Ethnobotanical Use Research Articles

Antifungal potentials of Luffa cylindrica (Roem) ethyl acetate leaf extract

Background: Plants remain as an untapped reservoir of potentially useful chemical compounds. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vivo antifungal activities, bioautographic profile and in vitro mechanism of action. Methods: The in vivo antifungal activity was investigated against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum in Wistar rats. Thin layer bioautographic profile of the ethyl acetate extract was assessed using agar overlay method. The possible in vitro mechanism of action of the crude ethyl acetate extract was assessed by the sorbitol protection assay and release of cellular materials assay. Results: The bioautographic profile showed the presence of three active spots having retardation factors of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.92 and diameter zone of inhibition, 15.0 – 30.0 mm. The in vivo antifungal (dermal) activity of the crude ethyl acetate extract, revealed a gradual healing of the infected rats skin upon treatment with the extract formulation, with no visible clinical signs of toxicity to the skin. In vivo systemic antifungal evaluation of the crude extract at a dose of 1500 mg/kg produced the strongest systemic antifungal activity with a total kill of all the fungal isolates at day 3 of treatment in rats however, histopathological examination after oral administration revealed signs of toxicity to vital organs (kidney, liver and lungs). Conclusion: The good in vivo activity supports its ethno-botanical use in the treatment of skin diseases.

Antibacterial Activity of Four Plant Extracts Extracted from Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis.

The worldwide ethnobotanical use of four investigated plants indicates antibacterial properties. The aim of this study was to screen and determine significant antibacterial activity of four plant extracts in vitro and in a poultry digest model. Using broth microdilution, the concentrations at which four plant extracts inhibited Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, and Escherichia coli over 24 h was determined. Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Iris domestica (L.) Goldblatt and Mabb, Anemone chinensis Bunge, and Smilax glabra Roxb all exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 mg/L and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 500 mg/L against one pathogen. A. pilosa Ledeb was the most effective against L. monocytogenes and E. coli with the exception of S. enteritidis, for which A. chinensis Bunge was the most effective. Time–kills of A. pilosa Ledeb and A. chinensis Bunge against L. monocytogenes, E. coli and S. enteritidis incubated in poultry cecum were used to determine bactericidal activity of these plant extracts. A. chinensis Bunge, significantly reduced S. enteritidis by ≥ 99.99% within 6 h. A. pilosa Ledeb exhibited effective significant bactericidal activity within 4 h against L. monocytogenes and E. coli. This paper highlights the potential of these plant extracts to control pathogens commonly found in the poultry gastrointestinal tract.

Assessment of the Potential Skin Application of Plectranthus ecklonii Benth.

Plectranthus ecklonii Benth. has widespread ethnobotanical use in African folk medicine for its medicinal properties in skin conditions. In this study, two different basic formulations containing P. ecklonii extracts were prepared, one in an organic solvent and the other using water. The aqueous extract only contained rosmarinic acid (RA) at 2.02 mM, and the organic extract contained RA and parvifloron D at 0.29 and 3.13 mM, respectively. RA in aqueous solution permeated skin; however, in P. ecklonii organic extract, this was not detected. Thus, P. ecklonii aqueous extract was further studied and combined with benzophenone-4, which elevated the sun protection factor (SPF) by 19.49%. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed from the aqueous extract. The Staphylococcus epidermidis strain was used to determine a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 10 µg·mL−1. The aqueous extract inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase by 59.14 ± 4.97%, and the IC50 value was 12.9 µg·mL−1. The association of the P. ecklonii extract with a UV filter substantially elevated its SPF efficacy. Following the multiple bioactivities of the extract and its active substances, a finished product could be claimed as a multifunctional cosmeceutical with broad skin valuable effects, from UV protection to antiaging action.

