Ethnopharmacological Survey Research Articles

Ethnopharmacological survey of aromatic medicinal plants used in the treatment of the most recurrent diseases in the locality of Oyem, Gabon

Ethnopharmacological survey of aromatic medicinal plants used in the treatment of the most recurrent diseases in the locality of Oyem, Gabon

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Skin-Related Conditions in Ilorin, North-Central, Nigeria

The abundance of plants with medicinal values has been of great impact on the skincare industry in Nigeria. However, proper documentation of plants with skincare values has not been made. Hence, this study was aimed at surveying the traditional medicinal values of some commonly used plants for the management of skin conditions by herbal practitioners in Ilorin metropolis. Ethnobotanical and demographic information of willing respondents were obtained on the most commonly used medicinal plants via semi-structured questionnaires and oral interviews. The names of the plants were further confirmed in the world flora online (www.worldfloraonline.org). A total of 57 plants species representing 30 families, were reported by 62 respondents including males (40%) and females (60%) designated as herbs sellers (32%), traditional medicine practitioners (16%), farmers (8%), and housewives (11 %). Their knowledge sources include inheritance (40%), training (24 %), and a combination of inheritance and training (36%). Euphorbiaceae was the most cited (11 %) plant family, the leaves were the most cited (48%) plant part used, crush to extract juice was the most widely used (51%) method of preparation, and topical application on the affected spot was the most reported (43%) method of administration. The plants mentioned in this survey were reported to have applications against psoriasis, eczema, boils, acne, measles, dandruff, rashes, and wounds. General skin conditions represented the most commonly mentioned (14%) skin condition; while mastitis was the least mentioned (1%) condition. Also, the highest (0.923) informant consensus factor (ICF) was mentioned for insect bites; while the least (0.263) ICF was mentioned for general skin conditions. This study documented some of the medicinal plants that have been used to treat various skin-related conditions most of which have been mentioned in available scientific pieces of literature.

Ethnopharmacological Study and Antibacterial Activities of Some Plants Used in Traditional Medicine for the Treatment of Diarrheal Diseases in Gabon

The purpose of this work was to develop ethnopharmacological and biological studies of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrheal diseases. This study results in scientific data that validates the uses of these plants in traditional medicine. Firstly, ethnopharmacological surveys were conducted with a few traditional healers from the provinces of Estuaire, Haut Ogooué and Woleu-Ntem in Gabon. Next, ethnobotanical data such as percentage of families, species, routes of administration, methods of preparation, parts used and number of plant names were analyzed and summarized. Finally, the antibacterial activities of some plants have been evaluated by diffusion and microdilution methods. Thirty-four (34) traditional healers were interviewed. A total of 90 plant species were identified during this study. They belong to 44 families, the most represented were Leguminoseae (13.33%), Apocynaceae (7.78%), Annonaceae (5.55%), Euphorbiaceae (4.44%) and Anacardiaceae (4.44%). Trees were used more (44.44%) than shrubs (32.22%), herbaceous plants (16.67%) and lianas (6.67%). The drug administration was mainly oral (84.62%) and by the anal route. Decoction and maceration were the two most used methods of preparation. Among identified plants, twenty-seven (27) plant extracts were subjected to microbiological analyzes. Plant extracts tested were active on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Cola nitida extracts gave the best antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis 103907 CIP. This study identified 90 antidiarrheal plant species and clearly shows the antimicrobial potential of several medicinal species.

Unraveling Traditional Knowledge of Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb. Used in the Fez-Meknes Area in Morocco

The traditional knowledge of Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb. used in Moroccan folk medicine may provide insight into its utilities for further in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The present work was undertaken with a view to highlighting one of the medicinal plants ''musk herb'', which has a wide geographical distribution in Morocco and which would be of great added value for the Moroccan pharmacopeia in general. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted to interview a total of 207 informants, a questionnaire targeted the population of Fez-Meknes region. The interviewed people about the utility of A. iva confirmed the effectiveness of this plant in the treatment of numerous illnesses especially those affected digestive system (40.99%), headache (14.07%), fever (11.85%), and other pathologies represented 16.04%. The most part used is the leaves (48.30%) followed by the whole plant (43.47%). The present survey displays the importance of A. iva in the medical culture of Fez-Meknes population for the primary and secondary prevention of different disorders. Future mechanistic studies, as well as clinical trials, are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this medicinal plant according to its ethnopharmacological uses.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Health Practitioners and Indigenous People in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh for the Treatment of Dysentery

