Ethnomedicinal Value Research Articles

Unveiling the phytochemical tapestry of delonix regia: A comprehensive review of its chemical constituents and phytochemistry

Delonix regia, commonly known as Royal Poinciana, is a widely recognized ornamental tree with significant ethnomedicinal value. Its diverse phytochemical composition includes flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids, which exhibit a range of biological activities. The flowers, rich in quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, demonstrate strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The bark contains alkaloids, such as β-sitosterol, which has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, phenolic compounds like gallic and ellagic acid enhance the plant’s defence mechanisms and oxidative stress responses. Studies have revealed that the seed pods and leaves possess unique phytosterols and tannins that contribute to their hepatoprotective and antimicrobial properties. The ecological role of D. regia adds toits significance, as it supports local biodiversity and helps regulate microclimates. The tree’s bioactive compounds also hold promise for various pharmaceutical applications, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial therapies. Recent investigations into the structure-activity relationships of these compounds have shed light on their molecular mechanisms, suggesting potential for therapeutic development. Future research may focus on elucidating these mechanisms, optimizing extraction methods, and exploring sustainable uses for this remarkable species in medicine and biotechnology. Delonix regia thus represents a compelling subject for further pharmaceutical and ecological studies.

A Thorough Review on Ethnomedicinal Value of Bioactive Compounds of Pteridophytes against Cancer: Clinical Applications and Future Prospects

Most cancers have become immune to normal cancer therapy, like chemotherapy and radiation. Therefore, exploring more effective and economical treatment options is important. Plants and herbs contain substances called phytochemicals, which have biological effects. Many phytochemicals having antioxidant and anticancer properties have been studied previously. There is increasing evidence that phytochemicals' anti-carcinogenic benefits originate from their ability to inhibit oxidation, inflammation, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. These phytochemicals inhibit the spread of cancer by controlling the cell cycle and other molecular processes, such as metastasis. Along with therapeutic potential, other advantages, like their abundance, greater tolerability, and economic use, increase their utility in cancer therapeutics. In recent years, a number of scientists have examined lycophytes and ferns for their potential medicinal and phytochemical properties. This analysis emphasizes the significance of chemicals obtained from ferns and their derivatives in therapeutics. The authors discuss the pteridophyte's anti-cancer properties and other medical uses in this article. This information may help researchers in further research related to the most promising anticancer phytochemicals and their possibility as alternative drugs against cancer.

Review on the ethnomedicinal and nutritional value of some wild edible plants used by the tribal of Koraput District of Odisha, India

Due to its abundance of plant genetic resources, Odisha is often called a genetic refuge. However, the south Odisha tribal regions, despite their abundance of natural resources, have received scant ethnobotanical research. Human cultural diversity in Koraput is well-known, and the area is also a biodiversity hotspot for several food crops and forest species. The purpose of this study is to consolidate all available information on the ethnomedical uses of wild plants by indigenous peoples in the Koraput district. The reviewed nutritional analysis studies show that numerous species have high nutrient content, some of which are superior to some domesticated varieties. Wild edible plants are used as indigenous food and remarkably improve the nutritional security of several tribal people of Koraput. However, systematic study on the nutritional potential of these wild edible plants is meager. The present study evaluated the Carbohydrate, Fat, Protein, and Fiber content in selected wild edible plants of Koraput. Research shows that several species of tubers are in danger of extinction and hence included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened and Endangered Species. For this reason, the optimal use of this biodiversity is to meet the inhabitant's present and future food. The medicinal needs depend on extensive phytochemical inquiry, safe conservation, and sustainable use of wild tuber, all require strong community participation, which also fulfills the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, i.e., zero hunger and good health and well-being.

