Ethnobotanical Survey Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS TRADITIONALLY USED BY THE JAKUN PEOPLE OF ENDAU-ROMPIN (PETA) FOR TREATMENTS OF MALARIA-LIKE SYMPTOMS

Malaria continues to kill over a million people each year. Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium and is one of the leading infectious diseases in many tropical regions including Malaysia. Many of the local people in the rural areas still use plants as remedies against fever and other symptoms of malaria as reported herein. Although the potentials of plants to be useful in traditional healthcare are acknowledged, currently survey and documentation of medicinal plants used by Jakun people in Endau-Rompin, Johor is lacking. As such there is an urgent need to document information on herbal remedies traditionally used for treatment diseases such as malaria and malaria-like symptoms. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the indigenous people in Kg. Peta, Endau-Rompin, Johor for the treatment of malaria and malaria-like symptoms infection was conducted. Data was collected from key informants in that community using a semi-structured interview. Investigation was carried out on the names of plants (vernacular), plant parts used, methods of preparations and how it is administered were all recorded. The result of the survey revealed that 10 plant species from 9 families were regarded for treating malaria and malaria-like symptoms. Leaves and plant sap are the most frequently used plant parts while decoction is the most common methods involved in the preparation. This study acknowledges the local people’s knowledge about malaria and the traditional treatment practices used by the local people in the study area. Herbal remedies are commonly used by the local people because it is cost-effective and more accessible. Hence, the need for documentation of these plants to avoid knowledge erosion and lost in the succeeding generations make this study highly necessary.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by communities of Northern Kordofan region, Sudan

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe present study provides significant ethnopharmacological information on plant species used in North Kordofan region, western Sudan. The study was undertaken with an aim to document the medicinal uses of the species known to some Northern Kordofan communities. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 2012 and 2013. The plants were identified and voucher specimens prepared. Information was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with 258 informants (195 men and 63 women). In addition, the use value (UV) of the species was determined and the informant consensus factor (ICF) was calculated for the medicinal plants researched in the study. Further analysis was carried out to compare results with previous studies from the study area and other regions of Sudan. ResultsA total of 44 plant species representing 24 families were found to be commonly used in the treatment of 73 different human health problems. The families most represented were Leguminosae (18%), Caesalpiniaceae (9%), Malvaceae (9%), Asclepiadaceae (6.8%) and Combretaceae (6.8%). The highest number of plant species are used against digestive system disorders (23 species) followed by microbial infections (21 species) and dermatology (19 species). Among all the plant parts leaves (20%), roots (19%), fruits and bark (14% each) were the most preferred plant parts used by the informants. There was strong agreement among the informants as to the usages of the plants (informant consensus factor 0.63–0.93). The most important plants on the basis of use-value were Acacia nilotica, Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Cassia occidentalis, Cassia senna, Guiera senegalensis and Tamarindus indica. ConclusionThis study has helped to document information that may otherwise be lost to future generations. This is the first ethnobotanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are carried out by means of the ICF and UV methods in the study area. Plants with high ICF and UV values should be subjected for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.

Do ferns and lycophytes function as medicinal plants? A study of their low representation in traditional pharmacopoeias

