Ethnobotanical Investigation Research Articles

Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in Yunnan Province, China

The traditional medicinal knowledge in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China have been poorly studied. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPvY) is widely cultivated and used as indigenous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat cancer in northwest Yunnan. This study aims to reveal the traditional medicinal knowledge of PPvY and folk formulas related to PPvY through literature research and ethnobotanical investigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 highly regarded folk doctors in the northwest of Yunnan, China, based on relevant data collected in the initial phase of the research. We identified twenty-three traditional treatments, thirty pairing herbs used with PPvY in therapy, and eight processing methods of PPvY. The results indicated that PPvY and its associated formulas containing PPvY were primarily used for treating cancer and inflammation and for clearing heat and detoxifying. The TCM herbs most frequently used alongside PPvY included Engleromyces sinensis and Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis. The commonly employed processing methods primarily involved using PPvY in both its dry and fresh forms, while special processing methods, such as processing in wine and honey, steaming, and foil-packet boiling, were worth further research. Our results highlight the diversity of medicinal plants and the richness of traditional medical knowledge in northwest Yunnan, China. This study may offer clues for the development and research of indigenous medicinal plants. Additionally, a collective effort is needed to create a plan for the sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, enhancing local economic development while safeguarding biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge.

Ras El Hanout: a theriac of therapeutic plants and spices - Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical investigation in the city of Meknes (Morocco)

Ras El Hanout: a theriac of therapeutic plants and spices - Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical investigation in the city of Meknes (Morocco)

Ethnobotany study on wild edible plants used by the Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng, southwest Hubei, China.

Wild edible plants hold a significant position in the lives of local residents, serving as a primary food source or supplement. Laifeng County, located in the hinterland of the central mountainous area of China, boasts abundant wild edible plant resources. The Tujia people, residing here for generations, have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge in the long-term practice of utilizing wild edible plants. The aim of this study is to document and organize the traditional utilization of wild edible plants by the Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng. An ethnobotanical investigation, comprising semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observations, was conducted in 26 traditional villages in Laifeng County from May 2023 to June 2024. A total of 252 informants were interviewed, from whom information about wild edible plants, including edible parts, food categories, consumption modes, and multiple uses was collected. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) and the cultural food significance index (CFSI) were calculated to identify the cultural importance of wild edible plants. A total of 163 species of wild edible plants consumed by the Tujia people in Laifeng, belonging to 64 families and 118 genera and related traditional knowledge were collected, including vegetables (78), fruits (52), wine-soaking plants (12), spices (11), food substitutes (9), tea substitutes (6), nuts (5), coagulants (2), and oil (1). The most frequently used families were Rosaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae, with 23, 10, and 10 species, respectively. The most commonly utilized plant parts were fruits, leaves, and stems. RFC and CFSI analyses identified 14 species of wild edible plants with high cultural importance in the local diet, such as Allium macrostemon, Houttuynia cordata, and Hovenia acerba. The Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng demonstrates extensive knowledge in their traditional usage of wild edible plants, offering unique and robust insights into the harvesting, processing, and consumption of these resources. Over time, this practice has become an integral part of the local food culture. These findings contribute to the preservation of the Tujia culture of wild edible plants in Laifeng and the conservation and development of wild edible plant resources.

Maroon Rice Genomic Diversity Reflects 350 Years of Colonial History.

