Ethnopharmacological Data Research Articles

An Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Taşköprü (Kastamonu-Turkey).

This pharmaceutical ethnobotanical research was carried out in Taşköprü District in Kastamonu, in northern Anatolia. It assembles the elaborations of plants used as folk medicines, and the ethnopharmacological data collected in the course of in-person semi-structured interviews with an open-ended questionnaire. The study's aims were two-fold: gathering and identifying plants that the local inhabitants use therapeutically, and recording information related to traditional folk medicine (primarily for humans, and if extant for animals). The plants were gathered during several outings between May 2016 and July 2018. The organization of the data was based on the use-reports (UR) and was done according to the ICPC-2 classification. In addition, cultural importance index (CI) and informant consensus factor (FIC) calculations were made for the data collected. The research identified 101 plant taxa of 31 families used in folk medicine. Of these, 89 were wild and 12 were cultivated taxa. In total, 499 medicinal uses were determined. The CI values indicated that the most significant medicinal plant specimens were Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (0.78), P. sylvestris var. hamata (0.75) and Plantago lanceolata, P. major subsp. intermedia and P. major subsp. major (0.58 each). The most prevalent families were Asteraceae (2.14), Rosaceae (1.93), Pinaceae (1.81) and Plantaginaceae (1.74). Respiratory system (0.95), skin and subcutaneous tissue (0.94), nervous system (0.92) and circulatory system disorders (0.88) and ethnoveterinary uses (0.89) had the highest FIC values. The most frequently used preparation process was observed to be decoction (38.4%) and the most commonly utilized plant parts were aerial (21%). Along with recording 20 plant taxa as medicinal plants for the first time, this study documented a total of 303 new therapeutic uses. This study concludes with the finding that traditional knowledge of medicinal plants remains prevalent in Ta rticularly among its rural inhabitants.

Studies on the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of Catha edulis (Vahl.) Endl., in Sprague Dawley rats.

Background: The Mbeere South community of Embu County consume leaves of Catha edulis for its stimulant and euphoretic actions. Other indigenous uses of the plant are undocumented. Information on the pharmacology and safety of this plant is also scanty. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of C. edulis leaves collected from the Mbeere South community in Kenya. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data was collected from 35 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. Leaf extracts of C. edulis were prepared using acetone, water, and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The toxicity of the aqueous extract was determined using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in male and female Sprague Dawley rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses over 28 days. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: All informants were male, most were married, >50 years old, with >10 years of experience. The sources, local names, preparation, storage conditions, indications, frequency of use, dosage, and side effects of C. edulis were documented. All extracts were ineffective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. They had limited efficacy against B. cereus and S. aureus. Significant differences were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats at the tested doses. Low, intermediate, and high doses of the aqueous extract of C. edulis produced local congestion of the cardiac and hepatic vessels. Localized interstitial connective tissue proliferation, multifocal kidney interstitial hemorrhage, and localized tubular epithelium necrosis were also observed in female rats. Conclusions: The ethnobotanical uses of C. edulis among the Mbeere South community were documented for the first time. Limited antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity at high doses limit the use of leaves of C. edulis.

Ethnopharmacological evaluation of medicinal plants used to treat diabetes mellitus in Maidan valley, Dir Lower, Pakistan

This ethnopharmacological investigation aims to collect, identify, and document distinguishable medicinal plant species and remedies used by the local people for the management of diabetes in the Maidan valley in the district Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The local people of the valley have relied on botanical antidiabetic herbal formulations. The ethnobotanical interviews, questionnaires, inquiries, and group discussions were conducted from March 2019–January 2022 to obtain traditional knowledge from the local people. Quantitatively, ethnopharmacological data were analysed using indices, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Use Value (UV). The study identified 42 plant species belonging to 36 genera and 27 botanical families. Most of the species belong to Poaceae, while leaves were the most frequent morphological parts used. In this study, powder was the primary mode of herbal formulation. The highest RFC value was 0.47 obtained for Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wight and Arn, and the highest UV was 0.97 for Sarcococca saligna Mull Arg. Local communities of the area use a large number of plant species for diabetes shows the importance of herbal formulation in the basic human ailments of this remote area. In future studies, we hope these medicinal plants will be further phytochemically screened for new antidiabetic properties.