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEthnobotany is becoming an important tool for understanding how traditional medical systems are organized and which variables affect their structure and dynamics. However, some phenomena observed in ethnobotanical studies led us to question whether such phenomena are real or methodological artifacts. The small proportion of ferns and lycophytes in ethnobotanical surveys of medicinal plants is one such phenomenon, and its causes should be identified using different approach levels. The present study aimed to clarify the reasons for a low representation of these two groups in studies of medicinal plants. Materials and methodsThe present study considered the following hypotheses: 1) ferns and lycophytes are little represented in different ethnobotanical studies because of inadequate data collection methods to record these species; 2) ferns and lycophytes are little represented because of the local perception of their low therapeutic efficacy; and 3) species of ferns and lycophytes are represented in local pharmacopoeias in proportion to the size of their families. We chose rural communities from Chapada do Araripe, Northeast Brazil to test our hypotheses. Data on the medicinal plant repertoires of the communities and on the perceived therapeutic efficacy of ferns were obtained using two different methods, semi-structured interviews associated with free lists and a checklist interview, both applied to local specialists. The resulting data were analyzed differently for each test. In addition, data regarding the total flora x medicinal flora ratio were obtained with a floristic survey and accessing data banks from previous studies performed by our research team. ResultsAll hypotheses were confirmed, showing that all three factors contributed to the low representation of these plant groups as medicinal resources. The present study showed that free-list interviews are not a good method to access traditional knowledge of medicinal ferns and lycophytes and that the use of visual stimuli can help the memory of the informants, thus making it possible to associate the perceived characteristics with plant use. The results also showed that individuals perceive these plants as inferior therapeutic resources compared to angiosperms, which contributes to knowledge of their use not being transmitted. The final result of the present study was that the distribution of medicinal fern and lycophyte species within families was consistent with the total flora x medicinal flora ratio. This result indicates that even if the most appropriate data collection method was used for the ethnobotanical survey, the number of species would not be as expressive as that of angiosperms.

English

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the Sobradinho community, Luís Correia, Piauí, Brazil was undertaken to recover and document traditional knowledge with the aim of supporting chemical, biological, agronomic, pharmaceutical and socio-economic studies related to the region's biodiversity. Fifteen research visits to the community were made between March 2013 to January 2014 involving 31 respondents from the community, the majority (74.4%) being women aged between 27 and 84 years. The methodology used was interview by the snowball method using questionnaires. Analysis of the data gathered was based on use value and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Botanical voucher specimens were made of the species cited by informants and deposited at the HDELTA herbarium. 57 species belonging to 33 families were identified, of which 56% were native and 44% exotic. The best represented families were Fabaceae (14%), Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae (9% each). The leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (69%), followed by the stem (22%), fruit (4%), flower (2%), root and seed (1%). The species that showed the highest use value (VU) were Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (capim-santo) and Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) with VU = 0.26. The Shannon-Wiener index value was highest for the elderly group (n=15, 48% of total respondents), but young people were not represented among the informants. A total of 67 different medicinal indications were recorded, the highest number of species being used to treat medical conditions associated with inflammation, pain and fever. Informants claimed to have learned the use of medicinal plants from older members of the community and there was little interest evident among young people in acquiring this knowledge. Community informants are the holders of medicinal plant knowledge of the local flora and its practical application.   Key words: Biological diversity, ethnobotany, floristics, medicinal plants, Piauí.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants for the treatment of malaria in Akinyele local government area, Ibadan, Nigeria

There is an increasing resistance of malaria parasites to cholroquine, one of the affordable and commonly used drugs for malaria in Nigeria. Therefore, the use of plants with anti-malaria properties is now very common in the country. Today, not much has been done to project antimalaria properties of indigenous medicinal plants. This study examined the medicinal plants used for malaria therapy in Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Fifty-one (51) species including Chrysophyllum albidum (Agbalumo), Azadirachta indica (Dongoyaro), Chromolena odorata (Akintola), Mondia whitei (Mondi), Morinda lucida (Oruwo) and Newbouldia leavis (Akoko) plants were found to be very effective in the cure for malaria in the study area. The parts of plant used could be the barks, roots, leaves or whole plants. The different parts of the plant can be combined to have a recipe. This study highlights potential sources for the development of new anti-malaria drugs from indigenous medicinal plants found in Akinyele LGA, Ibadan, Nigeria.Keywords: Malaria, Medicinal plants, anti-malaria drugs, Akinyele, Southwest Nigeria

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Bozyazı district of Mersin, Turkey

