Ethnobotanical Research Articles

In vitro potential anthelmintic activity of bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera L. on earthworms and liverflukes

Ethnobotanical information from Nigeria specifies the usage of Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) in treatment of parasitic diseases in human and thus, could be of value in preventing the development of resistance to common synthetic anthelmintics. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of methanolic extracts of the flesh and peel of the bulbils of D. bulbifera, on Fasciola gigantica and Pheritima posthuma at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mg/ml. Albendazole and normal saline were included in the assay as standard reference drug and control, respectively. Thin layer chromatography was used to screen the methanol extracts of the flesh and peel of the bulbils of D. bulbifera for important secondary metabolites in comparison with gallic acid and quercetin. The median lethal concentration values of the flesh and peel extracts of D. bulbifera were 39.67 and 30.40 mg/ml for earthworm and 61.73 and 41.79 mg/ml for liverfluke, respectively. The peel was more potent at 100 mg/ml, causing paralysis in 5.6 ± 0.51 min and death in 10 ± 0.45 min in earthworm. The findings from this study show that D. bulbifera possess in vitro anthelmintic compound worthy of further evaluation. Key words: Albendazole, anthelmintic, Dioscorea bulbifera, Fasciola gigantica, Pheritima posthuma.

English

The ethno botanical investigation of medicinal plants used by the Kurichia, Kuruma, Kattunaika, Adiya and Paniya tribes of Wayanad district, Kerala were recorded. One thousand (1000) ethno medicines derived from 500 plants used by the tribal medical practitioners were documented. Of this, 10 species were frequently used for treating various infectious diseases. An informant consensus factor was calculated for 10 species which are being frequently used. The leaf extracts of these plants were screened for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger. Among the plants screened Garcinia gummi gutta (Clusiaceae) was found to possess highly significant antibacterial activity and significant antifungal activity was observed in Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Icacinaceae) which possess highest antifungal activity. These two species have shown the highest informant consensus factor values.   Key words: Medicinal plants, informant consensus factor, antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, ethno botany.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diarrhoea and skin ulcer in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana

The indigenous people of Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana are reputed to have been treating many diseases effectively with herbs; however documentation of these herb uses is not available. The present study documented the medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of diarrhoea and skin ulcer in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Fifty-two traditional healers were interviewed with the help of a prepared questionnaire. Plants that were cited were coded in the field for identification later. Fourteen and ten plant species were cited for the treatment of diarrhoea and skin ulcer, respectively. Out of the fifty two respondents, forty six (88.5%) had knowledge of plants used in treating diarrhoea and forty (76.9%) had knowledge of plants for skin ulcer treatment. Fourteen recipes for diarrhoea and ten for skin ulcer were documented. The survey uncovered very important sources of cheap remedies for diarrhoea and more importantly, skin ulcer. Key words: Diarrhoea, skin ulcer, medicinal plants, treatment, Ghana.

Snake Venom Neutralization Effects of African Medicinal Plants & Their Impact on Snakebites: A Review

Background: Snakebite has remained an enduring medical problem for many decades and little progress has been made in reducing mortality. Globally, approximately 50,000 – 60,000 people die each year as a result of snakebite and more are left permanently impaired. Antivenom treatment is very expensive, out of reach and has several adverse effects because of the foreign proteins. Adverse effects of antivenom occur normally after one hour of administration. On the other hand, the advantages of herbal treatment are that, they are cheap, easily available, and stable at room temperature and could neutralize a wide range of venom antigen without side effects. Methodology: This study was undertaken by conducting enquiries to the traditional healers and local peoples about the ethno botany used in snake bite cases. In addition, this study included the information on plants used for snake bites in other African countries. Conclusion: Herbal compounds of higher plants may give a new source as different research groups are engaged not only for the discovery but possibly for discovering compounds with novel mechanisms of action that can encourage a rational approach for antivenom activity. The herbal medicines used by the traditional healers for snake bite should as much as possible be studied and decisions should be made and instructed to the traditional healers, for their safe use especially dose related problems and they should be informed to take responsibility for their own action. All these points necessitate preparing a review, exchanging the ideas, so that it can be a stepping stone and will have a great impact against snake bite treatment and management.

MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY TRADITIONAL HEALERS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

This study is aimed to document the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by traditional healers of Punjab, Pakistan. The medicinal uses were documented by semi structured interview of the registered herbalists & relevant literatures were also reviewed. The data was collected by visiting the study area from Feb 2013 to August 2013. All traditional plants having therapeutic activity were crosschecked with existing literature on ethno botany. In our data about 150 indigenous plant species, which belongs to 55 families were documented along with their local names, part used and the use value of each species. This Data showed that highest number of plants used by local community belongs to Asteraceae Family. In our data Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels has the highest use value that is 1 and the plants with lowest use value (0.2) are Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk, Ruellia tuberose L., Aerv javanica (Burm.f) juss. It is concluded from data that our study area possesses a variety of indigenous medicinal plants that are widely used by hakims, herbalists for primary health care of local community of Province Punjab, Pakistan.

Ethnobotany of some polypetalous plants from the Kashmir Himalaya

Importance of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare practices which provide clues to new areas of research and in biodiversity conservation is now well known. However, information on the uses of plants for medicine is lacking from many hilly and tribal areas of Kashmir Himalaya. The present study has been carried out from different hilly areas of Kashmir Himalaya, to look for the diversity of plant resources that are used by local people for curing various ailments. The information has been collected for 38 polypetalous species, of whichmedicinal uses of 5 species are reported for the first time. It has also been found that most of the species are used for the general health problems and wound healings besides for the treatment of skin, gastric, cough, etc. diseases. The most preferred plant parts for the preparation of such medicines are roots (34.21%) followed by leaves (18.42%), flowers (10.52%) and whole plant (10.52%) while seeds (7.89%) remain the least. Key words: Ethnobotany, medicinal plants, Kashmir Himalaya, polypetalous.

Multiple usages of forest trees by the tribes of Kalahandi District, Orissa, India

Forest trees are the integral part of human society. Forest trees provide both direct and indirect benefits to humans. The number of products provided by trees worldwide is extensive. The wood, bark, leaves, fruits, seeds and roots of trees yield food, fodder, shelter, medicine, fibre, resin, oils and other numerous products used for subsistence of people living in rural and tribal areas. There is a great international interest in the so-called multipurpose trees, but in practice, virtually all tree species can be used for more than one purpose. In some areas in India, the life and livelihood of the tribes depend on trees, as they provide all the commodities required by them in their day to day life. However, in recent days, there is rapid depletion of forest covers, which results in loss of these valuable trees, thereby affecting the livelihood and culture of the tribes. In this regard, the paper is an attempt to study, based on sustainable development strategy of forest resources, the ethnobotany on multiple uses of tree species by the tribes of Kalahandi District, Orissa, India. The study was carried out during 1998-1999, with four tribal groups named Gonda, Kandha, Kutia Kandha and Shabara, in four community development blocks of the district. The multiple uses of 40 tree species belonging to 22 families were documented. Medicinal and non-medicinal usages were recorded. Key words: Forest trees, ethnobotany, medicinal uses, Kalahandi, tribal.

Herbal medicine use among diabetes mellitus patients in Northern Cyprus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, metabolic disease which may result in further complications. Traditional herbal medicines are used all over the world by diabetic patients. It is estimated that more than 1000 plant species are used against diabetes as folk medicine. Medical authorities such as World Health Organization encourage research on herbal medicines to come up with alternatives for treatment of diabetes, since oral antidiabetic agents have side effects in the long term. To date, a vast number of plants have been evaluated for their antidiabetic activity. Although, Northern Cyprus has a rich flora and anapproximately 11% incidence of diabetes mellitus, few ethnobotanical studies were carried out against diabetes. The aim of this study was to provide a list of plants that are used as folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Northern Cyprus. A survey wasconducted between November and December of 2011 with 100 diabetic patients who consented to participate in the study. The use of 18 plants by 32 diabetic patients was documented. These patients used a variety of plants along with their conventional antidiabetic medicines to control their blood glucose levels. Ethnobotanical studies are crucial in terms of revealing the traditional use of medicinal plants and guiding research on new drugs. However, further investigations are needed. Key words: Diabetes, patients, herbal medicine, Cyprus, hypoglycemic plants.

Medicinal plants used by the tribes of Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district (Kerala state) for the treatment of human and domestic animal ailments

The present paper aimed to document traditional herbal drugs in the treatment of human and veterinary ailments by the tribal communities residing in Vythiri taluk of Wayanad district, Kerala in India. An ethno-medico-botanical survey was carried out in 6 randomly selected panchayaths of Vythiri taluk of Wayanad district, Kerala investigating the tribal healing systems and herbal treatments used for various ailments. Semi structured questionnaires were used for data collection. A total of 67 medicinal preparations involving 67 species belonging to 44 families, used by the Kurichia, Kuruma, Adiyan, Kattunaika and Paniya tribes to treat 33 human and 7 veterinary ailments were documented. Among these, the use of dried powdered corm of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and the leaf powder ofMemecylon umbellatum as an antidiabetic drug and the whole plant of Hydrocotyle javanica for the treatment of fits and asthma are noteworthy. The plants used for the same disease is distinct from one tribe to another of the same locality. The documentation of this information will be vital in future for sustainable utilization and conservation. Key words: Ethno botany, Kerala, traditional healers, tribes, Wayanad.