Medicinal plant recipes used in the management of peptic ulcers in Burkina Faso: Ethnobotanical study

Introduction: Peptic ulcer is a real public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Objective: The present study is part of the establishment of a catalog of medicinal plant recipes with antiulcer activity in four cities of Burkina Faso. Methodology: The method of approach was an ethnobotanical survey carried out among traditional health practitioners. It consisted in the preliminary drafting of questionnaires allowing the collection of socio-demographic and ethno-pharmacological data. This was a semi-structured interview with each traditional practitioner. The snowball technique was also used. The collection of our data was carried out in a single pass. Results: At the end of the study, 290 traditional health practitioners were surveyed, with a predominance of men (69.66%) over women (30%). Likewise, 279 recipes of medicinal plants used in the treatment of peptic ulcers were identified. These recipes are made up of 113 species belonging to 48 botanical families. The most represented families were Caesalpiniaceae (9 species) and Combretaceae (8 species). Bark (31%), roots (25%) and leaves (24%) were the most used organs. The decoction (70%) was the predominant mode of preparation and was mainly administered orally (47%). Conclusion: This study constitutes a very valuable source of information for further research in the field of phytochemistry and pharmacology in order to develop improved traditional anti-ulcer drugs.

Phytotherapy in response to COVID-19 and risks of intoxication: A field study in the city of Meknes (Morocco)

Context: The contagious global pandemic of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has prompted many Moroccans to turn to traditional phytoremedies. Aims: To highlight the ethnopharmacological information and the risks of intoxication related to the use of herbal medicine to combat COVID-19. Methods: Through a semi-structured questionnaire and using the “Free listing” technique, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 36 herbalists of the Meknes prefecture to collect ethnopharmacological data on species used in the fight against COVID-19. Then, many databases were used to document their pharmacological and toxicological activities. Results: A total of 36 species in 22 families were reported to be used to prepare traditional recipes against COVID-19. According to the relative frequency index of citation, the species Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. &amp; L.M. Perry, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. were recommended by all respondents and recorded the highest usage values. Based on the value of the plant parts index, leaves were the most used part (PPV = 0.37). Most of the remedies were prepared as infusions and administered orally. The bibliographic research revealed that the plants used have several biological activities and are frequently used to treat respiratory diseases. However, some of them have been reported to be toxic. Conclusions: Recommended species are endowed with innumerable biological activities. They can be a promising alternative to combat COVID-19. However, their toxic effects require pharmacotoxicological studies to ensure the safety and efficacy of these natural remedies.

Inventory of plants used in the treatment of viral diseases, sold on markets in the district of Abidjan

This survey, which took place in the midst of the Covid 19 global health crisis, was conducted on medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of the most common viral diseases in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim was to inventory the plant species sold and collect ethnopharmacological data related to these plants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with herbalists in nine markets in the district of Abidjan. The information collected was processed using SPSS 17.0 computer and statistical software. This study revealed that shingles, yellow fever and chickenpox are the viral diseases for which there are more traditional remedies. A total of 61 species of antiviral medicinal plants distribued in 59 genera and 54 botanical families were identified. Fabaceae (14.75 %), Asteraceae (9.8 %), and Apocynaceae (9.8 %) are the most represented families. Six species are most commonly used in the treatment of viral diseases. They are, in decreasing order of frequency of use: Ocimum gratissimum, Citrus aurantiifolia, Spondias mombin, Allium sativum, Gymnanthemum amygdalinum, Kalanchoe crenata. The leaves are the most used parts, in the form of a decoction (73.84 %). This is consistent with the predominance of the beverage (39.62 %) as a form of use and the oral route of administration (42 %). This study, which allowed the collection of ethnomedicinal data, is positioned as an orientation in the search for effective active ingredients against emerging ET re-emerging viral diseases.

