Ethnoveterinary Knowledge Research Articles

Study on ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by local people inhabiting char area, Kamrup District, Assam, North-East India

The inhabitants of char areas of Kamrup district, Assam (India) have relied on medicinal plants to treat various livestock diseases. Due to the lack of proper documentation, these plants have received little attention. Therefore, studying these plant species' diversity, utilisation, and phytochemistry is crucial. By doing so, we can preserve their traditional knowledge and comprehend the possibility of using these plants to develop new drugs. The present investigation documented 30 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 genera and 22 families. These plants were used against the treatment of 12 disease categories. The families Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae, with three species for each, were dominant, while the leaf (22%) and seed (16%) were the most frequently used plant parts. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was found to be highest in neurological disorders and neglected tropical diseases (NTD) with a value of 1.0 each. In contrast, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) was found to be highest in Curcuma longa L. (0.41) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.37). This study provides reliable data on medicinal plants and indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge that could act as a reference for future researchers dealing with new drug discovery.

Use of Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Plants to Treat Cattle Diseases by the Oulad Heriz Farmers in the Chaouia Region, Northwest of Morocco

Using medicinal plants for healthcare practices in indigenous communities presents a chance to discover natural remedies. This study aims to provide a detailed account of the ethnoveterinary knowledge of medicinal plants utilized for therapeutic purposes. From December 2020 to December 2021, a field investigation was carried out within the Oulad Heriz tribes. Two hundred local farmers were interviewed using open-ended, semi-structured discussions, free listing and focus groups. A total of one hundred medicinal plants belonging to 87 genera and 33 families were discovered to be employed for ethnoveterinary purposes. Rosmarinus officinalis L. was the most frequently utilized ethnoveterinary plant species in the study area (70 citations). Leaves are shown to be the most commonly employed plant parts (55%). However, digestive disorders were the most often mentioned ailment (33 medicinal plants, 599 citations), and most herbal medicines were made by infusion (46.2%). According to the current investigation findings, local farmers in Oulad Heriz have continuous knowledge of ethnoveterinary plants. This ethnoveterinary medicinal heritage needs to be incorporated with contemporary medicine to use plants and their products as potentially viable medications for various cattle illnesses.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by indigenous and local communities of Dugda District, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

BackgroundEthnoveterinary medicinal plants have been used by the people of Dugda District in the primary health care system to treat various livestock ailments for generations, particularly, in underserved rural areas. However, these ethnoveterinary practices and medicinal plants are dwindling without proper documentation, due to undergoing socio-cultural and environmental changes. Hence, this study aimed at inventory and analysis of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and the associated indigenous and local knowledge used in the treatment of livestock health problems in Dugda District.MethodsData were collected from 378 local inhabitants through semi-structured interviews, 18 focus group discussions with 6 to 8 participants in each couple with participant field observations. Informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL) and relative importance value (RI) were used to evaluate the agreement of informants on ethnoveterinary practices, healing potential of medicinal plants and the most multipurpose species. Using standard taxonomic procedures, voucher specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the National Herbarium of Addis Ababa University.ResultsIn total, 64 medicinal plants of ethnoveterinary uses, belonging to 33 families were reported to treat 37 livestock health problems. Anthrax, inappetence and diarrhoea were said to be the most prevalent veterinary health problems treated by traditional medicinal plants. Family Fabaceae was the most widely reported (7 spp.), followed by Apocynaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae (5 spp. each). Herbs were the dominant life forms (21spp.), followed by shrubs (20 spp.). The most commonly sought plant parts were leaves (55.25%), followed by roots (23.44%). The principal method of preparation was pounding remedial parts (46.85%) and mixing with cold water. The main route of administration was via oral application (72.67%), drenching diseased livestock. Withania somnifera and Kedrostis foetidissima were the most cited medicinal plants with 53 and 43 use reports (URs), respectively. ICF showed that respiratory diseases scored the highest value (0.94), while most of the reported medicinal plants were gastrointestinal agents. RI value analysis revealed that Croton macrostachyus had highest diversity of uses, followed by K. foetidissima and W. somnifera. Ethnoveterinary uses of some medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra, Calpurnia aurea, Cyphostemma cyphopetalum and Verbascum sinaiticum as prophylaxis against rabies were a new input for ethnoveterinary database.ConclusionThe study revealed that the people of the Dugda District are endowed with rich ethnoveterinary knowledge and medicinal plants. However, ethnoveterinary knowledge associated with medicinal plant species significantly differ (P < 0.05) between general and key informants, young and matured age groups and informants’ educational level. This infers the impact of mode of ethnoveterinary knowledge transfer, literacy, modern education and globalization on ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plant species. And also most of the medicinal plants are found in wild habitats with nearly no conservation attention. Therefore, it is imperative to implement participatory conservation actions for medicinal plants in collaboration with traditional institutions (Gada system). The disparity of ethnoveterinary knowledge could be also minimized through awareness creation among local communities about the knowledge and its revitalization. Furthermore, medicinal plants, which are widely utilized and multipurpose, should be screened for their phytochemicals, pharmacological and toxicological activities to confirm ethnoveterinary uses and for future development of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

An ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plants used by the Bai people in Yunlong County northwest Yunnan, China

BackgroundThe Bai people in Yunlong County, northwest Yunnan, China, have used medicinal plants and traditional remedies for ethnoveterinary practices. The Bai have mastered ethnoveterinary therapeutic methods in livestock breeding since ancient times. The Bai’s traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge is now facing extinction, and their unique ethnoveterinary practices have rarely been recorded. This study documented animal diseases, EMPs, and related traditional knowledge in Yunlong County, China.MethodsEthnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in six villages and townships of Yunlong County between 2021 and 2022. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, and keyperson interviews. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, and the informant consensus factor and use reports (URs) were used to evaluate the current ethnoveterinary practices among the local communities. Information on livestock diseases, medicinal plants, and traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge were also obtained.ResultsA total of 90 plant species belong to 51 families, 84 genera were recorded as being used as EMPs by the Bai people, and Asteraceae plants are most frequently used. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, including 58 men (85.3%) and 10 women (14.7%). The most commonly used EMPs parts included the roots, whole plants, leaves, and stems, and the common livestock diseases identified in this field investigation included trauma and fracture, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, parasitic diseases, miscellaneous, venomous snake bites, reproductive diseases, infectious diseases, skin disease, and urinary diseases. Most of the EMPs are herbs (77.78%). Courtyard is one of the habitats of medicinal plants in Yunlong County.ConclusionTraditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine is related to the local sociocultural characteristics of the Bai. Plants are used in cultural traditions, which, in turn, nourish the plant culture. Cultural diversity and biodiversity are interdependent. This traditional knowledge is at risk of disappearance because of the increasing extension of Western veterinary medicine, lifestyle changes, and mainstream cultural influences. Therefore, it is important to continue research on ethnoveterinary practices.

Ethnoveterinary uses of forage plants for domesticated ruminants in Malakand agency, Pakistan.

Plant ethnoveterinary uses are evident in various studies around the world, but the ethnoveterinary practices of forage species are not widely reported. Traditional knowledge is rapidly disappearing because of urbanization and commercial activities. The purpose of this study was to document plant species used by the local communities in Malakand Agency, Pakistan for foraging and ethnoveterinary purposes. Twenty different localities in the study area were surveyed for documentation of forage species and related traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge used for livestock. Semistructured questionnaires and field walks were used to conduct 67 interviews with local farmers and herdsmen. A total of 91 forage species from 26 families were documented, as well as their ethnoveterinary applications. Poaceae and Fabaceae were dominant families with 45% and 15% of speciesrespectively. Among the forage species documented, 62 were highly palatable, 26 were moderately palatable and 12 were less palatable. The region's major veterinary diseases are flu, ringworms, inflammations, low milk production, constipation, bloat, mastitis, pneumonia and wounds. The 62 forage species were reported for the first time for various veterinary uses. This study revealed that local communities commonly use a diverse range of forage species in conjunction with indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary uses. These forage species have the potential to overcome the recent fodder shortage. Such studies will be beneficial to the commercial production of such forage species.