Traditional use of medicinal plants in district Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India

Uttarakhand has a rich wisdom of traditional system of medicine since time immemorial. There is urgent need to document the medicinal and aromatic plants associated traditional knowledge which is vulnerable to shrink. Present study is an attempt to document the traditional system of medicine; used by the native communities of district Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India. On the basis of semi-structural questionnaire and in consultation with the local herbal practitioner (Vaidyas), 124 species belonging to 59 families and 108 genera, used for the treatment of 39 diseases were documented. About 38% of the species were used for their roots/rhizomes, followed by leaves (28%), fruits/seeds (10%) and whole plant (6%). Seeds, barks, flowers, twigs/branch and gum of less than 5% species were used for curing diverse form of diseases. About 16% of the recorded species were used for treating fever (20 spp.), 14% for skin diseases, 12% for Joint pains, 8% for cough and cold and stomach related disorders and 7% for blood pressure. 58 plants were used to cure more than one ailment, while 66 plants were used for single therapeutic application. Most of the species used in traditional healthcare in the region were harvested from wild. As a result of destructive harvesting, 13 species out of 124 recorded species are enlisted as threatened in Uttarakhand. Among these, 5 are critically rare, 5 are endangered and 3 are in vulnerable category. This study thus underlines the importance of traditional knowledge associated with medicinal and aromatic plants used for the treatment of different diseases. Key words: Ethnobotany, Himalaya, primary healthcare, traditional knowledge, conservation, Asteraceae

Ethnobotany and folk medicinal uses of major trees and shrubs in Northern Iran

This research was carried out to introduce important useful plants and their medicinal characteristics in Heyrat indigenous region. Approximately 16 medicinal species of trees and shrubs belonging to 12 families were recorded. It is found that all these plants are used by the rural people in traditional uses and food consumption, and that the main species of them included: Borago officinalis, Arctium lappa, Sambucus ebulus, Lamium album, Hyoscyamus niger, Mespilus germanica, Crataegus oxyacantha, Grossularia reclinata, Sorbus torminalis, Berberis vulgaris, Rosa canina, Ferula gummosa, Plantago major, Viscum album, Althaea officinalis, and Rosmarinus officinalis. The conventional ethnomedicinal plants were mostly used as antipyretic, anti diarrheal, anti inflammatory, laxative, blood purifiers and for toothache. The studies presented here could suggest new inputs for further photochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies among Iranian folk pharmacopoeia. Key words: Ethnobotany, folk medicine, medicinal plants, Heyrat, Mazandaran province, Iran.

Ethnobotany and utilization of plant resources in Irula villages (Sigur plateau, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India)

Several scientific studies are in progress using modern scientific tools based on the lead from the folkloric and herbal uses for formulating new western medicine. The present study involves the identification, enumeration and utilization of medicinal flora in the selected tribal settlements and a record of the endangered medicinal plants in the study area. Plant species were identified in selected study sites from Sigur plateau located in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats. The natural forest in the study area consisted of numerous trees, lianas, shrubs and herbs - the treasure troves of medicines. Due to the degradation of medicinal flora habitats in the recent past, there is a gradual decline in their distribution and abundance. As a consequence of the increase in access to western medicine, the utilization of medicinal plants has reduced and hence the knowledge of its use stands to be lost. In this study, 74 plant species belonging to 42 families used by the Irula tribe as medicine and their reported uses from selected tribal villages were documented. Key points from the data exemplify the healing practices and community interest in the conservation of biodiversity and culture for the promotion of sustainable health traditions. Key words: Ethnobotany, tribal communities, community based approaches, participatory rural appraisal (PRA), conservation.