Dysentery is frequently associated with high morbidity and mortality and is found in young children and mainly affects those in developing nations. Rural people across the world trust on herbal remedies and homeopathic medicines for their primary health care on account of their easy accessibility, efficacy and exceptionally cost ampleness in relation to modern drugs. The purpose of the present study was to compile knowledge of traditional healers and indigenous people in Chittagong hill tracts, Bangladesh, including Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari for the treatment of dysentery. The ethnomedicinal data was gathered from January 2019 to January 2020 through open and focused group discussions and individual meetings utilizing semi-structured questionnaire. An aggregate of 75 people were interviewed, including traditional health practitioners. Frequency and percentage were utilized to sum up the data. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) was determined and inclination positioning activities were led to appraise the significance of the revealed medicinal plants. An aggregate of 90 medicinal plants from 52 families and 79 genera were recorded during the survey. Leaves were discovered to be the most largely used plant part (35%) followed by root (19%) and herbs (40%) were the essential wellspring of medicinal plants, followed by trees (20%). The major mode of preparation is juice (68%) followed by paste (11%) and cooked form (7%). Centella asiatica scored the highest RFC value (0.773). The survey addresses the preliminary information of certain medicinal plants having anti-dysenteric property. However, further phytochemical investigation, validation and clinical trial sought to be conducted, with need given to those that scored the most elevated RFC values prior to utilizing these plants as an option in contrast to modern medicine. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 21(2): 127-146, 2022 (December)

Ethnopharmacological survey of endemic plants used in ethnomedicinal knowledge of Soqotra Island

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDue to the long biogeographical isolation since ancient times, Soqotra Island (southern Yemen) is rich in medicinal endemic plants. However, information on their traditional therapeutic knowledge is scarce in scientific literature and still not completely documented. Aim of the study(1) Documentation and search the native traditional therapeutic knowledge focusing on the medicinal plants which are endemic to Soqotra (2) Identification of the important endemic plants treating diseases by quantitative analysis of the collected data. Materials and methodsEthnobotanical data were collected from 105 local informants through open interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and field survey in February 1990 to document the traditional medicinal plants in Soqotra Island. Of them we reported in this study the data of the endemic species, due to their wide biodiversity in the island. The quantitative data were analyzed for use reports (URs) and the informant consensus factor (ICF). The reported diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2). New reported medicinal plants in this study were identified compared to literature review. The level of traditional Soqotri knowledge among Islanders was observed during 1990–2003. ResultsIn the study, 86 medicinal endemic plants with 7654 therapeutic URs were explored for 69 ailments types belongs to 11 (ICPC-2) groups. The highest ICF value (0.99) were calculated for both eye and ear diseases categories, followed by general and unspecified ailments (0.98), digestive and skin (0.97 for each), and musculoskeletal ailments (0.96) among all diseases categories. While the highest URs (2276) were identified for skin diseases, followed by digestive diseases (URs = 2146). All the 86 recorded medicinal plant species were endemic to Soqotra, belonging to 57 genera and 29 families. Euphorbiaceae and Burseraceae were the dominant families, followed by Apocynaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Shrubs were the dominant growth form (41 species, 47.67%), followed by herbs (27; 31.4%), and trees (14; 16.28%). Leaves (45 species; 31.25%) were the most frequently used parts, followed by stems (34 species; 23.61%) and barks (species 23; 15.97%). The most cited preparation method was paste for 51 species followed by liquid exudates (48 species) and powder (26 species). Based on the comparative literature review, we recorded 36 new endemic medicinal plants and reported new traditional therapeutic uses for the remaining 50 endemic plants for the first time. On the other hand, all the reported endemic medicinal plants have been enlisted in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, of them 21 endemic species enlisted as highest threatened species. ConclusionAccording to the quantitative data analyzed, Soqotra Island has a valuable traditional knowledge in several medicinal endemic plants that used by local people in the primary health care until the study time at 1990. This study emphasizes the importance of early time in documenting traditional indigenous knowledge before losing and to protect and conserve the endemic plants against highly endangered. Consequently, these ethnomedicinal data could be used in the future as guide for pharmacological and phytochemical studies to discover new therapeutic drugs.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal species utilized in the Coqueiros Community, Brazil