Studies on the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of Catha edulis (Vahl.) Endl., in Sprague Dawley rats

Background: The Mbeere South community of Embu County consume leaves of Catha edulis for its stimulant and euphoretic actions. Other indigenous uses of the plant are undocumented. Information on the pharmacology and safety of this plant is also scanty. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of C. edulis leaves collected from the Mbeere South community in Kenya. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data was collected from 35 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. Leaf extracts of C. edulis were prepared using acetone, water, and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The toxicity of the aqueous extract was determined using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in male and female Sprague Dawley rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses over 28 days. p&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: All informants were male, married, &gt;50 years old, with &gt;10 years of experience. The sources, local names, preparation, storage conditions, indications, frequency of use, dosage, and side effects of C. edulis were documented. All extracts were ineffective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. They had limited efficacy against B. cereus and S. aureus. Significant differences were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats at the tested doses. Low, intermediate, and high doses of the aqueous extract of C. edulis produced local congestion of the cardiac and hepatic vessels. Localized interstitial connective tissue proliferation, multifocal kidney interstitial hemorrhage, and localized tubular epithelium necrosis were also observed in female rats. Conclusions: The ethnobotanical uses of C. edulis among the Mbeere South community were documented for the first time. Limited antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity at high doses limit the use of leaves of C. edulis.

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Health-Promoting Effects of the Genus Bulbophyllum.

The genus Bulbophyllum is of scientific interest due to the phytochemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus. Most Bulbophyllum species are epiphytic and located in habitats that range from subtropical dry forests to wet montane cloud forests. In many cultures, the genus Bulbophyllum has a religious, protective, ornamenting, cosmetic, and medicinal role. Detailed investigations into the molecular pharmacological mechanisms and numerous biological effects of Bulbophyllum spp. remain ambiguous. The review focuses on an in-depth discussion of studies containing data on phytochemistry and preclinical pharmacology. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarize the therapeutic potential of Bulbophyllum spp. biocompounds. Data were collected from several scientific databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, other professional websites, and traditional medicine books to obtain the necessary information. Evidence from pharmacological studies has shown that various phytoconstituents in some Bulbophyllum species have different biological health-promoting activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective. No toxicological effects have been reported to date. Future clinical trials are needed for the clinical confirmation of biological activities proven in preclinical studies. Although orchid species are cultivated for ornamental purposes and have a wide traditional use, the novelty of this review is a summary of biological actions from preclinical studies, thus supporting ethnopharmacological data.

Dopaminergic, cholinergic and nitrinergic pathways implicated in blood pressure lowering effects of Saccharum officinarum L. (Sugarcane) on rats.

BackgroundSaccharum officinarum L. (sugarcane), a grass belonging to the Poacea family, is widely cultivated in Brazil mainly to produce sugar and ethanol. According to ethnopharmacological data, the sugarcane is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Besides this, a previous study showed that there is a relationship between the pharmacological actions of sugarcane and the activation of dopaminergic and cholinergic pathways. Physiologically, it is well established that the blood pressure control could involve different neurotransmission systems, such as dopaminergic, cholinergic and nitrinergic. AimTo validate the cardiovascular actions of sugarcane preconized by traditional medicine and evaluate the possible participation of the dopaminergic, cholinergic and nitrinergic systems in its pharmacological mechanism of action. MethodsDried leaves were extracted with distilled water, concentrated, and lyophilized (AE). In vivo assays were performed in conscious rats to record systolic blood pressure (SBP) by the tail method after acute and subacute oral (gavage) administration of AE (10–500 mg/kg). The involvement of the cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways in AE responses was evaluated with administration (30 min) of atropine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. The participation of nitric oxide in the cardiovascular mechanism of action was evaluated in animals submitted to treatment with l-Name (60 mg/kg, p.o.). After installation of hypertension, animals were treated with AE. ResultsAcute and subacute treatment with AE reduced SBP in a dose-dependent manner, with greater pharmacological efficacy after administration of lower doses. Atropine and haloperidol inhibited the hypotensive effects of AE, and it was shown that in hypertensive animals, AE was ineffective in reducing SBP. ConclusionThis study revealed the blood pressure lowering effect of AE in a dose-dependent manner and demonstrated that the pharmacological cardiovascular effects of sugarcane involve dopaminergic, cholinergic and nitrinergic pathways.