Ethnoveterinary practises of medicinal plants used for the treatment of different cattle diseases: A case study in East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya, North East India

IntroductionFor generations, the inhabitants of Meghalaya have relied on medicinal plants to maintain the health of their livestock and treat various illnesses that may afflict their animals. Due to the lack of survey for use and documentation, these plants have never been undertaken. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the diversity, utilization, and phytochemical profile of these plants and quantitatively analyse the data to identify important medicinal plants. By doing so, we can better understand the potential of these plants for developing novel drugs. MethodsFrequent field trips were made for the collection of ethnoveterinary data of medicinal plants from local animal-keepers, traditional healers (THs) and inhabitants of different age groups. This information was gathered through semi-structured interviews, individual discussions, direct field-use observation, and questionnaires. A total of 52 informants (35 females and 17 males) were interviewed from seven rural villages and the information obtained from them were quantitatively analysed using the informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, for each documented plant, available published literature was extensively surveyed to identify the presence of bioactive chemical compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects. ResultsDuring the present study, a total 96 plants, distributed into 87 genera and 43 families were identified and recorded for their use in ethnoveterinary practices against more than 25 diseases. Out of the recorded plant species, the Fabaceae family was found to be the most dominant with seven species, followed by Poaceae and Lamiaceae with six species each, and Moraceae with five species. The leaves (50.00%) and seeds (12.50%) were the most frequently used plant parts, while the paste (30 species) was the common mode of application. Aegle marmelos Correa exhibited a fidelity level (FL) of 100% for indigestion, while Tagetes erecta L. had a fidelity level of 94.11% for wound treatment, making them the most promising candidates for further study. The highest FIC value of 1.00 was recorded for the treatment of neurological disorder (1.00), followed by foot and mouth disease (FIC 0.91), which depicted that some species were frequently utilized to treat multiple livestock ailments. ConclusionThe study presents trustworthy information about medicinal plants and their associated indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge. It has been scientifically proven that these plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for their therapeutic properties. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost due to factors like socioeconomic changes, environmental and technological alterations, and lack of interest from younger generations. Therefore, it is essential to document this empirical folklore knowledge systematically and take measures to protect and conserve it.

Assessing ethno-veterinary practices in Kashmir Himalayas: Traditional knowledge and its role in animal healthcare

This study was aimed at exploring the ethno-veterinary practices in the District of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory of India, by examining the traditional knowledge and its application in animal healthcare. The study included qualitative methods, such as interviews with local farmers (n=100) and traditional healers, as well as observation of their practices from February to April 2023. The results revealed a rich knowledge base among the local community regarding the use of medicinal plants for treating a range of animal ailments. 32 plants of pharmaceutical value representing 23 families have been assessed, with the Asteraceae family receiving the greatest attention. Eighty-eight percent of these ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species were herbs. Leaves of these plants were used most often (27%), followed by the entire plant (21%), seeds (21%), roots and fruits (9%), bulbs (6%), and stems and rhizomes (3%). Glycine max (0.91) and Allium sativum (UVi = 0.89) had the highest UVi values, whereas Oryza sativa (0.51), Allium sativum (0.49), and Zea mays (0.43) were the most cited and most often mentioned therapeutic plant species. Traditional veterinary practices were found to be deeply embedded in the local culture and were passed down through generations of farmers and traditional healers. These practices are still widely used today, in combination with modern veterinary medicine, to provide comprehensive care to livestock in the region. This study highlights the importance of preserving and promoting ethno-veterinary knowledge and practices as a valuable resource for animal healthcare in rural communities.

Medicinal plants and non-plant remedies used in the treatment of livestock ailments in Dawuro Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

