Ethnoveterinary Medicine Research Articles

A systematic review on biological and medicinal properties of Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) Druce (Ehretiaceae) in Southern Africa

Wild plants are widely utilized as important sources of traditional medicines and food. Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) is one such plant species that occurs naturally in southern Africa and different parts of the plant have nutritional, cultural, and pharmaceutical importance. The current study is aimed at providing information on the medicinal and biological properties of E. rigida. The current review assessed the existing literature on the biological properties and medicinal uses of the plant. The study revealed that the leaves, twigs, stems, bark and roots of the plant are mainly used for ritual purposes, as traditional medicines for infertility, headache, abdominal pains, chest pains, pain, skin cuts, sprained joints, newborn baby infections, a good-luck charm, fire-making and rain-making ceremonies, warding-off enemies and dangerous animals and as ethnoveterinary medicine. The phytochemical evaluation of the species showed that it is characterized by allantoin, ?-amyrin, ?-amyrin, ?avonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, ?-sitosterol and 1-triacontanol. The pharmacological properties of different crude extracts demonstrated anticholinesterase inhibition, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review highlights the pharmaceutical and health benefits of E. rigida in different countries of southern Africa. Therefore, detailed ethnopharmacological evaluations of the species focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxicological evaluations, and in vivo and clinical research investigations are recommended.

Practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnobotanical knowledge of plants used to treat livestock diseases, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

Practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnobotanical knowledge of plants used to treat livestock diseases, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

Review on Phytochemicals, Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Activities of Psidium Guajava

Ethnoveterinary medicine include people's indigenous knowledge, skills, methods, practises, and beliefs about caring for themselves. The use of medicinal plants to cure illnesses is an established practise in underdeveloped nations where traditional medicine is used to preserve human health. Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) is well-known for its culinary and dietary benefits all over the world. Traditional systems of medicine are also aware of the therapeutic benefits of guava fruit, leaf, and other plant components. A range of plant-derived compounds, including quercetin, guaijaverin, isoflavonoids, gallic acid, catechin, epicathechin, rutin, naringenin, kaempferol flavonoids, and galactose-specific lecithins, have demonstrated potential action. Since the guava tree has economic value in every area, it is cultivated on a large scale. Guava fruit is referred to as the "poor man's apple of the tropics" because of the biological activity and therapeutic applications of the guava plant. Parts of the guava plant are utilised to create a range of commercial and medicinal goods. The nutritional value of guava fruit and the therapeutic characteristics of its many components have been examined in this study to give a comprehensive overview of its diverse commercial values.

A Study on the Training Needs of Veterinary Officers Working in Andhra Pradesh, India

The quality of the animal health care services delivered depends on the Knowledge and Skill updation of the qualified veterinary service providers (Veterinary Officers- VO). This study was aimed at studying the Training Need Assessment (TNA) of the VO’s in Andhra Pradesh. A survey was conducted through Google forms in a structured interview schedule by electronically, from 130 veterinary Officers working under state government of Andhra Pradesh. Data was collected through Gmail and WhatsApp, regarding the training needs of VO’s on different parameters covering different major subject areas of field importance and was presented in means and percentages. Most of the respondents were Males (74%) with an average experience in the field is 10 years and majority of them attended 8 subject related trainings in their service. Majority opined that they need training on Blood sample examination (72%), Sheep farming(65%), Ethno veterinary medicine (85%), Skill in surgical operations (86%), Infertility cases therapeutics (84%), Metabolic diseases (75%), Service rules and regulations (97%) and Complete feed preparation (79%). Majority of the respondents needed such trainings once in six months (68%), to be conducted as three day residential (57%) including much practical aspects (92%). Provision of the adequate resources and support by the public and private stakeholders for organizing need based trainings to the Veterinary Officers will help in achieving the knowledge updation of the field veterinarians.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Tinospora cordifolia nanoparticles against strongyle nematode of small ruminants

The age old Ethnoveterinary Medicine has turned into a limelight recently in the treatment of livestock as it is cheaper, easily available, sustainable and environmentally acceptable with nil residues in animal tissues and offals. These pristine herbal medicines can be the better alternatives to conventional anthelmintics with a greater resistance problem. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of Tinospora cordifolia extract as a reducing agent in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles as well as the effectiveness of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in inhibiting the hatching of strongyle nematode eggs in small ruminants. Aqueous extract of T. cordifolia leaves and stems was prepared and screened for phytochemical constituents. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the extract and characterized by using visual appearance, particle size and Zeta potential values. Egg hatch assay (EHA) was carried out according to the techniques and recommendations of the World Association for Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. Dynamic light scattering and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) were showed that the average particle size was 2.8nm. Zeta potential of synthesized silver nanoparticle was -18.4 mv. The egg hatch inhibition assay revealed a significant inhibition in a dose dependent manner, when compared with aqueous extracts of T. cordifolia. Thus, the present study warrants the potential anti- nematode activity of T. cordifolia however further studies are required to investigate the active principle responsible for the activity.

Ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plants amongst the tribal populations of District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: The current study expresses that most of the peoples were dependent on the natural resources as compared to cultivated. Domestic animals play a vital role in the development of human civilization that why plants are utilized as a remedy for a variety of domestic animals, in addition to humans. The people of District Malakand were extremely correlated with the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants as ethnoveterinary medicine. Methods: The present study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2017 for observing the area and also to collect the medicinal plants. The assessment was observed deeply the knowledge concerned with the traditional uses of medicinal plant to cure the animal diseases. Animal diseases are a major constraint for the livestock owners; therefore, some strategies and measures should be adopted in near future. During the study stratified sampling were carried using the questioner and interviewed the people and followed by group discussion was employed to achieve the goals. Results: The represented study has 76 plant species belonged to 45 families. Amongst them one species was Pteridophyte belonged to family Pteridaceae, and one was Gymnosperm belonged to Pinaceae, while the rest of 74 species of 43 families were Angiosperms. The herbs were dominant with 40 species (52.6 %), followed by trees with 22 species (29.0 %), and shrubs with 14 species (18.4 %). The largest families were Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae with 5 species each, while the second largest family was Rosaceae with 4 species. The third largest families were Apocynaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Brassicaceae, and Malvaceae with 3 species each. A total of thirty-three ailments were treated with different plants species. The most common ailments treated of the animals were constipation, intestinal worms, paralysis, broken bone, diuretic, diarrhea, indigestion, tympany, itching, and jaundice. Conclusion: The presented study revealed that production of animals played an important role in the inhabitants of Malakand district. Their people have abundant traditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary plant remedies and practical experience of animal care and production. The traditional knowledge is near to extinction in near future, due to the extensively usage of modern veterinary medicine. Keywords: Fidelity level, District Malakand, Medicinal plants, Pakistan, Traditional knowledge.

Use of Ethno-veterinary medicine among poultry farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

Use of Ethno-veterinary medicine among poultry farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

Medicinal plants and non-plant remedies used in the treatment of livestock ailments in Dawuro Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

Ethnoveterinary medicine is part of indigenous knowledge that has been used for many centuries in the world, particularly in developing countries. Owing to its history and wider utility in our society, a survey on ethnoveterinary practice was undertaken between October 2018 and December 2019, to assess and document this traditional practice in the treatment of livestock ailments in the Dawuro zone. Data on the type of herbs/shrubs and other non-plant consumables or materials were gathered from purposively selected 81 informants using a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions, participant observations, and field trips were also made. Data obtained from the questionnaire survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotanical methods. Samples of plants claimed to have medicinal value were collected and botanically identified. The study revealed that 92 plant species belonging to 44 families were in use. The family Asteraceae was the most frequently reported species (11.4%). Herbs (31.7%) were the main source of traditional prepared medicine followed by shrubs (31.5%). The leaves (40.5%) and roots (34.5%) were more commonly utilized parts of plants while pounding (78.8%) was the major formulation. Among the non-plant materials, bear faeces, sharp hot iron or wire/knife, and common salt showed the highest utility level (100%). Azadirachta indica was the most preferred species to treat blackleg and also with the highest use value (UVs=0.36). The study revealed that the local communities of the study areas were rich in indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary practices. Thus, a strong protective policy is needed to safeguard the plant species; and develop regulations in the applications of ethnoveterinary knowledge. Moreover, bioactive validation of plant chemical content, along with testing for efficacy and safety would be part of indispensable technicalities for rational utility in the future.

Prophylactic Acts and Ethnoveterinary Medicine for Sick Cattle in Few Cow Farming in the Wilaya of Skikda ( Northeastern Algeria )