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis research contributes momentous ethnopharmaceutical information on medicinal plants used by local people who live in the Bozyazı district of Mersin in Turkey. Aim of the studyTo arrange a list of herbal treatments from the Bozyazı region with their habitual use, plant parts and application methods besides computing some statistical indices. Materials and methodsPlant specimens that have been collected by herbalists or local people from Bozyazı for therapeutic purposes were investigated by visiting the villages during the study period, and then conveyed to the laboratory to diagnose the species. In addition, the relative frequency citation (RFC), use values (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were calculated. ResultsIn this survey conducted between 2013 and 2015, 159 taxa associated with 55 families, excluding 9 edible mushrooms, were detected as they have been utilized for centuries in terms of the healing by visiting 14 villages and 4 herbalist shops in Bozyazı. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae Orchidaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae and Geraniaceae have been determined as the most used families for therapeutic purposes. The study revealed that most of the residents concurred on the use of Sideritis erythrantha herba to cure respiratory diseases that demonstrated the highest fidelity level (89). 63 taxa have not matched with any studies conducted in and around the region. ConclusionThroughout the research carried out Bozyazı district, it has been observed that people living in rural areas have more knowledge and experience about the use and benefits of plants, compared to the people living in the district center. It was detected that the medicinal plants have been used mostly in the therapy of Hemorrhoids. The most information is obtained from the mountain villagers and Yuruk nomads, having average ages of 46.3, during the whole study. In terms of ethnobotanical perspective, the district has stayed valuable due to the winding roads over the mountains and along the coast is very difficult to drive making Bozyazı too far from large cities and mass tourism centers.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of 25 plant species used traditionally to treat pain in southern African.

BackgroundInflammation is a common risk factor in the pathogenesis of conditions such as infections, arthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and cancer. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used traditionally to treat inflammation and related disorders such as pain, arthritis and stomach aches in southern Africa led to the selection of 25 plant species used in this study.MethodsThe antioxidant activities of acetone extracts were determined by measuring the free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were determined by measuring the inhibitory effect of the extracts on the activities of the pro-inflammatory enzyme, lipoxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase.ResultsExtracts of Peltophorum africanum had good antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 4.67 ± 0.31 μg/mL and 7.71 ± 0.36 μg/mL compared to that of the positive control ascorbic acid (2.92 ± 0.14 μg/mL and 13.57 ± 0.44 μg/mL), using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) methods, respectively. The metabolism of linoleic acid to leukotriene derivatives by 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) was also inhibited by the crude acetone extracts of Peltophorum africanum (IC50 = 12.42 μg/mL), Zanthoxylum capense (IC50 = 14.92 μg/mL) compared to the positive control quercetin (IC50 = 8.75 μg/mL). There was a poor correlation between the flavonoid content and 15-LOX inhibition by the extracts (R2 = 0.05), indicating that flavonoids are not involved in LOX inhibition. Extracts of Clausena anisata, at a concentration of 6.25 μg/mL inhibited nitric oxide production by RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines in vitro by 96 %. The extracts of Zanthoxylum capense were the least cytotoxic (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) when the extract toxicity was determined against Vero (African green Monkey) kidney cell lines.ConclusionSome plant species used traditionally to treat pain have reasonable anti-inflammatory activity and flavonoids are probably not involved in this process.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional health practitioners to manage HIV and its related opportunistic infections in Mpoza, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe aim of the study was to identify and document plants traditionally used to manage HIV and treat its opportunistic infections (OIs) in Mpoza, a rural village located in the Mount Frere Alfred Nzo District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 18 traditional health practitioners from January 2012 to August 2012 to obtain information about medicinal plants used in the management of HIV and treatment of OIs. ResultsSeventeen plant species belonging to 12 families were identified for the management of HIV and treatment of OIs in Mpoza. The identified plant species belonged mostly to the families Asparagaceae (12%), Araliaceae (12%), Apiaceae (12%), Xanthorrhoeaceae (12%) and Lamiaceae (12%). The remaining 40% of identified plant species was evenly split over seven families - Urticaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Leguminosae, Verbenaceae, Rosaceae, Compositae and Rutaceae. The most frequently used medicinal plants were Hypoxis hemerocallidea (85%), Asparagus densiflorus (68%) and Lessertia frutescens (68%). The leaves (43.5%) and roots (21.7%) were the most frequently used plant parts, usually prepared as infusions and decoctions for oral administration. ConclusionThis study provides documentation of medicinal plants used in the management of HIV and treatment of commonly associated OIs, which might provide a potential lead that will significantly contribute in reducing the burden of HIV infections in South Africa. We envisage that this paper will provide some background for further studies in developing new, effective, safe and affordable plant-derived medicines.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants prescribed by traditional healers for the treatment of chest and coughing related diseases in the Eastern Cape