Ethnoveterinary medicine is part of indigenous knowledge that has been used for many centuries in the world, particularly in developing countries. Owing to its history and wider utility in our society, a survey on ethnoveterinary practice was undertaken between October 2018 and December 2019, to assess and document this traditional practice in the treatment of livestock ailments in the Dawuro zone. Data on the type of herbs/shrubs and other non-plant consumables or materials were gathered from purposively selected 81 informants using a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions, participant observations, and field trips were also made. Data obtained from the questionnaire survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotanical methods. Samples of plants claimed to have medicinal value were collected and botanically identified. The study revealed that 92 plant species belonging to 44 families were in use. The family Asteraceae was the most frequently reported species (11.4%). Herbs (31.7%) were the main source of traditional prepared medicine followed by shrubs (31.5%). The leaves (40.5%) and roots (34.5%) were more commonly utilized parts of plants while pounding (78.8%) was the major formulation. Among the non-plant materials, bear faeces, sharp hot iron or wire/knife, and common salt showed the highest utility level (100%). Azadirachta indica was the most preferred species to treat blackleg and also with the highest use value (UVs=0.36). The study revealed that the local communities of the study areas were rich in indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary practices. Thus, a strong protective policy is needed to safeguard the plant species; and develop regulations in the applications of ethnoveterinary knowledge. Moreover, bioactive validation of plant chemical content, along with testing for efficacy and safety would be part of indispensable technicalities for rational utility in the future.

ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR ANIMAL THERAPY BY THE TRIBALS OF AMRABAD TIGER RESERVE FOREST OF NAGARKURNOOL DISTRICT, TELANGANA STATE, S. INDIA

Medicinal plants finds a significant role in the livestock health care system for a long period especially in remote areas. On an ongoing work on Ethnoveterinary studies, the present paper deals with the documentation of the medicinal plant species used for the treatment of various veterinary health diseases of the livestock practiced by the indigenous people of the Amrabad Tiger reserve forest of Nagarkurnool district of Telangana state. Periodic field trips, semi structured questionnaires and group discussions were conducted during Jan. 2018-July 2018 to collect the data. A total of 12 medicinal plants referable to 9 families have been recorded with ethnoveterinary uses. These include 6 herbs and 6 tree members. Among the plant families, Solonaceae represented by three genera, Apocynaceae by two, Capparidaceae, Moraceae, Acanthaceae, Lecythidaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Fabaceae, and Rhamnaceae by one genus each. Leaves, bark or whole plant were the consistently used parts. The study highlights that the local people of Amrabad Tiger Reserve forest of Nagarkurnool district holds rich ethnoveterinary knowledge to cure livestock diseases.

Reviewer on the role of ethnoveterinary practice for animal health

Ethnoveterinary practices are important because they are easily available, inexpensive and effective, especially in rural areas where veterinary services are absent or irregular and expensive. At this level, indigenous animal health systems are used for emergency purposes. Despite recent efforts to promote the use of ethno veterinary knowledge worldwide, much information is only documented in field reports and scientific publications. Few practical researches have been done to help animal healthcare workers, farmer leaders and farmers to actively train others in the use of effective and validated ethno veterinary practices. The overall objective of the paper is to highlight to importance of traditional medicinal practices used to treat livestock diseases. Local people in the study area possess traditional knowledge of medicinal plants to treat various animal ailments; however, agricultural expansion and disinterest of young generation became the major threat to medicinal plants. It is, therefore, necessary to preserve this indigenous knowledge on traditional medicines by proper documentation, identification of plant species used, and herbal preparation. To save medicinal plants from further loss, involving local communities in cultivation of the most utilized medicinal plants is recommended.

Ethnoveterinary Study of Plant-Based Remedies for Treating Diseases in Small Ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique.

Small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep, are key livestock species in Mozambique, and their production is mainly undertaken by families. However, small ruminants are often plagued by diseases that can cause considerable economic damage. In this context, traditional remedies, including various plant species, have been widely used to manage these diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the use of plant-based remedies and other treatments for managing diseases in small ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique. Data collection involved conducting interviews with 44 small ruminant breeders across 5 districts in Maputo Province to identify the plants and other remedies commonly used for managing diseases in their animals. We identified a total of 38 plant species belonging to 22 families. Among these plants, four were not identified by their scientific name. The most important plants reported were Cissus quadrangularis, Euphorbia kirkii, and Aloe sp., with Cissus quadrangularis being particularly noteworthy as it was frequently cited for the treatment of wounds. The most commonly cited botanical families were Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asphodelaceae. Interestingly, in addition to plant-based remedies, we also identified other nonplant sources of treatment, such as alkaline batteries, which are commonly used to treat wounds in small ruminants. The use of plants for ethnoveterinary purposes remains prevalent in Maputo province, with older breeders serving as the primary custodians of this traditional knowledge. Efforts should be made to document and share the knowledge of these older breeders, ensuring that it is not lost over time. This preservation of ethnoveterinary knowledge can contribute to sustainable livestock management and support the wellbeing of both rural communities and their animals.

