Ethnoveterinary Medicine Research Articles

Qualitative phytochemical analysis of bioactive constituents in acetone extract of seeds of Hydnocarpus pentandra

Ethnoveterinary medicine focuses on the practical use of community or area based traditional and indigenous knowledge including the collection, preparation and administration of medicinal plants or plant parts for curing diseases of animals. Hydnocarpus pentandra is a plant endemic to South India which is traditionally known for the antileprotic activity of its seed oil. Diverse pharmacological activities of the plant extracts depend on the presence of its secondary metabolites. The present research was conducted to explore the phytochemical constituents present in the acetone solvent extract of the seeds of H. pentandra. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract using colorimetric reactions revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids and carbohydrates. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of different compounds which included paromomycin, D-streptamine, carnegine, 4-propyl acridine and R-limonene. The acetone extract could be considered as a potent source of new molecules with different pharmacological actions. Keywords: Hydnocarpus pentandra, phytochemical screening, secondary metabolites

Stands diversity and population structure of five ethnoveterinary woody species according to climatic zone and human disturbance in Benin (West Africa)

Farmers continue to use medicinal plants, alone or in combination with veterinary medicines, to treat animal diseases, especially in developing countries. The study aimed to determine the effect of climatic zone and anthropic disturbance level on the diversity of the natural stand and structures of Morinda lucida Benth, Spondias mombin L., Terminalia leiocarpa (DC.) Baill, Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel. ex G. Don) Benth, and Vitex doniana Sweet, five plant species often used in ethnoveterinary medicine in Benin. A floristic inventory was conducted in 206 plots of 0.15 ha each, distributed across 6 forests/hunting areas as well as surrounding fields and fallow land. The data were analyzed using R software by calculating the importance value index and the population structural parameters (density, basal area, mean height, etc.). The results showed that the floristic composition of the habitats of the five target species varied by climatic zone and disturbance level. Morinda lucida, S. mombin, and V. doniana were available in stands undergoing heavy disturbance in the Guinean zone, whereas T. leiocarpa and C. febrifuga were more available in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian zones. Values of structural parameters of these species were higher in the Guinean zone than in the other two zones. Furthermore, the results of the diameter structure showed C-values ranging from 1 to 3.6, suggesting the predominance of young individuals. This suggests strong human pressure on the adults of studied plants. These results should be used to contribute to the sustainable use of these species. Recommendations are made for the sustainable use of these five species, especially T. leiocarpa and C. febrifuga, which were heavily exploited given their low availability in stands under high human disturbance.

Perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among animal healthcare practitioners in South Africa.

The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2= 17.490,df= 3,p= 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders.Contribution:This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.

Participatory inventory of plant-based ethnoveterinary medicine used to control internal parasites of goats in the Ngamiland region of Botswana

The effect of internal parasites on goats is of major concern, particularly in the tropics where there are limited resources and financially constrained farmers. The ethnic knowledge on controlling and treating internal parasites is of value to sustainable and organic product production which are essential for long-term prosperity of goat farmers. Using participatory approaches, this study identified and documented popular plants used by farmers to control internal parasites in goats in the Ngamiland region of Botswana. A total of 120 communal farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic parameters and ethnobotanical information. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the most popular plants were identified using fidelity levels (FL). Most of the informants were secondary educated males of 50 to 60 years and relied on livestock for their livelihoods. It was recorded that a total of 13 local plant species from 11 families are commonly used in the treatment of intestinal parasites in goats. The plant family Fabaceae (27.3 %) was common among the farmers. The roots (76.9 %) were the most frequently used plant part while decoction (46 %) was popular in medicinal preparations. The prepared plant-based medicine is often administered orally. The highest FL values were found for the following plant species; Terminalia sericea, Gnidia capitata and Aloe ferox, scoring 89.3 %, 88.0 % and 86.3 %, respectively. The safety and efficacy of these plants should be validated to inform strategic utilization and alternative cost-effective strategy in managing internal parasites in Botswana.

Impacts of ethnoveterinary medicine integrated with livestock farm technologies on the performance and antimicrobial resistance of indigenous goats in South Africa –A review

Ethnoveterinary medicine and livestock farm technologies represent a junction of innovation and tradition with the aim to accomplish livestock systems that are resilient, productive, and sustainable to meet 21st century challenges, especially the antimicrobial resistance issue. This article aims to emphasise the impacts of integrating ethnoveterinary medicine with livestock farm technologies on the performance of indigenous goats in South Africa. With the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance in livestock, there is a pressing need for complementary approaches to the health of animals and their productivity. In this review, the aim evaluated whether an integrative approach could offer a sustainable alternative that benefits animal health and productivity while addressing the concerns of antimicrobial resistance. Comparative study designs across multiple indigenous goat farms were used to integrate specific medicinal plants in ethnoveterinary medicine with present-day livestock technologies that are used to monitor the effects on livestock performance indicators and antimicrobial resistance patterns. In the treated populations, the outcomes were indicative of substantial improvements in reproduction and growth rates, and alongside, there has been a notable decrease in the markers of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it is proposed that through these discoveries, the integration of these traditional and modern approaches not only improve the performance of indigenous goats but also contribute immensely to the mitigation of risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.