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants prescribed by traditional healers for the treatment of chest and coughing related diseases in the Eastern Cape

The traditional use of plants to manage candidiasis and related infections in Venda, South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis paper presents results of an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of candidiasis and related fungal infections in the Venda area, South Africa. Materials and methodsEthnobotanical data about the uses of plants were gathered from eleven rural traditional healers using semi-structured interviews. ResultsA total of 45 species belonging to 24 different families were identified, of which the dominant family was the Fabaceae with 13 species (28.9%) followed by the Asteraceae and Solanaceae with 3 species each (6.7 %). A total of 28 of these plant species (62.2%) have been shown to have anticandidal activity and 14 species (31%) have been recorded for antifungal uses in the literature. Amongst the 45 species recorded, 51% were trees, 33% were shrubs, and 16% were herbs. The most widely used plant species were Acacia caffra, Clerodendrum glabrum, Croton gratissimus, Elaeodendron transvaalense, Faurea saligna, Hippocratea longipetiolata, Osyris lanceolata, Richardia brasiliensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Schotia brachypetala, Spilanthes acmella, Strychnos potatorum, Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta and Withania somnifera. The plant parts mostly used in the therapeutic preparations were roots (27.7%), bark (23.2%), and a combination of roots, bark (18.7%) and leaves (14.3%). Decoctions (44.4%), infusions (20%), macerations (17.7%), burning (11.4%) and paste (6.5%) were used. Most of the herbal remedies were administered orally. The main factors threatening the conservation status of these plants are unsustainable methods of harvesting, logging for firewood, building materials and crafts. ConclusionThe Venda area is rich in plant diversity and local indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants can play an important role as a model for low cost primary health care. Further studies are in progress to validate the indigenous plants recorded as traditional remedies in this area

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in western part of central Taurus Mountains: Aladaglar (Nigde – Turkey)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWith this study, we aimed to document traditional uses of medicinal plants in the western part of Aladaglar/Nigde. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted between 2003 and 2005. The research area was in the western part of the Aladaglar mountains. The settlements in Aladaglar (5 towns and 10 villages) were visited during the field work. The plants collected by the help of medicinal plant users. The plants were identified and voucher specimens prepared. These voucher specimens were kept at the Herbarium of Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy (ISTE). We collected the information by means of semi-structured interviews with 170 informants (90 men and 80 women). In addition, the relative importance value of the species was determined and the informant consensus factor (FIC) was calculated for the medicinal plants researched in the study. ResultsAccording to the results of the identification, among 126 plants were used by the inhabitants and 110 species belonging to 40 families were used for medicinal purposes. Most of the medicinal plants used in Aladaglar/Nigde belong to the families Lamiaceae (25 species), Asteraceae (16 species), Apiaceae (7 species), Fabaceae (6 species) and Brassicaceae (5 species). The most commonly used plant species were Hypericum perforatum Thymus sipyleus var. sipyleus, Rosa canina, Urtica dioica, Malva neglecta, Thymus leucotrichus, Salix alba, Mentha longifolia, Berberis crataegina, Juniperus oxycedrus, Viscum album subsp. abietis, Allium rotundum and Taraxacum stevenii. The most common preparations were infusion and decoction. The traditional medicinal plants have been mostly used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (86%), hemorrhoids (79%), urinary diseases (69%), diabetes (68%) and respiratory diseases (61%). ConclusionThe use of traditional medicine was still widespread among the inhabitants of Aladaglar mountains/Nigde region. Due to the lack of medical facilities in the villages of Aladaglar mountains, local people prefer herbal treatment rather than medical treatment. This study identified not only the wild plants collected for medical purposes by local people of Aladaglar/Nigde, but also the uses and local names of these plants. This paper helps to preserve valuable information that may otherwise be lost to future generations.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for traditional maternal healthcare in Katsina state, Nigeria