Maroons in Suriname and French Guiana descend from enslaved Africans who escaped the plantations during colonial times. Maroon farmers still cultivate a large diversity of rice, their oldest staple crop. The oral history and written records of Maroons by colonial authorities provide contrasting perspectives on the origins of Maroon rice. Here, we analyzed the genomic ancestry of 136 newly sequenced Maroon rice varieties and found seven genomic groups that differ in their geographical associations. We interpreted these findings in light of ethnobotanical and archival investigations to reconstruct the historical contexts associated with the introduction of rice varieties to the Guianas. We found that two rice groups trace to West Africa, which we propose are linked to the transatlantic slave trade (c. 1526 to 1825). We posit that the Maroon rice stock additionally contains varieties that derive from rice introduced by indentured laborers from Java (1890 onwards), USA rice breeders (1932 onwards), and Hmong refugees who fled the Vietnam War (1991). Furthermore, on the Maroon fields, we found rice types never documented before that were derived from crosses. Overall, our results demonstrate that the Maroon farmers prioritize maintenance of a high stock diversity, which we posit reflects the expertise they inherited from their (African) ancestors. Ignored by agricultural modernization initiatives, Maroon farmers today are custodians of a unique cultural heritage. Notably, the genomic findings underline many Maroon stories about their past. We anticipate that a similar study approach can be applied to other heirloom crops of (Indigenous) communities that may have preserved their history on their farms to reconstruct, acknowledge, and honor the past.

Quantitative ethnobotanical investigation in Northern District of Lesser Himalayas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Quantitative ethnobotanical investigation in Northern District of Lesser Himalayas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

An ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants used among rural communities in Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India: a quantitative study

The present study aims to document and analyze information related to significant ethnomedicinal plants in rural communities of Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India. Data collection involved the use of open-ended and semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on ethnomedicinal plant usage, including specific plants, applications, and traditional healing practices. Quantitative indices such as Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Use value (UV), Family use value (FUV), Informant consensus factor (ICF), and Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity (JCS) were employed to quantify and analyze the gathered information. A total of 201 medicinal plants, belonging to 170 genera and 76 families, were recorded for treating various diseases, with trees (43%), herbs (33%), and climbers (13%) being predominantly used. Plants such as Hedychium coronarium and Cordia macleodii exhibited high RFC and high UV, particularly for treating eye and blood pressure problems. Vanda tessellata showed a high informant consensus factor for treating ear-related problems. Positive correlations were found between RFC and UV (0.631) and RFC and FUV (0.159). The study highlights the prevalence of traditional healing practices using medicinal plants in the area. Documentation of ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic applications could stimulate further exploration into phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, potentially leading to the development of novel pharmaceuticals.

Assessment of Plants Used in Polyherbal Formulations for Traditional Treatment of Skin Infections in Ibadan Metropolis

IntroductionThere are numerous skin diseases and frequently occurring health problems that affect all ages, from neonates to the elderly, and in many ways cause harm. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. It is also suitable for raw materials or the production of new synthetic drugs.The present study was aimed at carrying out an ethnobotanical investigation of polyherbal formulations traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections in the Ibadan metropolis. MethodsA comprehensive ethnobotanical survey was carried out in six local government areas within the Ibadan metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria, where a substantial number of respondents were administered questionnaires. Information on the respondents' socioeconomic status, the types of plants utilised in polyherbal medicine, and the preparation and skill-acquisition techniques of the local herbal practitioners were all gathered. The generated data were subjected to descriptive statistics analysis. ResultsThe obtained results showed that Daniella oliveri, Olax subcorpioidea, Khaya grandifolia, Piper guineensis, Anogesius leocarpa, and Alstonia boonei are the most often utilised herbs for treating skin infections. Barks are mainly used because the highest occurring mode of preparation recorded was decoction, and barks are mostly decocted to release the active constituents in them for the treatment of fungal skin infections. The most common method of administration of the herbal preparations was drinking the decoction after preparation. ConclusionsThis study confirmed that polyherbal medicines have great potential in treating various types of skin infections and a few rural and urban dwellers still depend on traditional healing methods.

Ethnobotanical investigation on herbal remedies for musculoskeletal disorders in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Ethnobotanical investigation on herbal remedies for musculoskeletal disorders in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by various ethnic tribes of Mizoram, India.

