Herbal Medicine Practitioners Research Articles

Traditional herbal medicine regulatory implementation in Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Background: Approximately 80% of the Ethiopian population predominantly depends on herbal medicines (HMs) for their primary healthcare needs. Nevertheless, worries regarding the safety, efficacy, and standard of herbal-based treatments have been escalating due to the lack of strong regulatory frameworks. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the presence of regulatory frameworks for traditional herbal medicines and their enforcement in Ethiopia. Methods: The qualitative-phenomenological study design was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022 G.C. The study included 25 regulatory official key informants (KIs) who work for national and regional medicine regulatory agencies, and 15 traditional herbal medicine (THM) practitioners who work at the regional level were purposefully selected for an in-depth interview (IDI). An in-depth interview guide was developed through the purposive sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis techniques. Results: The study found that the current national medicine proclamation is deemed inadequate in the regulation of THM. Both conventional and traditional herbal medicines are regulated by a single agency. Weak legal enforcement, a lack of government commitment and support, resource constraints, and inadequate regulatory tools are the main challenges faced in THM regulation. Conclusion: Overall, the study found inadequate legal frameworks and weak THM regulatory implementations in Ethiopia. Consequently, it is critical for all regulatory authorities in Ethiopia to exert their utmost efforts to effectively regulate THM.

Checklist of medicinal plants used by traditional women for maternal health care in Lagos State, Nigeria

Traditional women in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants for maternal health care since time immemorial. However, there is no proper documentation of medicinal plants used in maternal health care, as information is passed from generation to generation orally. This study aimed at the identification and documentation of medicinal plants used in Lagos, Nigeria for maternal health care. Ethnobotanical studies were carried out in six local government areas namely, Agege, Alimosho, Badagry, Ejigbo, Mushin and Ojo. A Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to obtain information from 300 respondents, 50 from each local government area. The respondents included herbal merchants, herbal medicine practitioners, midwives, and traditional birth attendants. Information obtained included the names of the plants, plant parts used, mode of preparation and administration and dosage of the medicinal herbs. Forty-five (45) plants belonging to twenty-three (23) families were identified and documented in the study area. Most of the reported plants belong to the Fabaceae (13.52%), Malvaceae (8.41%) and Annonaceae (6.67%) families. Kigelia africana, Caliandra portoricensis, Nauclea latifolia and Securidata longepedunculata had the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) of 0.96; 100% and 0.82; 100%, 0.92; 100 % and 0.78; 100% respectively. Most of the reported plants (73.47%) were herbs and shrubs and about 62.68% of the surveyed plants were wild. Leaves were the most frequently used (72.74%) plant’s part. Most of the herbs (80.45 %) were prepared as decoctions and preparations were mostly administered orally (88.64%). Strategies suggested to conserve the surveyed plants include the cultivation of medicinal plants to prevent their extinction.

Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Fruit Peel Extract Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Traditional herbal medicine practitioners in the Ashanti region of Ghana use the fruit peels of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (C. limon) in preventive and curative treatment of many cancers including liver cancer. This ethnobotanical claim remains to be verified scientifically. Aim of the Study. This study investigated prophylactic hepatoprotective and anti-HCC effects of C. limon peel extract (LPE) in CCl4/olive oil-induced HCC-like rats. After preparation of LPE, it was subjected to phytochemical screening using standard phytochemical methods. A total of 30 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups of 5 rats each. Rats in the control group received olive oil (5 mL/kg ip) twice weekly for 16 weeks. Rats in the model group received CCl4/olive oil (2 mL/kg, ip) twice weekly for 16 weeks. Rats in capecitabine (10 mg/kg po) and LPE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po) groups received CCl4/olive oil (2 mL/kg, i.p) in the morning and their respective treatments in the afternoon twice a week for 16 weeks. Rats in all groups had free access to food and water ad libitum. Body weight and survival rates were monitored. Rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, blood was collected, and liver and other organs were isolated. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), prothrombin time, bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha- (α-) fetoprotein (AFP), and liver histology were assessed. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins were detected in LPE. Model rats demonstrated increased serum levels of AFP, CRP, ALP, GGT, ALT, and AST, prothrombin time, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, but decreased serum albumin and total protein compared to control rats. Unlike the control, model rats demonstrated fat accumulation in periportal and centrilobular hepatocytes and neoplastic transformation. Semiquantitation of periodic acid Schiff- (PAS-) stained liver sections showed decreased glycogen storage in hepatocytes of model rats compared to control rats. Compared to the model, LPE treatment protected against CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, which was evidenced by decreased AFP, CRP, liver enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, prothrombin time, and blood lymphocyte and monocyte counts; attenuation of fat accumulation; and increased glycogen storage, albumin, and total protein. LPE abates CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by attenuating liver inflammation and improving metabolic, biosynthetic, and detoxification functions of the liver. The prophylactic hepatoprotective and anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects of LPE are attributable to its phytochemical composition raising hopes of finding potential anticancer bioactive compounds from C. limon fruit peels.