Early Citizen Science Action in Ethnobotany: The Case of the Folk Medicine Collection of Dr. Mihkel Ostrov in the Territory of Present-Day Estonia, 1891-1893.

Presently, collecting data through citizen science (CS) is increasingly being used in botanical, zoological and other studies. However, until now, ethnobotanical studies have underused CS data collection methods. This study analyses the results of the appeal organized by the physician Dr. Mihkel Ostrov (1863–1940), which can be considered the first-ever internationally known systematic example of ethnopharmacological data collection involving citizens. We aim to understand what factors enhanced or diminished the success of the collaboration between Ostrov and the citizens of that time. The reliability of Ostrov’s collection was enhanced by the herbarium specimens (now missing) used in the identification of vernacular names. The collection describes the use of 65 species from 27 genera. The timing of its collection coincided with not only a national awakening and recently obtained high level of literacy but also the activation of civil society, people’s awareness of the need to collect folklore, the voluntary willingness of newspapers to provide publishing space and later to collect data, and the use of a survey method focusing on a narrow topic. While Ostrov’s only means of communication with the public was through newspapers, today, with electronic options, social media can also be used.

Medicinal plants of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines: Traditional knowledge and use amongst healers and locals

Health care quality and services can be significantly improved through the involvement of grassroots communities. In the Philippines, herbal medicines have been integrated into mainstream clinical practice to improve the healthcare system. However, knowledge of ethnopharmacology in the country is still limited, especially in rural areas like Aurora in Zamboanga del Sur— a municipality with a long history of herbal medicine usage. This study aims to document folk healing practices, utilization, and knowledge of medicinal plants and to quantitatively evaluate ethnopharmacological data from the area. This study documented 165 ethnomedicinal plant species from 64 families, categorized into 16 use categories. We found differences in medicinal plant knowledge based on age, social status, and occupation but not gender. Ethnopharmacological utilization of plants among informants was in strong agreement, with the highest number of species (71) used to treat digestive problems. Several interesting features of local folk medicine were noted, including tuga (healing power bestowed by gods and spirits) and himulso (pulse analysis). Concepts of people–plant interactions and the doctrine of signatures were also observed. Several plant species identified in this study remain understudied; thus, our documentation provides a starting point for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds while promoting pharmacovigilance. This study will also serve as a reference for establishing better management and conservation strategies of floral resources and culture in the area.

Phytochemical and Potential Pharmacological Properties of Pavetta indica Linn

Background: Pavetta indica Linn is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. The parts of this plant are used in indigenous clinical practices, especially for treating visceral obstruction, haemorrhoidal pains, rheumatism and eye diseases, and in the preferential treatment of liver disease, pain from piles, urinary infections, and fever. Despite its usage in indigenous clinical practices, there is limited available information on comparative pharmacognostic, physicochemical, phytochemical, ethnopharmacological data and antioxidant capacity of this herb.&#x0D; Aim: To review and summarize the medicinal properties of Pavetta indica Linn after critically evaluating the published studies reporting and to identify potential research areas from the existing data.&#x0D; Methodology: In the first phase, a comprehensive literature search was carried out in several databases under the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Project for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines.&#x0D; Results: The plant reported various classes of bioactive compounds with the main components: carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, phytosterols, saponins, tannins, proteins and amino acids, phenolic and flavonoids. Extracts of this plant possess multiple pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective and wound healing factors, anti-dementia, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antihelminthic and diuretic properties.&#x0D; Conclusion: This review gives vital information on the traditional uses and, on the other hand, modern discoveries such as phytochemistry and pharmacology of Pavetta indica Linn. The therapeutic value of the plant was discovered based on the information gathered during the review process. As a result, greater research on this plant should be encouraged to identify new useful drugs and therapeutic effects and test using clinical studies.