Documenting potential ethnoveterinary knowledge from the indigenous communities of Cold Desert of Ladakh: A trans-Himalayan region of India

Background: The study was conducted in the cold-arid region of Ladakh to evaluate the important ethnoveterinary medical plants used by the indigenous inhabitants and to understand the traditional methods of herbal preparation used locally to treat livestock ailments. Methods: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out in 15 villages of the Ladakh region. A total of 105 informants (83 men and 22 women) between the ages of 40-90 years were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires in the ethnoveterinary survey. The ethnoveterinary data was analyzed using the use-value (UV) and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: A total of 25 plant species in 22 genera and 14 families were enlisted, which are used to treat various livestock ailments by Ladakh inhabitants. Fabaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented families with the highest number of species (5 each), followed by Lamiaceae (3 species) and Apiaceae (2 species). Based on taxonomic characteristics, 92% of the plants were herbs, and the whole plants (51%) were the most commonly used plant parts. The important locally used medicinal plants based on the higher use-value were Thymus linearis (UV=0.48), Cicer microphyllum (UV=0.31), Corydalis govaniana (UV=0.24). The highest informant consensus factor was recorded for respiratory, viral, and health-related disorders (ICF=1). Conclusion: Livestock plays a significant role in enhancing the socio-economic status of the local inhabitants of the Ladakh region. Documentation of this traditional knowledge provides a more substantial chance to educate the younger generations and help in perseveration and future innovative research of these indigenous plants. Necessary initiatives should be taken at government and public levels to cultivate and preserve these endangered species. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge, Livestock diseases, Indigenous communities, Ladakh

Ethnoveterinary practices of medicinal plants among the Zemmour and Zayane tribes, Middle Atlas, Morocco

The widespread usage of medicinal plants in native nations' healthcare practices is a foundation for creating natural drugs. The current study sought to establish thorough ethnoveterinary knowledge of medicinal plants utilized for therapeutic reasons. The field investigation was carried out from January 2016 to December 2020 in the Zemmour and Zayane tribes (Middle Atlas). Three hundred local informants were interviewed, using open-ended and semi-structured interviews. The advantages, coverage, and significance of ethnoveterinary were quantified using a variety of parameters such as informant consensus factor, fidelity level, relative popularity level, rank-order priority, and Jaccard index. A total of 150 species and subspecies belonging to 129 genera and 56 families were employed in ethnoveterinary preparations. The study area's most commonly used ethnoveterinary plant species was Allium sativum L. (16.7%). Leaves are the most frequent plant part used (46.5%). The highest factor informant consensus value was 0.9 for digestive diseases. Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Asparagus officinalis L. Both show a 100% fidelity level for diarrhea and rabies, respectively. Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (rank-order priority = 74) was shown to be the most preferred plant species for fever remedies. The present study demonstrates that local communities in the Middle Atlas have consistent knowledge of ethnoveterinary plants. In this inquiry, we invite the attention of chemists and pharmacologists to further phytochemical and pharmacological studies of medicinal plants having high rank-order priority, fidelity level, and factor informant consensus significance. • Traditional veterinary medicine refers to the collective knowledge of an indigenous community about relationships between people and nature. • The field study was carried out from January 2016 to December 2020 in the Zemmour and Zayane tribes. • A total of 150 plant species belonging to 129 genera and 56 families were found to be used in ethno-veterinary practices • The present study showed that local communities in the Middle Atlas have consistent knowledge of ethno-veterinary plants.

Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge: Harnessing potential phytotherapy in high mountainous areas of Paddar, District Kishtwar (India)

Background: Most people and livestock producers in rural India continue to rely on traditional medicine for health-care practices. The aim of the present study was to document important plant species employed by the people of Paddar to treat livestock ailments. Methods: Reconnaissance surveys were conducted in Paddar from April 2020 to September 2021. A total of 65 informants (37 men and 28 women) were interviewed during the period. Ethnoveterinary data was collected employing semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. The data were analyzed using frequency of citation (FC) and Informant consensus factor (FIC). Results: In total, 43 plant species were used to treat 11 livestock diseases. Herbs were the leading growth forms and leaves were the most used parts used for the treatment purposes. Powder form was the main herbal preparation, and the oral route was the main administration mode. Aucklandia costus, Skimmia laureola, Picrorhiza kurroa, Rumex nepalensis, and Betula utilis were the frequently cited plant species. The FIC value for disease categories ranged from 0.93 to 1. Fourteen plant species were used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusion: The present study is conducted for the first time in the region. Novel uses were reported for Achillea millefolium, Berberis lycium, Ototropis elegans, Desmostachya bipinnata, Lablab purpureus, Rheum webbianum, and Aucklandia costus. These species should be the focus of phytochemical and pharmacological investigation, which might lead to the creation of more effective veterinary drugs. Key words: Livestock disease, Traditional knowledge, Plant resources, Paddar, Jammu and Kashmir

Potential New Therapeutic Approaches Based on Punica granatum Fruits Compared to Synthetic Anthelmintics for the Sustainable Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep.

Simple SummaryThe spread of helminths resistant to the most common classes of anthelmintic drugs in sheep and the presence of drug residues in the environment has prompted research to find sustainable alternative solutions for gastrointestinal nematodes control. This study reports the results of in vivo studies on the efficacy of an aqueous Punica granatum-based macerate, used in southern Italy for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. The anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated in parallel in sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, using, as a positive control, the treatment with Ivermectin and Albendazole. The results of the study show a good anthelmintic efficacy, suggesting the use of this ethnoveterinary macerate as an alternative and sustainable therapeutical remedy for the helminthiasis control in the sheep.Parasites, in particular, gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) represent one of the main burdens affecting small ruminant farming and pose a serious threat to their health, welfare, productivity, and reproduction. The correct management of animals and the correct use of anthelmintic drugs are the pillars of the GIN control programs for small ruminants. However, globally due to the indiscriminate use of synthetic anthelmintics, there is a significant increase in anthelmintic resistance phenomena to one or more classes of drugs. Even if such a problem never represented a serious threat in southern Italy because of the favourable environmental conditions and because of the good farm management, the phenomenon is actually showing a steep increasing trend and requires alternative treatment measures and constant monitoring. The use of phytotherapies is considered a valuable alternative approach for GIN control in small ruminants and could help with reducing the amount of synthetic drugs used and the forthcoming anthelmintic resistance. From this perspective, the Calabria territory offers a wide number of plants with anthelmintic efficacy that could be helpful for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) macerate compared to the treatment with Ivermectin and Albendazole in sheep naturally infected with GINs. The pomegranate macerate derives from the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the Calabria region, Southern Italy. The anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated according to the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRt) using the FLOTAC techniques in two sheep farms in Southern Italy. The FECR was calculated from individual samples using the formula FECR = 100 × (1 − [T2/C2]). The treatment with Albendazole in the first farm showed an efficacy of 99.8% after 14 days and 94.8% after 21 days, while the treatment with Ivermectin in the second farm showed an efficacy of 99.9% after 14 days and 96.5% after 21 days of treatment. The pomegranate macerate, in both farms, showed a value of efficacy of around 50% from day 7 to day 21 after the treatment. Previous studies highlighted the presence of gallic acid as the main component in the pomegranate macerate, and its efficacy in nematode control has been as well previously demonstrated in other plant extracts. This in vivo study demonstrated the unequivocal efficacy of plant macerate in easily reducing 50% of the number of GIN eggs in sheep faeces. These results, obtained without the use of synthetic anthelmintics, indicate the use of green veterinary pharmacology as a sustainable alternative to the use of synthetic drugs to reduce the increase in drug resistance phenomena and the environmental impact.