Vernonia amygdalina: a comprehensive review of the nutritional makeup, traditional medicinal use, and pharmacology of isolated phytochemicals and compounds

Vernonia amygdalina is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The herb is an indigenous African plant that grows in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is probably the most used medicinal plant in the genus Vernonia. Previous studies on the traditional medicinal value, nutritional composition, classes of phytochemical or compound isolation, and evaluation of their pharmacology activity are numerous. This provokes us to review and provide up-to-date evidence-based information on the study plant. A systematic online search using the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Elsevier and Sci-Hub was carefully applied, using some important key words to get appropriate information. The leafy part of Vernonia amygdalina contributes greatly to the nutritional requirements for human health and to food security since it contains enough concentrations of proximate composition, minerals, and vitamins. The plant parts are used in traditional medicine for many human and animal healthcare purposes, including diarrhea, diabetes, wound healing, tonsillitis, evil eye, retained placenta, headache, eye disease, intestinal parasite, bloating, hepatitis, toothache, anthrax, malaria, urine retention, gastritis, stomach disorders, and snake bites. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, steroids, cardiac glycosides, oxalates, phytates, cyanogenic glycosides, and phenols. Additionally, various compounds such as vernolide, luteolin, vernodalol, vernoamyoside A, vernoamyoside B, isorhamnetin, glucuronolactone, and 1-Heneicosenol O-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated. Some of the isolated compounds pharmacological activity was evaluated against some diseases and showed antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory potencies. Thus, the review provides comprehensive information about ethnomedicinal value, nutritional composition, isolated classes of phytochemicals, and compounds, including an evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the isolated compounds of Vernonia amygdalina. A review with this much information could be extremely valuable for future research on developing innovative nutraceutical products.

Documentation of some endangered medicinal plants growing in Indravati National Park, Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, India

Indravati National Park, located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, India, is a biodiversity hotspot and a sanctuary for numerous plant species, including several recognized as endangered and possessing medicinal properties. This study aimed to document and provided valuable information on the endangered medicinal plants found within the Park. The research involved field surveys, interviews with local communities, and a comprehensive review of existing literature to compile data on these plants. The national park region is densely covered with green vegetation consisting of several important medicinal plants and some threatened and endangered plants of ethnomedicinal value. A total of 21 medicinal plants belonging to 16 families were reported during the study, categorized under rare, threatened and endangered categories with efficient ethno-medicinal applications. The maximum reported medicinal plant families were Bignoniaceae and Fabaceae (3 species report), Buseraceae (2 species report) followed by Apocynaceae, Araceae, Boranginaceae, Capparaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Longaniaceae, Meliaceae, Piperaceae, Putranjivaceae, Rutaceae, Sterculaceae, Zingiberaceae with one species reported. The plants' parts used for the preparation of herbal medication included leaves, roots, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, corms, whole plant, gum and resin derived from the plants, which were further used for the preparation of fresh extracts, juice, decoction, infusion, grounded paste, and dried powder. The documentation presented in this study not only contributes to the preservation of traditional knowledge but also serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists working towards the protection of endangered medicinal plants in Indravati National Park, ensuring their availability for future generations and the advancement of herbal medicine and biodiversity conservation.

Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Study of Houttuynia cordata Thunb: A Review

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. is a medicinal herb belonging to a family Saururaceae distributed in East Asian Country. It has long been used as edible vegetable and traditional medicine in China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Many studies describe Houttuynia cordata as predominant in bioactive compounds such as volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, steroid and polysaccharides. H. cordata has varieties of pharmacological properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral antioxidative, anticancer and antimutagenic effects. This review aimed to collect the comprehensive information on efficacy of Houttuynia cordata with its ethnobotanical value and also provide knowledge into disease prevention and treatment. This study summarizes detailed information about ethnomedicinal value of H. cordata from searching the keywords “Uses of Houttuynia” in Google Scholor, Pubmed, Science direct and screened out articles related to ethnobotanical value. The review concluded that H. cordata has significant potential for use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods, given its numerous health benefits and low toxicity. This study suggests that, it is necessary to identify actual bioactive metabolites and understand pattern of traditional use of the plant in different location of Nepal.