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.

Plant species from the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family used for medicinal purposes in Zimbabwe: A review

The present review was aimed at documenting medicinal uses of species of the Euphorbiaceae family in Zimbabwe. Literature was collected from online databases such as BioMed Central, Web of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus and JSTOR. This study showed that 29 species are used to manage human and animal diseases in Zimbabwe. These species are used against 49 medical conditions, mainly as ethnoveterinary medicine (21 use reports), and traditional medicine against respiratory (23 use reports), gastro-intestinal (14 use reports), male reproductive (11 use reports), antenatal and postpartum (10 use reports each) and sexually transmitted infections (9 use reports). Acalypha brachiata, Bridelia cathartica, B. mollis, Crotonmegalobotrys, Euphorbia ingens, E. matabelensis, Flueggea virosa, Monadenium lugardiae, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia, Ricinus communisand Spirostachys africanahave the highest number of medicinal uses. There is need to unravel the therapeutic potential of the family through further ethnopharmacological research.

Preserving Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) along the Transhumance Routes in Southwestern Angola: Synergies between International Cooperation and Academic Research.

This study delves into the ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) practiced by pastoralists along the transhumance routes in southwestern Angola. Within the framework of three cooperation projects, we conducted 434 interviews, collecting information on 89 taxa used for treating 16 livestock diseases. The most cited species was Ptaeroxylon obliquum (132 citations), followed by Salvadora persica (59) and Elaeodendron transvaalense (49). Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) was the disease most cited (223 citations; 44 species), followed by wounds (95; 20) and Newcastle (86; 14). We found that 30 species and 48 uses have not been previously reported in the ethnoveterinary literature. Jaccard index (mean value = 0.13) showed a greatly diversified knowledge among the ethnic groups: Kuvale and Nyaneka were the most knowledgeable and should be included in the various strategies for disseminating EVM in the area. Most informants recognized that abundance of some species decreased in the last years as a result of human activities and climatic changes. Finally, we discuss challenges in preserving the EVM in the area. Our findings suggest that preservation of the EVM in southwestern Angola is widely impacted by the access to biomedicine. Future studies should investigate the opportunity to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream development projects, which is crucial for decolonizing the veterinary sector in Angola.

Efficacy of Ethno Veterinary Medicine in the Treatment and Control of Sheep Pox Outbreak in an Organized Sheep Farm

Efficacy of Ethno Veterinary Medicine in the Treatment and Control of Sheep Pox Outbreak in an Organized Sheep Farm

A Review of Ethnomedicinal Plants as Potential Anthelmintic Agents to Alternatively Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Ruminants in South Africa.

Small ruminant production is one of the most important animal productions for food security in the world, especially in the developing world. Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection is a threat to this animal's production. Conventional drugs that are used to control these parasites are losing their efficacy due to the development of resistant parasites. These drugs are not biologically degradable, taint meat products and are also expensive for communal farmers. Hence, research is now exploring ethnomedicinal anthelmintic plants for an alternative remedy. The objective of this paper was to review ethnomedicinal plants as a potential alternative to unsustainable commercial anthelmintics. This review sought to understand common GINs infecting ruminants, resistance manifestation in GINs to conventional treatment, reasons communal farmers choose ethnomedicine, and modes of action in anthelmintic plants. It also examined the usage of plants and plant parts, dosage forms, methods for improving bioactivity, convectional validation procedures, and restrictions on ethnomedicinal plant use as anthelmintics in ethnomedicine. Such insight is essential, as it highlights the importance of ethnoveterinary medicine and ways to adopt or improve it as a potential alternative to conventional anthelmintics.

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.

