Ethnobotanical Applications Research Articles

Pharmacoinformatics and molecular dynamics simulation approach to identify anti-diarrheal potentials of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. against Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of cholera, causes dehydration and severe diarrhea with the production of cholera toxin. Due to the acquired antibiotic resistance, V. cholerae has drawn attention to the establishment of novel medications to counteract the virulence and viability of the pathogen. Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb native to Bangladesh that has a wide range of medicinal and ethnobotanical applications including anti-bacterial properties. In the present investigation, a total of 25 bioactive phytochemicals of C. asiatica have been screened virtually through molecular docking, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analyses, and molecular dynamics simulation. Our results revealed four lead compounds as Viridiflorol (−8.7 Kcal/mol), Luteolin (−8.1 Kcal/mol), Quercetin (−8.0 Kcal/mol) and, Geranyl acetate (−7.1 Kcal/mol) against V. cholerae Toxin co-regulated pilus virulence regulatory protein (ToxT). All the lead compounds have been found to possess favorable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics, and molecular dynamics properties. Toxicity analysis revealed satisfactory results with no major side effects. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed for 100 ns that revealed noteworthy conformational stability and structural compactness for all the lead compounds, especially for Quercetin. Target class prediction unveiled enzymes in most of the cases and some experimental and investigational drugs were found as structurally similar analogs of the lead compounds. These findings could aid in the development of novel therapeutics targeting Cholera disease and we strongly recommend in vitro trials of our experimental findings. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Garcinia gummi-gutta: Phytochemicals and pharmacological applications.

Garcinia gummi-gutta, also known as Garcinia cambogia, is a member of the Guttiferae family. Garcinia is a polygamous genus consisting 200 species of trees and shrubs. It is found in different zones of the planet including Asia's tropical regions. In India alone, around 30 species have been discovered. They are widely used as a flavoring agent to garnish fish curry in southern India, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka. The fruit rind of G. gummi-gutta has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, and ulcers. South Indian people have been utilizing it traditionally as evidenced by its ethnobotanical properties. In vivo and in vitro effects of the crude fruit extract showed anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, and antioxidant activities. G. gummi-gutta fruit rind is medicinally significant and is frequently used in ayurvedic and traditional medicine for many diseases. Various secondary metabolites such as organic acids-hydroxycitric acid (HCA), flavonoids, terpenes, polysaccharides and polyisoprenylated benzophenones-garcinol, xanthochymol, guttiferone, benzophenone, xanthone, biflavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and saponins isolated from the G. gummi-gutta have diverse pharmacological activities. This review provides a summary of G. gummi-gutta, including itsbiological activities, phytochemistry, and ethnobotanical applications.

Multipotential traditional plant wood apple (Limonia acidissima): A review

Plants are a significant source of medicine and are crucial to attaining WHO goals for the welfare of all people. As more people become aware of natural goods, Limonia acidissima L. (wood apple, elephant apple, monkey fruit) of the Rutaceae family has emerged as one of the most valued plants due to its numerous medical characteristics. Recognizing and identifying various chemical components of the plant that are significant in the field of medicine is the major goal of the current investigation. So, an effort has been made in this article to research the literature on various phytoconstituents, therapeutic benefits, pharmacological activity, and ethno botanical applications and herbal formulation of Limonia acidissima L. The compiled plant knowledge can be applied to a variety of medical fields.

An overview of phytomedicinal, ethnobotanical applications and phytochemical constituents of four major Agave species

An overview of phytomedicinal, ethnobotanical applications and phytochemical constituents of four major Agave species

Essential Oil Composition and Stable Isotope Profile of Osmorhiza occidentalis Torr. (Apiaceae) from Utah.