Architectural Framework for Development of Fuzzy Integrated Data Repository (FIDR) for Medicinal Plants in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a tropical country known to be home to a vast array of plants, most of which are plants that have been found to be medicinal and have been used in traditional healthcare delivery for centuries. Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) have been the major custodians of the knowledge of herbal medicine in Nigeria. It is noted that there is lack of documentation of the practice of herbal medicine which has resulted in the loss of a vast majority of the knowledge. The absence of a centralized digital data repository on medicinal plants and their uses in Nigeria hampers the drive for standardization, scientific validation and quality control of herbal medicine products in Nigeria. This consequently undermines the health and wellbeing of those dependent on traditional herbal medicine for their primary health care needs. Much of the claims on the efficacy of herbal medicine are found to be based on traditional beliefs and myth and have not been subjected to scientific evaluation. This accounts for the introduction of fuzzy logic into the design of an architectural framework for design of Fuzzy Integrated Data Repository that will allow access to information using sharp and fuzzy queries. This will be a resource platform that will resolve the information impasse by providing adequate and correct information to all stakeholders in the traditional herbal medicine healthcare delivery as well as foster synergy between orthodox medicine and herbal medicine practitioners, improve research that will lead to standardization and quality control of herbal medicine products in Nigeria.

Medicinal Herbs for the Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

Abstract: Peptic ulcers are common gastrointestinal disorders characterized by the erosion of the stomach lining, duodenum, or esophagus. Conventional treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori eradication, have been the mainstay of therapy. However, the emergence of drug resistance and potential side effects have led to the exploration of alternative and complementary approaches, including medicinal herbs. This comprehensive review examines the potential use of medicinal herbs in the management of peptic ulcers. Ten herbal remedies, including Liquorice, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Ginger, Turmeric, Meadowsweet, Fenugreek, and Cabbage, are analyzed for their therapeutic properties and scientific research findings. These herbs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoprotective effects that may support ulcer healing and symptom relief. Herbal formulations, such as teas, capsules, tablets, and extracts, offer convenient delivery methods for patients seeking herbal remedies. However, safety considerations and potential herb-drug interactions must be carefully monitored. Integrating herbal remedies with conventional treatments presents a comprehensive approach to peptic ulcer management. By combining these therapies, patients may experience enhanced therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life. Dietary recommendations also play a crucial role, with the inclusion of soothing and beneficial foods, while avoiding trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms. As the evidence base grows, collaborative efforts between traditional herbal medicine practitioners and mainstream medical professionals are vital to ensure safe and effective integration.

Ghana's herbal medicine industry: prospects, challenges and ways forward from a developing country perspective.

The herbal medicine industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. However, no detailed assessments have been undertaken on how to achieve the benefits of this industry for developing countries. This study examined the herbal medicine industry in Ghana, with a particular focus on its prospects, challenges and ways forward. The prospects of the medicinal plant trade are huge, and include reducing the national health budget, being a source of foreign and domestic income, as well as creation of employment and poverty reduction. However, the industry is currently inundated with several challenges, such as registration of herbal medicine products and practitioners, a lack of clinical trials for herbal products, standards and quality control issues, shortage of raw plant materials for production, and insufficient scientific research to support traditional claims on the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants. I propose a number of interventions to address these challenges: increased government support, capacity building initiatives, improved regulation of herbal medicines, application of modern technology in the manufacturing of herbal products, large-scale cultivation of medicinal plants, and improved packaging and branding for herbal medicines. Both the national government and the private sector have crucial roles to deliver in the development of the herbal medicine industry in a country like Ghana.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of lake Abaya basin, southern Ethiopia