Grasses in African ethnoveterinary medicine: Review of their ethnopharmacological properties

Ethnoveterinary practices play an important role in animal health care systems in developing countries. Plant species belonging to the grass or Poaceae family are widely used as ethnoveterinary medicines (EVMs). The present study was aimed at documenting the species of the Poaceae family that are used as EVMs to treat and manage veterinary health disorders. Multiple searches on existing literature on EVMs used in Africa were conducted using online databases such as Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, as well as pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library. Ethnoveterinary uses of 40 species belonging to 26 genera of the Poaceae family are recorded. Seeds, leaves, whole plants, roots, fruits, and aerial parts are the most used parts, with their usage varying from 9.4% to 65.6%. Most of the species are used to treat gastrointestinal problems, endoparasites, retained placenta, viral infections, respiratory problems, wounds, ectoparasites, bone fractures, and polyarthritis, and are used as appetite stimulants. Species with the highest medicinal applications include Saccharum officinarum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Cynodon dactylon, Oryza sativa, Triticum turgidum, Cenchrus americanus, Megathyrsus maximus, Sorghum bicolor, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays. This review highlights the potential of Poaceae species as sources of EVM remedies.

Zambian indigenous chicken genetic resources: phenotypic characteristics and their production systems among small-scale farmers.

Indigenous chickens are very important to households for income and protein. However, their performance is usually poor, especially under small-scale farmer management, despite their potential to perform better. The performance of these chickens can be improved by selective breeding. However, for this to be a success, there is a need to understand the phenotypic and production characteristics of these chickens fully. Hence, this study aimed to characterize the phenotypes of these chickens and their production system among small-scale farmers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 177 small-scale farmers. A total of 538 chickens whose mean weight was 1.66 kg were individually phenotyped in Luapula, Muchinga, and Northern provinces of Zambia. Ownership of the indigenous chickens was dominated by females (65.37%), with most (64.31%) having attained primary education. Most housed their chickens in family houses (42.03%). All the farmers let their chickens scavenge for their feed, with 45.58% of them providing basic supplementation. Most (84.10%) farmers bought their breed stock from within their community and had a mean flock size of 12.5 chickens/household, which they mostly (78.09%) kept as free-range. The majority (77.39%) practiced culling, with low productivity being the most common reason for culling (84.45%). Only 59.01% of farmers practiced selective breeding, while 86.22% practiced uncontrolled mating. The age at first mating for cocks and hens was 6.8 months and 6.34 months, respectively, with 6.73 months being the age at first egg. It takes 15.43 days to reach a mean clutch size of 13 eggs. The hatchability and mortality at 8 weeks were 83.44% and 67.57%, respectively. All chickens were sold as live chickens, and the majority (51.59%) of the farmers sold their chickens within the community at 7.23 months. Diseases and predators were the most common challenges affecting farmers in the study area. Consultations with veterinarians, vaccinations, and deworming were uncommon while treating sick chickens mostly using ethnoveterinary medicines was common. The most common qualitative traits were brown (27.88%) and mixed (26.77%) plumage color, white skins (91.45%) and shanks (48.70%), single comb type (91.08%), red earlobe (55.76%), and orange eyes (78.07%). All linear body measurements positively and significantly correlated with the body weight averaging 1.66kgs, an indicator that selection for any of them would result in a corresponding increase in body weight. Principal Component Analysis extracted two components with 69.38% of the total variation. The diversity in phenotypes of these chickens and their production systems indicate huge potential for improvement by implementing breeding programs.

Traditional uses of plants in human and ethnoveterinary medicine on Mt. Rujan (southeastern Serbia)

Traditional uses of plants in human and ethnoveterinary medicine on Mt. Rujan (southeastern Serbia)

Uncodified system of animal health care in Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Burma hotspots of India: Plant use and their distribution

Northeastern states, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura – falling in Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Burma hotspots, house a large number of indigenous communities, mostly forest and forest fringe dwellers, whose economy is also dependent on livestock. To maintain the health of various livestock they practice ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) which is so important yet scarcely studied. This review is based on eleven core research publication on EVM practices representing these states. Several other peer reviewed publications were also consulted for analysis and synthesis of the contents like, Physiography and Phyto-diversity, Indigenous Communities, Livestock and Common Ailments, Healer Plants, Bio-Active Components and Drugs, Potential Distribution. Analysis revealed that only twenty-three communities out of >200 are researched upon. All most all the livestock are covered in the studied area by using herbal preparation from 195 plants. However, research on pharmacological and distributional details is scanty and needs further exploration since similar plants (Asparagus racemosus, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Cannabis sativa, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Drymaria cordata) for ethnomedicine use (for humans) are recorded from various locations and used by different communities. Nevertheless, current compilation of data seems to be useful in the sense of preservation of the indigenous knowledge, otherwise on decline due to oral transfer from one to another generation.