An Ethnobotanical Study of the Genus Elymus1

Grains of domesticated grasses (Poaceae) have long been a global food source and constitute the bulk of calories in the human diet. While most contemporary grass domesticates consumed by humans are annual plants, there are over 7000 perennial grass species that remain largely unexplored for domestication purposes. Documenting ethnobotanical uses of wild perennial grasses could aid in the evaluation of candidate species for de novo crop development. In this study, we 1) provide an ethnobotanical survey of the perennial grass genus Elymus; and 2) investigate floret size variation in Elymus species used by people. We identified at least 21 taxa with recorded nutritional, medicinal, and/or material uses and at least 25 different indigenous communities associated with a use. The most common ethnobotanical use of Elymus in this survey is as forage, though at least 12 species are consumed by humans. Elymus species used for food warrant pre-breeding and future analyses to assess potential utility in perennial agricultural systems. We found average floret area does not differ significantly across geographic regions and among documented ethnobotanical uses, with the exception of species used for medicine in North America. A variety of Elymus species show promise for continued human use, and standing morphological variation in the genus should be further explored.

Aperçu sur quelques plantes toxiques à usage médicinal: Cas du Moyen Atlas central- Maroc Overview of some toxic plants for medicinal use: the case of the central Middle Atlas – Morocco

Background : In Morocco, especially in the central Middle Atlas region, herbal medicines are an integral part of the lives of the inhabitants. However, the risks associated with this use remain underestimated. This is why the objective of this work is is to collect the maximum of information on the toxicological profile of certain medicinal plants of the traditional regional pharmacopoeia. Methods : The approach consists first of all in exploiting the data collected at the end of an ethnobotanical study carried out in the Central Middle Atlas, among certain practitioners of traditional medicine; indeed, they revealed the use of many plants recognized as toxic in the preparation of their medicinal recipes. Then, in a second stage, a synthesis work is done; it consists in collecting toxicological information published in specialized journals and books, on these toxic plants for medicinal use. Results : The survey led to the compilation of a list of 22 plants, selected on the basis of their declaration as toxic by 100% of the respondents. For its part, bibliographic research concerning these plants has confirmed their toxicity; it has also revealed that these plants can affect all the physiological functions of the body and sometimes cause irreversible damage that can be fatal. Furthermore, the comparison of the ethnobotanical use of the inventoried species with the information collected on their respective toxicological profiles has made it possible to see that in several cases, the toxic organ at the level of a given plant is itself that used for imprecise doses, in traditional medication. Conclusion : In the Central Middle Atlas region, many plants used for medicinal purposes are toxic; certainly, their therapeutic virtues are confirmed, but their toxicity requires constant vigilance. Keywords: Medicinal plant, Toxicity, Traditional medicine, Middle Atlas, Morocco.

Étude ethnobotanique et variabilité morphologique de Syzygium guineense var. macrocarpum dans les hautes savanes guinéennes de l’Adamaoua (Cameroun)

La problématique de la variabilité morphologique des feuilles et fruits de nombreuses plantes locales multifonctionnelles préoccupe les chercheurs africains. À cela s’ajoute la menace de disparition de certaines de ces plantes vivant encore naturellement. Dans la zone agroécologique des hautes savanes guinéennes de l’Adamaoua au Cameroun se rencontre Syzygium guineense var. macrocarpum (Engl.) F. White, une myrtacée endémique. Pour sa domestication, un problème de choix des sous-variétés à retenir s’est posé. L’ethnobotanique étant la relation entre l’Homme et les plantes dans un milieu donné à travers le temps, la prise en compte du savoir et des préférences locales était indispensable. Par ailleurs, les objectifs visaient à identifier, décrire et déterminer les descripteurs morphologiques (qualitatifs et quantitatifs) et les sous-variétés de la plante. Les personnes enquêtées étaient constituées de 218 hommes et femmes appartenant à neuf ethnies différentes. Dans des quadrats de 100 m x 100 m, 256 arbres des sous-variétés de la plante ont été sélectionnés. Le dispositif expérimental était un plan factoriel (8 x 4 x 8 x 3) : 8 x 4 pour l’unité expérimentale ; 8 pour le nombre de sites d’étude ; 4 pour le nombre de sous-variétés ; 3 pour le nombre de répétitions (3 feuilles et 3 fruits sur chaque pied), les sites étant le traitement principal et les sous-variétés le traitement secondaire. L’évaluation des descripteurs morphologiques a été respectivement faite sur 768 feuilles et fruits. Les critères de différenciation paysanne étaient liés à l’observation (couleur, forme, etc.) des arbres, feuilles et fruits. Les descripteurs de l’accessibilité à une meilleure luminosité de l’arbre, du rendement et du développement végétatif pourront servir de références lors de la domestication de la plante. Les sous-variétés 1, 2 et 3 étaient hautement significatives, de par leur valeur d’usage ethnobotanique total, supérieure à 3 parmi les 4 recensées. Des études moléculaires utilisant les ADN génomiques (chloroplastique et ribosomal) permettront de tirer une conclusion définitive quant à l’origine environnementale ou moléculaire de la variabilité observée au sein de la plante dans cette zone.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity and Ethnobotanical Uses of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. Fruits from the Arid Zone of Mauritania, Northwest Africa.

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of fruits of 30 B. aegyptiaca trees naturally growing in the hyper-arid and arid zones in Mauritania were evaluated by following standard procedures. Ethnobotanical uses of fruit pulps and kernel were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp is a good source of sugars (33 g/100 g dry matter (DM)), polyphenols (264 mg GAE/100 g DM) and flavonoids (34.2 mg/100 g DM) with an average antioxidant activity of 519 µmol TEAC/100 g DM. The fruit kernel is rich in lipids (46.2 g/100 g DM) and proteins (29.5 g/100 g DM). Fruits from the hyper-arid zone exhibited high level of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and soluble tannins. Almost all of the informants (97.14%) reported the use of fruit pulp in folk medicine to treat diabetes, while 72.86% reported using the fruit pulp to treat hypertension. Kernel oil is mainly employed as ointments in the treatment of paronychia (57.14%) and dermal infections (35.71%). The predominant methods for preparing/administering fruit pulp/Kernel were maceration (58.8%), sucking fruit pulp (25.7%) and decoction (24.2%). Balanites aegyptiaca fruit contain both nutritional and health-promoting phytochemicals that could be of interest in the development of strategies for sustainable use of this neglected indigenous fruit tree.

Isatis tinctoria L. (Woad): A Review of its Botany, Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Biotechnological Studies.

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), which is commonly known as woad, is a species with an ancient and well-documented history as an indigo dye and medicinal plant. Currently, I. tinctoria is utilized more often as medicinal remedy and also as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2011, I. tinctoria root was accepted in the official European phytotherapy by introducing its monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia. The biological properties of raw material have been known from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over recent decades, I. tinctoria has been investigated both from a phytochemical and a biological point of view. The modern in vitro and in vivo scientific studies proved anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical composition of I. tinctoria has been thoroughly investigated and the plant was proven to contain many valuable biologically active compounds, including several alkaloids, among which tryptanthrin, indirubin, indolinone, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides as well as glucosinolates, carotenoids, volatile constituents, and fatty acids. This article provides a general botanical and ethnobotanical overview that summarizes the up-to-date knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this valuable plant in order to support its therapeutic potential. Moreover, the biotechnological studies on I. tinctoria, which mainly focused on hairy root cultures for the enhanced production of flavonoids and alkaloids as well as on the establishment of shoot cultures and micropropagation protocols, were reviewed. They provide input for future research prospects.

A Review on the Phytochemistry, Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacology of Borago Species.

Borago L., (family Boraginaceae) is a small genus of annual or perennial herbs with branched flowers, which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Some species known as Gavzabȃn in Asian and some African countries are traditionally used instead of Borago. Aims of the review: The purpose of this study was to provide comprehensive scientific information on phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Borago species to provide an insight into further research on the therapeutic potential of these plants. In many studies, it has been shown that different parts of Borago species, including leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and aerial parts possess numerous ethnobotanical values. All ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical data were collected from online journals, magazines and books (all of which were published in English, Arabic, and Persian) from 1968 to 2018. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Researchgate, and other online collections were used. The phytochemical studies on five species showed a wide range of phytochemicals belonging to different classes of secondary metabolites. From a pharmacological point of view, different extracts and fractions, essential oils, and pure compounds isolated from various Borago species have shown diverse activities in in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies confirming various traditional uses of Borago genus. Considering the reported activities of the Borago genus both in traditional and modern medicine, further studies on biological aspects and identification of the mechanism of action for drug discovery are highly required.