Ethno-medicinal Plants Used by Local Communities of Pokhara Metropolitan City of Kaski District, Western Nepal

In the diverse landscape of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Kaski district, Western Nepal, traditional medicine remains integral to the healthcare practices of many communities. This study presents a comprehensive exploration of the ethno medicinal value of locally available plants, emphasizing detailed insights into the research methodology employed. Data were collected from field observation, interview with local people, key informants, consultation with experts and secondary sources. Collected data were analyzed and presented well in table and charts. Data analysis involved a multi-faceted approach, including the systematic compilation of information gathered through interviews and field observations. The collected data were further organized and presented in tables and charts for comprehensive visualization. Plant specimens were meticulously collected, studied, and identified using standard literature and consultation with university professors. The results revealed a rich tapestry of ethno medicinal practices, showcasing 83 plant species distributed among 76 genera and 55 families, each playing a unique role in local healthcare. Trees emerged as the most prevalent life form, constituting 39.76% of the documented species. Noteworthy species included Ocimum tenuiflorum, Curcuma longa, and Citrus limon, with distinct medicinal applications The conservation and protection of these medicinal plants will further benefit in the prolonged sustainability of cultural as well as biological diversity.

Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of New Romanian Lavandula Species.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate for the first time the chemical composition and antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiproliferative potentials of the Romanian George 90 lavender species, as well as parental species, L. angustifolia and L. latifolia. The L. angustifolia, L. latifolia and George 90 essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS/MS and the L. angustifolia, L. latifolia and George 90 hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiproliferative assays revealed that all the investigated species showed significant activities. The results highlighted the chemical composition and the promising biological potentials of the L. angustifolia, L. latifolia and George 90 lavender species, validating their ethnomedicinal value, which offers potential applications as natural drugs.

HPLC Analysis Of Ethnomedicinal Important Plant Capparis Grandis L.f. From Western Melghat Region (MS) India

The history of plant medicine clearly demonstrated the use of plants as an exemplary source of medicine. India is abundant in biodiversity. India's flora includes approximately 45.000 plant species, the majority of which are medicinally important. The use of medicinal plants dates back to ancient times. The knowledge of medicinal uses of plants from the local region is essential because the majorities of these plants are unknown and are not used in any practice. So, in terms of ethnobotany and ethnomedicine, the botany and medicinal uses of these plants are important. The Present paper is focus on Ethnomedicinal importance and Phytochemical analysis of Capparis grandis from Western Melghat region of Amravati district Maharashtra. The plant has tremendous ethnomedicinal value. Phytochemical analysis of Capparis grandis was done by using HPLC. It showed the presence of maximum phytoconstituents. The present paper is also focus on the traditional uses of Capparis grandis L.f. among the Korku triable community which are located in Western Melghat region of Amravati disrict, India. The Melghat forest has great diversity in medicinal plants. Local people are aware of medical cures produced from different plant species belonging to various families to treat a wide range of ailments.

The epiphytic pteridophyte flora of Cooch Behar District of West Bengal, India, and its ethnomedicinal value

The district Cooch Behar, located in the north-eastern part of West Bengal, at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, is very rich in pteridophytic flora. The present field study was undertaken during January 2021 to September 2022 to explore and document the epiphytic pteridophytic flora of the district and their ethnomedicinal uses, which was not previously done. Standard methods for plant specimen collection and herbarium techniques were followed and identification was done with the help of relevant sources. Altogether 14 epiphytic species of pteridophytes comprising 10 genera and six families were recorded. Polypodiaceae was the dominant family represented by eight species (57.14 %) and is dominated by the genus Pyrrosia (five species; 35.71 %). With the help of pretested semi-structured questionnaires, knowledgeable ethnic people and traditional healers of the studied areas were interviewed to record their traditional knowledge on pteridophytes. Out of 14 recorded species, 12 species were used by the ethnic communities and traditional healers to treat 15 different types of diseases ranging from common cough and cold to jaundice, among others. Leaves were found to the dominant plant part (58.82 %) used for the preparation of ethnomedicine. Decoction (52.94 %) of the plant parts were mostly used as herbal medicine and were frequently taken orally (58.82 %). Exploration of epiphytic pteridophytic flora and their utilization as ethnomedicine by the ethnic people has been scientifically documented for the first time from Cooch Behar district and has enriched the existing database our country.