A Study on Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Practices in and around Madurai, Tamil Nadu

A Study on Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Practices in and around Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Effects of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Body Weight and Pathology of Vital Organs in Pathogenic Staph Infection

Aims: Oyster mushroom is rich in secondary metabolites of pharmacological importance. This study evaluates the effect of ethanolic extract of Oyster mushroom on the vital organs of Staphylococcus aureus infected Wistar rats after seven days of administration.
 Study Design: Completely randomized design was used in the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Microbiology, Parasitology and Ethnoveterinary medicine Unit of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between March and December 2022.
 Methodology: The mushroom was processed using a cold extraction technique. A bacterial suspension of Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated via oral route into the experimental animals, which were randomly distributed into six groups of five. Group 1: normal control; group 2: positive control; group 3: negative control, inoculated but received no antimicrobial; and group 4 to 6 were inoculated, and administered with 625, 1250 and 2500 mg dose of the extract respectively. The treatment was administered for seven days, after which blood samples were cultured for the bacterial count and vital organs were analysed for pathological changes.
 Results: The colony count was significantly raised at 625 mg dose while the dose ranging from 1250 to 2500 mg yielded insignificant bacterial growth (P<0.01). The percentage weight gain was significantly lower (P<0.01) in 1250 mg extract in comparison with the negative control after 7 days complete treatment but there was no statistical variation in the 7 days post-treatment percentage weight gain and the relative organ weight (P<0.01).The histological sections showed no variation from normal controls except 625 mg liver that showed some vacuolations within the hepatocytes.
 Conclusion: The organ-body mean weight was proportionate, and the histological sections of the liver, kidney, skin, lungs, heart and spleen were indicative of no anatomical variations as compared with the normal control tissues. The beneficial effect of P. ostreatus on the vital organs was further established by the active clearing of S. aureus infection at 1250 to 2500 mg dose with no observable pathological change in the tissues. The bioactive agents inherent in P. ostreatus were effective against S. aureus infection. The vacuolations observed in the low dose liver sections unveiled the ill effect of under-dose treatment and its consequence on the liver cells. The histopathological investigations were suggestive of the safety and tolerance of P. ostreatus to the body system. Nevertheless, further studies should be carried out on its toxicological profiles.

Feed plants, ethnoveterinary medicine, and biocultural values: insights on the Luchuan pig from Hakka communities in China

BackgroundThe Luchuan pig is an indigenous breed from Luchuan County, China, with cultural and genetic significance. However, traditional knowledge and conservation status have not been systematically documented.MethodsUsing ethnobiological methods, we surveyed 72 Luchuan pig farmers in 7 townships during 2021–2023. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted to document traditional knowledge and management practices.ResultsThe locals reported 51 plant species used as pig feed, with 30 wild species. Growth-stage-specific feeding and seasonal adjustment practices were documented. We recorded 62 ethnoveterinary plant uses, mainly for treating pigs' heat stress and skin conditions. Luchuan pigs play central roles in local Hakka customs, rituals, and cuisine. Additonally, the new ecological farming models minimize the environmental impacts to the local community. However, there are still some challenges remained for conserving and promoting Luchuan pigs.ConclusionsThe Luchuan Hakka people possess rich traditional knowledge and management experience in raising Luchuan pigs. Our study provides extensive documentation of traditional knowledge and recommends integrating cultural and genetic aspects for sustaining this biocultural heritage. Findings can inform initiatives supporting local breed conservation globally.

A systematic review on biological and medicinal properties of Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) Druce (Ehretiaceae) in Southern Africa

Wild plants are widely utilized as important sources of traditional medicines and food. Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) is one such plant species that occurs naturally in southern Africa and different parts of the plant have nutritional, cultural, and pharmaceutical importance. The current study is aimed at providing information on the medicinal and biological properties of E. rigida. The current review assessed the existing literature on the biological properties and medicinal uses of the plant. The study revealed that the leaves, twigs, stems, bark and roots of the plant are mainly used for ritual purposes, as traditional medicines for infertility, headache, abdominal pains, chest pains, pain, skin cuts, sprained joints, newborn baby infections, a good-luck charm, fire-making and rain-making ceremonies, warding-off enemies and dangerous animals and as ethnoveterinary medicine. The phytochemical evaluation of the species showed that it is characterized by allantoin, ?-amyrin, ?-amyrin, ?avonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, ?-sitosterol and 1-triacontanol. The pharmacological properties of different crude extracts demonstrated anticholinesterase inhibition, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review highlights the pharmaceutical and health benefits of E. rigida in different countries of southern Africa. Therefore, detailed ethnopharmacological evaluations of the species focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxicological evaluations, and in vivo and clinical research investigations are recommended.

Practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnobotanical knowledge of plants used to treat livestock diseases, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

Practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnobotanical knowledge of plants used to treat livestock diseases, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia