Plant Names Research Articles

Interpreting materia medica. A case study on Ioannes Archiatrus

Background Premodern medical texts are an invaluable source for scholars from humanities and sciences. However, they are usually not accessible as few scientists with an interest in premodern materia medica are also qualified philologists. Therefore, a balance has to be struck to translate these texts while preserving information on how reliable we believe a given translation to be. In this paper, we conduct a case study on the vernacular version of Ioannes archiatrus. Methods The present study forms part of the output of a multidisciplinary Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award combining humanities and sciences. We deployed a multi-layer tagging system to systematise pharmaceutical terminology and to translate these terms while providing confidence factors for individual words. In a second step, we used AntConc, a freeware concordance software, to analyse our primary source and visualise patterns in the text. Results Our methodology created a readable text that made it possible for the reader to check confidence factors. It also allows our translation and tagging to be recycled for further research. Conclusions Our methods provide a tool that allows to balance the need to translate and the necessary caution about translated plant and mineral names. Our approach is transferable and it can be modified to suit the needs of other primary sources.

APCalign: an R package workflow and app for aligning and updating flora names to the Australian Plant Census

Here we present ‘APCalign’, an R package and accompanying browser-sourced application to align and update scientific names for Australian vascular plants to the most likely currently accepted name in the Australian Plant Census (APC) or a name in the Australian Plant Names Index (APNI). Scientific names are the label assigned to unique taxon concepts by the scientific community, but this common terminology is most useful if a taxon concept is consistently referred to by the same name. These links can be broken because of either spelling mistakes or taxonomic changes. Automated tools are required to resolve taxon lists, aligning and updating long lists of possibly erroneous scientific names to the most likely currently accepted names. It is essential that tools specific to the APC/APNI be developed, because these lists specify an endorsed national-level nomenclature used in government legislation and include the uniquely Australian concept of phrase names, absent in global taxonomic datasets. To align input names to names within the APC or APNI, ‘APCalign’ works progressively through a sequence of checks that combine different permutations of the input name, exact versus fuzzy matches, matches that consider the entire name input versus a subset of words, and character strings that indicate a name can be resolved only to a genus or family. The aligned names are then, when possible, updated to a currently accepted taxon concept within the APC. This package should facilitate all research outputs that require diverse scientific name lists to be merged or outdated lists to be updated.

Medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners in treatment of alcohol-related disorders in Bushenyi District, southwestern Uganda.

Alcohol-related disorders rank seventh among risk factors for morbidity and mortality globally, posing a significant public health burden. In Africa, including Uganda, there is limited availability and utilization of pharmacotherapies to treat alcohol-related disorders. This study documented medicinal plant species, plant parts used, and the methods of preparation and administration utilized by Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in treating alcohol-related disorders in southwestern Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted among TMPs within Bushenyi District, southwestern Uganda. Data was collected with key informant interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The TMPs identified medicinal plants by local names. Plant specimens were collected and deposited at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University for identification and voucher numbers allocated. The plant scientific names and species were identified based on the International Plant Names Index. Plant species, family, life form, number of mentions, method of collection, preparation and administration were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. The survey data were utilized to compute Frequency of Citation, Relative Frequency of Citation, and Informant Consensus Factor. We enrolled 50 traditional medicine practitioners aged between 34 and 98years, with a mean age of 67. Approximately two-thirds were female (66%, 33/50), and mean experience in traditional healing was 31years. The total number of plants identified were 25 belonging to 20 families. The most prevalent plant life form was herbs (36%) while grasses (4%), were the least. Leaves (48%) were the most utilized plant parts with the least utilized being the barks. The most prevalent method, adopted by approximately one-third of the TMPs, involved drying the plant material in the sun. The Informant Consensus Factor was 0.67. The study shows that the traditional medicine practitioners in Bushenyi district use a wide diversity of plants species to treat alcohol related disorders. The relatively high Informant Consensus Factor suggests a significant level of agreement among TMPs regarding the use of the identified plants. We recommend further investigations into phytochemistry, safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of the identified plants.