Quantitative study of medicinal plants and biological activities of two common species used by inhabitants of district Bannu, Pakistan

BackgroundMedicinal plants occupy an important place in the lives of people around the world. This study covers an area where medicinal plants are widely used for various health-related problems due to easily available sources. Objective: The current study aimed to document the quantities of data about the most commonly used medicinal plants in the district Bannu and two common species' biological activities. MethodsEthno-pharmacological data were collected from different locations of district Bannu in the period from 2018 to 2019.The information about biological activities was concentrated on two species: Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal and Mentha viridis L. The data was compiled randomly by semi-structured interviews from having different groups, ages consist of both genders, male and female. ResultsThe ethno-pharmacological data were collected from 115 native people, including 14 traditional healers. The most frequently cited families were: Solanaceae and Moraceae with 5 species (5.88%) followed by Apiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae with 4 species each (4.7%). The highest use-value was reported for Withania coagulans (0.47), followed by M. viridis (0.44), Tamarix aphylla (0.43), Curcuma longa (0.42), Plantago ovata (0.41), Linum usitatissimum (0.40). Least use value was reported for Ziziphus nummularia (0.04).The highest RFC value was reported for W. coagulans (47.82), followed by M. viridis (44.34), and T. aphylla (43.47). ConclusionThe study will result in further pharmacological and clinical research to discover new medicines to improve the health system. It is the first step in unraveling natural products' potential and requires careful study and investigation to enrich the system worldwide. The study will also contribute to the conservation of medicinal plants in the area of Bannu.

Ethnopharmacology and phenology of high-altitude medicinal plants in Kashmir, Northern Himalaya

Background: Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the conservation of floral diversity and is often used for the treatment of numerous diseases in local medicinal systems. Diverse cultural groups in the Himalayan regions have their own local indigenous healthcare systems, with medicinal plant applications that differ depending on geography and ecology. Therefore, it is important to understand plant ecological behavior for prioritizing conservation efforts and comprehending the impact of climate change on plant phenological traits. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data was collected through interviews and group discussions using semi-structured and close-ended questionnaires from different ethnic groups i.e., Gujjar, Bakarwal, and Kashmiri. The data was subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and ordination techniques (Principal Component Analysis) using multivariate software. Results: The present investigation documented a total of 32 plant species belonging to 31 genera in 23 families. Across the 23 families, the distribution of species was unequal, half of the species belonged to just 6 families (Asteraceae, Berberidaceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Solanaceae and Amaranthaceae) while the remaining half belonged to 17 families. Amongst the parts of plants, roots were the most utilized plant part with 25% of usage followed by whole plant (22%). Gastro-intestinal disorders were treated with most species (18%), followed by pulmonary infections (13%). A heat map showed two distinctly separated clusters based on the degree of intensity of flowering timing of the flora and month. Based on the conservation assessment, out 19% of all species observed fell in the Critically Endangered category of IUCN, followed by 6% in the Vulnerable category. Conclusions: This study provides the ethnopharmacological and ecological scope of the plants of the Kashmir in the northern Himalaya. There is need to develop strategies to conserve and sustainably harvest these plants in order to maintain their long-term benefits in the medicinal field. Key words: Flowering time; Disease cured; Conservation; Kashmir

Larval Cytotoxic and Subacute Toxicity of Gardenia ternifolia, Rourea coccinea, and Cassytha filiformis Used in Traditional Medicine of Benin (West Africa).

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or irrational use may pose a risk of toxicity to humans in the short and/or long term. Recent studies reported interesting ethnopharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical data on some medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of male infertility in Benin. Unfortunately, very little data exist on the long-repeated dose toxicity of these medicinal plants. This study was aimed at evaluating the larval cytotoxicity and subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Cassytha filiformis whole plant, Gardenia ternifolia roots, and Rourea coccinea leaves. The subacute toxicity of these plants was evaluated in male Wistar albino rats at three different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) according to the OECD 407 guidelines. Hematological and biochemical examinations and the histological study of the liver and kidneys were carried out. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the studied plants extracts. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. Subacute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys in the lot of treated animals. However, significant alterations in certain hematological and biochemical parameters (hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia) were noted. These abnormalities were observed in the lot of rats treated with Rourea coccinea and Cassytha filiformis extracts. Larval cytotoxicity data indicate that the studied plants extracts are not cytotoxic (LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL). These data suggest that the use in traditional medicine of studied plants at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used in the treatment of male infertility in southern Benin

