Conservation Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

PlantMedOman: an online database for Oman's medicinal plants

The Sultanate of Oman has a rich biodiversity, particularly in medicinal plants, and plays a crucial role in traditional healthcare practices. However, the wealth of knowledge about these plants is scattered across various literature, making it challenging for researchers, practitioners, and the public to access comprehensive information. Therefore, the availability of a centralized, user-friendly online database to catalog Oman's medicinal plants is of great importance. PlantMedOman presented here, which currently holds 186 records helps to enhance academic research, support drug discovery studies, promote the conservation of medicinal plants, and foster greater awareness of Oman's ethnomedicinal heritage.

A Study on the Ex-Situ Conservation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants in Dr. Sushila Tiwari Herbal Garden, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

A study was conducted at the Dr. Sushila Tiwari herbal garden in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, with the aim of scientific documentation and data collection of medicinal plants. The study found there are approximately 126 species present in the herbal garden, trees being the most abundant species followed by shrubs, herbs, climbers and grasses. The major families found in the herbal garden are Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae etc. Critically endangered species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Endangered species such as Oroxylum indicum, Ginkgo biloba, Cammiphora wightii, Rauvolfia serpentina, and Strychnos lucida. Near threatened species such as Aegle mermelos, were also found in the garden. Herbal gardens are crucial for conserving rare and endangered medicinal plants, while also promoting the utility of commonly available and frequently used medicinal plants among people, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

Investigating medicinal plants for antimicrobial benefits in a changing climate

As the world's climate changes, there is growing concern about how it is affecting human health, including the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries and their antimicrobial properties have been recognized by many cultures. This article focuses on exploring the potential of medicinal plants for antimicrobial activity in the face of climate change challenges. The article discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with using medicinal plants as a source of new antimicrobial agents, including issues related to the changes in plant chemistry caused by climate change, and the need for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. The article also examines the importance of traditional knowledge and cultural practices in the development and conservation of medicinal plants. Finally, the article highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in harnessing the potential of medicinal plants for combating antimicrobial resistance in the context of a changing climate.

Conservation and Exploration of the Potential of Rare Medicinal Plants in the Tropical Rainforest of Bukit Barisan, Sumatra, Indonesia: An Effort Towards Sustainable Herbal Medicine

The Bukit Barisan tropical rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia, is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 plant species in this forest, and many of them have potential as herbal medicines. However, deforestation and overexploitation threaten the preservation of medicinal plants in the Bukit Barisan tropical rainforest. This causes loss of valuable natural resources and hinders research and development of new herbal medicines. This research was conducted in several tropical rainforests in Bukit Barisan, Sumatra. Field surveys were conducted to document rare medicinal plant species. Plant samples were collected and analyzed for their phytochemical content. Bioassay tests were carried out to evaluate antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Strategies for conservation and sustainable exploration of rare medicinal plants are developed based on research results. Field surveys found 27 species of rare medicinal plants. Phytochemical analysis shows that this plant contains various bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. Bioassay tests show that this plant has significant antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In conclusion, the Bukit Barisan tropical rainforest has great potential for the development of herbal medicine. Sustainable conservation and exploration of rare medicinal plants in the Bukit Barisan tropical rainforest is important to ensure the preservation of these valuable natural resources and to improve community health.

Mapping of soil suitability for medicinal plants using machine learning methods

Inadequate conservation of medicinal plants can affect their productivity. Traditional assessments and strategies are often time-consuming and linked with errors. Utilizing herbs has been an integral part of the traditional system of medicine for centuries. However, its sustainability and conservation are critical due to climate change, over-harvesting and habitat loss. The study reveals how machine learning algorithms, geographic information systems (GIS) being a powerful tool for mapping and spatial analysis, and soil information can contribute to a swift decision-making approach for actual forethought and intensify the productivity of vulnerable curative plants of specific regions to promote drug discovery. The data analysis based on machine learning and data mining techniques over the soil, medicinal plants and GIS information can predict quick and effective results on a map to nurture the growth of the herbs. The work incorporates the construction of a novel dataset by using the quantum geographic information system tool and recommends the vulnerable herbs by implementing different supervised algorithms such as extra tree classifier (EXTC), random forest, bagging classifier, extreme gradient boosting and k nearest neighbor. Two unique approaches suggested for the user by using EXTC, firstly, for a given subregion type, its suitable soil classes and secondly, for soil type from the user, its respective subregion labels are revealed, finally, potential medicinal herbs and their conservation status are visualised using the choropleth map for classified soil/subregion. The research concludes on EXTC as it showcases outstanding performance for both soil and subregion classifications compared to other models, with an accuracy rate of 99.01% and 98.76%, respectively. The approach focuses on serving as a comprehensive and swift reference for the general public, bioscience researchers, and conservationists interested in conserving medicinal herbs based on soil availability or specific regions through maps.

