Ethnobotanical Survey Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of urogenital disorders in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Southeastern Morocco: An Ethnobotanical Survey

This study presents an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of urogenital disorders in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, located in southeastern Morocco. The survey involved 200 herbalists and medicinal plant vendors across three provinces: Errachidia, Tinghir, and Zagora. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using metrics such as use value (UV), frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and family importance value (FIV). The study identified 80 species belonging to 44 plant families. The most represented families were Asteraceae (8 species), Lamiaceae (7 species), Apiaceae (7 species), and Fabaceae (6 species). The species most frequently cited treating urogenital disorders included Petroselinum sativum Hoff. (RFC = 0.018), Arenaria rubra L. (RFC = 0.016), Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lank. (RFC = 0.016), Zea mays (RFC = 0.013), Artemisia herba-alba (RFC = 0.013), and Ammi visnaga (RFC = 0.011). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (35%). The primary preparation methods of these remedies were decoction (53.75%) and infusion (30%), with oral administration being the preferred route (95%). The findings of this study provide a valuable resource for researchers and practioners of traditional medicine, highlighting the importance of Morocco's medicinal flora. This ethnobotanical knowledge not only supports the conservation of national pharmacopoeia but also offers a promising foundation for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, particularly for the treatment of urogenital disorders. Future research could further investigate the bioactive compounds present in the identified species, potentially leading to innovative treatments for urogenital health issues.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by diabetes patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The scope of this study is to describe the ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) among diabetic patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 388 patients attending the medical clinic of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analysed to generate the summary of the percentages using descriptive statistics. Family Important Value (FIV) and Related Frequency Citation (RFC) were calculated to quantitatively determine the common consent between the informants on the use of endemic medicinal plants in the division. A total of 59 species belonging to 33 families were reported by 329 diabetic patients with the response rate of 100%. Among them Moringa oleifera Lamk. (142) was stated as the species with the highest RFC value, followed by Gymnema sylvestre (105), Momordica charantia Linn. (104). Moringaceae was the most dominant family with FIV 43.16. The value of RFC of the plants mentioned in this survey varied from 0.003 to 0.432. Moringa oleifera Lamk. showed the highest RFC value (0.432). In this study, 29 plant species used for DM management were reported for the first time in Sri Lanka. Further, antidiabetic property of Achyranthus polygonoides, Argyreia pomacea Wall. ex Choisy and Cassia tomentosa are yet to be investigated. These findings facilitate the documentation and the conservation of medicinal plants used for DM by the patients in Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Moreover this study open doors for phytochemical screening and identification of new antidiabetic active compounds.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Transmissible Diseases

Herbal medicine, as an ancient traditional medical method, predates the establishment of contemporary healthcare systems within human culture. Globally, several groups develop their own indigenous forms of medicine and corresponding methodologies for treating and enhancing overall well-being. The research presents a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of transmissible diseases in Katsina State. A random selection technique was employed in conjunction with an open-ended interview guide over the period spanning from October 2022 to June 2023. The demographic information of the respondents was ascertained using Excel 2016. Quantitatively, the documented plants were subjected to analysis based on their Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). This study identified 26 medicinal plants used in the administration and treatment of various transmissible diseases in the northern Nigerian state of Katsina. Moringa oleifera (28%) is the most frequently reported plant, followed by Olea Europaea (24%) and Azadirachta indica (20%). Leaves were the most frequently used part of the plants (69%), common method of preparation is decoction (65%). As their popularity and recognition expanded throughout the world, plants with medical potential remain the sole hope for the future. According to the current study, people of Katsina citizens had a solid awareness of the medicinal plant. Even with the progress of contemporary medicine, the people in the area still depend on using traditional plants for medical purposes.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the indigenous people of Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the indigenous people of Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in north-central Morocco as natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents

For centuries, the Moroccan population has relied on herbs as medicine to treat a variety of diseases, especially inflammation and pain-related ones. To the best of our knowledge, no survey had ever been conducted to address this subject in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco. Thus, a survey was conducted of 544 interviewees, using a semi-structured ethnopharmacological survey designed with “Why-How” questions about plants used, their vernacular names, parts used, mode of preparation, and mode of administration. Fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC), frequency of citation (FC), informant consensus factor (ICF), and family importance value (FIV) were calculated. A total of 104 plant species belonging to 49 families used for inflammatory and pain treatment were documented. Lamiaceae (16 species) was the most used family and Curcuma longa L. (RFC=0.069) was the most frequently prescribed by local traditional healers and herbalists. Leaves were the most used part for herbal remedies, appearing in 30.8 % of preparations. Decoctions and infusions were the most popular preparation methods with percentages of 38.3 % and 19.2 %, respectively. Inflammations and pain in the digestive system had the largest widespread affections (IFC= 0.729) in the Fez-Meknes region. The findings of this study uncovered a reliable and original source of ethnomedicinal data pertaining to plants used to treat inflammation and inflammatory pain in the Fez-Meknes region, which could serve as a credible source of knowledge to determine new-based phytomedicines.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Northwestern Nigeria

