Ethnobotanical Data Research Articles

Exploring the Cultural Significance, Medicinal Properties, and Agricultural Practice Achievements of Timiz (<i>Piper capense</i>) in Ethiopia

Piper capense, widely known as Timiz, is an important spice from the Piperaceae family, native to East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia’s southwestern areas. Traditionally used for a myriad of health issues, Timiz holds a significant place in Ethiopian cuisine, embodying cultural traditions. The plant is distinctive in its morphology, with "timiz" in Amharic indicating its curly form. The flavor profile of Timiz is notably unique, exhibiting a milder and sweeter taste that is reminiscent of cloves and cardamom, which enhances its culinary versatility. Typically, the harvested and dried seed spikes are appreciated for their aromatic properties, which are further enhanced through traditional smoking methods. This review explores the traditional medicinal uses of Timiz, relying on ethnobotanical data that illustrate its employment among various African communities for treating ailments like digestive issues, respiratory infections, and other health problems. The results of research on the collection, conservation of accessions, agronomic practices such as watering frequency and media types, as well as propagation methods, are also highlighted. Furthermore, the review identifies challenges within the value chain, such as a lack of awareness regarding processing methods and quality control, stressing the necessity for improved practices to boost Timiz's marketability. Future directions for research, production, and market integration of Timiz in Ethiopia are also discussed, underscoring the multifaceted significance of this spice in Ethiopian culture and medicine while advocating for sustainable agricultural methods to support its cultivation and conservation.

Diversity and ethnobotanical study of homegarden plants in Goba district, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Homegardens are one of the most diverse agroforestry systems and make a vital contribution to meeting various household needs, especially for smallholder farmers in developing countries. The aim of this study was to record the diversity and use of homegarden plant species in the Goba District. The households were randomly selected from five kebeles, with the number selected proportionate to the size of each kebele using the probability proportional to size (PPS) calculation. Seventy-one homegarden owners were chosen for the detailed study and data collection. Of the fifteen kebeles in the Goba District, five kebeles were chosen at random. Observations, semi-structured interviews, preference rating, direct matrix rankings, and paired comparisons were the methods used to gather ethno-botanical data. Descriptive statistical approaches, including density, frequency, relative frequency, relative density, and the Shannon and Wiener indices for species diversity were used to analyze the data. A total of 67 plant species belonging to 31 families were identified. Of the 67 plant species, 36 (or 54%) were herbs, 15 (or 22%) were tree species, 22% shrubs, and 2% were climbers. Twenty-eight (20.8%) species collected from homegardens had food and forage value, 17 (25.3%) had fence value, 12 (18%) had shade value, and 23 (34.3%) had medicinal value; moreover, 90% of the homes had home gardens, indicating that farmers value gardening plants that helps improve household food security and revenue generation. The involvement of the local population and government institutions in providing awareness through instruction or training on the sustainable use and management of plant resources is vital to conserve homegarden plants.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of urogenital disorders in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Southeastern Morocco: An Ethnobotanical Survey

This study presents an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of urogenital disorders in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, located in southeastern Morocco. The survey involved 200 herbalists and medicinal plant vendors across three provinces: Errachidia, Tinghir, and Zagora. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using metrics such as use value (UV), frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and family importance value (FIV). The study identified 80 species belonging to 44 plant families. The most represented families were Asteraceae (8 species), Lamiaceae (7 species), Apiaceae (7 species), and Fabaceae (6 species). The species most frequently cited treating urogenital disorders included Petroselinum sativum Hoff. (RFC = 0.018), Arenaria rubra L. (RFC = 0.016), Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lank. (RFC = 0.016), Zea mays (RFC = 0.013), Artemisia herba-alba (RFC = 0.013), and Ammi visnaga (RFC = 0.011). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (35%). The primary preparation methods of these remedies were decoction (53.75%) and infusion (30%), with oral administration being the preferred route (95%). The findings of this study provide a valuable resource for researchers and practioners of traditional medicine, highlighting the importance of Morocco's medicinal flora. This ethnobotanical knowledge not only supports the conservation of national pharmacopoeia but also offers a promising foundation for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, particularly for the treatment of urogenital disorders. Future research could further investigate the bioactive compounds present in the identified species, potentially leading to innovative treatments for urogenital health issues.