Ethnoveterinary studies of medicinal plants used to treat livestock in the Haridwar region of Uttarakhand, India

Ethnoveterinary practices are still prevalent in rural livestock healthcare. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of biological resources employed in ethnoveterinary practices in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. This current study focuses on ethnoveterinary knowledge among ethnic populations in Haridwar and quantitatively documented the traditional knowledge about the usage of different medicinal herbs. The field survey was carried out at four sampling sites, i.e., Chilla range, Mohand range, Vindhyavasini hills, and Shyampur range. The ethnoveterinary information was documented and collected in the study areas through interviews, questionnaires, and group discussions with ethnic communities and traditional healers, primarily elderly shepherds and farmers. The collected data were quantitatively analysed utilizing the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV). In this study, 102 medicinal plant species were identified in which herbs (58.8%) were the maximum used life forms. Leaves (27.1%) were found to be the most commonly used plant part. The oral mode of medication was used most often in the ethnoveterinary practices (79.4%) used. Quantitative analysis revealed that the most important species having high UV values for curing livestock was Zingiber officinale (L) (UV = 2.67). FL% values ranged between 27.8 to 100% and ICF values ranged from 0.97 to 0.99. This study reveals that a large variety of medicinal plant species are of great ethnoveterinary relevance and are used by informants in Haridwar to treat cattle ailments. Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies would be needed to determine the usefulness and safety of the identified plants, allowing communities to use them in a more cost-effective, and safe manner.

Plant-based veterinary practices in Jammu and Kashmir: A review of the trends, transfer and conservation of traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge

Background: Traditional veterinary phytotherapy refers to the use of plants for promoting health and curing diseases of livestock. Animal rearing is the major occupation of the tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir and is thus an important part of their economy. Due to the inaccessibility of modern facilities and allopathic drugs, these communities mainly rely on the local flora to cure common ailments prevalent in livestock, developing a rich knowledge of ethnoveterinary practices. These practices are still prevalent despite the advent of modern allopathic drugs as they are easily accessible, effective, and economic. To date, a plethora of studies have been carried out on ethnoveterinary plants in different regions of India, however few of these are available in Jammu and Kashmir itself. The aim of this review was to collate and analyze the traditional phyto-remedies against livestock ailments in Jammu and Kashmir. Methods: An extensive review of the published literature was carried out using various online databases like Academia, Google Scholar, PubMed, Researchgate, Sci-Finder, Scopus, Science direct, and other allied published literature. Results: A total of 18 research articles from the year 1989-2021 were selected which were exclusively related to the ethnoveterinary importance of plants. It was found that Jammu province was explored more as compared to Kashmir, as 10 studies were exclusively done from Jammu province and major attention was given to the ailments of cattle, sheep, and goats. Conclusion: The present review indicates that the medicinal plants reported need detailed biochemical assays to ascertain their therapeutical profiles that can contribute to the discovery of novel compounds to the existing drug pool. The integration of the reported plants into the biodiversity registers and promotion of this traditional heritage by the concerned government institutions and stakeholders involved in conservation is the utmost need of the hour which will ultimately result in the conservation of both the traditional knowledge and biodiversity. Keywords: Ethnoveterinary, Jammu and Kashmir, tribal, livestock, phyto-remedies

Gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders: A plant-based ethnoveterinary meta-analysis in the Catalan linguistic area.

Veterinary care is fundamental for animal wellbeing, and so is achieving a comprehensive understanding of traditional ethnoveterinary applications. However, little attention has been paid to it so far in industrialized countries, and in particular in Western Europe. In this context, the present work aims to make a contribution to this issue in the Catalan linguistic area, focusing on the study of plants used, at a popular level, to treat and deal with gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders, which are among the most important issues that affect animals. Data obtained in this study come from the popular knowledge about plants for veterinary purposes from 599 informants, who jointly provided 1,405 reports of use from 148 plant taxa. The most cited species have been Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (9.04%), Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea (6.26%), and Euphorbia lathyris L. (6.26%). At higher taxonomic levels, the botanical families with more ethnoveterinary applications were Asteraceae (24.48%), Euphorbiaceae (8.33%), and Oleaceae (7.12%). Among the total use reports, 95.02% refer to disorders of the gastrointestinal system, 4.34% to nutritional disorders, and 0.64% to metabolic disorders. Antidiarrheal (18.01%), digestive (16.51%), and laxative (15.80%) have been the most reported veterinary uses. The most used plant parts have been the aerial part (40.50%), the fruit or the infructescence (18.65%), and the flower or inflorescence (16.01%). The main preparation and administration forms reported were tisane (58.69%), followed by direct use (without any specific pharmaceutical form; 21.77%). The global corpus of ethnoveterinary knowledge for the gastrointestinal system disorders in the territory of study is diverse, with some species having a very high cultural value, as indicated by an informant consensus factor very close to 1. Some reported uses were also confirmed after consultation of encyclopedic pharmacological works, although few of these works are specifically devoted to veterinary uses. The results of this study are relevant to preserve the ethnoveterinary knowledge, but also represent an important contribution to be taken into account in research for future development of new plant-based drugs for animals.