What We Know and What We Do Not Know about Dragon Trees?

This article is a broad review focused on dragon trees—one of the most famous groups of trees in the world, well known from ancient times. These tertiary relicts are severely endangered in most of the area where they grow. The characteristic features of the dragon tree group are described and the species belonging to this group are listed. This review gathers together current knowledge regarding the taxonomy, evolution, anatomy and morphology, physiology, and ontogeny of arborescent dragon tree species. Attention is also paid to the composition, harvesting, medicinal, and ethnobotanical use of the resin (dragons’ blood). An evaluation of population structure, distribution, ecology, threats, and nature conservation forms the final part of the review. In the conclusions we recommend further avenues of research that will be needed to effectively protect all dragon tree species.

Ethnobotanical and pharmacological importance of Taxus wallichiana Zucc.

Taxus wallichiana Zucc. or the Himalayan Yew is a gymnosperm growing along the Himalayan region of Indian and adjoining countries. The plant is extensively used by local people for treatment of various diseases such as fever, headache, diarrhea, fractures, problems of nervous system etc. It also finds usage in Unani system of medicine. The plant is rich in various bioorganic compounds natural products such as hydrocarbons, terpene alcohols, terpenoids (including taxoids), organic acids etc. The plant has been explored for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and anticancer activity with satisfactory outcome. The pharmacological activity of the plant is largely due to the presence of large number of terpenoids. The bioactive constituents present in the plant interacts with a large number of biochemical pathways involved in inflammatory processes, cell division cycles and inhibits a number of enzymes to bring about its protective action against various diseases. In this review, an attempt have been made to highlight the beneficial properties of Taxus wallichiana in various levels of usage starting from its fundamental ethnobotanical use to pharmacological use involving both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of action of the active constituents in bringing about the beneficial activity have also been illustrated. The plant can very well become a source of medicine for better management of a large number of diseases including cancer.

Ethnobotanical, historical and histological evaluation of Helleborus L. genetic resources used in veterinary and human ethnomedicine

The use of hellebore (Helleborus) species for medical purposes has a long-standing tradition. Our work aimed at providing a historical survey of their medicinal application in Europe, and data on current ethnobotanical use of H. purpurascens Waldst. et Kit. in Transylvania (Romania), compared with earlier records of this region and other European countries. While the chemistry and pharmacology of hellebores have been researched extensively, little is known about their anatomical traits. Thus, we intended to provide a detailed histological analysis of Helleborus odorus Waldst. et Kit., H. purpurascens, and H. niger L., based on transverse sections of aerial parts and root. Our survey revealed that H. purpurascens is known for immunotherapy, wounds, and as antiemetic drug in ethnoveterinary medicine, but not in human therapy in the study area. Distinctive histological characters included diverse stele structure in the root; sclerenchymatous bundle caps around compound vascular bundles in the stem and the main leaf veins of H. odorus; and amphistomatic leaves in H. purpurascens. Quantitative vegetative traits also revealed significant differences among species, but they may reflect environmental influences, too. In all three species the sepal was hypostomatic with mesomorphic stomata, while the modified petal comprised a proximal nectar-producing and a distal non-secretory part. Distinctive floral traits included shape of modified petal, presence of papillae and thickness of non-secretory part; as well as ornamentation of tricolpate pollen grains. Our findings suggest that the anatomy of various plant parts varies slightly with each species, including ethnomedicinally known H. purpurascens, even though the basic structure is the same within the genus.

Exploration of collagenase, cyclooxigenases, angiogenesis and free radical processes as the putative pharmacological targets of Arum maculatum L.