Survey of the ethnobotanical uses of Ximenia americana L. ( mumpeke ) among rural communities in South Angola

An insight into the cosmetic and medicinal importance of Ximenia americana (mumpeke) in South Angola is provided. In the years 2009 and 2010 a field investigation was carried out in four rural communities, in order to gather information on traditional uses of this species. Sixty-eight informants were interviewed and 71% reported the use of X. americana. A total of 210 citations were recorded for 13 different uses: 9 medicinal (84 citations), 3 cosmetic (125) and 1 veterinary (1). The most relevant use resulted to be direct application of the oil extracted from seeds as a cosmetic for body and hair care and as a medicinal remedy to prevent varicose veins. Minor medicinal and veterinary uses of leaves were also recorded. Quantitative analyses showed that the use of mumpeke oil both as a cosmetic and as a medical remedy is widely and homogenously distributed within the communities (UE = 1). The category 'cosmetic uses' showed also the higher use diversity index (UD = 0.59). No statistically significant difference emerged in the number of uses cited by the informants grouped either for gender or for age. Yet, when comparing the distribution of citations with Hurlbert’s PIE, women and >40 yrs informants showed a significantly higher use diversity. The distribution of knowledge among communities is also analyzed and discussed. Local traditional technique of oil extraction is described, based on direct observation in the investigated communities. Mumpeke oil is a potential economic resource for local communities and could provide important opportunities in increasing family income. Key words: Angola, ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, Ximenia americana, mumpeke,mumpeke oil, medicinal uses, cosmetic uses, quantitative analyses.

Ethno botany and antimicrobial perspective of Spices and Honey against Candida albicans

Aim: In spite of obsessive use of spices in every Ethiopian meal, little has been investigated on the utilization of Ethiopian spices as a cure for oral opportunistic infections. Therefore the aim was to identify spices used in Ethiopian food through ethno botanical survey and study their antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Method: Ethno botanical survey of the selected Kebeles of Jimma, Ethiopia was conducted using a semi structured questionnaire from October 2006 to November 2007. Antifungal nature of the spices and combination of spices and honey were evaluated by agar well diffusion assay from September 2008 to July 2010. Result: Ethno botanical survey indicated fourteen species of spices and honey play a major role in Ethiopian food & beverages. Single plant extract of Trachyspermum copticum showed highest activity against C. albicans. The same plant showed antagonistic effect when combined with brown and white honey. Cinamomum zeylanicum showed highest synergistic effect with both brown & white honey when compared to Allium ursenum, Cuminum cyminum, Nigella sativa, Rosemarinus officinalis and Occimum hodiense. Conclusion: Thus spices used in Ethiopian food could be a preventive as well as a cure for oral candidiasis caused by C.albicans.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II: Treatment Strategies and Options: A Review

Traditional medicines are practiced worldwide for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus since ancient times. This review provides a comprehensive summary of medicinal plant throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. Various treatment options are available in allopathic system of medicine. The prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus is increasing in all over the world. The need for achieving better control of blood glucose level has been evident in type II diabetes mellitus management. A wide number of herbal products are employed in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for their better efficacy and safety compared to synthetic medicine. Objective of study is to review conventional and herbal treatment of type II diabetes mellitus and document the medicinal plants used for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus that will help the physician in their practice. The material for this review was taken mostly from endocrinology textbooks & electronic journal Up to date. To collect publication Pub Med, Google scholars and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews was used. Some other relevant references were collected from personal database of papers on type II diabetes mellitus. World health organization (WHO) is also supporting the research on herbal medicine regarding type II diabetes mellitus. Various hypoglycemic agents from medicinal plants have been found that are effective and safe. The medicinal plants used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus were reviewed based on the ethno botanic, some chemical and biochemical reports. Various plants species belonging to different families have been documented used for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.

New Developments in Plant Conservation and the Relevance of Ethnobotany

New Developments in Plant Conservation and the Relevance of Ethnobotany

Ethnobotanical Research Skills for Undergraduate Students of Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Disciplines