Infertility is a concern for couples, families and society. In almost half of the cases, it is due to male infertility. This infertility, in developing countries like Benin, often cured by the use of medicinal plants. This study aimed to enlist knowledge about medicinal plants used in the treatment of male infertility in southern Benin. An ethnomedicinal investigation has been conducted in southern Benin by questioning traditional healers and market herbalists using the method of semi-structured interview. Ethnopharmacological data has been analyzed by ethnobotanical indices such as informant consensus factor (ICF), frequency of citation for each plant species and contribution of each plant to drug recipes. 90 respondents including 36 market herbalists and 54 traditional healers participated in this study. Data collected allowed us to list 60 plant species belonging to 56 genera and 38 botanical families. Informants had a high degree of consensus (ICF = 0.58) on plants used for treatment of male infertility. The most plants cited by market herbalists were Garcinia kola (10.09%), Cissus populnea (10.09%), Carpolobia lutea (07.40%) and the parts of plants most used were roots and fruits. For traditional healers, Garcinia kola (10.15%), Cyperus esculentus (06.09%), Citrus aurantiifiola (06.09%) were the most plants cited and parts of plants the most used were leaves and roots. This study provided a list of medicinal plants used for the treatment of male infertility in southern Benin. Further pharmacological and toxicological studies will assess the therapeutic efficacy of these medicinal plants.

Antiseizure potential of the ancient Greek medicinal plant Helleborus odorus subsp. cyclophyllus and identification of its main active principles

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEthnopharmacological data and ancient texts support the use of black hellebore (Helleborus odorus subsp. cyclophyllus, Ranunculaceae) for the management and treatment of epilepsy in ancient Greece. Aim of the studyA pharmacological investigation of the root methanolic extract (RME) was conducted using the zebrafish epilepsy model to isolate and identify the compounds responsible for a potential antiseizure activity and to provide evidence of its historical use. In addition, a comprehensive metabolite profiling of this studied species was proposed. Materials and methodsThe roots were extracted by solvents of increasing polarity and root decoction (RDE) was also prepared. The extracts were evaluated for antiseizure activity using a larval zebrafish epilepsy model with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. The RME exhibited the highest antiseizure activity and was therefore selected for bioactivity-guided fractionation. Isolated compounds were fully characterized by NMR and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS). The UHPLC-HRMS/MS analyses of the RME and RDE were used for dereplication and metabolite profiling. ResultsThe RME showed 80% inhibition of PTZ-induced locomotor activity (300 μg/ml). This extract was fractionated and resulted in the isolation of a new glucopyranosyl-deoxyribonolactone (1) and a new furostanol saponin derivative (2), as well as of 20-hydroxyecdysone (3), hellebrin (4), a spirostanol glycoside derivative (5) and deglucohellebrin (6). The antiseizure activity of RME was found to be mainly due to the new furostanol saponin (2) and hellebrin (4), which reduced 45% and 60% of PTZ-induced seizures (135 μM, respectively). Besides, the aglycone of hellebrin, hellebrigenin (S34), was also active (45% at 7 μM). To further characterize the chemical composition of both RME and RDE, 30 compounds (A7-33, A35–37) were annotated based on UHPLC-HRMS/MS metabolite profiling. This revealed the presence of additional bufadienolides, furostanols, and evidenced alkaloids. ConclusionsThis study is the first to identify the molecular basis of the ethnopharmacological use of black hellebore for the treatment of epilepsy. This was achieved using a microscale zebrafish epilepsy model to rapidly quantify in vivo antiseizure activity. The UHPLC-HRMS/MS profiling revealed the chemical diversity of the extracts and the presence of numerous bufadienolides, furostanols and ecdysteroids, also present in the decoction.

Cytotoxicity and Anti-cancer Activity of the Genus Achillea L.