Ethnotaxonomy and Ethnobotanical Studies of Honey and Resinous Plants in the Tchamba Prefecture in Togo

Natural plant products have gained increasing attention, but climate change and human activities have led to the degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. This study aims to contribute to the preservation of local knowledge related to the classification and use of honey-producing and resinous plants in the Tchamba prefecture, Togo. Ethnotaxonomic and ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-directed interview and focus groups in the four localities, involving 92 respondents. A total of 96 plants of beekeeping were identified, classified into 88 genera, 33 families, and 22 orders, with 16 ethnotaxonomic criteria used for classification. The most common criteria were "plant use" and "plant habit". The study highlights the rich local knowledge of plant uses for food, medicine, and rituals, emphasizing the importance of conserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage. These findings contribute to understanding how indigenous knowledge can support conservation and sustainable use of plant resources.

Hot node limitations and impact of taxonomic resolution on phylogenetic divergence patterns: A case study on Ecuadorian ethnomedicinal flora

SummarySocietal Impact StatementNovel phylogenetic approaches have emerged in recent years to study traditional medicinal plants, aiming to identify potential sources of new drugs. This line of research holds considerable promise yet remains in its early stages. Here, we examine the prevalent methods employed in the field, revealing the impact of methodological choices that have often been made arbitrarily. We also highlight a widespread misconception regarding ‘hot node analysis’, a tool gaining popularity for identifying plants with high bioactive potential. Our findings should advance future research aimed at guiding the selection of promising candidates for bioprospection.Summary Advances in phylogenetics offer a ground‐breaking approach to analysing ethnobotanical data. This line of research typically involves calculating the degree of phylogenetic clustering (i.e. phylogenetic divergence) of a set of medicinal plants and identifying clades with a significant overabundance of these plants, known as hot nodes, which are purportedly responsible for the clustering patterns. However, despite showing great promise, the adequacy of this procedure remains to be tested, and the results have so far been inconclusive and, at times, contradictory. Here, we examine two key elements through a case study of Ecuadorian medicinal flora: the impact of taxonomic resolution (species‐ and genus‐level data) on phylogenetic divergence metrics (Mean Pairwise Distance; MPD, and Mean Nearest Taxon Distance; MNTD), and the efficacy of the hot node analysis in identifying clades that significantly influence these metrics. To identify clades with a significant impact on MPD and MNTD, we implemented a jackknifing procedure and compared outcomes with the hot nodes. Phylogenetic divergence was strongly dependent on the taxonomic resolution, with clustering mainly revealed by MPD at the genus level. Further, the hot nodes incompletely matched those with significant influence on MPD and MNTD according to the jackknifing analysis. We highlight the impact of taxonomic resolution on commonly used phylogenetic divergence metrics and the limitations of hot nodes in identifying influential clades, stressing the potential of alternative jackknifing techniques. We recommend the use of the most resolved tree possible and combining jackknifing with hot node analyses as complementary sources to pinpoint clades for bioprospection.

Ethnopharmacological Insights into the Use of Chenopodium ambrosioides for Cough Treatment among Togolese Traditional Healers

Togo has an ethnobotanical potential with a great diversity of medicinal plants widely used to treat human diseases. Cough associated with respiratory diseases is one of the pathologies traditionally treated with medicinal plants in Togo. Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) is a species used in the traditional treatment of cough in Togo. The aim of this study was to document the ethnopharmacological uses of Chenopodium ambrosioides in Togolese traditional medicine for treatment of cough. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using the semi-structured interview method among Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) from six health districts spread across four health regions. The ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical data collected were analyzed using the User Value (UV) and Frequency of Citation (FC) of medicinal plants associated with the species. A total of 127 TMPs participated in this study and 96 (76%) of them were male and 31 (34%) were female. 73% of the informants claimed usually use Chenopodium ambrosioides in the cough treatment compared to 27% who claimed to not use it to treat cough. Chenopodium ambrosioides was used in combination with fifty-two (52) other botanical species in the treatment of cough and in the study area, Abrus precatorius Linn. (13.59%) followed by Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (11.58%), Zingiber officinale Rosc. Trans. Linn. (9.73%), Mangifera indica Linn. (6.21%), Eucalyptus citriodora Hooker (4.87%), Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (4.36%) and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. (4.19%) were the most popular plants used for cough treatment among the plants recorded. Sixteen (16) other pathologies including pulmonary infections are also treated by Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.). Abscesses, intestinal parasitic diseases, incurable wounds, stomach aches and headaches are the most pathologies commonly treated by this plant. The whole plant (72%) and leaves (22%) are the primary parts utilized for medicinal purposes. Decoction (77.50%) is the main preparation method, with oral (80.83%) and cutaneous (10.83%) routes being the most common modes of administration. The findings from this study provide a solid ethnopharmacological foundation for future pharmacological and toxicological investigations into Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.).