Osmorhiza occidentalis Torr. is an essential-oil-bearing plant in the Apiaceae family. Volatile oil was produced through steam distillation (n = 3) of the above ground plant parts and was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC/FID, GC/MS), and gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS) to establish the essential oil composition and stable isotope profile. The resulting essential oils were found to be comprised of 33 volatile compounds. Prominent volatile compounds include methyl chavicol (avg. 61.6%), (Z)-β-ocimene (avg. 14.7%), sabinene (avg. 10.5%), and γ-terpinene (avg. 2.8%). Stable isotope values were determined for prominent volatile compounds, including methyl chavicol, (Z)-β-ocimene, sabinene, and γ-terpinene. Values for δ2H range from −393.479 (avg. sabinene) to −171.516 (avg. methyl chavicol). Those for δ13C range from −35.957 (avg. methyl chavicol) to −30.820 (avg. (Z)-β-ocimene). The essential oil yield was 0.12% (w/w). The current study establishes for the first time, to the best knowledge of the authors, the essential oil yield, essential oil composition, and stable isotope profile of prominent volatile compounds extracted from the above-ground portions of O. occidentalis. These results provide insight into the volatile chemical composition produced by the plant and provide fundamental data for substantiation of ethnobotanical applications.

Ethno-botanical Utilization of Selected Medicinal Plant Species in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

The ethno-botanical research results were obtained in five communities (Umuagwu, Ogume, Abbi, Kokori and Ekpan) in Delta State and one community (Arue) Esan North East, in Edo State. Acalypha wilkesiana was used for the treatment of high blood pressure by the People of Umuagwu Community, Asaba, Delta State, use of Sida acuta Burm. f. for the treatment of loss of appetite, digestion problem, tuberculosis and general health by Ogume People, Delta State, the use of Aspilia africana (Pers) C.D. for ulcer dressing and wound by the people of Abbi, Delta State, use of Bryophyllum pinnatum for the treatment of haemorrhoids by the people of Kokori, Delta State, use of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) (Boundary Tree) for treatment of difficulty in breathing by the people of Ekpan, Delta State and use of Mallotus oppositifolius for the treatment of haemorrhoids by Arue people of Edo State. Parts of the plants used for preparation included root, leaf, twig, stem and flower. The use of plants for medicinal purposes varied from one community to another depending on their indigenous knowledge on the ethno-botanical application of plants for the treatment of different ailments. The information obtained from the communities was as a result of perennial usage of these plants and the desirable results obtained over the years without negative side effects. This research seeks to document this salient vital information to invoke scientific curiosity and expand the scope of the knowledge for more effective utilization.

An Overview and Renewed Emphasis on Ethnopharmacology of Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus)

Medicinal herbs have been employed to treat a wide range of illnesses and as an approach to maintain excellent health since ancient times. Substantially, their efficacies have been methodically investigated to guarantee the high standards of medicinal plant-derived products. This review focuses on Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus), formerly referred as Rosmarinus officinalis, an aromatic evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae family. Our goal is to compile all ethnobotanical applications of the herb, as well as relevant phytoconstituent, in vivo, and in vitro studies, and to thoroughly outline its potential use in contemporary herbal-based medicine. Using popular search engines, multiple sources were successfully identified. Moreover, the search for published materials such as books, articles, and conference proceedings from today to the previous eras was prioritized. The most notable findings about this herb's ethnopharmacological actions include the inhibition of Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP-4), the most pertinent enzyme in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), as well as its anticancer activity, particularly the overall inhibition actions of its active compounds on endothelium and cancer cell proliferation. In a broad sense, it is a good medicinal plant with a lot of potential for improving human health.

Bacopa monnieri: Historical aspects to promising pharmacological actions for the treatment of central nervous system diseases

Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Brahmi, has been used to improve cognitive processes and intellectual functions that are related to the preservation of memory. The objective of this research is to review the ethnobotanical applications, phytochemical composition, toxicity and activity of B. monnieriin the central nervous system. It reviewed articles on B. monnieriusing Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline, and PubMed. Saponins are the main compounds in extracts of B. monnieri. Pharmacological studies showed that B. monnieriimproves learning and memory and presents biological effects against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. No preclinical acute toxicity was reported. However, gastrointestinal side effects were reported in some healthy elderly individuals. Most studies with B. monnierihave been preclinical evaluations of cellular mechanisms in the central nervous system and further translational clinical research needs to be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the plant.