We developed a collaborative educational strategy to actively engage students from underrepresented minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the study of ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of Dominicans in New York City and the Dominican Republic. Three Dominican students from Hostos Community College in New York City were taught basic botany in preparation for their training as research assistants in an ongoing Dominican ethnomedicine project at The New York Botanical Garden. The aim of this internship was to teach appropriate research skills while raising awareness and promoting cultural appreciation of Dominican and Latino health traditions. Students were selected based on their academic achievements and potential, their interest in learning more about Dominican culture and traditions, and their bilingual (English-Spanish) skills. At the end of the six month internship period the students were competent in basic botanical identification techniques, plant collection methodology, ethnobotanical interviewing, as well as research data management, and expressed increased awareness of the richness of Dominican medicinal plant knowledge. The inclusion of underrepresented minority students enrolled in community colleges in ethnobotanical research can contribute to safeguarding cultural traditions, especially in urban settings. Resumen Se desarrollo una estrategia educativa de colaboracion para incluir estudiantes de minorias poco representadas en las aereas de ciencia, tecnologia, ingenieria, y matematicas, en un estudio cientifico sobre el conocimiento tradicional de plantas medicinales en la comunidad Dominicana en Nueva York y la Republica Dominicana. Tres estudiantes Dominicanos de Hostos Community College en Nueva York recibieron ensenanza basica en botanica para luego ser entrenados como asistentes de investigacion en un proyecto de etnomedicina Dominicana supervisado por el Jardin Botanico de Nueva York. El objetivo de la colaboracion fue ensenar tecnicas apropiadas de investigacion cientifica asi como promover la sensibilidad y el aprecio por las practicas culturales Dominicanas y Latinas en relacion a la salud. Los estudiantes fueron seleccionados en base a sus logros y potencial academicos, su interes en la cultura y tradiciones Dominicanas y su habilidad bilingue (Ingles-Espanol). Al cabo de seis meses, los estudiantes demostraron competencia en tecnicas basicas de identificacion botanica, metodologia de recoleccion de plantas, entrevistas etnobotanicas, y manejo de datos. La inclusion de estudiantes de grupos minoritarios en investigacion etnobotanica puede contribuir a salvaguardar tradiciones culturales y conocimientos etnobotanicos, especialmente dentro del entorno urbano.

An ethnobotanical study of the useful and edible plants of İzmit

ABSTRACT: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Izmit province (Northwest Turkey). During this study, 145 specimens were collected from the area. Informations about plants such as their usages and used parts were recorded. The stud y revealed that, 96 plant taxa belonging to 42 families had ethnobotanical usages in this area. Among these 96 plant taxa, 60 taxa (51 wild, 9 cultivated) were used as edibles and 64 taxa (51 wild, 13 cultivated) were used for different purposes. The results of our study show that even in countrys that are situated in close proximity to metropolitan cities, the ethnobotanical usages of plants are still alive. KEY WORDS: Ethnobotany, Turkey, Izmit

Ethnobotanical survey of toxic plants and plant parts in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Several plants considered toxic are sometimes identified in traditional medicinal recipes. This study identified and inventoried the plants and plant parts identified as toxic in targeted local government areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: By administering tested questionnaires, information on the poisonous or toxic plants, poisonous parts, poisonous effects, modes of poisoning, and antidotes was obtained. Results and Conclusion: Ninety-two species belonging to 43 families were identified as toxic plants and these were mainly members of the Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae families. The botanical names, poisonous parts, common names, vernacular names, modes of poisoning, antidotes, and poisonous effects are presented in a table. Key words: Inventory, poisonous plants, toxic

<i>In Vitro</i> Evaluation of Fasciolicide Activity with Hexane, Methanol and Ethyl Acetate with Extracts Processed and Obtained from Some Mexican Plants Used in Traditional Medicine Based on Ethno Botanical Studies

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of world distribution affecting mainly domestic ruminants. The control of this disease is carried out using chemical fasciolicides which, in some cases, have been observed to have environmental problem such us pollution resistance. An alternative is to investigate extracts from plants with anti-Fasciola hepatica effects, taking advantage of the great diversity of flora of our country. The aim of this paper is to identify, assess and elucidate the anti-Fasciola hepatica effect in vitro using antiparasitic extracts of some plants used in Mexican ethno botany. We collected, dried, processed and tested in vitro about 20 plants with their respective chemical elements (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol), obtaining results of a total of 60 extracts tested. The in vitro evaluations were carried out for 3 days, and the efficacy of each extract was compared with an untreated control group. Each test was repeated 6 times with 13 extracts that showed greater fasciolocide activity. Results from these 13 extracts tested ranged from 80% to 100% activity and the plants tested were: Castela tortuosa (chaparro amargo), Achillea millefolium (plumajillo), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Justicia spicigera (muicle), Limpia critridora (cedron), Populus alba (Alamo), Mentha piperita (mint), Chenopodium graveolens (epazote de zorrillo), Lippia graveolens (oregano), Artemisia mexicana (estafiate) and Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), which is the hexane variable which showed higher fasciolicide capacity; using a dose of 500 gr/Lt in all the trials. Further in vitro studies should be conducted to obtain the LD50 of each extract to be able to isolate the main active element found in the hexane variable.