Plants of the USA: recordings on native North American useful species by Alexander von Humboldt

BackgroundThe German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt conducted an expedition through the American continent, alongside Aimé Bonpland, from 1799 to 1804. Before finally returning to Europe, they decided to take a side trip to the USA between May 20 and July 7, 1804. Humboldt’s most detailed account of his time in the USA consists of a manuscript entitled “Plantae des États-Unis” (1804), containing information on useful plants and timber of the country. The aim of this paper is to retrieve, for the first time, ethnobotanical information regarding North American plants and their uses inside this Humboldt’s manuscript as well as to highlight the erasure and invisibilization of North American Indigenous knowledge within historical documents and bibliography, mainly during the nineteenth century.Methods“Plantae des États-Unis” (digitized version and its transcription) was carefully analyzed, and information on plant species mentioned in the manuscript (including botanical and vernacular names, traditional uses, and general observations) was retrieved. Traditional uses were correlated with ethnobotanical data from the Native American Ethnobotany Database and encyclopedic literature on North American plants from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as recent pharmacological studies searched in scientific papers.ResultsIn the manuscript are mentioned 28 species distributed in 15 botanical families, with Fagaceae (9 Quercus species) being the most representative. All species are USA natives, except for one undetermined species (only the genus was mentioned, Corylus). Four species were directly mentioned as medicinal (Toxicodendron radicans, Liriodendron tulipifera, Actaea racemosa, and Gillenia stipulata), while other four were described as tanning agents (astringent) (Cornus florida, Diospyros virginiana, Quercus rubra, and Quercus velutina). Two species were described as bitter (Xanthorhiza simplicissima and A. racemosa). Nine Quercus species were described, but five were reported as the most useful oaks for cultivation in Europe (Quercus bicolor, Quercus castanea, Quercus virginiana, Quercus michauxii, and Quercus alba); three of them were used for ship construction (Q. virginiana, Q. michauxii, and Q. alba), two as astringent (Q. rubra and Q. stellata), and one had wood of poor quality (Quercus phellos). One species was described as a yellow dye (Hydrastis canadensis), and the other was mentioned as toxic (Aesculus pavia). Ten species did not have any useful applications listed.ConclusionsAlthough “Plantae des États-Unis” is a brief collection of annotations, these data reveal a historical scenario of outstanding plants with social and economic interest in the USA at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The data highlight a clear process of suppression of the traditional knowledge of Native North American Indigenous peoples in past historical records and literature, due to the lack of acknowledgment by white European settlers and American-born explorers. This ethnobotanical inventory may help us understand the relationship between plants and Native North American Indigenous peoples, as well as European naturalists and settlers, and USA-born people in the past, and reflect on the importance of Indigenous traditional knowledge, bioeconomy, sustainable management, and conservation of biodiversity in the present and future.