This paper explores the medicinal plants used by Coqueiros Community, Brazil, for the treatment of various ailments. We apply the structured interview and the participant observation, and the local knowledge was analyzed using quantitative measures applied to the general sampling to contribute to selection of promising species for biotechnological development. This community cited 105 species from 53 plant families. The most representative families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae and Rutaceae. Among the species mentioned in this survey, 66,7% of them occur in the Cerrado as native vegetation. The species considered the most important by interviewees are those with action forthe largest number of health problems. Thus, the statistical indexes used here, such as Relative Impotance (RI), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), contributed to identify these species. To conclude, from this research we have known the potential of the Brazilian vegetation for the development of biotechnology.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal herbs in Tolaki-Mekongga Tribe of Kolaka Regency and East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: This research aims to collect and preserve ethnopharmaceutical knowledge based on the customs of the Tolaki-Mekongga tribe in treating various diseases experienced by people in the Tolaki-Mekongga tribal area. Methods: In this study, descriptive-qualitative methods have been used for the research objectives to be achieved. Qualitative methods have been used to identify plants as traditional medicines by interview, while quantitative methods have been used for the classification of medicinal plants, use of therapeutic plant organs, medicinal plant use formulations, determination of a group of plants as candidates for herbal medicine, phytopharmaca candidates, and even endemic plant as drugs candidates for tropical and infectious diseases. Results: The results obtained 158 medicinal plant species, although most of these medicinal plants were used by other tribes, and the Tolaki-Mekongga tribe only uses as many as ten medicinal plant species as local wisdom in the region. According to the survey results, it was found that the parts of the plant that were commonly used were roots, root water, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits and rhizomes. The processing of plants used as medicinal plants generally still uses traditional methods. Based on the questionnaires and field surveys, several things were found: through questionnaire data, as many as 133 respondents obtained online and offline were identified 158 plant species used by the Tolaki-Mekongga tribe to treat 112 types of diseases. A literature search shows that among the 158 plant species, several plants are not only used by the Tolaki-Mekongga people but also by other tribes in Indonesia and the world, but this study provides essential information and found that ten medicinal plant species are only used by the species of Tolaki-Mekongga partly have not been identified, namely: (tawa nggateba/kateba: local name), Kleinhovia hospita L., (tawa tamaseu: local name), (bajakah: local name), (tawa tanggedaso: local name), chlorophyll trees (spesies unidentified), (saumompai: local name), (katolanondoke: local name), Discidia albifora, and Discidia major. Conclusion: Data on endemic plants in the Kolaka and East Kolaka districts were obtained, which were used as medicinal plants and even as foodstuffs in the region and have the potential for herbal and phytopharmaca studies, so that phytochemical and pharmacological studies were needed to identify bioactive compounds.

Ethnopharmacological survey of plants prescribed by herbalists for traditional treatment of hypercholesterolemia in Casablanca, Morocco

BackgroundThe conventional treatments for hypercholesterolemia are too atomistic to effectively handle the condition. A phytotherapy which is rich in bioactive compounds could be a more effective approach. This study highlights plants prescribed against high cholesterol by herbalists in Casablanca, Morocco, and investigates their clinical effectiveness through a literature review. MethodsAn ethnopharmacological survey was conducted on 127 herbalists. The socio-demographic profile of the respondents, vernacular plant names, parts used, preparation methods, routes of administration and posology were recorded. The data was analyzed using the Citation Number, Use Value, Family Use Value and Choice Value indices. The literature review of the plants subject to clinical trials was conducted by probing ScienceDirect, Springer and PubMed. ResultsA total of 33 plant species distributed over 19 families were identified. The most represented families were Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae. The most prescribed species were Linum usitatissimum, Coriandrum sativum, Avena sativa, Olea europea, Allium sativum, Juglans regia, Glycine max, Curcuma longa, Foeniculum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis. Flax and coriander had the highest Use Value. The literature review on hypercholesterolemia clinical trials revealed 15 common species related to this survey. ConclusionTo treat hypercholesterolemia, herbalists emphasized 10 relevant plants: Linum usitatissimum, Coriandrum sativum, Avena sativa, Olea Europea, Allium sativum, Juglans regia, Glycine max and Rosmarinus officinalis. Some clinical trials have also shown these plant species to be effective cholesterol-lowering plants. This agreement between herbalists and clinical trials reflects the ability of the Moroccan traditional pharmacopoeia to meet the population health needs. However, serious attention should be given toward the toxicity of plants.

Toxicological and anti-hyperglycemic studies of five plants used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Benin

In Benin as in the African sub-region, the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the threats they represent constitute a major public health problem which hinders their economic and social development. NCDs kill 36 million people each year and 80% of deaths occur in developing countries, including Benin. The objective of our work is to evaluate the acute, subacute toxicity and the anti-hyperglycemic activity of five plants listed through an ethno pharmacological survey which is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Benin. The acute toxicity test was conducted on male and female wistar rats at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. The subacute toxicity test was carried out over a period of 28 days, with 6 batches of 3 rats. Batch 1 received daily 1 ml/100 g of distilled water and batches 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively the leaf extracts of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex-Wendel; Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex G. Don; Mangifera indica L.; Saccharum officinarum L.; And Annona muricata L. at a daily dose of 200mg/kg per day for 28 days. Administration of the single dose of the extract did not cause any deaths. In rats treated with repeated doses of 200mg/kg for 28 days the variation in weight depends on the extracts. The level of transaminases (AST and ALT) did not vary. Plant extracts did not induce any significant change in creatinine level. All five extracts have anti-hyperglycemic activity. Our results allow us to deduce that these plants can be used to prevent and treat diabetes without the risk of hepatic and renal toxicity.
 Keywords: Medicinal plants; Type 2 diabetes; Toxicity; efficacy

Secondary metabolite contents and safety assessment study of the aqueous extract from the Algerian Echium trygorrhizum Pomel roots

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpecies of Echium trygorrhizum Pomel, belonging to the Boraginaceae family, grow wild in North Africa. This plant is used in traditional Algerian medicine for the treatment of Diabetes, Jaundice and Tonsillitis. Aim of the studyTo our knowledge, no work has been done on the phytochemistry and biological activities of this plant. Moreover, no study has yet corroborated that the use of this plant is safe. Therefore, the present study was carried out to gather information on the various medicinal uses of this plant and to evaluate the total phenolic content and assess its safety after acute and sub-acute toxicity tests with rodents (mice and rats). Material and methodsAn ethnopharmacological survey was carried out using a direct questionnaire. It included some questions relating to the plant. The content of polyphénols, flavonoids and tannins present in the aqueous extract was determined by colorimetric methods. In the acute toxicity tests, three groups each containing five males and five females Albino mice were formed. The control group received water, while the test groups received different doses of aqueous extract (2000 and 5000) mg/kg body weight. In the subacute toxicity study, different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract were administered to male and female rats for 28 consecutive days. Hematological analysis, biochemical parameters estimation and histopathological examination have been determined at the end of the treatment. ResultsData from the ethnopharmacological survey showed that 25, 31% of people used this plant in Algeria as a traditional medicine for the treatment of Jaundice (100%), Diabetes (28, 33%) and Tonsillitis (10%). Results also revealed that aqueous extract contains high amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. The extract did not cause any toxicity during the 14-days observation period after a single dose of 5000 mg/kg was administered to mice, with LD50 values greater than 5000 mg/kg. In a further step, the administration of the aqueous extract at all dose levels (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to male and female rats during the 28-days study did not result in any deaths or behavioral changes, and there were no changes in body weight, relative organ weights, or food consumption as a result of this experiment. However, male rats showed a significant difference in relative liver weight in the high dose group (1000 mg/kg) (p < 0.05) and the satellite group (p < 0.01). In female rats, liver weight significantly increased only in the satellite group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The results showed an increase in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in the female groups. However, a clear decrease was observed in plasma ALP enzyme activities in females treated with the doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.05) after the treatment periods. ConclusionThe study indicated that the single dose of 5 g/kg AQE can be considered relatively safe as it did not cause death or any signs of toxicity in mice. Repeated oral administration of AQE at doses below 250 g/kg/day for 28 consecutive days can be considered relatively safe.

English

Although extensively used by Comorian women, limited information exists on Msindzano beauty masks. Thus an ethnopharmacological survey was conducted on two islands of the Comoros archipelago: Ndzuani and Ngazidja. An open-ended, semi-structured questionnaire was employed for data collection on the different plants used for Msindzano preparation, their different mixtures and their different applications. A total of 348 women were interviewed on both islands. Thirty-nine plant species were recorded in this investigation, 30 in Ndzuani and 27 in Ngazidja, with 19 being used on both islands. Santalum album is the main plant used in Msindzano. It is followed by Acokanthera schimperi, Sesamum indicum and Arachys hypogea. Regarding the different mixtures, twenty-one mixtures are used in Ndzuani and 10 in Ngazidja. The main purpose for the application of Msindzano is to lighten the skin, but also to eliminate acne, as a sun block against radiation, heat and allergies. In Ndzuani it is largely used against heat and to eliminate acne, while in Ngazidja it is employed mostly as a sun block against radiation. It is thus concluded that Msindzano is an important tool used by Comorian women as cosmetics as well as for the treatment of certain skin diseases. Key words: Cosmetics, eliminate acne, lighten skin, Msindzano, Ndzuani, Ngazidja.