IntroductionEthnobotanical study was conducted in lake Abaya basin, southern Ethiopia. The study aimed at documenting indigenous and local knowledge and use of traditional medicinal plants for treating human and livestock ailments. MethodsA survey was conducted among purposively selected traditional healers and randomly selected herbal medicine practitioners of the local communities. Guided field observations, semi-structured interview, group discussions and market survey were used for ethnobotanical data collection. Preference and direct matrix rankings including descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. ResultsSeventy-one medicinal plant species belonging to 64 genera and 36 families were used as remedies for human and livestock ailments. Among these, 51 were reported for human, 13 for livestock ailment treatments and seven for both. Most of them were collected from the wild. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves followed by roots. The largest numbers of remedies were used to treat abdominal disorders. The major routes of administration include oral, dermal and nasal. Leucas abyssinica ranked first and most effective to cure abdominal disorder followed by Lepidium sativum and Stephania abyssinica. Moringa stenopetala was most preferred multipurpose plant by local people. Agricultural expansion was the major threatening factor followed by firewood consumption. ConclusionsTraditional healers apply diversified traditional medicinal plants for healthcare of the community and domestic animals. However, traditional medicinal plants and the associated indigenous knowledge of local community were under threat. Thus, public awareness and community-based management need to be encouraged to maintain indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge of the study area.

Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants utilization in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Abstract Objectives Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants utilized in Freetown Sierra Leone in the management and treatment of diseases. Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive study and face-to-face interviews with a pre-checklist of 20 Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners in Freetown. The survey included socio-segment information, data on the kinds of herbal medication, their constituents, wellsprings of the plants, diseases managed and details on preparation. Twenty traditional medicine practitioners consented to this study. Key findings The results showed that 15 (75%) were men and 5 (25%) were women, while all of them are above the age of 30 years. Some of the respondents have some level of formal education, ranging from twelve (12) with primary/secondary education to three (3) with tertiary education while five (5) do not have any formal education at all. Thirty percent practice herbal medicine as a family trade (inherited), 10% got involved in it through training, or both, while 10% claimed the knowledge as a natural gift. Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners (THMPs) in the study area updated their knowledge of medical practice through a wide range of choices such as by intuition (70%), participation at health talks or meetings (20%), while 10% of them adopted various forms of a combination of these and other choices. However, there was the problem of plant misidentification with some practitioners. According to our data, Freetown, Sierra Leone has a rich wellspring of restorative plants and an enormous part of the populace actually depends on customary plant drugs which are plentifully and promptly accessible. Conclusions Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners (THMPs) in this research updated their knowledge of medical practice through intuition, participation at health talks or meetings and also via various forms of a combination of these and other choices. The involvement of certified Plant Taxonomists is important, in order to avoid the consequences which may arise through misidentification.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DEXAMETHASONE IN RHEUMATIC PAIN HERBAL MEDICINE

This research aims to investigate the presence and concentration of dexamethasone in a herbal medicine commonly used for the management of rheumatic pain. The study utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to assess the herbal remedies content, shedding light on potential pharmacological implications and safety concerns. The results provide valuable insights into the quality and consistency of the herbal medicine, contributing to the broader understanding of herbal remedies in pain management. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the presence and concentration of dexamethasone in a herbal medicine commonly used for the alleviation of rheumatic pain. Employing a dual approach of qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research aims to elucidate the chemical composition of the herbal remedy. Qualitative analysis involves the identification of dexamethasone through spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, confirming its presence in the herbal formulation. The quantitative aspect utilizes validated analytical methods to determine the precise concentration of dexamethasone, providing insights into the dosage levels within the herbal medicine. The findings of this investigation contribute valuable information for both herbal medicine practitioners and regulatory authorities, enhancing the understanding of the pharmacological profile of the herbal remedy and ensuring its safety and efficacy for the management of rheumatic pain.