Women in Katsina State, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants to cure various ailments associated with maternal health since time immemorial; however the use of such plants was never documented. In this study an ethnobotanical survey was conducted to document medicinal plants used for traditional maternal healthcare in Katsina State, Nigeria. Semi structured questionnaire method was used to interview 300 respondents (50 from 2 Local Government Areas of each of the 3 Senatorial Districts) comprising of herbalists, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs), House Wives, Farmers and others. Medicinal plants belonging to 101 genera distributed among 50 families were documented. Most of the reported plants belong to the Fabaceae (22.52%), Asteraceae (7.21%) Malvaceae (5.41%) and Anacardiaceae (4.51%) families. Acacia nilotica (L) Delile and Gueira senegalensis J.F. Gmel had the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) of 0.93; 100% and 0.92; 100%, respectively. Among the 18 categories of ailments, headache, navel pain, postpartum hemorrhage, and postpartum wound healing had the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) of 1.00 each. Most of the reported plants (68.47%) were herbs and shrubs and about 84.68% of the surveyed plants were wild. Leaves were the most frequently used (32.14%) plant's part. Most of the medications (32%) were prepared as decoctions and preparations are mostly administered orally (84.68%). Scientific validation of the biological properties of the surveyed plants is highly advocated and cultivation of medicinal plants to minimize the pressure on wild species is also recommended.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in Low and Middle - Guinea for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

From an ethnobotanical survey conducted in Low and Middle Guinea, 98 traditional healers and 76 herbalists were interviewed. An increasing involvement of female as traditional practitioners was observed, particularly in Low Guinea where they represented 57% (62/109) of the total traditional practitioners specialized in the treatment of skin diseases. A total of 104 plant species were listed. Of these, 96 from 87 genera and 38 families were identified for the treatment of various skin diseases. Fabaceae was the most represented family while the most cited plant species (28 to 17 times) were Uvaria chamae, Uvariopsis guineensis, Alchornea cordifolia, Sarcocephalus esculentus, Cassia sieberiana. The most cited plant parts were leaves 57% (79/139), root-bark 17% (24/139) and stem-bark 13% (18/139). The proportions of plant species were 24% (35/146) for the treatments of impetigo, 22% (32 /146) for scabies, 8% (12/146) for prurigo and eczema, 7% (11/146) for ringworm etc. The decoction and the maceration were the most used in the preparation forms of the recipes. Further research is needed to isolate and identify the active compounds and understand their biological activities.

Potencial terapêutico e uso de plantas medicinais em uma área de Caatinga no estado do Ceará, nordeste do Brasil

O presente trabalho visou o levantamento etnobotânico das plantas medicinais, verificando a versatilidade das espécies utilizadas e o consenso de uso e/ou conhecimento entre os informantes, do Distrito de Aratama, no Município de Assaré, Ceará. As informações etnobotânicas foram obtidas através de entrevistas estruturadas e semi-estruturadas com os moradores locais. Foram citadas 116 espécies com fins medicinais pertencentes a 103 gêneros e 58 famílias com destaque para Fabaceae (10ssp.), Asteraceae (7spp.) e Lamiaceae (6spp.). Entre as espécies levantadas, Mentha spicata L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Allium sativum L., Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.), Ximenea americana L., se destacaram como as mais versáteis dentro da comunidade. As indicações terapêuticas citadas foram agrupadas em 16 categorias de sistemas corporais, dos quais as Desordens mentais e comportamentais, as Afecções ou dores não definidas, os Transtornos do sistema respiratório, as Doenças de pele e do tecido celular subcutâneo, e os Transtornos do sistema sensorial (ouvidos), mostram maior concordância entre os informantes na utilização de espécies para tratar um sistema corporal especifico. Os resultados mostraram elevada riqueza da flora medicinal presente na caatinga. Neste sentido, torna-se necessária a intensificação de estudos que avaliem e consolidem as propriedades químicas e farmacológicas destas espécies.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for pregnant women׳s health conditions in Menoua division-West Cameroon