Predicting the potential distribution of 12 threatened medicinal plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with a maximum entropy model.

Climate change is a vital driver of biodiversity patterns and species distributions, understanding how organisms respond to climate change will shed light on the conservation of endangered species. In this study, the MaxEnt model was used to predict the potential suitable area of 12 threatened medicinal plants in the QTP (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau) under the current and future (2050s, 2070s) three climate scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5). The results showed that the climatically suitable habitats for the threatened medicinal plants were primarily found in the eastern, southeast, southern, and some parts of the central regions on the QTP. Moreover, 25% of the threatened medicinal plants would have reduced suitable habitat areas within the next 30-50 years in the different future global warming scenarios. Among these medicinal plants, RT (Rheum tanguticum) would miss the most habitat (98.97%), while the RAN (Rhododendron anthopogonoides) would miss the least habitat (10.15%). Nevertheless, 33.3% of the threatened medicinal plants showed an increase in their future habitat area because of their physiological characteristics which are more adaptable to a wide range of climates. The climatic suitable habitat for 50% of the threatened medicinal plants would migrate to higher altitudes or higher latitudes regions. This study provides a data foundation for the conservation of biodiversity and wild medicinal plants on the QTP.

Study of biodiversity and positive aspects of medicinal plant conservation in some selected sacred groves of Manipur

Study of biodiversity and positive aspects of medicinal plant conservation in some selected sacred groves of Manipur

Empowering Communities : Reviving Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Health and Poverty Reduction

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward the utilization of traditional medicinal plants and their impact on health improvement and poverty alleviation among the residents of Barangay Mintal, Davao City. The primary goal was to provide essential baseline data to support the enhancement of Republic Act 8423 (PITAHC), which aimed to enhance the quality and delivery of healthcare services in the Philippines by developing traditional and alternative healthcare and integrating it into the national healthcare system. The study was conducted at Barangay Mintal, Davao City, with a population of 18,677 (City Population, 2020), the study focused on a community that, despite being highly urbanized and diverse in tribal representation, continued to rely on traditional herbal medicine for treating illnesses within their homes. The preference for herbal medicines stemmed from their accessibility, ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, and perceived efficacy, in alignment with indigenous traditions. Utilizing in-depth interviews and documentation through qualitative analysis, the research sought to explore the community's knowledge and attitudes regarding herbal usage. The study aimed to determine whether such practices contributed to alleviating health-related expenses within families. Ten respondents, aged 18-60, were randomly selected for in-depth interviews, utilizing open-ended questions. The qualitative analysis brought to light the need for the revitalization of traditional herbal medicine practices within the barangay and health centers. Collaborative efforts with the Department of Health (DOH) were recommended, emphasizing the establishment of educational programs to raise community awareness. These programs would focus on improving practices, ensuring correct usage, and promoting the protection and conservation of medicinal plants. The findings also highlighted the importance of extending this knowledge to other barangays and schools.

Empowering citizens in conservation of family medicinal plants through processing rosella flowers into tea

The quality of health in Indonesia is included in the low category compared to other countries. Based on the results of the GHSI (Global Health Security Index) report, the average global health score is 38.9 points out of a score of 100 points. Meanwhile, Indonesia's global health security index ranks 13th compared to other G20 countries. One of the factors causing a country's low quality of health is caused by the level of a country's economy. This program aims to empower people in the fields of health, economy, and human resources by conserving family medicinal plants from roselle flowers that are processed into tea. The method used in this program is participatory, where environmental scanning is integral to empowering communities through building self-reliance with the power of resources and products. Program results are achieved from the fulfillment of success indicators prepared based on the objectives of the implementation of the program. There are nine main points in the indicators of success that can be achieved. In conclusion, the community empowerment program in Jatimalang Village, Klirong District, Kebumen Regency, has been built from the fulfillment of village-based SDGs and the awareness of the superiority of natural potential owned.