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Northwestern Nigeria

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.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants claimed by traditional herbal practitioners to manage digestive disorders in an oasis of Tafilalet-Morocco

To highlight the different medicinal plants traditionally used by the local citizens of the Tafilalet region to treat digestive disorders, floristic and ethnobotanical research was conducted in that region from April 2021 to July 2021. The ethnobotanical surveys were carried out using questionnaire sheets with 30 herbalists in different areas in Tafilalet (Errachidia, Rissani, and Erfoud). This study enabled us to gather extensive information about local traditions of therapeutic practices using medicinal plants on one hand and to make a floristic catalog of the same plants on the other hand. Thus, this work ended up by identifying 48 species belonging to 28 floristic families in which Apiaceae and Lamiaceae are the most dominant, and the Ranunculaceae exhibited the highest family use value (FUV=0.667). Of the species listed, Nigella sativa L. has the highest use value (UVs=0.677). The highest relative citation frequency is noted for Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Nigella sativa (RFC=0.233). The leaves (29.82%) are the most used part of plants, and a large part of the remedies are used in powder form (35%) and infusion (28%). The most treated digestive disorders are gastritis (26%) and abdominal pain (24%).

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by people cured of SARS-CoV-2 in the center of Algeria

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by people cured of SARS-CoV-2 in the center of Algeria

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Genito-Urinary Diseases in the Region of Fez, Morocco

IntroductionMedicinal and aromatic plants have been used for healing for a long time, and their methods of use have been inherited by the generations. However, there was little interest in studying this heritage and highlighting it to discover new molecules. This study was conducted in the region of Fez-Morocco, to collect the maximum information on the plants used by the local population to treat genito-urinary diseases, and to enrich the national catalogue of medicinal and aromatic plants in Morocco. MethodsA total of 115 informants were interviewed. The collected data were analysed quantitatively by calculating several indices such as the relative frequency of citations and family importance value. ResultsThe results obtained allow the identification of 49 plant species belonging to 26 botanical families. The dominant family was Lamiaceae with 11 species, followed by Fabaceae with four species, then Apiaceae and Asteraceae with three species each. Similarly, the data analysis revealed that the most cited plants were Quercus ilex L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Calamintha officinalis Moench., and Zea mays L. The most common method of preparation was the infusion. Moreover, the study found that the population uses the whole plant to treat genito-urinary diseases (plant part value = 0.415), and the most treated category was chronic renal failure (informant consensus factor = 0.86). ConclusionsThis study confirmed the importance of traditional medicine in the treatment of genito-urinary diseases and highlighted the value of ethnobotanical studies.Therefore, it is necessary to promote public comprehension in order to preserve indigenous ethnomedical knowledge in the research area.

An ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of fracture and dislocation in Ogugu, Kogi State Nigeria

The documented information on traditional medicinal plants in Ogugu communities of Kogi State is vague and limited to its species and thus very little research has been done on these medicinal plants. An Ethno-botanical study was conducted to take inventory of the species by the inhabitants of various communities in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government area of Kogi State in bone fracture treatment and dislocation. The study was carried out between May through September 2019. Ethnomedicinal knowledge was gathered from 20 traditional bone setters in 10 communities using questionnaires. The plants most referenced from the questionnaire were collected and identified using various standard methods and procedures. 80% of the respondents were male while 20% were female. 40% were in the range of 31-41 years of age and only 10% were in the age range of 20-30 years. About 45% has no formal education while only 5% had a university degree. TBS with most year of experience (21-25 years) are only 5% while the profession is dominated by those of moderate time of practice (11-15 years) with 40% representative. A total of 49 medicinal plant species distributed in 27 families and genera were documented. Family Euphorbiaceae was found to be mostly used for fracture treatment. The most frequent used plant parts were the leaves (49.5%). The method of preparation of the herbal remedies were generally best in the form of poultice administered in the form of paste to give the best result in fracture and bone setting treatment.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants used by Native Inhabitants of Protected Area of District Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants used by Native Inhabitants of Protected Area of District Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Karayar tribal village, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India

This research aims to document and evaluate the traditional medical practices and the use of ethnomedicinal plants by the Kani tribal healers living in Karayar, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study documented 67 plant species from 59 genera and 35 families. Sixty-seven medicinal plants are used to treat thirty-one ailments, with the most common use of plants being for the treatment of cough (7 plants). Fabaceae has the highest number of species (10 species). The leaves of 23 species are used for medicinal purposes. This documentation can be valuable for pharmacologists, foresters, conservationists, researchers, and those interested in herbal medicine.