A sample of 130 dairy cattle farms distributed in twenty communes of the wilaya of Skikda located in the North East of Algeria was the subject of investigations on the prophylactic acts during 3 agricultural campaigns and on the therapeutic methods adopted by the breeders when diseases appear in their herds as well as knowledge of traditional remedies based on medicinal plants used in dairy cattle farming to treat certain diseases. Concerning prophylactic acts, the regular monitoring of internal and external parasitism of animals practiced respectively in 58.6% and 82.2% of farms surveyed is significant compared to other regions of the country. On the other hand, vaccination against rabies is only practiced in 25.5% of farms. While the screening operations for tuberculosis and brucellosis were only carried out in 38.2% of cases. The breeders surveyed in the wilaya of Skikda adopt different strategies to try to treat their sick animals: 65.4% of ‘among them call on the veterinarian while 18.5% try to treat their sick animals themselves with the use of medicinal plants against certain diseases and other breeders use drugs and medicinal plants at the same time to accelerate healing for fear of veterinary costs. In terms of ethnobotany, the 20 plant species used in the composition of 24 traditional remedies to treat various livestock diseases have shown that the aerial part of the plant is the most used part (65%) and the form of use the most. the most widespread is the infusion (50%). It seems important to encourage scientific research in order to identify the traditional remedies used in ethnoveterinary medicine and to test their effectiveness.

ETHNOVETERINARY PRACTICES: A REVIEW OF PHYTOTHERAPEUTICAL APPROACHES IN THE TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK IN AFRICA: CASE OF CAMEROON

Livestock health is a vital production factor in all production units. In the developed world, a lot of resources are invested in preventive measures unlike in the developing countries where resources are geared toward curative methods of livestock health care. Smallholder livestock production is an important sector of Cameroon’s economy, therefore for a sustainable production there should be a good livestock health care system. In Cameroon, livestock production is entrusted to poor, old and illiterate’s farmers with their indigenous methods of keeping livestock healthy and productive. For Cameroon to increase production, ethno veterinary medicine, which is adapted and affordable to smallholder breeders, should be developed for a sustainable smallholder production. Over 90% of the materials used in ethno veterinary medicine are from plants, hence there is an urgent need to conserve and propagate the medicinal plants already identified for fear of extinction due to random harvesting. Since ethno veterinary plants will be continuously used by smallholder livestock producers, there is a need to development ethno veterinary gardens for a sustainable use and conservation of these plants’ species for future generations. More research is needed to evaluate and validate the ethno veterinary properties of these plants’ preparations through collaboration between the ethno veterinary practitioners and researchers.

Medicinal plants used against poultry diseases in Zimbabwe: A systematic review

The current study was aimed at documenting ethnoveterinary medicines (EVMs) used against poultry diseases in Zimbabwe and local ecological knowledge (LEK) associated with the docu¬mented plant species. Information related to EVMs used against poultry diseases in Zimbabwe was systematically collected using relevant keywords from online databases such as BioMed Central, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus and JSTOR, books, dissertations, theses, and scientific reports. This study showed that 69 species are traditionally used to manage poultry diseases in Zimbabwe. Most of the plant species (79.01%) that are used in poultry treatment and management are wild and 29.0% are exotic, cultivated, or naturalized. These species are used against 22 medical conditions, mainly in the treatment and management of coccidiosis, Newcastle, cough, diarrhea, wounds, and ectopar¬asites. Adenia gummifera, Aloe arborescens, Aloe chabaudii, Aloe greatheadii, Actaea spicata, Bobgunnia madagascariensis, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, Cynanchum viminale, and Erythrina abyssinica have the highest number of EVM uses. This review highlights the importance of EVMs for the healthcare of poultry in Zimbabwe. Therefore, detailed ethnopharmacological evaluations of the species focusing on their phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxico¬logical evaluations, in vivo and clinical research investigations are recommended.

IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) AND MELIA AZEDARACH (BAKAIN) ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR SILVER NANOPARTICLES AGAINST HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS

Synthetic drugs are mostly used for the control and prevention of parasitic ailments in ruminants. However, the resource-poor people of developing countries use herbal medicines to treat their animals. Ethnoveterinary medicine along with its huge beneficial effects also prevents the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to validate the efficacy of these medicinal plants scientifically for their future use to control endoparasitic infections. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the in vitrobanthelmintic effects of two indigenous plant extracts namely Azadirachta (A.) indica and Melia (M.) azedarach. The essential oils (EOs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of these two plants were obtained from their seeds and leaves by hydro-distillation and centrifugation techniques. Their effects were studied by performing the egg hatch assay (EHA) and adult motility assay (AMA) against Haemonchus contortus. The results of their efficacy were analyzed using Probit analysis. In our study, EO and NP of M. azedarachbresulted in a 50% reduction of egg hatching in EHA at 0.209 and 0.204µL/L, and for A. indica at 0.456 and 0.184µL/L respectively. Essential oils and AgNPs of A. indica and M. azedarach were found to be effective in AMA at 0.036, 0.362, 0.305, and 0.032µL/L respectively. Further studies are still required to know more about their effectiveness against different parasitic stages.