Perception and attitude of herb sellers towards Covid -19 Pandemic – a pilot study of FCT and its environs

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic came along with a lot of challenges including the absence of precautionary measures towards the prevention of the disease observed in market places around FCT. Also, herbal medicine practitioners became first point of call by locals even in advent of the disease. The perception regarding COVID-19 among herbal medicine sellers in different parts of the F.C.T was studied. A cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire; descriptive and inferential statistics was done. Association between variables using chi square test (x2) and logistic regression analysis was done (p-value ≤0.05). Respondents (87%) were aware of COVID-19. 41% thought the pandemic was an inflated event strengthened by symptoms of seasonal diseases. Respondents (70%) had no herbal drugs to manage COVID-19, 30% had herbs to manage the disease while 41% stated an increase in sales of herbs used to manage symptoms. Precautions were taken by 72% while 44% and 26% practiced handwashing and social distancing respectively. The contribution of wrong belief towards COVID-19 risk precaution measures has been reported. A significant relationship (x2 = 9.7) was observed between awareness of COVID-19 and the belief that it existed (p˂0.05). There is need to educate the people, especially the herb-sellers on COVID-19 and to also integrate them into public health related programs as they may be the only alternative to locals in advent of disease.

Production of Chinese Medicinal Herbs in North America: Challenge and Reconciliation

As the practice of traditional Chinese medicine developed in the United States since the 1970s, evidence has accumulated suggesting that an undetermined number of the herbs of the Chinese Materia Medica could be produced in North America. While some attempts have been made to establish production, growers are inhibited by lack of access to capital and technical support. The evidence in support of US domestic production – including (1) historical, (2) sociological, (3) ecological, and (4) agronomic factors – is reviewed. Economic obstacles to this type of production are described, as directly experienced by the farmers, Chinese herbal medicine practitioners, and organizers involved. When analyzed in reference to current trends, however, these economic obstacles appear, at least potentially, as temporary. Because popular demand supported the rise of traditional Chinese medicine practice and the growth of organic food production, these social movements could expand and promote conditions that favor domestic production of Chinese herbs.

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF YORUBA INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND THE HERBAL MEDICINE SYSTEM

The Yoruba people are one of the West African's main ethno-linguistic or ethnic groups. They have an impressive indigenous knowledge and herbal medicinal system. They pre-occupied Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo , Lagos and Koji state. The researchers developed seven (7) research objectives and seven (7) research questions to investigate the nature, forms, benefits and methods of preparing and administering Yoruba Herbal Medicine. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study, interviews and observations were the instruments used for data collections. Eight (8) herbal medicine practitioners were interviewed in Oyo and Ogun state. The result of the interviews was also presented and the researchers found that the Yoruba indigenous knowledge and herbal medicine system was characterized by the use of herbs, roots, leaves and other materials. It was concluded that indigenous herbal medicine is crucial to community development and sustainability in spite of the huge influences of modern western medicine. It was also recommended that traditional herbal medicine should be included in the Nigerian school curriculum from primary to tertiary education levels to enable the younger generations to be acquainted with indigenous herbs, roots, leaves, fruit, etc.

Pharmacological evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of amaranthus spinosus stem.

The herbal medicines have stood the test of time for their safety, efficacy, lesser side effects, cultured and traditional acceptability. Natural plant-based product are promising for the drug discovery and they still continue to play a significant role in future drug development programs. Practitioners of herbal medicine generally use unpurified plant extracts containing several different constituents. The extracts of the plant (Stem) was evaluated for the different pharmacological activities. The need for safer and effective analgesic (Acetic Acid Induced Writhing Test, Eddy’s Hot Plate, Tail Flick Test) anti-inflammatory (Rat hind paw edema test) and antipyretic agents and the lack of enough scientific data to support the claims made in ancient literature prompted the present study. Key words: Analgesic, Anti-pyretic and Anti-inflammatory, Plant Amaranthus spinosus

English

Herbal medicine is an important age-long resource for healthcare. The aim of this study was to determine the development of herbal medicine in relation to compliance to regulatory guidelines and product development in pursuance of the integration of herbal medicine into the healthcare system in Nigeria. Using Imo State as a case study, a cross-sectional investigation was conducted among the Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) using questionnaires. One Hundred TMPs were administered with questionnaires to determine relevant demographic details, information relating to regulatory guidelines and the quality of finished products. Ninety-eight of the questionnaires were returned completed. Of these, 72% of the TMPs were male. The dominant age of the TMPs was between 25 to 65 years. Over 80% of the TMPs were literate having a minimum of secondary school education. About 86% of the TMPs are herbal medicine practitioners. All the TMPs claimed knowledge of the existence of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as the regulatory authority for herbal medicine. Only 5% had any contact with the agency in relation to product registration, while only 1% of the products owned by the TMPs had NAFDAC registration number. Also, 97% of the TMPs produced only extemporaneous products for their patients, and only 6% have any knowledge on the formulation of some conventional dosage forms. Of the 300 herbal medicines owned by the TMPs, only 8% were presented in conventional dosage forms with appropriate packaging. The few number of herbal medicines registered with NAFDAC reflects the low level of development of herbal medicine in Nigeria. This makes the products unsafe for integration into the healthcare system at the present stage. Key words: Traditional medicine practitioners, herbal medicine development, regulation.