Conservation and economic benefits of medicinal plants: Insights from forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana

Medicinal plants have significant socioeconomic and health benefits, especially in developing countries with high poverty rates and limited health care coverage. However, the continuous utilization of medicinal plants without conservation efforts leads to species scarcity, especially for endangered species. This study, therefore, assessed the economic benefits and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Asukese and Amama Forest Reserves in Ghana. Field visits, structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to survey 172 respondents focusing on their socio-demographic characteristics, medicinal plants used to treat diseases in the communities and plant parts used, preparation and administration of remedies, availability trend of medicinal plants, drivers of loss of medicinal plants, contribution of medicinal plants to gross incomes and conservation strategies. The study identified 143 plant species used to treat 135 ailments and diseases. The mostly highly cited plant family was Fabaceae (15 spp.). On average, medicinal plants contributed 64 % of gross annual income. Income from medicinal plants varied significantly across marital status and primary occupation but was similar across gender, religion, and educational levels. Thirty-three (33) of these plants were perceived to be threatened by over-harvesting, agricultural expansion, mining, logging, and climate change. Consequently, the cultivation of medicinal plants on farms, creation of medicinal plants nurseries, integration of medicinal plants in home gardens, creation of botanic gardens, and indigenous knowledge systems and practices were suggested as strategies for their conservation and sustainability utilization. There is therefore the need for increased conservation efforts to protect medicinal plant species from anthropogenic disturbance and the imminent threat of climate change. This will be critical for biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development in local communities.

Medicinal Plants of Ethiopia: Conservation, Traditional Knowledge, and Sustainable Use

Ethiopia, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, harbors approximately 6,000 species of higher plants, many of which hold significant medicinal value. Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to modern healthcare is limited. This reliance underscores the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge related to medicinal plants. Home gardens emerge as vital repositories of these valuable plant species, highlighting the need for sustainable conservation strategies. Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures, along with home garden cultivation, are essential in safeguarding these invaluable resources. However, the conservation of medicinal plants faces challenges from both natural causes and human-made threats. This paper emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts that involve collaborative initiatives among local communities, researchers, policymakers, and conservationists. By documenting and preserving indigenous knowledge, we can not only protect the rich biodiversity of Ethiopia but also contribute to the well-being of its people and potential advancements in drug development. This holistic approach ensures the continued availability and sustainable use of medicinal plants, benefiting both the environment and human health.

Diversity analysis of southern African Artemisia afra using a single nucleotide polymorphism derived from diversity arrays

Artemisia afra is an aromatic shrub used as a herbal remedy in southern Africa for various disorders, including coughs, colds, influenza, and, most notably, for the prophylaxis and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infections. Modern high-throughput genotyping by sequencing, which combines next generation sequencing and diversity array technology (DArTseq) complexity reduction methods, allows for the generation of high-quality whole-genome profiles without any previous organismal genetic information that may hamper the diversity analyses. This study investigated the feasibility of incorporating DArTseq-derived single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and bioactive compounds into a geographic information system to predict the spatial distribution of A. afra gene diversity in selected southern African environs. DNA extraction, sequencing, and SNP calling mineral analyses (using R Studio) were performed on a total of 80 genotypes collected around Roma and Mohale’s Hoek, Lesotho, and Wepener and Hobhouse, South Africa. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and neighbour-joining dendrograms revealed three clusters of variation among genotypes; however, geographic distribution did not influence A. afra genetic diversity. The mean heterozygosity among genotypes was 7.7%. Genotypes collected in Roma and Mohale’s Hoek exhibited high levels of genetic diversity. Local A. afra genetic diversity was relatively low, indicating uniformity of subspecies per locality. The diversity among genotypes indicated that A. afra SNPs may occur despite the location. Given that genetic diversity enhances crop performance, our findings can be useful in germplasm management, industries producing by-products of A. afra, and plant breeding programs. For the long-term conservation of medicinal plants in South Africa, significant sampling and regional data are required. In addition to evaluating qualitative and quantitative assessments of phytochemicals, it is necessary to evaluate foliar mineral composition, as well as the agronomic and morphological characteristics of collected specimens from studied locations.

Konservasi Tanaman Obat Sebagai Pusat Edukasi Dan Bisnis Berbasis Masyarakat Di Desa Waluran

Purpose - Many people do not know the potential that the Waluran Village area has. So, this service aims to provide education to the public regarding the potential of family medicinal plants (TOGA) through the conservation of medicinal plants. Design/methodology/approach - The service methods used are socialization, education, formation of medicinal plant conservation groups, and training. Finding - The results of the service showed that 50 types of medicinal plants were obtained from the exploration of medicinal plants, with the superior local plant in the target village being the leaves of karas bone (Chlorantus elatior). Originality/value - The local community also responded well, that this activity really helped the problems that occurred in their area.

