Highest Informant Consensus Factor Research Articles

Ethnobiological Uses of Plant Species among the three Ethnic Communities in the Administrative District (Kupwara) of Jammu and Kashmir-India: A cross-cultural Analysis

Introduction: In the valley of Kashmir-India, use of flora is not only prioritized over fauna species to get against health disorders but plays a vital role in the cultural aspects. The uses of herbs, particularly those that have a scientific basis as remedy of minor illnesses are progressively appreciated across the modern world. Methods: The present study was conducted from March 2019 to August 2021 for the collection of medicinally important plants and related traditional knowledge in the frontier administrative district (Kupwara) of Kashmir- India. A simple stratified sampling using semi structured interviews followed by group discussions was employed to achieve the goal. Results: A total of 53 plant species belonging to 36 families, with Asteraceae as the dominant family (11%) were recorded. The most dominant life form used in the treatment of various ailments were herbs with 42 species (79%), followed by trees (6 species, 11%), shrubs (3, 6%), ferns and fungi (1 species each). Roots were most frequently used (39%), followed by leaves (21%), tuber, stem latex, whole plant (5% each), wood, fruits (3% each), fruit, bark, seed, fruiting body, twig and whole frond (2% each). The ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) values ranged from 0.95 to 0.98, and the highest ICF was recorded for gastrointestinal disorders, liver diseases, bone and joint disorders, dental diseases and kidney problems (0.98 each), while as the lowest values of ICF were recorded for ethno-veterinary diseases (0.95). Gastro-intestinal disorders were treated with most species (22%). Highest Use Value (UV) was recorded for Artemisia absinthium while lowest values of UV were recorded for Eryngium billardieri. A cross-cultural comparison of plant resources shows that 41 plants were commonly used by all ethnic groups. Upon the similarity of usage, Gujjars and Bakarwals (26%) showed greater similarity, whereas the least overlap was observed between Kashmiri and Bakarwal (9%). Cluster analysis yielded two primary clusters, cluster first included the plant species with medicinal (Med) attributions and Cluster 2 comprised the species with a variety of attributions like food, fodder, spice, black magic (bla-mag); herbal tea (her-tea) and fuel wood (fue-wod). The highest FUV (Family Use Value) was reported for Pinaceae (0.49) followed by Asteraceae (0.47) and Polygonaceae (0.46). The results in this study have listed some of the medicinal plants like, Rhodiola fastigiata, Lilium polyphyllum, Betula utilis and Anagallis arvensis reported for the first time with traditional usage. Conclusion: The present study reveals the importance of the plants across the frontier administrative district (Kupwara) of Kashmir- India. The use of local plants for medicinal purposes and other traditional uses are being practiced from generations; in this regard species with high UV can be bio-profiled for the possible elucidation of some novel molecule with potent medicinal attribution. Keywords: Plants, medicinal, Use Value, cross-culture

Folklore use of wild fruits by the Oraon tribe of Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh, India

Background: Forests and trees are the major resources sustainably utilized by the tribals for their livelihood. The tribals communities have lived in and known the forests in an intimate manner and have also gathered information about possible use and conservation of forests and trees. In present times, however, the indigenous knowledge base that the tribals have gathered and preserved yet far has been endangered due to sociocultural hybridization as a result of modernization and globalization. This situation, hence, calls for an urgent need to device strategies to conserve tribal knowledge through various means. In this-respects, the present study attempts to survey, document and preserve the knowledge regarding the wild edible fruits consumed by Oraon tribes of Surguja district of Chhattisgarh and the Current status of the tribe concerning the interest towards the wild fruit collection, consumption and conservation. Methods: The study was undertaken during December 2019-July 2020. The information was obtained through semi-structured schedule. The importance of wild edible fruits as ethnomedicine was expressed through Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). Results: A total of 26 wild fruit species, considered by the Oraon tribe to have medical values and ability to impart health benefits have been reported in this study. The reported fruit species belongs to 16 different families. Moraceae was the dominant family amongst the reported fruit species, the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) value was 0.94 for Liver related problems followed by Inflammation (0.91), Pain and Skin related disease as (0.86).The most frequently used fruit species were Morus alba (0.86), followed by Syzygium cumini (0.84), Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca longifolia and Neolamarckia cadamba (0.82) each, Ficus religiosa and Ziziphus mauritiana (0.80) each based on Relative frequency of citation. Conclusions: Furthermore, the documentation of diverse therapeutic practices of wild fruit species by the Oraon and several other tribes shall support further pharmacological research to develop novel future generation drug molecules. Keywords: Dietary nutrition, Folklore uses, Indigenous technical knowledge, Wild edible fruits.