Experience of Western Herbal Medicine practitioners in supporting brain health in mid-life and older patients: A qualitative research study

AimsDementia has been identified as a public health and social- care priority, raising the necessity for multi-domain preventative healthcare strategies for at-risk populations. Western herbal medicine(WHM) has a role to play in strategies supporting healthy brain ageing.The aim of this qualitative, interpretative research study was to explore the experience of Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) practitioners addressing cognitive and vascular brain health in mid-life and older patients, using semi-structured interviews. MethodThree participants were recruited using purposive sampling and a set of inclusion criteria. In-depth interviews facilitated by a topic guide were used to explore their herbal and therapeutic management approach; and gauge their views on the role of WHM in multi-domain management of brain health in the assay group. Interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim; thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. ResultsFour themes emerged from the practitioners' narratives of their experience of working with the assay group: the types of conditions their patients presented with; their therapeutic approach to the herbal dietary and lifestyle management of those presentations; the issues of working with the target patient group; and the potential role for WHM in managing brain health in an aging population. ConclusionsThe small exploratory study is the first of its kind attempting to capture the real-life application of WHM in supporting cognitive and vascular brain health in mid-life and older patients.Limitations of the study have been identified.

Traditional medicinal plants used for treating emerging and re-emerging viral diseases in northern Nigeria.

For decades, viral diseases have been treated using medicinal plants and herbal practices in the northern part of Nigeria. Though scarcely investigated, these medicinal plants could serve as potential sources for novel antiviral drugs against emerging and remerging viral diseases. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the medicinal practices and plants used to treat emerging and re-emerging viral diseases including hepatitis, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, smallpox, yellow fever, Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19 in some northern states; Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto states. Administered questionnaires and oral interviews were used to collect information on medicinal plants, method of preparation of herbal formulations, diagnosis, and treatment of viral diseases. Medicinal plants were collected, botanically identified, and assigned voucher numbers. The plant names were verified using www.theplantlist.org, www.worldfloraonline.org and the international plant names index. A total of 280 participating herbal medicine practitioners (HMPs) mentioned 131 plants belonging to 65 families. Plant parts such as roots, bark, leaf, seed, and fruit were prepared as a decoction, concoction, infusion, or ointment for oral and topical treatment of viral diseases. Moringa oleifera (75.3%), Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (80%), and Acacia nilotica (70%) were the most frequently mentioned plants in Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto states, respectively. The study revealed scarcely investigated and uninvestigated medicinal plants used to treat hepatitis, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, smallpox, yellow fever, Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19. Future studies should be conducted to determine the antiviral potency and isolate novel bioactive agents from these plants against viral diseases.

Ethnomedicinal survey of indigenous medicinal plants in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Indigenous knowledge is progressively fading out because of a lack of proper record-keeping, as the knowledge is transmitted verbally. There is, therefore, a dire need for preserving this valuable knowledge by ensuring proper documentation and sharing of traditional knowledge.Aim: This research study sought to explore the indigenous knowledge used by herbal medicine practitioners for treating various human ailments in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria.Setting: The study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 registered traditional healers in Jos North LGA of Plateau State.Methods: Selected medicinal plants were collected, pressed and transported to the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan for identification, authentication and deposition of voucher specimens for voucher number at FRIN herbarium, Ibadan. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the ethnomedicinal data.Results: Thirty-nine plant species, distributed in 33 families and 39 genera, were cited by the respondents. The Fabaceae was the most represented family, followed by the Euphorbiaceae and Myrtaceae. Leaves were the most used plant part (29%), whilstthe most cited plant habit forms include trees (48%) and herbs (31%). The herbal remedies were mostly administered orally (53%) and topically (26%), whilst the most common method of preparation was decoction (42%). The highest consensus factor (1.00) was detected for chickenpox or measles or leprosy, haemorrhoids and sickle cell ailments.Conclusion: There is an existence of a wide gap in traditional healing knowledge between the elderly and the younger generations in the study area. The high fidelity level observed in this study implied a general acceptance and preferred usage of such herbal plants for the treatment of particular ailments.