Ethnobotany, Chemical Constitution and Biological Activities of Moquilea Genus: A Systematic Review

Moquilea (Chrysobalanaceae) is a taxon recently separated from previous Licania genus. Several plants from Moquilea genus have been studied for the evaluation of their biological properties and chemical constitution analysis, especially those used as edible material and as a medicinal agent in several countries from tropical zones of America where the plants are endemic. Considering these facts, the present systematic review has the aim to summarize available information about ethnobotany, chemical components and biological effects investigated for Moquilea plants. For this purpose, eight data bases (Pubmed, ACS publications, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, SciELO, SpringerLink, Tayor and Francis Online and Wiley Online Library) were search and 2116 results corresponding to full-text articles and book chapters were screened using defined inclusion criteria. Finally, information from 45 documents were included in the review. According to compilated information, there are few species with available data related to their ethnobotanical applications. However, there is a wide variety of biological activities reported for extracts and isolated components obtained from Moquilea plants, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and gastroprotective effects. Polyphenols and triterpenes are the major secondary metabolites reported among Moquilea plants.

English

Southwestern region of Bangladesh is very rich in floral diversity, and their diversified uses. An extensive survey was conducted to investigate ethnobotanical applications of botanical species by the community of Khulna, Bangladesh. We focused on plants and community relationships, identify the most important species used, determine the relative importance of the species surveyed and calculated the Fidelity level (FI) and Cultural Significance Index (CSI) concerning individual species. In total, we have listed 136 species of 114 genera under 52 families, of which 41% (63) species were utilized as food, followed by  30% (45) medicine, 14% (21) constructional timber, 11% (17) ornamental, and 4% (6) other uses. Inheritance of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants was the primary source of knowledge acquisition through oral transmission over the generations. However, only 34% of the informants were traditional herbal practitioners. Most of the medicinal uses are primly associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, expectorant, antidote, fever reduction, and pain relief. Key words: Plants, ethnobotany, homestead, Khulna, Bangladesh.

Ethnopharmacological Potential of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray

Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray, commonly known as “Mexican Sunflower”, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. At present, however, this species is widely found in many countries outside of these areas, including Brazil. It has been the subject of many scientific studies which by highlighting the chemical constitution of its main structures such as leaves, inflorescences, stalk and roots, consequently bring to light this species’ nutritional and therapeutic potential in current literature. The aim of this study is to produce a literature review on the ethnobotanical aspects and possible pharmacological applications of T. diversifolia, with emphasis on its chemical composition, morphological characteristics and pharmacotherapeutic applications. The present study is a bibliographical, exploratory and qualitative research, carried out due to the need to elucidate the proposed theme and fulfills the role of reviewing the specific bibliography on the addressed topic. Based on the produced bibliography, it is noticeable that Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray is a plant of potential nutritional and pharmacological interest. In general, the studies reviewed here strengthen and highlight the evidence of the diverse applications of this species by traditional medicine, which, in turn, contribute to the development of studies that guarantee the identification of active constituents and their respective biotechnological applications.

Comparative LC-MS analysis of tropolone alkaloids from in vitro cultures and native sources of Gloriosa superba by Kendrick mass defect plots.

Gloriosa superba L. is a promising antitumoural plant species as a source of colchicinoids. Ethnobotanical applications of G. superba are associated with different plant parts such as leaves, seeds, fruits, tuber and the whole plant. A comparative phytochemical study of purified extracts from in vitro cultures and native tubers of G. superba was carried out by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-MS) in combination with the mass defect filtering (MDF) technique. The individual compounds were tentatively annotated using database correlations, retention time (Rt), accurate m/z data obtained by electrospray ionisation (ESI) (+)-HR-MS, proposed elemental composition, ring double bond equivalent (RDBeq) values and HR-MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Moreover, the identification was based on transforming the exact mass ratio (m/z) for the protonated molecular ions [М + Н]+ of the observed metabolites in Kendrick nominal masses (NKMs) and calculation of the Kendrick mass defect (KMD), which made it possible to graphically present the ion peaks in Kendrick plots. Building Kendrick plots allows easy differentiation of small structural differences such as methylation or demethylation of compounds from the same homologous series. In this way, a wide range of tropolone alkaloids was characterised. A greater variety was observed in in vitro cultures, compared to native sources. This LC-MS analysis unambiguously demonstrated the presence of tropolone alkaloids in in vitro cultures of G. superba. This approach of LC-MS data interpretation can be used to understand complex mass spectra such as those of plant extracts.

Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Khandadevi and Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap District of Nepal

Background: This study was focused on the ethnobotany of different ethnic communities residing in Majhuwa and Chuchure villages of Khandadevi and Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap District of Bagmati Province of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.Methods: The ethnobotanical study was carried out by using semi-structured questionnaires in which participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) tools were used to acquire knowledge from local people regarding ethnobotanical uses of plants of their surroundings. The quantitative data were analyzed by the relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), and informant consensus factor (ICF).Results: A total of 139 plant species belonging to 74 families were found to have ethnobotanical significance. Among these species, herbs accounted for 41% followed by trees (29%), shrubs (14%), climbers (9%), grasses (3%), epiphytes (1%), ferns (1%), fungi (1%), and lichens (1%). Out of which, 136 species were of medicinal importance and used to treat different ailments followed by other uses such as fodder, veterinary, religious, pesticide, timber, etc. The new uses of Lespisorus mehrae, Plumbago zeylanica, Pterocarpus santalinus, Rhus parviflora, and Roscoea auriculata were found. The highest RFC was found to be 0.82 for Ageratina adenophora, Curcuma domestica, Acorus calamus, Centella asiatica, Avena sativa, and Allium sativum. The highest UV was found in Zingiber officinale (1.30), and the highest ICF was found in the gastro-intestinal disorders ailment category (0.50).Conclusions: For the first time, we revealed the ethnobotanical application of plant species from Majhuwa and Chuchure villages of Ramechhap District. This study showed that Majhuwa and Chuchure villages are rich in medicinally important plant species and different ethnic communities have enormous knowledge of ethnobotanical uses of plants. Moreover, illegal collection, trade, and marketing have threatened the abundance and distribution of some high-value medicinal plants. It is of utmost importance to conserve floral diversity through the local peoples’ participation. Key Words: Ramechhap, Medicinal Plants, Ethnobotanical knowledge, UV, RFC, ICF

Identification of promising compounds from curry tree with cyclooxygenase inhibitory potential using a combination of machine learning, molecular docking, dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations

ABSTRACT Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng, commonly known as curry leaf tree, is popular as a condiment and spice among Asian countries. Ethnobotanical studies suggest that certain phytochemicals in different parts of the plant are involved in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. There is a knowledge gap in connecting the ethnobotanical applications of M. koenigii, identification of chief phytochemicals through computational approaches and and evaluation of phytochemical’s effect on cancer cell lines. We present here a comprehensive study to identify the phytochemicals responsible for anti-inflammation using random forest (RF) models, the interactions with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes using molecular docking, dynamics simulation and free energy calculations. The RF models prioritised four phytochemicals viz. girinimbine, murrayanine, murrastinine-B and mukolidine with COX-1 and COX-2 binding potential. These phytochemicals developed key contacts with COX targets which were largely retained in the trajectories of the dynamics simulations. Phytochemicals ranking based on the binding free energy suggested that girinimbine (a carbazole alkaloid) is selective towards COX-2 supported by the experimental studies on COX anti-inflammation. Cytotoxicity assessment on the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 illustrated that the presence of this phytochemical in root, stem and leaf (IC50 value: 0.006 µg/ml) parts highlight its role as a COX-2 inhibitor.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of Astragalus spp.: The world's largest genus of vascular plants.

Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) is the largest genus of vascular plants in the world, that comprises an estimated number of 2900 annual and perennial species. The members of this genus have a broad spectrum of usages (e.g. medicine, food, fodder, fuel, ornamental plants, etc.). Here, we present a review of ethnobotanical applications of different species of Astragalus by various ethnic and cultural groupings worldwide, to provide an exhaustive database for future works. Literature survey was performed using Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct, and English and non-English reference books dealing with useful properties of the Astragalus species from 1937 to 2018. Consequently, we reviewed a total of 76 publications that supported lucrative information about various uses of this huge genus. Several ethnobotanical uses of 90 Astragalus taxa were documented which were mainly originated from Asian and European countries. The two most frequently mentioned Astragalus treatments, were against urinary and respiratory diseases. The most commonly used part was gum and the most frequently used preparation method was decoction. This review highlights that various Astragalus species have great traditional uses in different ethnobotanical practices throughout the world. However, there is still lack of phytochemical and pharmacological researches on many species of Astragalus and further studies are required to substantiate the therapeutic potential of them which will develop new generation of plant-derived drugs in the near future.