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Cameroon, most women use traditional medicine for the treatment of pregnancy and childbirth complaints. In order to identify some of the medicinal plants locally used to alleviate these complaints, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in five villages of Menoua Division (West-Cameroon). Materials and methodsInterviews were conducted through structured questionnaires among 24 traditional healers and 179 women living either in the town of Dschang or in 4 neighboring villages. After having recorded the interviewee personal information on issues related to medicinal plants utilization, a literature investigation on their therapeutic or pharmacological effects and phytochemical composition was conducted. ResultsA total of 88 medicinal plants species used to treat 24 conditions occurring during or after pregnancy and belonging to 70 genera or 34 families were recorded. Maximum medicinal uses of plants are reported for the treatment of the following ailments: swelling of legs and ankles (23%), facilitation of delivery (22%), cleaning of the baby (12%). Most herbal remedies are prepared with the leaves (30%), leaves+stems (28%) and whole plant (23%) as maceration (76%). The majority of women who used medicinal plants were very satisfied (75 %) and it is reported that most of these plants are used in the treatment of women health conditions. ConclusionMany herbal remedies used for the treatment of pregnant women׳s health conditions in Menoua division-West Cameroon have been revealed. It would therefore be judicious for our government and research institution to evaluate the therapeutic and toxicological potentials of these plants in order to valorize their use.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by people in Oriental Morocco to manage various ailments

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis document presents the uses of plants in traditional herbal medicines in Oriental Morocco. It also determines the homogeneity of informant knowledge in medicinal plants suitable for different ailment categories and the most preferred plant species used to treat each illness category in the study area. Materials and methodsThe ethnobotanical information was obtained from 3151 inhabitants who were 20 years and older in five different areas of Oriental Morocco region. The data were analyzed through informant consensus factor (ICF) and frequency of uses (FC). ResultsThe results indicated that 65.7% of the participants interviewed used medicinal plants to treat 23 ailments. The inventory of medicinal plants is summarized in a synoptic table, which contains the scientific and vernacular names of the plant, the part of the plant and the preparation used and the therapeutic indication. Extensive investigations have brought to light 148 medicinal plants belonging to 60 families; of these, 108 are used for the disorders of the digestive system, 74 for diabetes, 73 for dermatological problems, 66 for allergy, 66 for cardiovascular disorders and 63 for respiratory problems. In this region, the most frequently used plants including Origanum compactum Benth., Trigonella foenum graecum L., Lavandula dentata L., Mentha pulegium L., Nigella sativa L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lippia citriodora L., Tetraclinis articulata Benth., and Atemisia herba-alba Asso. Lamiaceae and Asteraceae are the dominant locally used families. Most medicines were prepared in the form of powder and used orally. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part. Gastro-intestinal ailments have high ICF (0.92) whereas pathologies of the circulatory and ophthalmological uses have low ICF (0.22 and 0.24, respectively). ConclusionOriental Morocco boasts an extensive phytotherapy knowledge base and ICF values indicated that there was high agreement in the use of plants in gastro-intestinal ailment category among the users. The frequency use value (FC) indicated that these plants are the most preferred species used in study areas. These preferred plant species could be prioritized for conservation and subjected to further studies related to chemical screening for their authenticity.

Levantamento etnobotânica e utilização de plantas medicinais na comunidade Moura, Bananeiras-PB