Callus Production in Geranium (Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew) Growing Naturally in Türkiye

Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew grows naturally in the Hakkari province of Türkiye. Although P. quercetorum Agnew has potential use as a medicine and ornamental plant, it is especially used as a medicinal plant for the cure of various diseases by local people. In vitro tissue culture methods are favorable for the propagation, conservation, and breeding of medicinal plants. We aimed in this study to achieve regeneration of P. quercetorum Agnew from different explant types. Seeds of P. quercetorum Agnew were germinated in vitro conditions and explants were taken from these germinated sterile plantlets. Totally four different experiments, containing three of them embryogenic and one of them organogenic culture, were established to achieve regeneration in P. quercetorum Agnew. Leaf, petiole, cotyledon, cotyledon stalk, and root collar disc were used as explant. Different concentrations of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BA), 6-Furfurylaminopurine (Kinetin), 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino) purine (2iP), and Thidiazuron (TDZ) were used to induce embryogenic or organogenic regeneration. Explants were cultured in half-strength or full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. In the embryogenic experiments, callus formation from different media ranged from 63.5% to 100%, and for explant types ranged from 39% to 100%. In the organogenic experiment, callus formation from different media ranged from 12.5% to 100%, and for explant types ranged from 71% to 93%. Also, embryo-like structures were obtained from embryogenic experiments. However, these structures could not grow more and transformed into plantlets.

Aspects of the study on some aromatic species of the genus Agastache Gronov

The study has been focused on the field of introduction, conservation and use of aromatic and medicinal plants, which represent inexhaustible sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. The article describes the results of the evaluation of the prospects for the introduction of 4 species of the genus Agastache Gronov: Agastache foeniculum ( Pursh) Kuntze, Agastache rugosa (Fisch & C. A Mey.) O. Kuntze, Agastache urticifolia (Benth.) Kuntze, Agastache nepetoides L., species that have not been studied in much detail, but of high therapeutic value. The studies focused on the bio-ecological and phytochemical research on the plants, in order to highlight the biomorphological peculiarities, the essential oil content and the possibility of using them in various branches of the national economy. Far from being an exhausted source of remedies, natural products continue to provide low molecular weight compounds with important biological properties that can be used for pharmaceutical purposes.

Hidden Treasures of Kediri’s Medicinal Plants: A Collaborative Effort to Map and Validate Authentic Information Using Innovative QR Code Security and Cryptography

This research aims to map the distribution of rare and medicinal plants in Kediri Regency, Indonesia, and develop an interactive database system to provide accurate information on these plants. The study was conducted in collaboration between Balitbangda Kediri and Nusantara University PGRI Kediri. The data collection utilized innovation in creating a web-based information system with QR code security and cryptography validation to ensure the authenticity of the plant data. The results of this research provide a comprehensive database of rare and medicinal plants in Kediri Regency that can support drug information, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The interactive system facilitates the dissemination of accurate information and raises public awareness about the potential of medicinal and rare plants in the region. This research has significant implications for the conservation of rare and medicinal plants and their potential contribution to public health.

Conservation Threats to Ethnomedicinal plants in Kore District, South Eastern, Ethiopia

The study aimed to investigate the threats to the biodiversity of ethnomedicinal plants and to find consensus information on conservation and management practices of ethnomedicinal plants to contribute sustainable utilization of ethnomedicinal plants in Kore district, Southeastern Ethiopia. The result of the survey revealed that sixty-one medicinal plants were reported by the informants from the study area. These plants are distributed in 59 genera and 37 families. Family Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were represented by 5 (8.2%) species for each family and this is the highest number of species and followed by 4 (6.5%) species of Solanaceae and Fabaceae for each family. Preference ranking analysis shows that Eucalyptus globulus scored 47, indicating that it is the most used plant for firewood in the community, followed by Olea europaea (45) and the least used plant for firewood is Juniperus procera scored 36. Paired comparison analysis showed that Olea Europeae ranked first followed by Podocarpus falcatus for the use of charcoal production in the study area. The major purposes of plant species in the study area were construction, Charcoal, Firewood, Furniture, and Fences as well as for medicinal uses. Based on direct matrix ranking analysis Juniperus procera, Eucalyptus globulus, Podocarpus falactus, Olea europaea, Hagenia abyssinica, Croton macrostachyus, and Cordia africana were the most preferred medicinal plants by local people in the study area. The analysis's findings indicated that anthropogenic influences are endangering medicinal plants. In this study area, only about 13% of medicinal plants are collected from home gardens. This shows that the effort made by the community to conserve medicinal plants is not satisfactory. Therefore, encouraging NGOs and Government offices to participate in the conservation of medicinal plants to encourage the local people to plant indigenous trees for domestic use is necessary.