Current and Future Applications of Genetic, Archaeological, and Ethnobotanical Data to Uncovering Avocado Domestication

The domestication of fruit trees is a topic of increasing significance in anthropological research. The avocado is a perennial fruit domesticated in Central America with a complex history of management and dispersal since the arrival of humans in the New World. Archaeological data illustrates the avocado’s domestication from wild to cultivar forms throughout the Holocene, while genetic and ethnobotanical evidence provide insights into ancient avocado cultivation patterns. It is only through the combined application of all three lines of evidence that we may fully understand the dynamic origins of this essential fruit.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia

BackgroundHerbal medicine has been used for the treatment of human and livestock ailments since ancient times. Numerous rural and urban communities in Ethiopia practice traditional medicine and transfer the knowledge verbally from generation to generation. Thus, this study was conducted to document the traditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia.MethodsThree hundred seventy-four (374) informants from 11 kebeles (the smallest administrative units) were selected and participated in the data delivery. The ethnobotanical data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, field observation, market surveys, and focus group discussions, including voucher specimen collections. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), ranking, comparison, and quantitative ethnobotanical techniques such as informant consensus factor, fidelity level index, Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity, and use value index.ResultsA total of 170 plant species were recorded to treat 79 human and 29 livestock ailments. Fabaceae (with 20 species) and Asteraceae (with 18 species) were the most dominant medicinal plant families in the area. Most remedial plants were herbs (61 species, 35.88%), followed by shrubs (39 species, 22.94%). The majority (135 species, 79.41%) of medicinal plants were harvested from wild sources and mainly possessed multiple remedy parts (41.17%) that are usually prescribed in fresh form (60.13%). The most commonly reported human ailment was snake venom, while blackleg was mostly reported among livestock diseases. The herbal medicines were mostly administered orally (52.20%), followed by dermal (17.62%) application. Embelia schimperi Vatke, Glinus lotoides L., Haplosciadium abyssinicum Hochst., Mucuna melanocarpa Hochst. ex A. Rich., and Phragmanthera macrosolen (Steud. ex A. Rich.) M.G.Gilbert had the highest fidelity level values (100%) against the corresponding ailments.ConclusionThe study area is rich in a diversity of potential medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge. Thus, appropriate conservation actions and careful utilization are essential to counteract the rise of anthropogenic threats and to ensure the continuity of plants with the related indigenous knowledge. Additionally, the medicinal plants should be validated through experimentation to integrate local knowledge with modern medications.

Antifungal agents: A systematic review

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of different drugs and preparations. The current findings demonstrated that the drugs and medicinal plant extracts that were examined for antifungal properties against various species. These species demonstrated antifungal activity almost on par with the commercial fungicide used as a positive control, even at low dosages. For further of the bioactive substances causing the noted antifungal activity, more research is required. Natural fungicides generated from plants could provide new active molecules, especially those with antifungal properties. The high percentage of active extracts in the species under investigation, which were chosen based on known ethnobotanical data, supports the applicability of this method for choosing plant species when looking for a certain activity.

An investigation on antifungal preparation: A comprehensive review

The study’s objective was to assess the antifungal efficacy of various medications and formulations. Medicinal plant extracts and medications that were tested for antifungal qualities against different species were shown to have antifungal capabilities. Even at modest dosages, these species showed antifungal activity that was nearly identical to that of the commercial fungicide used as a positive control. More research is needed to determine which bioactive compounds are responsible for the observed antifungal action. Plant-based natural fungicides may yield novel active compounds, particularly those with antifungal qualities. The relevance of this strategy for selecting plant species when seeking a certain activity is supported by the high percentage of active extracts in the species under inquiry, which were selected based on established ethnobotanical data.

Traditionally used medicinal plants for human ailments and their threats in Guraferda District, Benchi-Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe field of traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills, and practices that are deeply rooted in the theories, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures. The research aimed to identify traditional medicinal plants used in Guraferda District and assess the threats they face.MethodA total of 96 individuals, 80 males and 16 females, were interviewed to gather ethnobotanical data. Statistical tests like independent t tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 to compare informant groups.ResultThe study found 81 medicinal plant species in the district from 71 genera and 38 families, with Asteraceae and Solanaceae families having the most species. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for medicine. Significant differences in plant knowledge were observed across genders, age groups, education levels, and experiences. The highest ICF value was for Dermal and Cutaneous ailments, and Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich and Bidens pilosa L. had the highest fidelity levels.ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of traditional medicinal plants in treating ailments but noted threats like overharvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the availability of these plants for future generations. Further research is needed to explore their potential for modern medicine and develop sustainable use strategies.