O reconhecimento e a valorização do saber local sobre as plantas medicinais são fundamentais em comunidades rurais, pois os remédios caseiros surgem como alternativa de cura. Desta forma objetivou-se realizar um levantamento etnobotânicos das plantas medicinais cultivadas e utilizadas pelos moradores da comunidade Moura zona rural de Bananeiras-PB. O estudo foi realizado no mês de novembro de 2013, os dados foram obtidos através e questionários semiestruturado completadas por entrevistas livres e conversas informais com as pessoas da comunidade. O número expressivo de espécies de plantas medicinais citadas evidencia o rico conhecimento etnobotânico da população local. As espécies identificas na comunidade suprem uma série de necessidades básicas dos moradores sem deixar necessitar de serem utilizados remédios farmacêuticos.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Diabetes in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment diabetes in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria was conducted between March and June, 2013. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview and semi-structured questionnaire administered to fifty (50) respondents made up of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs), herb sellers, civil servants and farmers. From the survey, a total of 45 plant species belonging to 29 families were found to be useful in the treatment of diabetes. Recipes used in the treatment of this disease were documented. Prominent among them are Rauvolfia vomitoria, Aframomum meleguata, Momordica charantia, Xylopia aethiopica, Senna spp. and Vernonia amygdalina. These species were found to be very important and useful in the treatment of diabetes based on their frequency of occurrence in the recipes obtained. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dried or freshly collected plants while traditional solvent of choice included water, lime and aqueous extract from fermented maize. Decoction and pulverization were the main methods of preparation while mode of administration varies within 2 to 3 times daily. Survey revealed that leaves form the major part of plants for herbal preparations. Residents in the study area find traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicine. A need for further scientific research based on the findings of this work is needed.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of skin disorders among the Xhosa communities of the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSkin diseases have been of major concern recently due to the association of skin opportunistic infections and HIV/AIDS, are usually the first sign of HIV infection and conversion to AIDS. More than 90% of HIV-infected individuals develop skin and mucosal complications at some stage during the disease. Although classical medicine is undoubtedly addressing these diseases, the people of the Eastern Cape, South Africa still depend, to a large extent on traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The current study was undertaken to investigate the local peoples characterisation of skin diseases/disorders and to document the medicinal plants used for various skin disorders among the Xhosa-speaking communities of the Amathole District, Eastern Cape. Materials and methodsInformation was obtained by interviewing 54 respondents in 7 locations. Collection of the reported medicinal plants from the wild was assisted by the informants and identification of the collected plants specimens was done with the help of floristic works of South Africa. Quantitative methods including the use-value and the informant consensus factor (ICF) were computed for determining the relative importance of species known locally and the homogeneity of the informants׳ knowledge respectively. ResultsTwenty five skin disorders, classified under 5 categories are being treated with the listed medicinal plants in the study area. The highest ICF (0.45) was linked to bacteria-related skin disorders. This category comprised of 57 use citations, 3 skin disorders; with sore throat being the most frequently mentioned (4.2%). In this study, 106 plant species distributed in 61 families and 107 genera were identified as being used to treat one or more of the skin disorders. The species with the highest use-value was Aloe ferox Mill. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) known locally as Umhlaba. The most representative families were Solanaceae and Asteraceae with 6 species each, followed by Fabaceae, Poaceae and Rutaceae (5 species each). The leaves were the most frequently used plant part, followed by the bark (10%) and fruits (7%). Administration of the different plant parts was mostly topical (77%) on the affected area. ConclusionA total of twenty five skin disorders/conditions, classified under 5 categories are being treated with the listed medicinal plants in the study area. 106 plant species distributed in 61 families and 107 genera were identified as being used to treat one or more of the skin disorders. The species with the highest use-value was Aloe ferox Mill. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) known locally as Umhlaba. The most representative families were Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Majority of the plant species were herbs and the leaves were the most frequently used, mostly applied topically as a paste, powder or sap on the affected skin area.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Curing Some Diseases in Infants in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in curing some diseases in infants in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was carried out between February and June, 2012. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to fifty (50) respondents made up of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs), herbalists and herb sellers. From the survey, a total of 63 plant species belonging to 33 families were found to be useful in the treatment of cold, malaria, fontanel, diarrhoea, typhoid, chicken pox, measles and small pox. Recipes used in the treatment of these ailments were documented. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dry or freshly collected plants while the traditional solvents of choice includes water, pure honey, lime and aqueous extracts from fermented maize. The methods of preparation were decoction and infusion while method of administration ranges from 1 drop to 1 teaspoonful daily. Survey revealed that leaves form the major part of plant for herbal preparations. Residents in the study area find the traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicines. It is therefore implicated that efforts should be made on how to improve on documentation, conservation and standardization of the medicinal plants in Nigeria. Also, attention of the scientists and health officials should be drawn to the importance and various uses of the medicinal plants and they should intensify on the research to reveal other concealed values.