In line with the well-established ethnobotanical use of Arum maculatum for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease, we sought to determine the activities of 30% or 70% ethanol extracts of the plant tubers in an array of pharmacological and biochemical models of some crucial events implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder, namely angiogenesis, collagenase activity remodeling, cyclooxygenase activity, IL-2 secretion and oxidative stress. The tested hydro-alcoholic extracts from A. maculatum tubers inhibited the proliferation of EA.hy926 vascular endothelial cells, but even at the highest administered concentrations no decrease in viability was observed. The extracts induced a concentration-dependent decrease in collagenase activity, whereby the effects were more pronounced at the lower concentration of ethanol in the extragent. Moreover the tested extracts induced concentration-dependent suppression of cyclooxygenase activity (COX-1 and 2), albeit at very high and presumably supraphysiological concentrations. The extracts augmented the PHA/PMA-induced secretion of IL-2 from Jurkat E.6 (human T-cells), which was more pronounced following exposure to the 30% ethanol-derived product. The 30% EtOH extract demonstrated anti-radical properties against both stable free radicals (ABTS and DPPH) and biologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be considered as important mediators of inflammation and signaling molecules. Our findings give us reason to conclude that the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. maculatum tubers possess anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and antioxidant effects which in concert could contribute to its efficacy for the management of hemorrhoidal disease.

Environment and livelihood of the Kouni community of the Kayes sub-prefecture (Bouenza, Congo)

Background : The rainforest is a source of particularly diversified natural goods and services, satisfying at least 80% of the population's needs. Notwithstanding the intimate link between population and biodiversity, anthropogenic pressure and its corollaries, such as global climate change, have led to a specific and genetic erosion of about 30% over the last three decades. The major causes of these are, in the case of the Congo, anarchic urbanization, construction of physical communication infrastructures without an environmental and social impact assessment; and unbridled collection of medicinal plants for commercial purposes. The loss of biodiversity is a clear sign of unsustainable use of natural resources, which the traditional societies depends on for their livelihoods. Methods : Our study conducted at Mvouandzi, sub-prefecture of Kayes (Congo), is based on the ethnobotanical knowledge survey and floristic inventory. The informants, aged between 15 and 50 years or more comprised 25 men and 43 women who possess plant secrets. Prior to fieldwork, we reviewed existing literature that provided information on the status of inventoried species, their phytogeographic distribution, and known uses within their range. The ethnobotanical knowledge survey took place in two phases, namely: work with focus groups and conducting personalized interviews with the informants; and the collection of samples coupled, when possible, to the participatory approach. Results : The floristic inventory lists 81 useful species, corresponding to 72 genera and 43 families. Some species are multi-purpose, and 26 of the 60 medicinal plants inventoried are specifically associated with the traditional pharmacopoeia. 36 species are multi-purpose and the others 15 intervene specially in food, 26 in phytotherapy, and 5 in handicrafts. The high values of the ethnobotanical indices (the ethnobotanical use value (VU), the informant consensus factor (CFI), and the level of fidelity (NF)) show a strong involvement of these taxa in the daily life of this traditional society. Sociological analysis reveals that the level of ethnobotanical knowledge is proportional to the subjects’ age and in this matter, women excel in the exploitation of empirical knowledge. Conclusions : The Kouni community possesses a sophisticated ethnobotanical knowledge, which is a fundamental part of socio-cultural base of the Kouni community and an important cultural asset of Congolese nation. However, the Kouni community is shrinking due to rural exodus. Therefore, documenting the existing traditional knowledge is the first priority to preserve the Kouni cultural diversity. Keywords : Congo, Mvouandzi, ecosystem services, traditional knowledge, phytodiversity.

Modulation of key enzymes linked to Parkinsonism and neurologic disorders by Antiaris africana in rotenone-toxified rats.

Background The physiopathologies of many neurologic diseases are characterized by related biochemical dysfunctions that could be explored as drug targets. This study evaluated the effect of a methanol leaf extract of Antiaris africana (MEA) on critical bioindices of Parkinsonism and related neurologic dysfunctions in rats with rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. Methods Animals were administered 50 or 100 mg/kg MEA for 14 consecutive days. Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was administered three times per day on days 13 and 14. Coenzyme Q10 (5 mg/kg) was the reference drug. Complex I activity, dopamine level, activities of acetylcholinesterase, myeloperoxidase, Na+/K+ ATPase and glutamine synthetase, as well as oxidative stress indices were evaluated at the end of the period of treatment. Results Rotenone-intoxicated group showed disruption of complex 1 activity, dopamine level, and glutamine synthetase activity with negative alterations to activities of acetylcholinesterase, myeloperoxidase, and Na+/K+ ATPase as well as heightened cerebral oxidative stress. MEA restored brain mitochondria functionality, mitigated altered neurochemical integrity, and ameliorated cerebral oxidative stress occasioned by rotenone neurotoxicity. The activity of A. Africana was comparable with that of 5 mg/kg coenzyme Q10. Conclusions These results indicated that A. africana displayed therapeutic potential against Parkinsonism and related neurologic dysfunctions and support its ethnobotanical use for the treatment of neurologic disorders.