Conservation Tillage in Medicinal Plant Cultivation in China: What, Why, and How

Ecological cultivation is a promising regime for medicinal plant production. For a long time, unreasonable farming methods have threatened soil health and medicinal agriculture and restricted the sustainable development of ecological agriculture for medicinal plants. However, there is a lack of comprehensive discourse and discussion about the pros and cons of different tillage regimes. Here, the research trend and application prospects of no-tillage (NT) are comprehensively reviewed, and the ecological benefits, challenges, and opportunities of the NT system in ecological agriculture of medicinal plants are scrutinized, aiming to call for an about-face in the sustainable conservation and utilization of both phytomedicine resources and agricultural/ecological resources. An exhaustive literature search in PubMed, Bing, Scopus, and CNKI was performed to outline the research trend in conservation tillage and medicinal plants during the recent four decades. The application of NT has a long history and can reduce tillage frequency and intensity and protect soil from erosion and deterioration. NT is often combined with organic mulch to significantly reduce soil disturbance. NT and stover mulching have the advantages of saving manpower and resources and improving soil quality, crop yield, and quality. The ecological and economic benefits of NT in long-term medicinal plant cultivation could be prominent. In developing medicinal plant cultivation, competing with food crops should be avoided as much as possible, and the impact on the production of major grain crops should be minimized. Therefore, the full utilization of soil resources in forests, mountains, and wasteland is advocated, and sustainable soil utilization is the core issue in the process of land reclamation. NT and stover mulching not only inherit the traditional concept of “natural farming”, conform to the basic laws of ecology, as well as the growth characteristics of medicinal plants, but also protect the ecological environment of the production area. It would become the core strategy of ecological agriculture for medicinal plants. Our summary and discussions would help propose countermeasures to popularize NT and organic mulch, promote relevant research and scientific allocation of resources, and adapt to local conditions to achieve precise management and harmonize conservation and production of medicinal plants.

Identification of Rare Medical Plant and Community Understanding in Manggeh Village, Karanganyar District, Karanganyar Regency

This study aims to identify rare medicinal plants in Manggeh Village, Karanganyar District, Karanganyar Regency, as well as to understand the level of knowledge and understanding of the community regarding rare medicinal plants in areas with a low tendency. The research method used was field surveys, interviews, and direct observation of 40 respondents who were randomly selected from people in low inclined areas. The results showed that there were a number of rare medicinal plants in Manggeh Village. These plants have high medicinal potential and have been used traditionally by the local community. However, the level of public knowledge and understanding regarding rare medicinal plants is still limited. Although some people are familiar with rare medicinal plants in general, in-depth knowledge about their benefits, uses and potential side effects is still limited. This research provides a deeper understanding of the biodiversity in Manggeh Village and provides useful information for the community in the proper and responsible use of medicinal plants. The results of this study can also be a basis for local governments in developing policies for the conservation of rare medicinal plants.

Quantitative ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Bodo Community of Baksa District, BTR, Assam, India

Abstract. Boro M, Das B, Boro KK, Nath M, Buragohain P, Roy S, Sarma PJ, Kalita S, Nath M. 2023. Quantitative ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Bodo Community of Baksa District, Assam, India. Biodiversitas 24: 3169-3182. Plants are the core part of religious and cultural aspects of various ethnic communities of the world. Assam is a homeland of diverse ethnic tribes of Indo-Mongolian origin. The Bodo Community is one of the oldest communities and they are rich in their traditional healthcare knowledge system. The current study aimed to record the data on medicinal plants used by the Bodo Community in Baksa District, Assam, India. Statistical analysis was done by following established formula to find Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Agreement Ration (IAR) and Informant Consensus (Fic). A total of 129 medicinal plant species were recorded, used in 18 different ailment categories by the Bodo people. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. was the most used plant by the informants (use value 0.69) and also had the highest RFC (0.60). In present survey, the IAR range was from 0-1. The highest Fic value was recorded in the ailment category of Renal and hepatic disorder. The present work provides rich data, as this work, besides documenting the medicinal plants used by the community, also gives proper scientific evaluation of the ethnobotanical data. The work will be helpful for future researchers, academicians and stakeholders to carry out research work in this diverse scientific field of ethnobotany. From the conservation point of view, there is an urgent need to involve local people for the conservation of medicinal plants for the future.