DOTTs-Database of Therapeutic Plants against Tuberculosis: Rationalizing traditional medicine for therapeutic applications

IntroductionMycobacterium tuberculosis, a highly resistant superbug causing tuberculosis disease, contributes to one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Improved drug regimens and therapeutics have been extensively studied, but still, none is proven to be fully effective in eliminating the pathogen or its drug-resistant forms. Therefore, alternative and novel therapeutic approaches to address this problem are the need of the hour. Traditional medicine can be vital in managing tuberculosis via codified (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani) and uncodified systems (folk medicine). In recent years, the utilization of medicinal plants for TB therapy has garnered considerable attention. Identifying underexplored plants utilized as a remedy for tuberculosis can aid in developing future treatment strategies. The current study aims to assemble the ethnobotanical literature that provides insight into the undocumented tribal/folk medicinal practices against tuberculosis in one unified platform. MethodsThe medicinal plants with therapeutic properties against tuberculosis were identified manually by screening published literature. The data is represented to the users using a user-friendly web interface developed via the PHP-HTML platform using Bootstrap Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) theme, and the database is managed by MySQL Database Management System (DBMS). ResultsDatabase of Therapeutic Plants against Tuberculosis describes the medicinal plants used traditionally in different forms against tuberculosis by various indigenous tribes and communities in India. A total of 100 plants with their local names, taxonomical classification (order and family), tribe, plant part, and formulations, as well as the anti-tubercular attributes, are provided in the database. Additional information about the plants can be retrieved from the external links provided. ConclusionThe DOTTs database provides the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological data of 100 Indian medicinal plants. This database will help the researchers acquire information about the plants that could be beneficial for further evaluation and discovery of potential leads in TB drug discovery. With proper investigation and advancement, it can be anticipated that TB will no longer be a serious public health risk.

Ethnobotanical survey of multipurpose, medicinal and wild edible plants in the upper Gibe watershed landscapes, West Shewa zone, Ethiopia

Plants provide multiple ecosystem services that can, directly and indirectly, benefit the local community and beyond. This study assessed the diversity of the multiple uses of medicinal plants (MPs) and wild edible plants (WEPs) as well as associated local knowledge in Bako Tibe District, Ethiopia. Based on the recommendation of local authorities, eight key informants were selected out of the general informants (48) at eight sites. Ethnobotanical data were quantitatively analyzed through the use of use values, pairwise comparisons, and reference and direct matrix rankings. In total, 74 species from 61 genera and 36 families were found to have multiple uses. The Fabaceae family had the highest number of species (11), followed by the Moraceae family (eight). Trees were represented by 31 species. Twenty species were used to treat 22 human and livestock ailments. The highest preference ranking was recorded for Ocimum lamiifolium for treating febrile illness. Leaves (55.2%) and fruits (13 species) were the most commonly used parts for MP and WEP species, respectively. The highest use value was recorded for Cordia africana, among the top 10 multipurpose species. The findings showed that the most preferred MP and WEP species need further phytochemical and food nutritional analysis, respectively.

Employing scientific evidence through synthetic indices to support management and conservation policies for an endangered tree of the Gran Chaco

Management and conservation programs require accessible scientific evidence to effectively plan and achieve their goals. Facing regional and species-specific threats, Gonopterodendron sarmientoi, an endangered tree native to the Gran Chaco region, requires scientific evidence to support management and conservation actions, notably in forest management and territorial planning. To bridge this crucial gap, we developed indices that integrate genetic, evolutionary, morphological, threat-related, and ethnobotanical data concerning G. sarmientoi at a landscape level. Across twenty-four localities of this species, we have created four distinct indices. The first index amalgamates data on genetics, functional traits, and paleoclimate information. The second index incorporates data on threats stemming from deforestation and climate change scenarios. The third index provides supplementary insights into the species’ utilization by indigenous groups. Finally, the fourth index combines all the aforementioned data to prioritize the most valuable and threatened localities. Through this comprehensive approach, we have identified specific in-situ and ex-situ management and conservation actions for G. sarmientoi. This approach considers broader-scale conservation efforts and considers large-scale variations and processes. The indices effectively link scientific data with actionable insights, providing decision-makers involved with G. sarmientoi with concise information that encapsulates the most pertinent aspects of species conservation.