Gastrointestinal tract profile of laboratory animals treated with ethanol extract of Acacia ataxacantha (Leguminosae) D.C. stem bark

Acacia ataxacantha and its various parts had been documented as herbal remedy for treatment of pain, stomach ailments and dysentery. The major processes occurring in the GI system are: motility, secretion, regulation, digestion and circulation. Abnormal motility or abnormal sensitivity in any part of the gastrointestinal tract can cause characteristic symptoms and hence induce disease(s) in the GIT. The study is aimed at investigating the GIT profile of animals treated with the ethanol extract to validate the ethno-botanical use in the treatment of diseases of the stomach. The methods employed include; ethanol/HCl-induced ulcer in rats, gastrointestinal motility and charcoal screening test in rats, and isolated rabbit ileum test. The ethanol extract of Acacia ataxacantha stem-bark significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and dose dependently reduces the ulcer induced by 40% and 60% at doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight respectively, when compared with the normal saline control group. The groups pre-treated with ethanol extract exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in the distance travelled by charcoal meal and a considerable increased gastro intestinal transit time, in a dose dependent manner, in the charcoal meal transit test. Administration of ethanol extract of Acacia ataxacantha stem-bark on rabbit ileum at lower concentrations of (1mg/ml), (10 mg/ml) and (100 mg/ml) produced no observed pharmacologic effect, while at higher concentration of 200 mg/ml, a relaxation was observed on the isolated rabbit ileum test. The ethanol extract of Acacia ataxacantha stem-bark possess GIT anti-motility and gastro protective effect. Keywords: Acacia ataxacantha; GIT Motility; Ulcer

Indigenous knowledge of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Caesalpiniaceae) and implication for conservation in Benin (West Africa)

Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. is a priority food tree species in West Africa, but its use pattern and conservation is little known across different sociocultural areas of Benin. In this study, we analyse the determinants of D. microcarpum traditional uses pattern and how these determinants influence the species’ conservation in Benin. Thus, 730 respondents were participated in semi-structure interview across the North and Central regions of Benin. The information related to local names, traditional uses of different plant parts, management systems and conservation of D. microcarpum was recorded from the respondents. Use value (UV), ethnobotanical use value (EUV) and organ use value (OUV) were calculated. These statistics were used to assess the structure and variability of traditional use categories of plant parts among the sociocultural groups, gender and age groups. Results indicated that local names were spatially structured and linked to local communities’ cultural origins, according to the recent human migration roads in West Africa. In total, 42 traditional uses of seven categories were gathered. UV in relation to sociocultural groups ranges from 7.62 (Idatcha and Fon) to 16.08 (Peulh and Lokpa); within the gender, UV ranges from 9.96 (women) to 11.15 (men); and within the age groups, UV ranges from 9.37 [18–30 years old] to 14.14 [65–100]. The species’ UV significantly depended on respondents’ sociocultural group, age and gender. Moreover, the age, gender and sociocultural groups significantly influenced the species’ use pattern. Ethnobotanical use value ranges from 0.35 (fodder) to 6.22 (traditional human medicine). OUV ranges from 2.62% (flower) to 42.38% (leaf). The various uses of the species’ roots, leaves and bark in traditional pharmacology and their high-quality firewood and tasty fruits determined the various local management systems. Thus, considering the current threats (intensive use of the roots, trunk, leaves and branches, and habitat degradation) conservation measures are needed to ensure the survival, conservation of distribution pattern and sustainable use of the species.