In-silico Study of Phytochemicals of Ethnobotanical Plant Cannabis sativa for Anti-Diabetic Potential

Ethnobotany is an applied multidisciplinary science in which we not only systemically study inter-relations between human and plant kingdom but also has applications in many fields, including food industry, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and human health. Ethnobotanical plants form an integral part of human life. Many medicinal and aromatic plants are used by locals and nomadic people, which come from a wild source. According to Atharva-Veda, Cannabis is one of the most sacred plants.Perfect development provides insurance for health and healthy life and maintains stability in the ecosystem. If we deeply observe our different traditions, we will find that every ritual shows the close relationship of humans with nature. There are a number of natural ingredients used for performing different rituals. Cannabis is the plant that is commonly known as “Bhang”. Cannabis has been traditionally associated with lord “Shiva” worship. There are various stories behind these rituals mentioned in various mythology books. In this research, we focus on this plant’s ethnomedicinal value and assessed the antidiabetic potential of Cannabis sativa, an ethnobotanical plant of Ranikhet tehsil, by in-silico method. Hence, we conducted molecular docking of phytochemicals with molecular antidiabetic targets, alpha-amylase. The aim of this paper is an in-silico study of the C. sativa’s phytochemicals on the glucose metabolism related to alpha-amylase. From our study, we hope to find potential phytochemicals which could be useful in treating diabetes problems

Phytochemical Screening and Toxicity Study of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of <i>Prosopis africana<i> (African Mesquite) In Albino Wistar Rat

Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) is a perennial leguminous tree of the subfamily Mimosaidae and is found to grow in the savanna region of Senegal and Nigeria. Several parts of the plant has been documented to possess ethno medicinal value. The study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents using methods described by Trease & Evans and toxicity profile (using established toxicity determination protocols) of methanol stem bark extract of Prosopis africana in albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins. Acute toxicity test showed that the LD50 of the extract was 3807.88 mg/kg, with only the animal administered with 5000 mg/kg of the extract dying in phase two. The extract did not affect food and water consumption or most hematological parameters, except for red and white blood cell counts. Histological examination of liver, kidney, and heart did not show any signs of malformation. These findings suggest that the methanol stem bark extract of Prosopis africana may be safe for use in traditional medicine and could provide a basis for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of various diseases such as malaria fever, wound care and diabetes mellitus.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of essential oils from Moroccan medicinal plants: Mentha suaveolens, Lavandula stoechas, and Ammi visnaga

Mentha suaveolens, Lavandula stoechas, and Ammi visnaga are widely used in Moroccan folk medicine against several pathological disorders, including diabetes and infectious diseases. This work was designed to determine the chemical profile of M. suaveolens (MSEO), L. stoechas (LSEO), and A. visnaga (AVEO) essential oils and assess their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. The volatile components of LSEO, AVEO, and MSEO were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The in vitro antidiabetic activity was assessed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, while DPPH, FRAP, and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods were used to determine the antioxidant capacity. The antimicrobial activities were investigated using disc diffusion and broth-microdilution assays. GC-MS investigation revealed that the main components were fenchone (29.77 %) and camphor (24.9 %) for LSEO, and linalool (38.29 %) for AVEO, while MSEO was mainly represented by piperitenone oxide (74.55 %). The results of the antimicrobial evaluation showed that all examined essential oils (EOs) had noticeable antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and yeast, especially Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis. The MIC, MBC, and MFC values were ranged from 0.015 % to 0.5 %. The MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios were less than or equal to 4.0 % (v/v), indicating their noticeable bactericidal and candidacidal efficacy. Moreover, the three EOs showed significant inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (p < 0.05). It also exerted remarkable activity on FRAP, β-carotene, and DPPH radicals. These findings demonstrated that the tested plants have promising biological activities, validating their ethnomedicinal value and providing potential applications as natural drugs.