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KORE DISTRICT, SOUTHEASTERN ETHIOPIA

Across the world throughout the age, plants have been an important source of both defensive and curative traditional medicine preparation for human and livestock diseases. However, in the Kore district no ethnobotanical exploration had previously been conducted. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify plant species that are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of human and livestock diseases and to determine and document traditional medicinal plant parts used, their mode of preparation, dosage, route of administration of remedies and associated traditional knowledge in the study area. The result of the survey revealed that a total of 97 medicinal plants belonging to 91 genera and 53 families were identified. From the total plant species (64.9%) were collected from wild vegetation and (15.4%) are from home gardens and the rest of 12.4% are from roadsides, fences, farmlands and villages. In the study area (62.9%) species were recorded for the treatment of human health problems,(20.6%) for livestock and(16.5%) for the treatment of both human and livestock. Leaves were the most frequently used part in preparing herbal remedies. Crushing and oral route of administration were commonly used method of herbal medicine preparation and administration respectively. The most common condition of preparation was fresh form of preparation. Preference ranking analysis showed that Olea europaea ranked first for the most effective medicinal plant to cure wound. Pair wise comparison of medicinal plant shows that Lepidium sativum is the most preferred in treating stomachache. Informant consensus agreement for Febrile illness, Headache, Fever and Dizziness have high Informant consensus factor (0.85). The analysis result of FL shows that Allium sativum scored the highest FL (80%).

Plants used for magico-religious purposes by the indigenous communities of sub-Himalayan Tract, Uttarakhand

Background: Plants play an essential role in every rural society's cultural and religious ceremonies. The focus of the study was to document the use of plants by the indigenous communities of sub-Himalayan Tract, Uttarakhand in magico-religious practices. Method: Information was extracted from eighty informants (50 men; 30 women) between 25 to 75 years of age. A semi-structured questionnaire, interviews, and participatory observations were made to collect data from the informants to meet the study's requirements. Results: The present study revealed 34 plants belonging to 31 genera and 25 families for the magico-religious practices. Fruits and whole plants are mainly used to conduct various social and religious practices, such as offerings in religious ceremonies. Herbs (59%) were the dominant forms, and wastelands (48%) were the dominant source of magico-religious plants. High Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) was recorded for the plants used in the sacred and religious rites (SAR) category. Species such as Datura stramonium, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ficus benghalensis, Cynodon dactylon, Achyranthes aspera, and Calotropis procera were culturally most important based on cultural index value. Conclusion: The plant species play a vital role in practicing the religion and culture among the studied communities. Therefore, it is suggested that the indigenous communities of the sub-Himalayan region be monitored and contacted regularly about their beliefs. They must be informed and made aware of the importance of plant diversity and the significant loss that will occur if it is lost. Keywords: Uttarakhand, Indigenous communities, Magico-religious practices, Cultural Importance, Plants

Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used for the management of HIV / AIDS opportunistic infections in Katsina State, Nigeria

Background: Medicinal plants are widely used for the management of many diseases including HIV / AIDS opportunistic infections in Katsina State, North-western part of Nigeria. The usage of those plants is, however, poorly documented. Method: An ethnobotanical study was conducted to document medicinal plants used for the management of HIV / AIDS opportunistic infections in three Local Government Areas (one from each Senatorial Zone) of Katsina State, Nigeria. Information was obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 150 respondents comprising traditional healers, herbalists, farmers and HIV / AIDS patients. Results: The survey revealed 48 plant species distributed among 44 genera and 28 families. The highest Relative Frequency of Citation was observed in Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. and Perr (0.75). Fabaceae represented by 11 species appeared to be the most utilised family. Highest Informant Consensus factor was observed in abnormal vaginal discharge and genital ulcer. Most of the cited species are trees that are sourced from the wild and majority of medications are prepared in the form of decoction which is taken orally. The most used plant parts were leaves (40%). Conclusion: The study revealed substantial numbers and knowledge of medicinal plants used for the treatment of HIV / AIDS related infections in Katsina State, Nigeria. Further investigations to establish the pharmacological potentials of the cited species with regard to the treatment of HIV / AIDS are highly recommended. Keywords: Ethnobotanical survey; HIV / AIDS; Opportunistic infections; Medicinal plants; Katsina state

Uses, preference, cultural importance and informant consensus factor of tree species in Uttarakhand: A case study from Bhilangana Watershed (Western Himalaya, India)