Ethnobotanical properties of plant taxa that naturally distributed in Korgan (Ordu) province

People have been in interaction with the environment and plants from the existence of humanity to the present day. The people living in a certain geographical area use plants for different purposes like food, medical, fuel, industry, ornamental. The plant richness has reached to the present day with cultural life in Anatolia where has hosted many civilizations together with the people adopting the established life. This study was carried out to determine some natural plant taxa that are consumed as a food in the Korgan (Ordu) borders and the ethnobotanic properties of these plant taxa. A survey of 25 questions was carried out to 119 people from the local population in the boundaries of the Korgan district. As result of study, 23 taxa belonging to 16 families, which are naturally distributed and consumed as food, were determined. Ethnobotanical use of these taxa, 12 of the food, 2 of spices, 13 of which is used as a tea and 2 as ornamental plants.

Ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic study from Kouni community of the sub-prefecture of Kayes (Bouenza – Congo)

The ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic study conducted in Mvouandzi (4°10′00″ S, 13°25′00″ E), sub-prefecture of Kayes (Bouenza - Congo), is based on the floristic inventory, the personalized interviews and focus groups. The target population, aged between 15 to 70 years or more, is divided into 3 age groups, and consists of 46 informants (12 men and 34 women) who possess the plant secrets. The floristic inventory lists 60 useful species, corresponding to 53 genera and 35 families. The medicinal cohort is associated with 109 recipes and 57 diseases and symptoms. Classified as a sphere of diseases and symptoms, infectious and parasitic diseases predominate (27.11%) and retain 30.27% of recipes. All organs (vegetative and generative) intervene in the daily satisfaction of the needs of the populations. Ethno-sociological analysis reveals that the level of endogenous knowledge is proportional to the subjects' age and in this matter, women by virtue of their role as manager and guardian of morals, excel in the exploitation of empirical knowledge. Data on the value of ethnobotanical use, the informant consensus factor and the level of fidelity show that these plants are strongly involved in the primary care of this society. Notwithstanding the inseparable link between man and his environment, the value associated with this biodiversity, the socio-cultural foundation of the Kouni ethnic-linguistic community, is inevitably eroded. The reasons for this are the rural exodus, the main corollary of which is the ageing of the population, and the effects inherent in the construction of physical communication infrastructures.

Assessment of Antiplasmodial Activity and Toxicity of Crude Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Oncoba spinosa (Flacourtiaceae)

Aims: The medicinal plant Oncoba spinosa is used by the local communities in Butebo County in Eastern Uganda for treatment of malaria and other diseases. In vitro antiplasmodial activities of the crude extracts and isolated compounds were screened against chloroquine sensitive 3D7 and resistant Dd2 strains. In vivo acute toxicity of the extracts and structure elucidation were also determined in the study.
 Experimental: Crude extracts of: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol were prepared. Isolation and purification of these extracts were done using chromatographic techniques which consisted of column and thin layer chromatography. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. In vitro antiplasmodial activity was performed on chloroquine sensitive 3D7 and resistant Dd2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum using SYBR Green 1 assay technique. Lorke’s method of acute toxicity was used to determine the in vivo acute toxicity of the crude extracts in mice.
 Results: The root ethyl acetate crude extract had highest antiplasmodial activity of IC50:4.69 ± 0.01 µg/mL and 3.52 ± 0.02 µg/mL against 3D7 and Dd2 strains respectively while the remaining three were inactive against both strains of Plasmodium. Isolation resulted in the identification of three known compounds which included: β-sitosterol, benzoic acid and chaulmoogric acid. Among the tested compounds β-sitosterol showed the highest activity of IC50 3D7: 5.51 µM. Dichloromethane and hexane extracts were non-toxic with LD50 > 5000 mg/kg while the EtOAc and MeOH extracts were slightly toxic with LD50 of 547.72 mg/kg. Statistically significance existed between the antiplasmodial activity of the crude extracts and compounds when compared with the controls at (p < 0.05). Extracts and compounds exerted a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in antiplasmodial activity compared to the positive controls.
 Conclusion: The findings confirm the ethnobotanical use of O. spinosa by the local communities in Butebo County for the treatment of malaria. The results also suggest that the crude extract of this plant is safe and possesses antimalarial activity which can be used as a basis for in vivo and clinical studies to be done. Therefore the plant can offer a potential drug lead for developing a safe, effective and affordable antimalarial.