The Heritagescape of Kichwa People of Nizag Built upon Traditional Plant Usage along a Chimborazo Variant of the Andean Road System or Qhapaq Ñan

To document the dynamics of biocultural heritage, we studied traditional uses of plants on a segment of the Andean Road System, or Qhapaq Ñan, within the central Andes of Ecuador, home of the Kichwa community of Nizag. Here, residents preserved a rich diversity of plants within their agricultural fields, or chakra, of the Andean landscapes, upholding a culture steeped in traditional knowledge. Wild and domesticated plants are a cornerstone for the community, prompting the development of ethnobotanical management strategies with a conservation approach. The diverse plant uses aim to revalue their culture, fortify their self-identification as an indigenous community, and ensure the transmission of ancestral knowledge. This research aims to ascertain the ethnobotanical applications of this venerable community. Employing participatory action research, semistructured interviews were conducted with 43 community informants to gather ethnobotanical data on the flora applied within their territory, spanning categories such as food, agriculture, crafts, living fences, construction, fuel, ornamental, environmental, technological, and medicinal services. The findings indicate that age, rather than educational level and gender, significantly influences the variation in plant usage knowledge. In total, 142 plant species were cataloged, comprising herbs (58%), shrubs (23%), trees (15%), and climbers (4%). The most represented families were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae. Notably, 96% of these species provide some type of environmental service or fulfill a niche within the socioecological system. Medicinal uses were reported for 89% of the plants, while 56% served agricultural purposes, primarily in fertilizer production and forage. Additionally, 44% of the plants are utilized as food, typically consumed fresh. Among the medicinal plants, leaves are the most used part (58%), prepared as infusions and poultices. The prevalent ailments addressed include respiratory and urinary system conditions, with Borago officinalis, Carica pentagona, Vasconcellea pubescens, and Origanum mejorana being the most frequently employed plants.

Ethnobotanical study of the traditional use of medicinal plants used for treating human diseases in selected districts of West Gojjam zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Introduction: Historically, Ethiopians have relied on medicinal plants to heal a wide range of human diseases. However, indigenous knowledge associated with medicinal plants has been lost due to the secrecy of the knowledge transfer system and several anthropogenic factors. Thus, this study was aimed to document ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in three districts (Sekela, Dembecha, and South Achefer) of west Gojjam zone of the Amhara Regional State.Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected between November 28, 2021 to December 22, 2022 using a semi-structured questionnaire, a focus group discussion, and field observations. Data were gathered from 30 key informants and 399 general informants. Key informants and general informants were selected by purposively and random sampling method, respectively. Descriptive statistics and ranking analyzing methods was used to analyze the data. During the process of data analysis, we pooled data from three districts into a single dataset. Combining data from three districts into one analysis allows for a broader understanding of the traditional knowledge and practices within the districts.Results: A total of 97 medicinal plants were identified, with the Fabaceae family being the most prominent, followed by the Asteraceae. Herbs were the dominant plant habit, and leaves were the most frequently used plant part for medicines. The most common method for preparing remedies was crushing, and oral delivery was the primary administration method. Olea europaea was identified as the most multipurpose plant species, particularly effective under high pressure, with an informant consensus factor of 0.92 for dermatological diseases. Calpurnia aurea was the top ranked for treating diarrhea, followed by Rumex nepalensis. The decline of medicinal plants in the study areas was primarily due to charcoal production and agricultural activities, leading herbalists to collect remedies from forests and remote locations.Conclusion: This study underscores the vital role of indigenous knowledge and biodiversity by documenting medicinal plant use in Sekela, Dembecha, and South Achefer districts. Urgent conservation measures are imperative to safeguard these plants and sustain traditional medicinal practices.

