticancer related pharmacological and phytochemical activities. Of these, 27 plants were tested in-vitro on cellular models while 16 plants for in-vivo activities. Methanolic, ethanolic and ethylacetate extracts of plants have shown excellent cytotoxic activities against breast, stomach and blood cancers' cell lines. Total 14 active secondary metabolites including phenolic compounds, glycosides, terpenoids, lignans and alkynes from the studied plants were reported active against different cancer cell lines. Plants such as Bergenia ciliata, Argemone mexicana, Capsella bursa-pastoris and Centella asiatica had toxic effects on the living systems at higher doses when studied in-vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Certain Himalayan medicinal plants present therapeutic properties against different types of cancer. However, not all of the plants have been fully analysed for in vitro, in vivo and toxicological activities, and isolation of secondary metabolites. Further ethnomedicinal studies would help in identifying potential medicinal plant species in the region to be analysed for detailed anticancer activities.

Ethnopharmacological assessment of medicinal plants used against livestock infections by the people living around Indus River.

The present study was aimed to document detailed ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants against livestock infections of an unexplored remote region of Pakistan. Semistructured questionnaires were used for data collection. Total 43 plants belonging to 26 families were found to be used in ethnoveterinary practices. Seeds (29%) were found to be the most frequent plant part used followed by leaves (22%). Ethnoveterinary recipes were mostly prepared in the form of decoction and powdering. Informant consensus factor (Fic) results revealed high consensus for gastrointestinal (0.81), mastitis (0.82), and dermatological infections (0.80). Curcuma longa ranked first with highest fidelity level (FL) value (66%) followed by Trachyspermum ammi that ranked second (58%). Preference ranking (PR) results showed that Zingiber officinale, Punica granatum, Triticum aestivum, Gossypium hirsutum, and Withania coagulans were the most preferred species for the treatment of diarrhea. Direct matrix ranking (DMR) results showed that Morus alba, Melia azedarach, Withania coagulans, Cassia fistula, Azadirachta indica, and Tamarix aphylla were the multipurpose species of the region. We invite the attention of pharmacologists and chemists for further exploration of plants having high Fic, FL, and PR values in the present study. Conservation strategies should be adopted for the protection of multipurpose plant species.

Ethnoveterinary study of medicinal plants in a tribal society of Sulaiman range.

The aims of the present study were (i) to document ethnoveterinary plants and their formulation techniques in an unexplored region of Pakistan and (ii) to select candidate medicinal plants with high consensus factor and fidelity value for further in vitro investigation. A total of 60 informants were interviewed using semistructured questionnaire. A total of 41 plants belonging to 30 families were used to treat livestock ailments in study area. Mostly leaves (47%) were used in recipes formulation mostly in the form of decoction. Gastrointestinal infections were found more common and majority of the plants were used against cow (31) and buffaloes (24) ailments. Recovery time of majority of the recipes was three to four days. Informant consensus factor (Fic) results have shown a high degree of consensus for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive (0.95 each) ailments. Fidelity level (FL) results showed that Asparagus gracilis ranked first with FL value 93% followed by Rumex hastatus ranked second (91%) and Tinospora cordifolia ranked third (90%). Aged farmers and nomads had more traditional knowledge as compared to younger ones. Plants with high Fic and FL values could be further investigated in vitro for the search of some novel bioactive compounds and young generation should be educated regarding ethnoveterinary practices.

Ethnomedicinal and phytochemical review of Pakistani medicinal plants used as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli.

Medicinal plants have always been part of human culture and have the potential to cure different diseases caused by microorganisms. In Pakistan, biologists are mainly focusing on plants' antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli due to its increasing resistance to antibiotics. In total, extracts from 34 ethnomedicinally valuable Pakistani plants were reported for in-vitro anti-E. coli activities. Mostly methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were used in different studies, which have shown comparatively higher inhibitory activities against E. coli than n-hexane and aqueous extracts. It has been found that increasing concentration (mg/ml) of methanolic extract can significantly increase (p<0.01) anti-E. coli activities. Not all medicinal plants are extracted in solvents others than above, which should also be tested against E. coli. Moreover, medicinal plant species must be fully explored phytochemically, which may lead to the development of new drugs.