Efficacy of ethno veterinary medicine (Herbolact) in bovine mastitis

Efficacy of ethno veterinary medicine (Herbolact) in bovine mastitis

Fractionation Coupled to Molecular Networking: Towards Identification of Anthelmintic Molecules in Terminalia leiocarpa (DC.) Baill.

Terminalia leiocarpa is a medicinal plant widely used in ethnoveterinary medicine to treat digestive parasitosis whose extracts were shown to be active against gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic ruminants. The objective of our study was to identify compounds responsible for this activity. Column fractionation was performed, and the activity of the fractions was assessed in vitro on Haemonchus contortus and Caenorhabditis elegans as well as their cytotoxicity on WI38 fibroblasts. Two fractions were the most active on both nematode models and less cytotoxic. LC-MS/MS analysis and manual dereplication coupled to molecular networking allowed identification of the main compounds: ellagic acid and derivatives, gallic acid, astragalin, rutin, quinic acid, and fructose. Other potentially identified compounds such as shikimic acid, 2,3-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose or an isomer, quercetin-3-O-(6-O-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside or an isomer, and a trihydroxylated triterpenoid bearing a sugar as rosamultin are reported in this plant for the first time. Evaluation of the anthelmintic activity of the available major compounds showed that ellagic and gallic acids were the most effective in inhibiting the viability of C. elegans. Their quantification in fractions 8 and 9 indicated the presence of about 8.6 and 7.1 µg/mg ellagic acid and about 9.6 and 2.0 µg/mg gallic acid respectively. These concentrations are not sufficient to justify the activity observed. Ellagic acid derivatives and other compounds that were found to be positively correlated with the anthelmintic activity of the fractions may have additive or synergistic effects when combined, but other unidentified compounds could also be implicated in the observed activity.

Use of medicinal plants distributed in lowland Karabakh in ethnoveterinary medicine

Use of medicinal plants distributed in lowland Karabakh in ethnoveterinary medicine

Phenolic composition of ten plants species used as ethnoveterinary medicines in Omusati and Kunene regions of Namibia.

The therapeutic benefits of phenolic compounds found in plants are well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenolic content of ten plant species used as ethnoveterinary treatments in Namibia's Omusati and Kunene regions. The plants of concern were Aloe esculenta, Fockea angustifolia, Boscia albitrunca, Combretum imberbe, Acacia nilotica, Colophospermum mopane, Acacia erioloba, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia americana, and Salvadora persica. An LC-MS approach was used to identify the compounds. To analyse high-resolution UPLC-UV/MS, a Waters Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (UPLC) with a photodiode array detector was connected to a Waters Synapt G2 quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MS). The current study identified a total of 29 phenolic compounds. Flavonoids (epicatechin, (-)-Epigallocatechin, and rutin,) were the most abundant, followed by 2R, 3S-Piscidic acid. Methylisocitric acid was found in all species investigated, with the highest quantities in A. esculenta and X. americana leaf extracts. There were differences in composition and quantity of phenolic compounds in aerial and ground sections between species. The overall findings of the present study would act as a standard for subsequent investigations into the pharmacological potentials of plants species utilized as ethnoveterinary remedies. Priority should be given to isolating, purifying, and defining the active compounds responsible for these plants' activity.

The traditional uses of plant diversity in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe: Timber & construction, ethnoveterinary medicine, firewood & charcoal, food, tools and handicraft, religious ceremonies & rituals & other uses

Background: Most people who reside in rural areas have over the years benefited from the utilization of forest products obtained from forests and surrounding woodlands. Both timber and non-timber forest products are important in livelihood maintenance, provision of security, reduction of poverty and malnutrition and help generate income. The aim of the study is to evaluate and document plants that are traditionally used by community in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe and to assess their contribution to the livelihood and sustenance of the community. Methods: Ethnobotanical data was collected from February 2022 till March 2022 through semi-structured interviews and data analysed through quantitative indices such as use value (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). Field surveys were made to collect voucher specimens, which were identified, authenticated and deposited at the National Herbarium, Zimbabwe. Results: A total of 89 plant species belonging to 81 genera and 44 families are traditionally used in Gokwe South District. The Fabaceae family is the highest plant species (15 species) followed by Anacardiaceae and Euphorbiaceae (five species each). Seven use categories were identified with the food category recording the highest number of plant species used (48 species) followed by tools and handicraft (29 species). Conclusions: The study showed that the traditional use of plant is still a common practice in the district. The great diversity of plants gives the need for their conservation and sustainable use to be established and monitored. Keywords: Plant diversity, use patterns, traditional uses of plants, Gokwe South District

Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Plants of Southern Region, Ethiopia.