Ethnomedicinal Value, Phytochemical Evaluation, and Pharmaco-Toxicological Profiling of Cipadessa Baccifera (Roth) Miq. among Communities of Bokod, Benguet

Cipadessa baccifera (Roth) Miq was studied for its traditional use, phytochemical properties, and pharmaco-toxicological properties. The descriptive qualitative method was used in this study to describe the traditional use of the medicinal plant, and the experimental quantitative method was used to determine the plant’s components and capabilities. Assays such as Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay (CAM), Brine Shrimp Assay, and Zebrafish Embryotoxicity Assay were done to profile the C. baccifera. Based on the results, traditionally, the plant parts were used as a treatment for diarrhea, toothache, cough, colds, indigestion, flu symptoms, dysmenorrhea, urinary tract infection, bleeding and swelling of gums, skin rashes, lowering blood sugar, dandruff, natural family planning, animal farm deworming and skin diseases. Its phytochemical contents include anthraquinones, anthrones, alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, triterpenes, steroids, phenols, and essential oils. Furthermore, the CAM vascularity inhibition of Cipadessa baccifera concentrations increased with concentration, indicating that the inhibition of vascularity increased with concentration. Similarly, the brine shrimp cytotoxicity test revealed that the number of shrimp deaths increased as the concentration of plant extract increased. Furthermore, the plant extract’s calculated LC50 was 434ppm. Microscopic analysis of the zebrafish embryo exposed to the ethanolic extract of the plant sample, on the other hand, revealed malformation in the larvae exhibiting scoliosis at 100ppm extract concentration. Additionally, at plant extract concentrations ranging from 250ppm to 1000ppm, retarded and coagulated embryos were observed. Given the findings of the research study, it is highly recommended that future studies include the ecology and biology of C. baccifera in the Philippines to establish a further taxonomic classification of C. baccifera endemic to the country. Keywords: Pharmaco-toxicological properties, phytochemical analysis, CAM Assay, Embryotoxicity, Philippines

The Review on Medicinal Uses of Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is extensively used in medicinal purpose. Ayurveda literatures highlight administration of ginger in both of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Recent advances in analytical chemistry, cytology and microbiology recommend application of ginger in various disease conditions as well as recommendations in Ayurveda literature. The current study focused on review ethno medicinal value of Z. officinale including antiviral effect, radioprotective effect, anti-inflammatory effect, anticancer effect and antioxidant effect with special reference to Ayurveda recommendations. The study elaborates; ginger is effective in viral infections and revitalizing the body at disease conditions according to both of Ayurveda and modern concepts through enhancing appetite, immunity and re-boosting weakened physiological functions of the human body. Active ingredients which available in ginger such as 6-gingerole, 6-shogaol, 6-paradol, zingerole and zerumbone are responsible in upgrading enzyme actions and balancing circulation through rejuvenating the body with physical re-strengthening.

Identifying the potential role of curcumin analogues as anti-breast cancer agents; an in silico approach

BackgroundBreast cancer ranks top among newly reported cancer cases and most of the women suffers from breast cancer. Development of target therapy using phytochemicals with minimal side effects is trending in health care research. Phytochemicals targets complex multiple signalling events in cancer and are pleiotropic in nature. Thus, the present study was conducted to check the effectivity of curcumin analogues (Capsaicin, Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Zingerone, Gingerol) against the receptors that are expressed in breast cancer cells and prove its ethno-medicinal value by using bioinformatic tools and softwares like PDB, Patch Dock, PubChem, Chimera and My Presto.ResultOut of the various curcumin analogues studied, Ferulic acid showed best binding affinity with all the breast cancer cell specific receptors (FGF, MMP9, RNRM1, TGF-beta, DHFR, VEGF and aromatase) which was confirmed through the docking studies.ConclusionThe current work was a preliminary step towards screening suitable drug candidate against breast cancer using in silico methods. This information can be used further to carry out in vivo studies using selected natural analogues of curcumin as a suitable drug candidate against breast cancer saving time and cost.