Ethnobotanical survey of invasive alien plant species used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in Waterberg District, South Africa

Ethnobotanical relevanceInvasive alien plant species are used individually or in combinations to treat sexually transmitted infections (STI's). However, ethnobotanical information of invasive alien species is scanty, especially on the treatment of STI's. The aim of the studyDocument ethnobotanical applications of invasive alien species in the treatment of STI's in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Materials and methodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Waterberg District. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 30 traditional health practitioners were selected via snowball sampling. Importance of medicinal plants was analysed using Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and the Use Value (UV). ResultsFourteen invasive alien species belonging to ten families were documented for the treatment of seven STI's. Plant species were mostly utilised for their roots (58.8%) and leaves (23.6%). Up to 60% of the species were used individually, while combination therapy was also common (40%). A decoction was the preferred method of preparation. The administration mode was predominantly oral (92.7%). Important species with high FL and with high use-report were Opuntia ficus-indica (63.9) and Catharantheus roseus (57.3). The highest ICF values were cited for mokabe (testicular swelling) (1) and gonorrhoea (0.73), with Senna didymobotrya and C. roseus being the most frequently used species. Species with the highest UV values were C. roseus (0.65), Agave sisalana (0.41) and Solanum elaegnifolium (0.55). ConclusionAgave sisalana, Catharanthus roseus, Opuntia ficus-indica, Ricinus communis, Senna didymobotrya, and solanum species were the most commonly used species for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in the Waterberg District. Further pharmacological studies are encouraged on the species with the highest FL, ICF and UV values.

Anti-urease activity of native species of genus Piper from Guatemala with potential application in infection control

Introduction: Urease is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea in the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, related with chronic bacterial infection. Piper is a basal angiosperm genus with ethnobotanical application. The aim of this study was to determine urease inhibitory activity of extracts from ten Guatemalan Piper species. Methods: Leaves from 7 species were collected in Suchitepequez (P. amalago, P. auritum, P. hispidum, P. jacquemontianum, P. oradendron, P. retalhuleuense, and P. umbellatum), and 3 in Alta Verapaz (P. psilorhachis, P. sempervirens, and P. variabile), shade-dried and milled. Dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared by percolation and concentrated by rotavapor. The inhibitory effect was determined by enzymatic assays, qualitative by thin layer chromatography developed by phenol red; and quantitative by spectrophotometric kinetic method evaluated by microcolorimetry at 630 nm with phenol red. Results: Seventeen extracts out of 20 demonstrated anti-urease activity by TLC, showing one discoloration band with Rf 1.4-5.8; P. psilorhachis showed 2 discolorations bands at Rf 5.3 and 5.8, and the best activity (IC50 MeOH 1.9 ± 0.08 μg/mL and DCM 2.1 ± 06 μg/mL), similar to positive control (hydrocyclohexanone IC50 1.4 ± 0.05 μg/mL). Two other species, P. umbellatum (IC50 MeOH 2.5 ± 0.06 μg/mL) and P. retalhuleunse (IC50 MeOH 4.1 ± 0.7 μg/mL, DCM 4.8 ± 0.06 μg/mL) showed a moderate activity. Conclusion: Three species showed interesting anti-urease activity that deserves future studies by bio-guided fractionation. Literature review demonstrated that this is the first report about the urease activity of these Piper species.