For decades, Ethiopians have employed ethnoveterinary medicinal plants to cure both human and livestock ailments. Currently, few studies have been conducted on antimicrobial activity evaluation in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, is designed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of selected ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used in treating livestock ailments in the study area. Ethanol extracts of plants obtained by maceration of roots and leaves of four medicinal plant species were studied for potential antimicrobial activity using a disc diffusion method against S. aureus and E. coli. Data obtained from experiments were analyzed using ANOVA and the significant test was set to P < 0.05. The antibacterial properties of four ethanol extracts of leaves of Withania somnifera L., Becium obovatum, Ageratum conyzoides L., and root of Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Defiers were evaluated in vitro and found to be effective against S. aureus but not E. coli. There was no significant difference between the studied plant species and concentrations (p > 0.05), according to the results. The four test extracts had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL, with inhibitory potential ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg/mL. Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Defiers's antibacterial activity at a concentration of 100 mg/mL (18.67 3.78 mm) was comparable to the standard antibiotic (Gentamicin 20g per disc), which had a measurement of 23.08 ±0.9 mm. This finding on the selected medicinal plants of Dawuro Zone supports the traditional claims of effective antimicrobial activity in the treatment of livestock health management. Hence, the study suggests further investigations need to be conducted to isolate and elucidate active ingredients in the plant materials tested.

Ethno-veterinary practice for the treatment of cattle diseases in the Eastern highlands of Nigeria

Background: Cattle rearing is the main means of livelihood for the Fulani people in the highlands of Gashaka Gumti National Park in Nigeria, however the remote location and inaccessible terrain prevent access to modern veterinary care. This puts both livestock and their keepers at risk. To survive, the inhabitants of this area rely on traditional methods to heal their animals. Regrettably, the Ethno-veterinary Medicine (EVM) knowledge in this region is jeopardized by the locals changing their preferences due to rapid socio-economic, environmental and technological changes taking place all over the world. Therefore, documenting the therapeutic knowledge of the medicinal plant is imperative to prevent it from being lost. Materials and Methods: We conducted repeated field surveys and data were collected from sixty community members using semi-structured questionnaires through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) approach. Results: A total of eighty-eight (88) plant species belonging to 73 genera and 37 families, were recorded for the treatment of 24 cattle diseases. The most represented families were Fabaceae (17 species), and Asteraceae (7 species). Trees were the dominant plants recorded (49 species). Pterocarpus erinaceous was the most widely used therapeutic plant species. Leaves (27%) were the most widely used plant parts, followed by the whole plant (22%), stem bark (14%), and others. The most frequent route of medicinal administration was oral, followed by topical application. Out of the 24 ailments recorded, Bovine tuberculosis was the most reported ailments followed by Pneumonia. Conclusion: Together, these data show that the Fulani people in the study area have a vast knowledge of medicinal plants useful for effective treatment of cattle illness where traditional veterinary care is unavailable. It is pertinent to say that our study has made an important contribution towards the preservation of EVM knowledge of the study area. Therefore, subjecting the most utilized species to a phytochemical and pharmacological investigation is imperative for possible novel discovery and the production of cheap drugs. Keywords: Gashaka Gumti National Park, Chabbal Hendu, Afromontane, Fulani, Tuberculosis

Traditional medicine practices of Guji Semi-Pastoralist People to treat livestock ailments in Suro Barguda District, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia

The objectives of this research were to collect, identify, document, and analyze ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their associated indigenous knowledge including their preparation and application by traditional healers, and the status of their conservation by Guji Semi-Pastoralist People of Suro Barguda District, West Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Forty-six ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species representing 43 genera and 29 families were identified in the district (Additional file 1). About 26.1% of the families were represented by more than one species. The highest number of species was recorded for Asteraceae (5 species), followed by Euphorbiaceae (4 species) and most ethnoveterinary medicines were prepared from herbs and shrubs than other growth forms. Chopping the remedial parts and homogenizing them with cold water was found to be the major mode of remedy preparation. All documented ethnoveterinary plant species were harvested from the wild and observed as exposed to depletion. About 4.4% of the ethnoveterinary medicinal plants of Suro Barguda District were endemic to Ethiopia. This study indicated that the study area encompasses different species of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants which should be given conservation priority and the local community depends largely on these plants for the treatment of different livestock ailments although the healers had a very high intention to keep their traditional knowledge secrete. The indigenous knowledge of pastoralists about plants and breeding different species of livestock, as well as their environmental management systems (traditional forest, soil, and water conservation systems), should be incorporated in the planning and implementation of developmental interventions.