Ethnobotanical study on traditional cosmetics practiced by the Dayak Kayong of West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Sari LCS, Lovadi I, Wardoyo ERP, Randi A. 2024. Ethnobotanical study on traditional cosmetics practiced by the Dayak Kayong of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2937-2944. Various ethnic groups across the globe have practiced traditional cosmetics and many studies on cosmetic plants and their uses in Indonesia have been conducted. However, there is no ethnobotanical information on cosmetic plants and their uses, particularly in Dayak Kayong of Ketapang District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This study reports on cosmetic plants and their traditional uses by the Dayak Kayong community. We conducted semi-structured interviews from April to June 2022 with 30 respondents living in Nanga Tayap Sub-district in Ketapang District. Non-probability sampling was employed to select respondents based on their knowledge and practice of traditional cosmetics. Three indices, namely Frequency of Citation (FC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL), were employed to analyze the ethnobotanical data. The Dayak Kayong community utilizes 26 plant species from 20 families for traditional cosmetics. The most frequently used plant part are leaves (34.62%), followed by fruits (19.23%), sap (15.38%), rhizomes (11.54%), flowers (11.5%), roots (3.85%), and seeds (3.85%). Important cosmetic plants based on FL include Aquilaria malaccensis, Areca catechu, Dendrobium sp., Gluta renghas, Lansium domesticum, and Sindora sp. The high FL documented for cosmetic plants in this study needs further investigation into potential plants for use in the cosmetics industry.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to manage human ailments in Lay Gaint District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia

The aim of this work is to document and record the use of medicinal plants to treat various ailments in the study area. A total of 84 informants, consisting of 54 men and 30 women, between 35 and 80 years of age were chosen. Additionally, 20 key informants were deliberately selected for their expertise. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, group discussions, and guided field walks using semi-structured interview questions. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using quantitative analytical tools such as preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, fidelity level and informant consensus factor. Forty-six medicinal plants belonging to 41 genera and 33 families were collected and identified. Brassicaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Polygonaceae had the highest abundance of medicinal plants used to treat various diseases in the study area. Most of the medicinal plants were herbs (43 %), followed by shrubs (35 %). The study revealed that leaves (45.7 %) were the most frequently used plant parts in the preparation of remedies. The most common mode of administration was oral ingestion (61 %), followed by dermal application (30 %). Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Allium sativum L.had the highest preference rank, whereas Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile was identified as the most popular medicinal plant due to its multipurpose use. while the value of fidelity level (FL) for medicinal plants in the study ranged from 34 % to 94 %. The study also identified several threats to medicinal plants in the study area, including charcoal production, overgrazing, and agricultural expansion. To prevent the eradication of these medicinal plants, the involvement of local communities in the management and conservation of plant resources is crucial.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in West Shewa community, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Plants have formed the basis of traditional medicine (TM) systems, which have been used for thousands of years. According to reports, one-quarter of the commonly used medicines contain compounds isolated from plants. This study aims to identify and document the plants for ethno-pharmacological use by the indigenous communities of West Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to November 2021 in West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The ethnobotanical data was collected from Ejere District, Ada Berga District, Dandi District, Ambo District, Ambo Town, Toke Kutaye District, and Bako Tibe District. A descriptive statistical method (percentage and/or frequency) was employed to summarize ethnobotanical data. Moreover, the informant consensus factor was computed. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software (Microsoft Corporation, 2016) and SPSS (version 25) were used to organize and analyze the data. Result: In the study area, a total of 51 families of medicinal plants with 108 Species were identified. Fabaceae 8 species, Asteraceae, Solanaceae and Lamiaceae each with 6 species and Cucurubitacieae 5 species were the frequently reported medicinal plants. The leaf (57.2%) was the most widely used medicinal plant parts, and oral administration (56.5%) was the most cited route of administration. In the present study, most of the medicinal plants were used fresh, which was (75%) and the most common disease the healers treated was gastrointestinal disease, followed by skin disease and febrile illness. The major threat to medicinal plants in the study area was agricultural expansion, which was reported by 30.6% of the respondents. The study area was rich in medicinal plants, Fabaceae which commonly used family. Conclusion: Most of the medication prepared by the traditional healers was taken orally and derived from the leaf part of the medicinal plant. Since this research is a preliminary study which will be used as a base for further study. The efficacy and safety of the medicinal plant claim should be studied in the future.