Mizoram has a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups, including the Lushai, Mara, Lai, Bawm, Hmar, Chakma, and Bru. Through practice and experience in their protracted battles with disease and the harsh natural environment, they have amassed rich folk medicine knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge, identification of bioactive compounds, and the eventual discovery of novel medicinal plant species all depend on the documentation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was designed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge related to the usage of medicinal plants in Mizoram, India. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 17 villages of 5 districts in Mizoram between September 2022 and January 2023. A total of 128 informants (77 males and 51 females) were interviewed. Information was gathered through field observations, group discussions, and semistructured interviews. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. To assess the importance of medicinal plant species, quantitative indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and cultural index (CI) was used. In our ethnobotanical investigation, 102 medicinal plant species from 95 genera and 58 families were recorded and documented. The majority of them (90 species) were obtained from wild habitats. The majority of the documented species were trees (48), followed by herbs (23 species) and shrubs (21 species). The most common method of preparation was decoction (67 species). Diabetes had the highest ICF value (0.81), followed by cancer, liver problems, and hypertension (0.8). The fidelity level (FL) of indigenous communities in the study area was evaluated to determine the dependability and consistency of herbal drug use. Indigenous knowledge and the variety of medicinal plant species that are used are of great values. The therapeutic applications of documented plants provide fundamental information for additional studies centered on pharmacological investigations and the preservation of the most significant species.

Enhancing tree species conservation in Burkina Faso through indigenous knowledge

Natural resources such as plant plays an important role in the livelihood of many local people in Africa. The high anthropogenic pressure on plant resources lead to their disappearance. Assessing ethnobotanical knowledge is useful for development of management and conservation of plant resources. Focusing on woody plants, our ethnobotanical investigations involved 60 randomly selected households across two Sahelian villages. Through semi-structured interviews, we meticulously assessed indigenous knowledge and perceptions related to the conservation of 41 woody plant species spanning 32 genera and 15 families.Our analysis categorized these species based on their diverse uses, encompassing food, medicine, fodder, construction, energy and art. The most dominant families reported Fabaceae and Combretaceae followed by Malvaceae. Notably, fruits, leaves, bark, and seeds emerged as the most valued plant organs.Crucially, our findings pinpointed human activities as the primary threat to species conservation, overshadowing climatic factors. We further identified key species and prioritized those in need of urgent conservation efforts. This study underscores the imperative of incorporating indigenous knowledge and perceptions into the development of effective conservation management strategies for plant resources in Sahelian zone.

Ethnobotanical investigation of nutraceuticals used in the Nyong and Kelle Division, Centre Region, Cameroon

This study presents an ethnobotanical investigation of nutraceuticals plants used by the people of the Nyong and Kelle Division, in the Centre Region of Cameroon, to address various ailments. A systematic survey was conducted in ten markets and ten villages, where food traders were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on the medicinal uses of plants. Traditional healers, elders, and community members validated the collected information. A total of 56 plants with medicinal properties were identified, categorized as 30 fruit trees, 19 vegetables, and 7 spices, belonging to 32 botanical families. The Anacardiaceae and Solanaceae families were the most represented. These nutraceuticals were found to treat 28 different illnesses, with the leaves being the most commonly used plant organ. Decoctions were the primary therapeutic indication, and digestive system-related ailments were prevalent. This research contributes to the preservation and dissemination of ethnobotanical knowledge inherited from previous generations.

Evaluation of rheological properties of plant extracts from Mediterranean flora in goat milk

The pastoral area of internal Cilento (Campania, Southern Italy) claims many valuable cheeses and according to the oral tradition, when animal rennet was not available for goat cheeses, some wild plants were used for their curdling properties. The cheese market is in continuous evolution, looking for new cheeses but also linked to the territory and tradition. On the bases of an ethnobotanical investigation, the coagulating properties of water extracts of the wild species Teucrium chamaedrys L., Galium aparine L., Galium verum L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Chelidonium majus L., and Urtica dioica L. were evaluated on goat milk by rheological test with a Formagraph instrument at two doses (60 μl vs. 50 μl per 10 mL goat milk) at 36 °C, and at lab-scale by micro cheesemaking test at 0.5 mL/100 mL goat milk. For all plant extracts, the best Milk Rheological Properties were found at the lowest dose of extract. In the lab-scale test, all plant extracts except C. majus showed interesting clotting behaviour. The results confirmed the pastoral tradition and opened to new perspectives to produce goat cheeses with no-animal rennet using these wild species, linked to the heritage of the geographical area. Further studies will be carried out on the chemical composition, besides the antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content, to attempt explaining the MRPs.

Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal and aromatic plants used in the traditional treatment of COVID-19 in the rural commune of Bni Hadifa, province of Al Hoceima (Central Rif, Northern Morocco)

This ethnobotanical investigation was conducted in the rural commune of Bni Hadifa belonging to the Al Hoceima province (North of Morocco), to inventory the principal medicinal plants traditionally used to treat Covid-19. Ethnobotanical information was recorded from 84 inhabitants aged over 18 years in the different communes of the study area, using an ethnobotanical survey based on a questionnaire and semistructured interviews. Data were examined by surveying the relative citation frequency (RFC) and family importance value (FIV). The obtained results permitted the inventory of 40 aromatic and medicinal plants (MAPs) species owned by 20 families, the most important of which by their number of species were: Lamiaceae (12 species), Apiaceae (5 species), Asteraceae (3 species), and two species for each of Amaryllidaceae, Myrtaceae, and Rutaceae. Furthermore, the following species: Allium sativum, Thymus glandulosus, Lavandula dentata L, Citrus limon L, Eucalyptus globulus labill, Artemisia herba-alba, and Marrubium vulgare L were the most frequently cited by the RFC index. Leaves were found to be the common plant organ used to treat Covid-19, while decoction was the most frequent preparation mode. This study also showed that over 90% of the respondents proved the efficacy of the plants used against Covid-19. However, most of the users of these plants did not respect the administered doses and were unaware of the toxicity and lethal effects that could be caused by these plants when taking high doses. The results of this survey demonstrate that the plants used to combat Covid-19 may constitute a promising database for future research in the extraction and chemical analysis of potentially effective biomolecules against this virus.

Ethnobotanical Investigation of Mimusops zeyheri, an Underutilized Indigenous Fruit Tree in Gauteng Province, South Africa

In developing countries, the livelihoods of millions of households heavily rely on wild fruit products to meet their basic needs. With its many nutritious assets, Mimusops zeyheri could, therefore, be valued as a natural resource for fighting hunger, poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity in developing countries. Indigenous fruit trees remain underutilized and harvested in the wild, with few cultivated sustainably. The study aimed to explore and document the various uses of M. zeyheri. Using face-to-face, semi-structured questionnaires, an ethnobotanical survey was collected among 53 participants using purposive sampling in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Descriptive statistics and ethnobotanical indices, such as Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), were used for analysis. M. zeyheri was reported to have various uses, which included but was not limited to food and medicine. It was found that the most commonly used plant components were fruits (47%) and leaves (22%). Decoction (39%) was the most popular method of preparation. M. zeyheri has become scarce in the surveyed communities, presumably due to extensive habitat destruction caused by population increases. Therefore, due to its scarcity, it does not significantly improve the livelihoods or overall well-being of local communities. This study suggests that M. zeyheri could improve food and economic security if thoroughly investigated and cultivated on a large scale.

Ethnobotanical investigations of insecticidal plants in Guinean flora: Case of the Boke region (Republic of Guinea)

Ethnobotanical investigations of insecticidal plants in Guinean flora: Case of the Boke region (Republic of Guinea)

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in cosmetics in Ketama (North of Morocco)

Medicinal plants serve as a significant source of bioactive molecules, with their utilization in the medical realm dating back to ancient times through herbal preparations. In Morocco, the utilization of plants remains integral to traditional medicine. Despite numerous studies documenting indigenous knowledge regarding plant use, scant attention has been given to northern Morocco, particularly the Rif region. This study seeks to enrich and consolidate our understanding of plant utilization in this area. The ethnobotanical investigation was centred on medicinal plants employed in cosmetics within northern Morocco. A questionnaire was disseminated, gathering data encompassing plant names, utilized plant parts, and preparation methods. The study identified 32 plant species utilized in cosmetics, including Cannabis sativa L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Juglans regia L., and Rubus fruticosus L. Leaves emerged as the most used plant parts, with decoction and infusion being the predominant preparation methods. This survey facilitated a comprehensive examination of ethnobotanical knowledge, shedding light on the primary plants employed in cosmetics. Prudent management of these resources is imperative to prevent future shortages.

An ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal and aromatic plants used in Al Hoceima National Park

In the northern region of Morocco, specifically in the Province of Al Hoceima, the establishment of the Al Hoceima National Park (ANP) serves as a designated protected area. The primary purpose of this park is to promote the conservation, protection, and sustainable development of the diverse natural resources present. The ANP boasts a significant variety of flora, particularly medicinal and aromatic plants (AMP). This research aimed to identify and highlight the AMP the local rural population utilizes. Conducted between August 2020 and March 2021, an ethnobotanical survey engaged herbalists, traditional healers, and rural residents through structured questionnaires. These surveys elicited specific information about the informants and details regarding the plants in use. This survey revealed the identification of 47 taxa based on vernacular names, which were subsequently matched with their scientific names according to available literature. These taxa are distributed among 29 botanical families, with notable prevalence in Lamiaceae, comprising 8 species, followed by Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Solanaceae, each with 3 species. The study further indicates that the most utilized parts of these plants are the foliage and leafy stems, with decoctions being the predominant method of preparation for remedies. The investigation into the diseases treated revealed that digestive infections rank highest, followed by respiratory infections. Sociodemographic characteristics analysis indicated a slightly higher usage of medicinal plants by women than men. The insights gleaned from this research offer valuable information for the studied region and contribute to the broader understanding of the national medicinal flora.

Ethnobotanical investigation of plants used in the treatment of neuropathic pain among walking herbalists in southern Benin

Ethnobotanical investigation of plants used in the treatment of neuropathic pain among walking herbalists in southern Benin

Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Female Infertility in Kita, Mali

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the plants used in the traditional treatment of female infertility in Kita, Mali.
 Place and Duration of Study: The ethnobotanical investigation has been conducted in the town of Kita (Mali) from April to July, 2021. The data management and analysis were carried out at Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FST), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Mali, between August 2021 and January 2023.
 Methodology: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out using questionnaire addressed to the available people who gave their free consent.
 Results: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among fifty-two (52) people, including twenty (20) traditional practitioners, ten (10) herbalists, six (6) people who are both herbalists and traditional practitioners, and sixteen (16) housewives inside the town of Kita. The survey revealed 38 plant species belonged to 25 botanical families. The most represented families were Moraceae (28.94%), Sapotaceae (26.31%), Fabaceae (26.30%), Apocynaceae (21.05%). The most coveted plant species by the local populations to treat female infertility were Ficus capensis with 26.31%, Vitellaria paradoxa with 23.68%, Stereospermum kunthinum with 21.05%, Leptadenia hastata with 21.05%. The leaves have been the most frequently used organs (43%). These plants were mostly used as decoctions (80%) and administered by oral route (89%). The commonly associated ailments with female infertility included pelvic pains, dysmenorrhea and Toxoplasma gondii infections.
 Conclusion: This survey has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the anti-fertility plants used in the town of Kita.

Review of Traditional Plants from Toliara Province in Southern Madagascar for the Treatment of Diabetes and Cancer

In all countries, plants have always been and still are used for their health benefits as part of traditional medicine. The same is true of Madagascar, which also boasts considerable biodiversity, including plants that are totally endemic to the country. Our study aims to identify medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diabetes and cancer in the province of Toliara in Madagascar. At the end of the survey we carried out with the local population, using pre-established questionnaires, 34 plants were identified. Thus, among the species recorded, Myrothamnus moschatus, Zanthoxylum decaryi and Calotropis procera were targeted. These are multi-use species, they are used respectively to treat convulsion, hypertension and healing. Among the three species studied, two are endemic to Madagascar (Myrothamnus moschatus and Zanthoxylum decaryi), however the third is introduced. This study has enabled us to demonstrate the importance of ethnobotanical investigation in the field of research. The identification of these three species provides us with a basis for phytochemical development.