Ethnoveterinary practices amongst tribal pig farmers in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India

Folk traditional knowledge and practices are very rich and popular among the tribal farmers in different agricultural practices. The community based cross-sectional study was carried out to know about pig farming pattern, ethnoveterinary knowledge and practices among various tribal pig farmers in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India. Various field data pertaining to pig management were collected through personnel interview, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and field visits. This study attempted to evaluate the potential use of medicinal plant and its by-products as feed ingredients and traditional folk medicine. A total of 40 species of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants were recorded which are principally used to cure various major and minor ailments like fracture, parasitic infestation, maggoted wound, diarrhoea, fever etc. Use of locally available feed ingredients will help in exploration of forest resources, minimize production cost. The present study recorded a total of 21 wild plant species which are used for feeding pigs with most frequently used species belonging to Broussonetia papyrifera, Colocasia esculenta, Alternanthera sessilis etc. The study will help the farmers, environmentalist, researcher and other stakeholder to identify, document, familiarize and better understanding of the distribution of rich medicinal plant in the hill region.

Ethnoveterinary Practices and Ethnobotanical Knowledge on Plants Used against Cattle Diseases among Two Communities in South Africa.

Ethnoveterinary practices and ethnobotanical knowledge serve as potential therapeutic approaches used to manage and prevent cattle diseases within poor communities in developing nations. Most of the knowledge and practices remain inadequately documented and threatened with extinction in the future. This study aimed to explore the ethnoveterinary practices and knowledge on plants used to treat cattle diseases in two communities of the Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, South Africa. A semi-structured interview guide, snowball, and purposive technique were used to collect data and recruit 90 participants. Three ethnobotanical indices (informant consensus factor (Fic), use-value (UV), and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were used for quantitative analysis. A total of 64 medicinal plants from 32 families (dominated by Compositae, Fabaceae, and Asparagaceae) were used to treat 27 cattle diseases. The plants with a high frequency of citation and RFC were Gomphocarpus fruticosus (75, 0.83), Opuntia ficus-indica (74, 0.82), Schkuhria pinnata and Portulaca oleracea (73, 0.81), Solanum lichtensteinii (70, 0.77), and Senna italica. In addition, Schkuhria pinnata and Aloe greatheadii (0.077) had the highest UV. About 28.13% of 64 identified plants were documented as ethnoveterinary medicine for treating cattle ailments, for the first time. The remedies were mainly either prepared as a decoction (52.04%), ground, or prepared as an infusion (16.33%). The plants were administered either orally (69.79%) or topically (30.2%). The ailments with a high frequency of citations were: wounds and constipation (76); arthralgia and retained placenta (69); and lumpy skin disease (68). The categories with the highest number of plants used were gastrointestinal problems (53), skin problems (33), respiratory problems (25), and fertility/reproduction disorders (21). The highest Fic score was cited for tick-borne diseases (1), followed by musculoskeletal systems (Fic = 0.89), and general system infection (Fic = 0.88). The current findings contribute to the documentation and preservation of valuable knowledge from indigenous communities for extensive use. Additionally, ethnoveterinary uses of Portulaca oleracea, Securidaca longipedunculata, and Plumbago zeylanica were recorded for the first time. Further scientific evaluation of the most cited and indigenous/native plants is recommended to establish their therapeutic potential and possible integration into the conventional veterinary sector for the welfare of cattle.