Ethnomedicinal Plant Species Research Articles

Ethnomedicinal plants used by the people of Manang district, central Nepal

BackgroundThe district of Manang (2000 – 6000 m) is located in the Central Himalayas, Nepal. The majority of local inhabitants of the area are Gurungs, of Tibetan origin. The remoteness of the region has resulted in continued use of plants as medicine in an area where the ethnobotany has sparsely been documented.MethodsInterviews were conducted with amchi (Tibetan medicinal practitioners), local healers (including priests locally known as 'lamas'), plant traders, and knowledgeable villagers (including herders) regarding local plant names and their medicinal uses during several field visits (2002–2005). When convenient to the locals, a jungle or forest walk was done with the healers, allowing for both plant collection and detailed information gathering.ResultsThis present research documented 91 ethnomedicinal plant species, belonging to 40 families under 73 genera, and 45 new ethnomedicinal plant species are added. These 91 locally used medicinal plants are found to treat 93 ailments. This study provides information on 45 plant species previously unknown for their medicinal uses in Manang. The indication for use, mode of preparation, dose and administration of medicine are described in detail for each species.ConclusionThis wealth of ethnobotanical knowledge persists, and is being transferred to the next generation in some areas in upper Manang, in a country where this is often not the case. The senior amchi of the area (Karma Sonam Lama), who has been practicing Tibetan medicine for three generations, feels that it is of utmost importance to conserve the traditional healing system and to pass his knowledge on to the local community about the importance of medicinal plants. He hopes that this will lead to the conservation and sustainable management of medicinal plants in the villages. Over the duration of this research, the prices of several rare medicinal plants of Manang increased dramatically, highlighting both the scarcity and the quick disappearance of the species. This is only one example of a worrying trend of over harvesting of medicinal plants, and highlights the need for conservation and management of medicinal plants of Manang district.

Ethnobotanical investigations among tribes in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu (India)

BackgroundAn ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect information on the use of medicinal plants in Southern Western Ghats of India (Madurai district, Tamil Nadu). Information presented in this paper was gathered from the paliyar tribes using an integrated approach of botanical collections, group discussions and interviews with questionnaires in the years 1998 – 1999. The informants interviewed were 12 among whom 4 were tribal practitioners.ResultsA total of 60 ethnomedicinal plant species distributed in 32 families are documented in this study. The medicinal plants used by paliyars are listed with Latin name, family, local name, parts used, mode of preparation and medicinal uses. Generally, fresh part of the plant was used for the preparation of medicine.ConclusionWe observed that the documented ethnomedicinal plants were mostly used to cure skin diseases, poison bites, stomachache and nervous disorders. The results of this study showed that these tribal people still depend on medicinal plants in Madurai district forest areas.

Ethno-medicinal Plants Used by the People of Nawalparasi District, Central Nepal

Despite new advances in modern medicine, the cultural use of plant in traditional medicine continues from ancient time to this day all over the world. The present research seeks to explore ethnomedicinal plants used by the local people of Nawalparasi district for primary healthcare. Local healers were interviewed regarding the detail uses of plants. When convenient a jungle or forest walk was also conducted, accompanying local healers for plant collection and detailed information gathering. A rich and unique diversity of 94 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 49 families under 86 genera were documented. In Nawalparasi, the expense of modern medical treatment combined with the poor economic status of indigenous people and a strong belief in the traditional medicine and traditional medical practitioners are the main reasons for the persistence of the traditional healing system. In addition, we have also documented a lack of continuation and flow of indigenous knowledge from the elders to the younger generation. Youth tend to be attracted by the wave of modernization and do not appreciate the importance of conservation of traditional knowledge. The use of plants in Nawalparasi is an old tradition and the exploration of such unique cultures should be completed thoroughly so that the oral traditions are not lost forever. Immediate conservation and management approaches of valuable medicinal plants with the involvement of local indigenous people of Nawalparasi district will encourage the sustainable conservation of both biological and cultural diversity.Key words: Traditional medicine; Local healers; Healthcare; Conservation; NawalparasiDOI: 10.3126/on.v7i1.2555Our Nature (2009) 7:82-99

Ethno-medicinal plants used for herbal medication of jaundice by the indigenous community of Tripura, India

Deb D, Datta BK, Debbarma J, Deb S. 2016. Ethno-medicinal plants used for herbal medication of jaundice by the indigenous community of Tripura, India. Biodiversitas 17: 256-269. The immemorial association of medicinal plants is highlighted in various utilization pattern by different indigenous community. An investigation was done for less known ethno-medicinal plants used for jaundice as well as some other ailments by the indigenous community of Tripura, Northeast India. The traditional utilization of plants for treatment of jaundice by the indigenous communities is not so well studied in the land locked hilly part of the country. Timely ethnobotanical survey was undertaken with the knowledge of the species mainly used for curing jaundice. Necessary specimens were collected and cross-checked with the existing literatures. A total of 50 ethno-medicinal plant species belonging to 37 families were documented used for the treatment of jaundice (5 plant species with an additional ingredient of 5 species) and other diseases. Mainly leaves and roots were preferred to prepare decoction, pills and paste etc. Most of the plant species are sources of different chemical constituents which further contribute in formulating drug for common use. The active biochemical compounds are investigated by thorough literature survey. There is need for further critical phytochemical analysis and investigation of new valid drugs. Immediate documentation of such valuable knowledge is necessary as we are gradually missing many precious traditional herbal formulations with increasing impacts of modernization.