African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa, Jacq Benth) leaf extract affects mitochondrial redox chemistry and inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme in vitro

BackgroundParkia biglobosa leaf has popular ethnomedicinal use in tropical Africa. However, little is known about its molecular biological effects. This study sought to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and effects of aqueous-methanolic extract of P. biglobosa leaf (PBE) on mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.MethodsAntioxidant activity was determined by extract’s DPPH. (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), ABTS.+ [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation] scavenging ability, reducing property and propensity to inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by prooxidants (FeSO4/sodium nitroprusside, SNP) in isolated rat tissue preparations. Determination of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition was based on the hydrolysis of N-hippuryl-His-Leu hydrate (HHL) by the enzyme. Subsequently, the effects of PBE on toxicant-induced mitochondrial ROS formation and basal membrane potential (∆Ψm) were determined by 2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescin (DCFH) oxidation and safranine fluorescence respectively.ResultsPBE significantly reduced ferric ions (P < 0.001), scavenged DPPH (EC50 = 98.33 ± 1.0 μg/mL) and ABTS (EC50 = 45.30 ± 0.1) radicals, with moderate Fe2+- chelating effect (40%). In rat liver and brain homogenates respectively, PBE prevented membrane peroxidation induced by FeSO4 (EC50: 75.87 ± 2.1 μg/mL and 89.34 ± 2.5 μg/mL) and SNP (EC50: 28.10 ± 1.6 μg/mL and 17.25 ± 0.78 μg/mL). The extract’s inhibition of ACE (IC50 = 51.30 ± 5.1 μg/mL) and mild depolarization of isolated liver mitochondria membrane potential were concentration-dependent. Finally, PBE was more effective than catechin in attenuating calcium and SNP-induced surge in mitochondrial ROS generation.ConclusionParkia biglobosa leaf exhibits considerable ACE inhibitory effect, antioxidant activity and affects mitochondrial redox chemistry. These present findings also justify the ethnobotanical applications of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine.

Using Ellenberg-Pignatti values to estimate habitat preferences of wild food and medicinal plants: an example from northeastern Istria (Croatia)

BackgroundThe paper presents the first ethnobotanical application of Ellenberg indicator values, which are widely used in European plant ecology. The aim of the study was to find out if Ellenberg values (indicating habitat preferences) differ for wild food and medicinal plants used in north-eastern Istria (Croatia). We used Ellenberg-Pignatti values (the version of Ellenberg values used in this part of Europe).MethodsFifty semi-structured interviews were carried out among local key informants, asking which wild food and medicinal plants they used.ResultsThe mean number of food and medicinal plants mentioned per interview was 30. Altogether, 121 species were recorded as food or medicine used or previously used in the study area. Thirty-one species are used exclusively as food or everyday drink, 50 species are used exclusively as medicine and 40 species are used for both food and medicine. There were no significant differences between Ellenberg values for food and medicinal plants, apart from the Nitrogen indicator value – the plants used exclusively as food had a significantly higher index than those used in medicine. This probably stems from the fact that plants with soft fleshy shoots are attractive as food and they are more likely to come from nitrogen-rich ruderal habitats.ConclusionsFood plants and medicinal plants are collected from a variety of habitats and no clear difference between the two categories of plants was detected, however further testing of Ellenberg values in ethnobotanical studies could be interesting.

The genus Corchorus L. (Malvaceae) in India: species distribution and ethnobotany

Understanding phyto-geographical distribution pattern and ethnobotanical applications are critical for comprehensive conservation and utilisation of native plant genetic resources. Dearth of such scientific reports on Corchorus species in India seriously compromises inclusiveness, precision and penetration of national endeavour to conserve the valuable resources. In this context, an ecogeographical study conducted to analyse geographical distribution, ecological adaptation, species richness and ethnobotanical applications of the genus in the country. The study revealed pandemic distribution of the genus with differential habitat preferences. Combine geographical, edaphic and precipitation based distribution profile of Corchorus spp. demonstrated multilayer interactions between species and environment that led to their differential spatial distribution. The highest species concentration was found in Tamil Nadu followed by Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Complementarity analysis showed that the major diversity hotspots for the genus present in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Besides, wide spectrum ethnobotanical applications of the genus reflect their long association with prevailing ethnic communities across regions. Documentation of such time honoured traditional practices has special bearing on designing comprehensive conservation and management strategies. This information will help to prioritise both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts for the genus particularly in ecologically vulnerable sites of India.