Medicinal Plants used in Four Local Government Areas of South-Western Nigeria for the Management of Diabetes and its Comorbidities: An Ethnopharmacological Survey.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to pose a major global health threat with serious economic burden in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria. This condition is often worsened as most diabetic patients have other accompanying comorbidities such as hypertension, stroke, heart disease and obesity, further putting a strain on their wellbeing. In spite of the several orthodox medicines for the treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities, complication arising from the use of such agents have limited therapeutic success. It is therefore imperative to search for safer alternative and affordable treatment options from plants. &#x0D; This study aimed at accessing and documenting the medicinal plants used in four local government areas of South-Western Nigeria for the management of diabetes and its comorbidities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from traditional medical practitioners, village elders and herb sellers. The data obtained were analyzed and discussed in relation to previously published literature. Fifty-three respondents mostly males (77.4%) provided information on medicinal plants useful for the management of diabetes and its comorbidities. A total of 77 medicinal plants used concomitantly belonging to 44 plant families were mentioned by the respondents. 53 medicinal plants are being used for managing diabetes, 35 for hypertension, 28 for stroke, 17 for heart diseases and 25 for obesity. The frequently used plant species were Vernonia amygdalina Delile with use-mention-index (UMi) of 0.208, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (UMi 0.170), Viscum album L. (UMi 0.151), Carica papaya L. (UMi 0.151) and Allium sativum L. (UMi 0.132). Citrus aurantifolia was the only plant mentioned for the management of the five ailments. Most diabetic patients often have one or more accompanying comorbidities. A safe and efficacious single herbal preparation that can manage both diabetes and its comorbidities may provide scientific breakthrough and relief from the side effects associated with the use of different synthetic drugs that is often experienced by sufferers of DM with accompanying comorbidities.

Ethnopharmacological Survey, Mineral and Chemical Content, In Vitro Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Aqueous and Organic Extracts of Chamaerops humilis L. var. argentea Andre Leaves.

Introduction The present study is carried out for the first time on Chamaerops humilis L. var. argentea Andre from the region of Taza using an ethnopharmacological survey, an experimental study of the mineralogical and chemical compositions, and evaluations of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Methods After conducting the ethnopharmacological survey, a mineralogical and phytochemical study involving the preparation of aqueous and organic extracts was done. Essential oils were also extracted by hydrodistillation. Subsequently, qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses were performed. In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activities was performed by five tests (H2O2, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and RP) and antibacterial activities by the disc method and determination of MIC and MBC. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to visualize the different correlations. Results The different parts of the plant are used for the treatment of digestive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. In addition, the leaves are rich in mineral compounds, catechic tannins, flavonoids, and sterols. However, they have some traces of essential oils. The quantitative analysis revealed that the ethanolic macerated had a higher content of total polyphenols (100.27 ± 1.95 mg EAG/g E) and catechic tannins (52.11 ± 1.02 mg EC/g E). This extract had a strong antioxidant capacity (H2O2 (37.34 ± 0.55%), DPPH (IC50 = 31.18 ± 0.66 μg/ml), ABTS (108.28 ± 1.29 mg E AA/g E), FRAP (148.85 ± 0.43 mg E T/g E), and RP (10.86 ± 0.01 mg E AA/g E). The same extract had a bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that antioxidant activity was highly correlated with the chemical composition of C. humilis leaves; a high correlation was recorded between the total polyphenol content and ABTS (r = 0.9779), FRAP (r = 0.9644), DPPH (r = 0.9418), and PR (r = 0.9271) tests. In addition, cathectic tannins were highly correlated with the tests of DPPH (r = 0.9753) and ABTS (r = 0.8843). Flavonoids were similarly correlated with DPPH (r = 0.8897) and ABTS (r = 0.7599) tests. Conclusion These results could justify the traditional use of the leaves of Chamaerops humilis in the region of Taza for the treatment of some diseases.

Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Associated Risk Factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, including deaths arising from non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, this study aimed to provide details of medicinal plants (MPs) employed in SSA for the treatment of CVDs and their related risk factors to open new avenues for the discovery of novel drugs. The extensive ethnopharmacological literature survey of these MPs in 41 SSA countries was based on studies from 1982 to 2021. It revealed 1,085 MPs belonging to 218 botanical families, with Fabaceae (9.61%), Asteraceae (6.77%), Apocynaceae (3.93%), Lamiaceae (3.75%), and Rubiaceae (3.66%) being the most represented. Meanwhile, Allium sativum L., Persea americana Mill., Moringa oleifera Lam., Mangifera indica L., and Allium cepa L. are the five most utilised plant species. The preferred plant parts include the leaves (36%), roots (21%), barks (14%), fruits (7%), and seeds (5%), which are mostly prepared by decoction. Benin, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, and Togo had the highest reported use while most of the investigations were on diabetes and hypertension. Despite the nutraceutical advantages of some of these MPs, their general toxicity potential calls for caution in their human long-term use. Overall, the study established the need for governments of SSA countries to validate the efficacy/safety of these MPs as well as provide affordable, accessible, and improved modern healthcare services.

Antimicrobial Properties of Compounds Isolated from Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. and L.M. Perry and Medicinal Plants Used in French Polynesia.

A preliminary ethnopharmacological survey, achieved in French Polynesia, led to the collection of the most cited plants among 63 species used to treat “infectious” diseases, with a description of their medicinal uses. Bibliographical investigations and antimicrobial screening permitted the selection of the botanical species Syzygium malaccense (Myrtaceae) for phytochemical analysis. Leaves of Syzygium malaccense were usually used in mixture with rhizomes of Curcuma longa to treat infectious diseases such as cystitis. The methanolic plant extracts were tested in vitro with an agar microdilution method on 33 bacteria strains and 1 yeast to obtain their Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells were evaluated. Antimicrobial synergistic effects of methanolic plant extracts from leaves of Syzygium malaccense and rhizomes from Curcuma longa were also evaluated. The bio-guided isolation of leaf extract from Syzygium malaccense led to the identification of seven alkyl-salicylic acids (anacardic acids or ginkgolic acids C15:0, C15:1, C17:0, C17:1, C17:2, C17:3 and C19:1) described for the first time in this species. All compounds were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (18.75 < MIC < 75.0 µg/mL), Streptococcus pyogenes (2.34 < MIC < 18.75 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 150 µg/mL), and their structure–activity relationships were discussed. The methanolic extract and salicylic derivatives from S. malaccense showed an interesting antimicrobial activity against Gram+ bacteria, without toxicity on hepG2 cells at 400 μg/mL. Moreover, these antibacterial compounds have already been studied for their anti-inflammatory activity, which supports the therapeutic interest of S. malaccense against infectious diseases.

Ethnopharmacological Study of the Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia in the West Region of Cameroon.

Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) or sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality in Africa and other developing nations. Therefore, modern and traditional remedies are being introduced for use in the treatment and management of this disease. This is because safe, effective, and inexpensive therapeutic agents are urgently needed for the treatment of this disease in Africa and other developing nations. Objective The purpose of this study is to identify medicinal plant species commonly used by traditional healers in the treatment of sickle cell patients across some localities in the west region of Cameroon. Material and Methods. The ethnopharmacological survey was carried out in several districts within some localities of the western region of Cameroon. The survey was based on a semistructured questionnaire that was administered to 17 traditional healers and 62 sickle cell patients. It took place between November 2018 and March 2019. Personal information of participants and plant therapy data were gathered. Plants were identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon. Literature review determined pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds of the identified plants. Data were generally analysed using Epi Info 7 software for Windows. Results Twelve medicinal plant species belonging to 10 families are being used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia across the study sites. Euphorbiaceae is the dominant family with three plant species. Bark (39.3%) and seeds (35.7%) are the most used plant parts, which get administered through maceration, decoction, and chewing in water. According to the literature review, the identified plants have pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds (especially polyphenols and alkaloids) that signify the presence of antioxidant compounds, which may possess an antisickling activity. There is therefore a need to conduct another study to scientifically validate (in vitro) antisickling properties of these plants. Conclusion This study has revealed promising medicinal plants that are currently applied in the traditional treatment of sickle cell anemia. Although still inconclusive, the association of pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds with these medicinal plants justifies their use in traditional pharmacopoeia.

Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Mentha spicata.

Mentha spicata, also called Mentha viridis, is a medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family characterized by its potency to synthesize and secret secondary metabolites, essentially essential oils. Different populations use the aerial parts of this plant for tea preparation, and this tisane has shown several effects, according to ethnopharmacological surveys carried out in different areas around the world. These effects are attributed to different compounds of M. spicata, in which their biological effects were recently proved experimentally. Pharmacological properties of M. spicata extracts and essential oils were investigated for different health benefits such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. In vitro and in vivo studies showed positives effects that could be certainly related to different bioactive compounds identified in M. spicata. Indeed, volatile compounds seem to be efficient in inhibiting different microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites through several mechanisms. Moreover, M. spicata exhibited, according to some studies, promising antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, which show its potential to be used as a source for identifying natural drugs against cellular oxidative stress and its related diseases. Importantly, toxicological investigations of M. spicata show the safety of this species at different doses and several periods of use which justify its use in traditional medicines as tisane with tea. Here, we report, explore, and highlight the data published on M. spicata concerning its botanical description and geographical distribution, its phytochemical compounds, its pharmacological properties, and its toxicological investigations of M. spicata.

IDF21-0212 Interactions between herbs and antidiabetic drugs and their effects on glycemia: A simple tool for a fast identification

Background: Many studies conducted in Algeria have found that approximately 39% (Boutebba M et al) to 43% (Sadoun et al) of diabetics use the plants concomitantly with their conventional drugs with 22% describing adverse reactions (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia).This notion is not taken in consideration by many clinicians due to the lack of information and the absence of trainings in the field of phytotherapy, NHP and their potential interactions with drugs. Aim: Our aim is to help health professional identifying potential herbs-antidiabetic drugs interaction by creating a simple tool by reviewing the literature. Method: Databases (MEDLINE, Google scholar, science direct, NCBI) and books (as Medi-herb, WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants…) were consulted searching for the clinical studies, case reports and studies published in term of herb-antidiabetic drugs interaction. The most commonly used plants by the Algerian diabetics were selected using the previous ethnopharmacological surveys and the antidiabetic effect of these plants to deduct the potential pharmacodynamic interactions were searched. The interactions were classified into four groups each group corresponds to a level of evidence:1.Probable interactions with high chances to produce: include interactions supported by clinical evidence and case studies.2.Possible interactions with medium chances to produce: include interactions based on animal or in vitro data.3.Theoretical interactions: include theoretical interactions extrapolated from pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data.4.No reported interactions or theoretical interactions identified from the literature. Results: Thirty-one plants and six antidiabetic drugs were retained to create the tool. More than 200 references were reviewed. A grid was established with color keys that were used to simplify the detection of the interaction and its level of evidence by the user. Discussion: The tool that we developed can help health professionals who take care of diabetics to determine the risk of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia and avoiding them which contributes to a better control of glucose level and an improvement of the diabetes management.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility in Ilorin, Nigeria

Over generations, several indigenous knowledge on the use of medicinal plants have been lost due to a lack of interest of the upcoming generation and reluctancy of the older generations to pass on their knowledge. This survey was set about to preserve and share the knowledge of the Ilorin Emirate Clan in the management of female sexual dysfunction and infertility (FSDI). The survey was conducted across three major markets (Shao, Jimba-Oja and Oke-Oyi) and ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants, mode of preparation, route of administration and demographic information were collected from volunteers using a semi-structured questionnaire, oral or virtual interviews. A total of 47 plant species belonging to 28 families were identified from 85 willing respondents. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. &amp; Thonn. was the most frequently cited plant with a citation frequency of 31.76% and a fidelity level of 57.75% whereas Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. was the least cited plant with a citation frequency of 1.18% and a fidelity level of 1.12%. The highest informant consensus factor computed for Shao market, Jimba-Oja and Oke-Oyi were 0.93, 0.57 and 0.84 for P. amarus, Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A.Bruce and Cassia fistula L., respectively. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the medicinal plants in our society that are of importance in the management of female sexual dysfunction and infertility. The data collected would promote the conservation of invaluable indigenous knowledge and highlight a broad selection of medicinal plants that could be subjected to further pharmacological and clinical investigation for their potential role in the treatment of FSDI.