The genus Achillea L. is rich in bioactive sesquiterpenes and flavonoids; most of the studied species exhibit several biological activities and are used as emmenagogue, wound healing and analgesic agents. Some species are also used in local folklore medicine. Following a literature survey, we discuss the anti-cancer properties of Achillea species, taking into consideration ethnopharmacological data on their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer. In addition, we screened extracts and isolated secondary metabolites from A. coarctata for cytotoxicity, upon information based on local traditional medicine. The plant was collected in Kozani (Northern Greece), where it is locally used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach cancer. A selection of the relevant data was performed through a search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases. In addition, extracts and isolated compounds from A. coarctata were tested for their in vitro activity against the human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HeLa. The genus Achillea L. is a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites. The most significant outcome of the investigation of medicinal plants is the documentation and the assessment of the traditional information and its use and perspectives in the light of modern pharmacology.

Optimization of ultrasound‐assisted extraction of antioxidative phenolic compounds from Deverra scoparia Coss. &amp; Durieu (flowers) using response surface methodology

The current study aims to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of Deverra scoparia Coss. & Durieu (flowers) antioxidative phenolic compounds using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box–Behnken design model has been conducted to investigate the effect of three factors, namely the extraction period, temperature, and sample-to-methanol ratio, on five responses, namely: extraction yield (Y%), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Flavonoids Content (FC) and two antioxidant tests DPPH˙ and FRAP. The used model, proposed to run the extraction at 50°C for 55 min duration with a sample-to-methanol ratio (wt/vol) of 1:70 g/mL. Under optimum conditions (proposed), the experimental values of extraction yield, TPC, FC, DPPH-IC50, and FRAP-IC50 were 10.785%, 922.107 mg GAE/100 g dry matter, 255.634 mg QE/100 g dry matter, 0.113 g/L and 0.066 g/L, respectively. The experimental values were in agreement with the predicted values, indicating the capability of the model and succeed of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions. Practical applications Algerian ethnopharmacological data, considered and believed that D. scoparia herb has numerous therapeutic characteristics, such as hepatitis, digestive difficulties, and urinary infections. However, and according to our literature survey, we noticed that most of the reported studies done on this plant were focusing only on their essential oils, and there was a severe shortage of studies done on this plant in Algeria that investigated its phenolic compounds. Hence, this research aims to optimize the recovery of D. scoparia phenolic compounds by using a green extraction (UAE). On the other hand, the extract under optimum conditions could, therefore, be used in the future to deliver good substitutes to the synthetic antioxidants, and so, enriches the database of pharmaceutical and food application.

The status and perception of medicinal plants by local population of Talassemtane National Park (Northern Morocco)

The humans have the capacity to transmit knowledge to other individuals remote in space and time by verbal and written means. Ethno-pharmacology is based on approaches from the sociocultural and natural sciences. Ethnobotanical research in the Talassemtane National Park was undertaken following a perspective to establish the base of comparative study with Andalusian and Sicilian regions. The aim of these studies was to analyze the data regarding interviewees (socio-demographic), status, perception of inhabitants of the Northern Morocco, confidence in the healing properties of medicinal plants, and conserving the traditional medicinal heritage of the Talassemtane National Park (TLSNP). This study was conducted in the National Park of Talassemtane for a three-year survey (2014-2017). In total, 200 local traditional informers were interviewed to explore the traditional ethnobotanical and ethno-pharmacological knowledge of the local population. Information was collected using open-ended and semi-structured interviews, followed by the analysis of data regarding the interviewees (socio-demographic) and the ethnobotanical or ethno-pharmacological data. In this study, we have identified a total of 152 medicinal plant species belonging to 44 botanical families. The most important family is that of the Apiaceae represented by 31 species. We identified 567 symptoms and diseases for the 152 taxa belonging to 44 included families, with a total of 9402 use reports (UR). They are used to treat up to 123 conditions or symptoms classified into 15 pathological groups according to the ICPC-2 classification of diseases. Concerning the diseases, the main pathological group treated is the one for digestive symptoms (D, 24%). The results show that 50 % of the local population still prefer to use traditional medicine for daily healthcare, and a few of them support these traditional medicines along with conventional drugs. The analysis of data obtained in this ethnobotanical study allowed us to identify the most commonly used medicinal plants in the TLSNP. The knowledge reported in this study is a very original source of information on the local traditional medical flora and provide an additional value to the emblematic Talassemtane National Park.