How are weeds named: A committee review of the WSSA composite list of names

Abstract Plant names carry a significant amount of information without providing a lengthy description. This is an efficient shorthand for scientists and stakeholders to communicate about a plant, but only when the name is based on a common understanding. It is standard to think of each plant having just two names, a common name and a scientific name, yet both names can be a source of confusion. There are often many common names that refer to the same plant, or a single common name that refers to multiple different species, and some plants are without a common name at all. Scientific names are based upon international standards; however, when there is not agreement in the taxonomy, two scientific names may be used to describe the same species. Weed scientists and practitioners can easily memorize multiple plant names and know that they refer to the same species, but when we consider global communication and far-reaching databases, it becomes very relevant to consider two sides of this shift: 1) A need for greater standardization (due to database management and risk of lost data from dropped cross-referencing) and 2) the loss of local heritage which provides useful meaning through various common names. In addition, weed scientists can be resistant to changing names that they learned or frequently use. The developments in online databases and reclassification of plant taxonomy by phylogenetic relationships have changed the accessibility and role of the list of standardized plant names compiled by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA). As part of an attempt to reconcile WSSA and USDA common names for weedy plants, the WSSA Standardized Plant Names Committee recently concluded an extensive review of the Composite List of Weeds common names and had small changes approved to about 10% of the list of over 2800 distinct species.

The Perpetual Impact of COVID-19 on the Geriatric Population's Quality of Life and Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Measures in Unani Medicine: An Evidence-based Review

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the elderly population more severely than many other patient groups. Due to their constitutional weakness and co-morbidities, geriatric populations are more prone to complications and adverse outcomes, especially with a high viral load. The Unani system of medicine encompasses several guidelines for the prevention and treatment of epidemics, which are stratified for different types of people with respect to age, geography, and health status, among others. Objective: Since Unani drugs are both safe and efficient, it has been found that demand for them has surged since COVID. This paper aims to discuss the various immunomodulatory, longevity-promoting agents, and organ-specific tonics specified in Unani medicine for the care of the elderly, which may be helpful during epidemics, and also, to present the scientific evidence of their efficacy. Methods: A thorough assessment of the available literature was carried out utilizing several electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online, Google Scholar, and Springer Link, using the terms "Geriatrics," "Elderly," "SARS-CoV-2," "Unani," and many others, up until October 2022. A total of 61 pertinent reviews were included. To gather information on epidemics and their specific response in geriatrics, monographs in Urdu, Arabic, and English were explored in addition to classic Unani texts such Al-Qanun fit Tibb (The Canon of Medicine), Kamil-us-Sana'at (Liber Regius), Kitab al-Hawi fit Tibb (Liber Continence), and others. Plant names were confirmed by “The Plant List” (www.theplantlist.org). Results: During pandemics, Unani medicine aims to promote and preserve the health of the elderly by regulating six important factors (Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya), which include adopting a specific diet, regimen and drugs as effective prophylactic strategies. However, the role of Unani medicine in immunological regulation relies on major organ protection, viz., general body tonic, nervine tonic, heart tonic, and liver tonic. Several Unani single drugs, such as Sibr (Aloe barbadensis Mill.), Zafran (Crocus sativus L.), and Mur (Commiphora myrrh Nees.), and formulations, such as Khameera Marwareed, Tiryaq-i- Arba, and Habb-i- Jadawar have also been found to be very effective in validated scientific preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, Unani drugs have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tonic actions, contributing to their holistic efficacy. Conclusion: It is observed in this review that Unani medicine employs a holistic approach to the health protection of the elderly. There are various dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, regimental therapy, and pharmacotherapy prescribed as per the individual’s requirements and needs to reduce geriatric mortality in times of epidemics. Modern pharmacological studies have discovered many bioactive compounds in health-protective drugs prescribed in Unani medicine, such as Vitis vinifera L., Ziziphus jujube Mill., and many others, further substantiating the literature.

Outdated latin names of medicinal plants in the monographs of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XIV edition (review)

Introduction. The State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XIV-th edition (SP XIV), includes 107 monographs devoted to medicinal plant materials. The purpose of the study was to identify incorrect Latin names of medicinal plants in the monographs of the XIV edition, study the officially accepted Latin names and taxonomic position of medicinal plants in accordance with the contemporary system of flowering plants, and justify the need to make changes in subsequent editions of the pharmacopoeia.Text. 44 cases of incorrect Latin names were found. This is explained by the fact that when developing new pharmacopoeia monographs, either Latin names historically established in Russian pharmacognosy were used, or names that were legal at the time of the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia. The bulk of nomenclatural changes are associated with the adoption of the new APG system of flowering plants, based on molecular genetic data. The paper contains lists of plants for which the State Pharmacopoeia XIV contains an incorrect name of the genus, species, family or author, indicating the correct name, as well as comments on the rules of modern botanical nomenclature.Conclusion. In connection with the prospects for processing monographs on medicinal plant raw materials for the State Pharmacopoeia XV-th edition, as well as the EAEU Pharmacopoeia, the harmonization of the nomenclature of pharmacopoeial plants with modern international requirements becomes especially relevant.

Beneficial effects of oxymatrine from Sophora flavescens on alleviating Ulcerative colitis by improving inflammation and ferroptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSophora flavescens is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for skin issues, diarrhea, and vaginal itching (Plant names have been checked with http://www.the/plant/list.org on Feb 22nd, 2024). Oxymatrine (OY), a major bioactive compound from Sophora flavescens, is commonly used in China to treat ulcerative colitis, but its mechanisms are still unclear. Aim of the studyRecent studies have found that the crosstalk between ferroptosis and inflammation is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of UC. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms of OY treatment on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, specifically focusing on the processes of ferroptosis and inflammation. Materials and methodsBioinformatics methods were used to identify key targets of OY for ferroptosis and inflammation in ulcerative colitis, based on GEO data and FerrDb database. Then, 4% DSS solution was used to induce UC model. OY’s impact on morphological changes was assessed using colon views, Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ferroptosis phenotype index and inflammations factors were detected by ELISA or chem-bio detection kits.The screen out hub related genes about ferroptosis and inflammation were verified by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting (WB) respectively. ResultsBioinformatics results show that there are 16 key target genes involved in ferroptosis and inflammation interaction of OY treatment for UC, such as IL6, NOS2, IDO1, SOCS1, and DUOX. The results of animal experiments show that OY could depress inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, HMGB1, and NLRP3) and reduce iron deposition (Fe2+, GSH). Additionally, OY suppressed the hub genes or proteins expression involved in ferroptosis and inflammation, including IL-1β, IL-6, NOS2, HIF1A, IDO1, TIMP1, and DUOX2. ConclusionThis present study combines bioinformatics, molecular biology, and animal experimental research evidently demonstrated that OY attenuates UC by improving ferroptosis and inflammation, mainly target to the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, NOS2, HIF1A, IDO1, TIMP1, and DUOX2.

Ethnomedicine of Mukundaras (S. E. Rajasthan)-Plant Remedies Used in Guinea Worm (Naaru) Disease

The communication deals with enumeration of plant species used by tribals and rural people residing in the vicinity of Mukundara ranges, Jhalawar district (S.E. Rajasthan), as hebral medicine for Guinea worm (Naaru) disease. This disease is very common in tribal and rural areas of South East Rajasthan, and is communicated through contaminated water. The 12 plant species, along with their plant parts used are - Arisaema tortuosum (Tuber), Aristolochia bracteolata (Root), Blumea lacera (leaf), Calotropis procera (Root), Cleome viscosa (leaf), Ferula asafoetida (Oleoresin Root), Hemiadelphis polyspermus (Root), Piper betel (leaf), Psoralea corylifolia (Seed), Pueraria tuberosa (Root), and Ricunus communis(Root). Enumeration contains, Plant's name, Family, Local name, Voucher specimen and Phenology along with brief notes on preparation of plant drug, the plant part used, amount and periodicity of dosage given.Brief notes on causal organism Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm) also given along with etiology, symptoms and mode of infection.

Unreported Ethnomedicinal Uses of Plants as Aphrodisiac from the Folk-Lores of Uttar Pradesh Plains, India

The paper deals with unreported medicinal uses of eighteen plant species (belonging to sixteen families) exploited as aphrodisiac among the folk-lores of Uttar Pradesh plains, India. The data are outcome of ethnobotanical survey of more than 300 villages of nine districts viz., Bahraich, Gonda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Mirzapur, Pratapgarh, Raebareli, Sidharthnagar and Sultanpur. Local name of plant, part of plant used, mode of drug preparation, administration and doses are given under each species.

An Ethnobotanical Study of Pinswari Community - a Preliminary Survey

The egregious, idyllic, non-xenophobic Pinswari community is an isolated community dwelling in the remote hills of the Tehri District of Uttar Pradesh, India. They are the descendants of the Jaads (Huniyas) and are still isolated in the sense that normally do not have marital' relation with the Garhwalis. Based on ethnobotanical survey (1983-1988) 108 plant species which are used as medicines, Ebre yielders, in arts and crafts, and in agricultural implements are reported. Correct botanical name, family, local name, collector's name (abbreviated as AKB) and number and detailed uses as given by local informants are given under each entry.

Commemorative Generic Names of Flowering Plants in India

Commemorative generic names of plants are given in honour of well known botanists and patrons of science for the contributions they made for the cause of botany. The names are given in alphabetical order with their families and one example under each genus. A brief biographical sketch of the person is also given. Plants named after botanists and eminent persons form one continuous historical sequence in the development of Natural history.

