Abstract
BackgroundThis paper is based on ethnomedicinal investigation conducted from 1999–2002 in Chuxiong, central Yunnan Province, Southwest China. The Yi medicine has made a great contribution to the ethnomedicinal field in China. Neither case studies nor integrated inventories have previously been conducted to investigate the traditional Yi plants. This paper aims to argue the status and features of medicinal plants used in traditional Yi societies through a case study.MethodsThe approaches of ethnobotany, anthropology, and participatory rural appraisal were used in the field surveys. Twenty-two informants in four counties were interviewed during eight field trips. Medicinal plant specimens were identified according to taxonomic methods.ResultsOne hundred sixteen medicinal plant species were found to be useful by the local people in the treatment of various diseases or disorders, especially those relating to trauma, gastrointestinal disorders and the common cold. Among these 116 species, 25 species (21.55%) were found to have new curative effects and 40 species (34.48%) were recorded for their new preparation methods; 55 different species were used in treating wounds and fractures, and 47 were used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Traditional Yi herbal medicines are characterized by their numerous quantities of herbaceous plants and their common preparation with alcohol.ConclusionTotally 116 species in 58 families of medicinal plants traditionally used by the Yi people were inventoried and documented. The characteristics of medicinal plants were analyzed. Some new findings (such as new curative effects and new preparation methods) were recorded These newly gathered ethnobotanical and medicinal data are precious sources for the future development of new drugs, and for further phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical studies.
Highlights
This paper is based on ethnomedicinal investigation conducted from 1999–2002 in Chuxiong, central Yunnan Province, Southwest China
116 species belonging to 58 families have been identified as medicinal plants used by Yi healers in Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan Province
We found most of the plants are used to treat trauma. This is because the primitive ancestors of the Yi people usually lived in tree crotches and made their living by hunting and gathering [6], which made them vulnerable to injury
Summary
This paper is based on ethnomedicinal investigation conducted from 1999–2002 in Chuxiong, central Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Neither case studies nor integrated inventories have previously been conducted to investigate the traditional Yi plants. This paper aims to argue the status and features of medicinal plants used in traditional Yi societies through a case study. Study Area Chuxiong Prefecture, located in the north of middle Yunnan Plateau (24°13' – 26°30' N, 100°43' – 102°43' E), has numerous high mountains, deep canyons, and large and small rivers. Chuxiong's climate is considered a sub-tropical and moist plateau monsoon cli-. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2009, 5:13 http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/5/1/13 mate, primarily affected by two air currents: a warm, dry current from northern Africa, the Middle-East and the subcontinent of India during winter and a cool, moist current from the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal during summer. The Ailao Mountains contain large forests and are abundant with medicinal plants. Some 871 species of Yi plant medicines have currently been recorded [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