Dietary flavonoids-rich Citrus reticulata peel extract interacts with CREB signaling to suppress seizures and linked neurobehavioral impairments in a kindling mouse model

ABSTRACT Objectives: The citrus fruits peel contains a variety of bioactive metabolites that have shown multiple therapeutic effects. However, despite having substantial ethnomedicinal value, citrus peels remained underexplored and regarded as bio-waste. This present study was planned to investigate the effect of a characterized peel extract of Citrus reticulata c.v. (CRE) in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling and associated cognitive and behavioral impairments in a mouse model. Methods: The kindled animals were treated daily with CRE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and challenged with a sub-effective dose of PTZ every 5th day to record the severity of seizures. In the end, different tests were performed to record behavioral and cognitive performance. Results: CRE-treated kindled animals showed a significant suppression in seizure severity following 20 days of the treatment. In the T-maze test, the extract treatment resulted in a marked increase in the spontaneous alternations, whereas it showed no change in anxiety behavior of kindled animals in the elevated plus-maze test. In both forced swim and tail suspension tests, CRE treatment demonstrated a considerable reduction in immobility time. However, no change in overall locomotion was observed in the open field test among all the groups. An increase in the hippocampal Creb and Bdnf expression and decreased glutamate-to-GABA ratio were observed in the CRE-treated kindled animals. Discussion: The results showed that CRE treatment suppresses epileptic seizures and associated cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior in kindled mice. The gene expression findings supported that the observed protective effects of CRE be due to its interaction with CREB signaling.

Pharmacognostic And Phytochemical Evaluation Of Cordia Obliqua Willd Fruits

Cordia (family Boraginaceae) is a genus of deciduous flowering trees or shrubs comprising more than 300 species distributed widely in the tropical regions. The aim of this research was to provide scientific information on phramacognostical nature and presence of various phytochemicals in the fruits of Cordia obliqua. The present study helped to evaluate anatomical, histochemical, physico chemical analysis and chemical tests of various extracts of Cordia obliqua willd fruits. Common names of plants are “Naruvili, Ali and Namaviri (Tamil), Lassura Viri, Cheruvari (Kerala). China-nakeru (Andhra and Telangana)”. It is considered as one of the most important medicinal plants and various plant parts like leaves, fruits, bark and seed were found to possess abundant ethno medicinal value. Most frequently they are used to treat many ailments such as respiratory disorders, stomach pain, wound, inflammation, myalgia, cough, dysentery and diarrhoea. The fruits are widely used for the treatment of spleen and hepatic disorders. The anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the fruits of Cordia obliqua have been studied which helped in authentication and diagnose the various anatomical characters like presence of epidermis, mucilage, xylem and phloem fibers and calcium oxalate crystals. Proximate analyses of fruits were performed which included moisture content, extractive values and ash values helped to identify the purity and solubility of fruits in different solvents which was revealed by extractive values. Chemical tests helped to know the various phytoconstituents present in the fruits of Cordia obliqua when tested with various chemical reagents. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of steroids, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic and flavonoid compounds and carbohydrates.&#x0D;

Natural dye yielding plants and their ethnomedicinal value in Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh

Natural dye yielding plants and their ethnomedicinal value in Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh

Consumption of wild food plants among tribal communities of Pak-Afghan border, near Bajaur, Pakistan

This survey was conducted to document the distribution, market potential, medicinal properties, and conservation status of wild food plants (WFPs) which are consumed by local communities of poor socioeconomic background, residing near the Pakistan-Afghan border. Data were collected via semi-structured during 2017–2020 and a total of 288 informers were interviewed in a different locality. In this survey, a total of 95 WFPs species of 39 families and 58 genera were documented. Among these WFPS, 70% of species are ethno-medicinally known. August was the peak month for the accessibility of WFPs (i.e., 17%). The most consumed parts were leaves (37%) and fruit (36%). Plant species of 36 families out of 39 were marketable and reported for the first time, which was further interrelated with taste, ethnobotanical, ethnomedicinal value, FC, and relative frequency of citation (RFC). Rhamnaceae and Rosaceae were the dominant families with the highest number of frequencies of citation (FC) and number of species. The highest FC (77) and RFC (0.267) were calculated for Ziziphus jujuba. This study presents the market potential and distribution of the WFPs for the first time in a war-affected zone. These findings would facilitate local people along the Pakistan-Afghan border and researchers to utilize WFPs to fulfill food requirements. We suggest that further pharmacological and biological assessments of these plants can contribute to economic prosperity, and increase the dietary diversity of this region.