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.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Male Infertility in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Male Infertility in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Africa

Traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare delivery across Africa, where access to modern healthcare facilities may be limited. This review article provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in traditional African medicine. Drawing upon a wide range of scholarly sources, ethnographic studies, and indigenous knowledge systems, the review explores the rich diversity of medicinal plants utilized by traditional healers and community members for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. The article examines the botanical diversity, therapeutic properties, preparation methods, and cultural significance of commonly used medicinal plants across different regions of Africa. Additionally, the review discusses the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, sustainable harvesting practices, and the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems. By documenting and promoting the use of medicinal plants in traditional African medicine, this review contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, preservation of cultural heritage, and enhancement of healthcare accessibility and affordability for diverse populations in Africa.

Short Communication: Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants for wound healing in Dir Upper District, Pakistan

Abstract. Jawadullah, Akhtar N. 2023. Short Communication: Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants for wound-healing in Dir Upper District, Pakistan. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 145-152. Medicinal plants have been used since ancient time by the communities as an alternative to the synthetic medicine, which have adverse side effects and is not available to every individual. This study reports medicinal plants used for wound-healing by the local peoples in Dir Upper District, northern area of Pakistan. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect ethnomedicinal data by interviewing 50 informants of different ages (25 to 90 years old). Plant samples were collected as herbarium to be identified in the laboratory. The result shows a total of 20 plant species, each belonging to different families, were used for wound-healing. The majority of growth forms of such plants were herbs (35%) and trees (35%), followed by shrubs (25%) and climbers (5%). The plant parts used for healing were leaves of the plant (45%), followed by plant bark (10%), whole plant (10%), plant roots (10%), fruit peel (5%), gum (5%), bulb (5%), rhizome (5%) and latex (5%). Furthermore, external applications were more common than oral consumption to promote wound-healing. Berberis lycium Royle, Curcuma longa L. and Punica protopunica Balf.fil. were the most cited species used to heal wounds. This study revealed that there is an array of plant biodiversity among Pakistanis for the purpose of wound-healing. This is a result of the socioeconomic status and limited access to modern health services and their preference for folk medicine. Further studies should be planned to create an online database for a collection of therapeutic medicinal plants and their traditional healing potentials.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda

IntroductionPatients with cancer in Africa embrace the use of herbal medicine more than anywhere else in the world. This study identified and documented medicinal plant species used to manage cancer in ten (10) districts of Uganda. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. In total, 18 (out of 55) traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) having more than 10 years of experience in managing patients with cancer were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Family importance value (FIV) indices were also computed. ResultsWe identified 121 plant species, belonging to 55 families, with the most common families being the Fabaceae (20 species, FIV = 0.119), Asteraceae (13 species, FIV = 0.131), and Euphorbiaceae (eight species, FIV = 0.079). The plant parts most commonly used were leaves (39.3%) and roots (12.9%). The most frequently cited plants were: Hoslundia opposita Vahl (RFC = 0.44), followed by Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D. Adams (RFC = 0.33), Spathodea nilotica Seem (RFC = 0.33), Annona muricata L. (RFC = 0.33, Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (RFC = 0.28), Acacia hockii De Wild (RFC = 0.28), Bidens pilosa L. (RFC = 0.28), and Carica papaya L (RFC = 0.22). The most common method of plant preparation and administration was the decoction (69.2%) and oral (86.7%) route, respectively. ConclusionsAlthough most plants used by TMPs have the potential to generate leads for chemo-preventive cancer medicines, they remain unexplored. This study provides a lead to explore the potential of traditionally used plants for the management of cancer through pre-clinical and clinical research.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Uganda

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Uganda

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants claimed by traditional herbal practitioners to manage cancers in Malawi

IntroductionThis study documented medicinal plants that are claimed by traditional herbal practitioners (THPs) to manage specific types of cancers in Mzimba and Nkhata Bay districts of the northern region of Malawi. MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire and purposive sampling technique were used in the survey to obtain data regarding the THPs and the herbal plants that are used to manage different types of cancers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods. ResultsTwenty-five THPs were identified and sixty-three plant species from 37 families were used by THPs to treat various cancers in the studied areas. Forty-one percent of the cited plants were used in wound healing, 17%, 16%, 11%, 9%, 3%, 2% and were used to treat prostate, oesophageal, cervical and stomach cancers, ulcers, tumours, and internal wounds, respectively. Roots (47%) were the mostly used plant parts followed by stems (27.7%), leaves (9.2%), fruits (4.6%) and the remaining 10.8% included climbers, shrubs and whole plants. Most prepared recipes were uncarbonised powders (45%) followed by aqueous decoctions (32%), and the remaining 23% were distributed amongst maceration, carbonised powders and infusions. Topical (48%) was the most frequently used mode of administration followed by oral (39%), through porridge (10%) while incisions and bandaging were 2% and 1%, respectively. Some recipes were polyherbal mixtures which utilised the synergy amongst phytochemicals. ConclusionThe study has provided indigenous knowledge of herbal plants available in Mzimba and Nkhata Bay districts which can serve as a baseline for the identification and isolation of bioactive compounds with subsequent use of herbal medicines in clinical trials.