COVID-19 and herbal practice: A United Kingdom practitioner survey

ObjectivesTo identify the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK herbal medicine practice and how herbal medicine practitioners are supporting people with COVID-19. DesignMixed-methods e-survey. MethodsThe survey link was distributed through professional associations and social media. Quantitative data were descriptively summarised and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. ResultsResults from 59 responses indicated a profound effect of the pandemic on herbal medicine practice, with a move to remote working and a reduction in client numbers. Practitioners reported prescribing a wide range of medicinal plants, chiefly Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Echinacea spp. alongside providing information and advice. Few reported inter-professional collaboration. ConclusionsHerbal practitioners need to build on current collaborations, research and experience to develop consistent approaches to support people with mild-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. More systematic exploration of herbal medicine practice during and as a consequence of the pandemic is needed. What is already known about the topic• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on all types of healthcare• The impact on herbal medicine practice is unclear What this paper adds• The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected UK herbal medicine practice• A wide range of medicinal plants are currently used by herbal practitioners to support people with COVID-19• Herbal practitioners need to develop consistent holistic approaches to support people with mild-moderate symptoms of COVID-19

Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities, and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review.

Background Many studies have been undertaken on the medicinal values of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae). The details, however, are highly fragmented in different journals, libraries, and other publication media. This study was therefore conducted to provide a comprehensive report on its ethnobotany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemicals, and the available pharmacological evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in traditional medicine. Method We collected data using a PROSPERO registered systematic review protocol on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and ethnopharmacology of Erythrina abyssinica from 132 reports that were retrieved from electronic databases. Documented local names, morphology, growth habit and habitat, ethnomedicinal and nonmedicinal uses, diseases treated, parts used, method of preparation and administration, extraction and chemical identity of isolated compounds, and efficacy and toxicity of extracts and isolated compounds were captured. Numerical data were summarized into means, percentages, and frequencies and presented as graphs and tables. Results Erythrina abyssinica is harvested by traditional herbal medicine practitioners in East, Central, and South African communities to prepare herbal remedies for various human and livestock ailments. These include bacterial and fungal infections, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, cancer, meningitis, inflammatory diseases, urinary tract infections, wounds, diabetes mellitus, and skin and soft tissue injuries. Different extracts and phytochemicals from parts of E. abyssinica have been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antidiarrheal, anti-HIV 1, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities. This versatile pharmacological activity is due to the abundant flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids present in its different parts. Conclusion Erythrina abyssinica is an important ethnomedicinal plant in Africa harboring useful pharmacologically active phytochemicals against various diseases with significant efficacies and minimal toxicity to mammalian cells. Therefore, this plant should be conserved and its potential to provide novel molecules against diseases be explored further. Clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracts and isolated compounds from E. abyssinica are recommended.

Vernacular names of plants between diversity and potential risks of confusion: Case of toxic plants used in medication in the central Middle Atlas, Morocco

Context: Knowledge of medicinal plants is the first step in preserving traditional use and preventing intoxication. Aims: To highlight the risks of intoxication related to the similarities of vernacular names between medicinal plants and to confusion during harvesting. Methods: Indigenous knowledge on the traditional use of toxic plants for medicinal purposes was gathered through direct interviews with practitioners of herbal medicine and field surveys in the Central Middle Atlas. The vernacular names were collected from the respondents and through various bibliographical sources relating to the flora and the traditional Moroccan Pharmacopoeia. Results: Giving The results identified 83 toxic species, divided into 39 families and 75 genera. These plants have different vernacular names in Arabic or Berber dialects. 60 species out of the 83 plants inventoried have at least 3 vernacular names. The study also revealed that a vernacular name could correspond to several species of the same genus or even of different genera and families; only 27 species of the 83 inventoried have their own vernaculars that they do not share with any other species throughout the country. Because of this similarity of vernacular names, medicinal plants could be confused, which would be the cause of the ineffectiveness of related treatments or even others’ toxicity. The risk of intoxication is aggravated by confusion during the harvesting. Conclusions: The identification of plants based on affirmed taxonomic criteria and a charter regulating the collection and use of plants is imperative to avoid any risk of intoxication.