Observations on Folklore about Plants Used in Veterinary Medicine in Bengal, Orissa and Bihar

During the exploration of Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal ethnobotanical information was collected from the tribes of Kondh, Munda, Oraon, Santal and Lodha along with plants. It is found that 20 species under 19 genera and 16 families are used by them for veterinary medicine. It is further discovered that most of them are new to the present day knowledge. Hence an attempt has been made to enumerate all such folklore plants in the present work incorporating its botanical name, local name, locality, traditional uses with voucher specimens deposited in Economic Botany Section of Botanical Survey of India.

Observations on Ethnobotany of Tribals of Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh

The present paper deals with the plants used by the tribes of various ethnic groups like Nishi, Apatani, Hill-Miri, Adi etc. dominate the hilly region of Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh.The paper gives an account of 129 plants of ethnobotanical importance, of which 112 are not known out side their tribal community. These are used by the tribals, for varied purposes such as food, medicine, fish-poison, fibre, local drinks, religious ceremonies, superstition, etc.Some ethnobotanical studies conducted in other parts of the country are discussed in the paper.The information obtained while studying the flora of the area is presented here. For each species, the botanical name with family, local name, uses, the way the plant or plant parts used, flowering and fruiting time, locality and the field number are given.

Rheede's Ferns in Hortus Malabaricus

Rheede named nineteen species of ferns in Malayalam in his Hortus Malabaricus (Vol. 12, 1703). The botanical identity of these species made by eminent authors through ages has been studied. The study reveals that the names which were ascribed to these taxa earlier are mostly invalid now. The present work is devoted to establish their current botanical names through close examination of Rheedean plates and literature and current nomenclatural studies.

Studies in Indian Ethnobotany-Less Known Uses of Fifty Common Plants from the Tribal Areas of Madhya Pradesh

A study of plants used by the aboriginal tribes in Madhya Pradesh revealed that several uses to which plants are put by these people are not known to outside community. The paper reports such less known uses for fifty plants.The plants are grouped in three categories-plants used for food, medicine and miscellaneous purposes. The local names of plants and the locality or source of information is given.

Medicinal Plants among Certain Adibasis in India

The authors are engaged in ethnobotanical studies among certain tribal populations of India. Field work was done among the Chenchu, Reddi, Valmiki and Gond tribes in Andhra Pradesh and Saora and Kondh tribes in Orissa States of India.Tne indigenous plants wed by the Adibasis for food and medicine were particularly studied. Tne present paper deals with some more important medicinal plants encountered in the area of study. Tnirty-two species are discussed; these belong to 21 families and 29 genera of Angiosperms. Tne botanical name, family, habit, local names (in Telugu, Kui, Saora or OriYa languages), tribal medicinal uses, locality of observation and voucher herbarium specimens are given.Those tribal uses which do not seem to be recorded in familiar published literature have been marked with an asterisk.An index to 40 diseases referred in the paper is given.

A Contribution to the Flora of Lucknow

This is an account of the flora of Lucknow and its environs and includes 77 angiosperm families and some 330 species. Hindi plant names current locally and local uses of the plants have been given where possible. Climatic, soil and biotic factors have been discussed in relation to the vegetation. The text is illustrated by eight plant sketches and two graphs on climatic data.

Species Name Identification for Essential Oils from Biomedical Abstracts Using Text Mining and Natural Language Processing

Species Name Identification for Essential Oils from Biomedical Abstracts Using Text Mining and Natural Language Processing

REVOLUTIONIZING BIOLOGY LEARNING THROUGH AR: THE CASE OF LEAFCAPTURE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

REVOLUTIONIZING BIOLOGY LEARNING THROUGH AR: THE CASE OF LEAFCAPTURE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

External Application of Ethno-Veterinary Plants to Treat Bone Fractures in Domestic and Pet Animals of the Villages in Nallamalla Forest Region of Eastern Ghats of AP, India

Bone fractures are resulted due to accidents or violent acts caused by others either willfully or negligently. In some cases, it may be due to falling or due to pathological reasons. The present survey provides information on external application of Ethno veterinary plant medicine for treating bone fractures of domestic animals by the natives of AP region in Nallamalas of Eastern Ghats of India. The therapeutical properties of 65 plant species belonging to 59 genera and 42 families are being used for treating bone fractures. Information on botanical name, vernacular name, family, plant parts used, mode of drug preparation, administration and mode of preparation of poultice are provided. The Information gathered in this study would act as vital data for scientific community.