Residents in the hilly area of Indian Himalaya are largely dependent on tree resources for their livelihoods. The local knowledge and traditional practices are vanishing in rural areas due to drastic change in lifestyle and land use pattern. Diversity and tree species used by residents of Bhilangana watershed for their everyday needs have not yet been adequately recorded. Available information is mainly on ecology and geology of the region. Therefore, the aim of the study was to document tree diversity and extant local knowledge on tree species. Extensive surveys were conducted during 2018-19 to assess tree diversity, local knowledge on tree utilization through personal interview of 158 local residents. A total of 187 tree species belonging to 131 genera and 58 families were recorded and of these, 174 species were of ethno-botanical importance with at least one or multiples uses. Around 56.68% of tree species belonged to 15 dominant families. Ethno-botanical important species were classified into different use categories by local according to their use. Among use categories, 19.78% trees were used for medicine, 28.34% edible, 45.98% fodder, 59.89% fuel and 6.95% with no direct use in the area. The value of relative frequency of citation (RFC) for 28 tree species was calculated 1 which shows the relative high popularity/preference of these species and cultural importance (CI) value was found between 1 to 3.09 for 38 trees which signify the importance of tree species in the area. The highest informant consensus factor (0.99) was found for edible and religious followed by fibre (0.98), timber (0.98), fodder (0.974) and fuel (0.97). These findings highlight the importance of tree resources in mountainous regions.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Yao people in Gongcheng County, Guangxi, China

BackgroundGongcheng Yao Autonomous County (Gongcheng) is typical for the Yao people in northeastern Guangxi, southern China. The Yao people have a long history of using medicinal plants. In this study, we used ethnobotanical methods to collect traditional knowledge regarding herbal medicines in Gongcheng. Our study provides fundamental data for developing and applying local ethnic medicines and their protection.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected from 103 villages in nine townships from 2014 to 2018 in Gongcheng. A total of 352 informants (279 male and 73 female) were interviewed through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and guided field walks. All the informants were local inhabitants aged between 28 and 101 years of age, of which 40 key informants were selected based on the recommendations of knowledgeable elders and local medical institutions. The informant consensus factor (ICF) was used to evaluate the degree and importance of differences in medicinal plant species and calculated the relative frequencies of citation (RFC) for the recorded medicinal plants.ResultsData from 352 local healers were collected for the study. The Guanyin and Sanjiang townships had the highest distribution of per capita healers (Pch), while the Gongcheng, Lianhua, and Ping'an townships were relatively lower. Of the 352 local healers, more than half were older than 60 years of age and therefore faced the problem of suitable successors and potential loss of traditional medicinal knowledge. There are 12 types of diseases treated by local healers in the study area, and most of the types had a high ICF value. The highest ICF (0.80) was reported for digestive system disease, followed by urinary system disease (0.78) and nervous system disease (0.77). Traumatic injury and orthopedics, digestive system, and rheumatic disease are the most common ailments. The RFC value calculated in 33 medicinal plant species (with an FC of more than 5) ranged from 0.024 to 0.056. The higher RFC values included Kadsura longipedunculata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Plantago asiatica, etc. The most commonly used medicinal method was decoction; plasters, creams, and some form of moxibustion and cupping skills were locally practiced, but only rarely. The local healers used 306 medicinal plant species (116 families and 255 genera). Herbal plants were most commonly used among these, with whole plants and roots being favored.ConclusionThe Yao people are highly skilled at using medicinal plants to treat various diseases in Gongcheng. Their treatment methods are varied, convenient, and efficient. Due to the impact of urbanization and economic development, knowledge of traditional medicine is under threat, with declining numbers of local healers and a lack of suitable successors. In order to protect and inherit Yao's traditional medicinal knowledge, it is necessary to educate young healers and to protect biodiversity.

Ethnomedicinal appraisal of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints by tribal communities living in Diamir district, Western Himalayas, Pakistan.

Majority of the mountain dwelling communities living in the Himalayas rely on traditional herbal medicines for primary healthcare needs. Present study was conducted in fairy meadows and allied valleys in District Diamir, Gilgit Baltistan autonomous territory in northern Pakistan. Documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK) of local communities for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was carried out as a component of a wider medico-botanical expedition conducted in the entire base camp of the great Nanga Parbat peak during 2016-19. Various ethnobotanical parameters i.e. use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level (FL), direct matrix ranking test (DMRT) and preference ranking (PR) were applied to evaluate the data collected during field surveys. The plants were also subjected to a comparative review for novelty assessment. A total of 61 medicinal plant species belonging to 55 genera and 35 families are reported here for the treatment of GIDs. Compositae was the leading family with 8 (13%) species. Fourteen gastrointestinal disorders were cured with 32% taxon were reported for stomachic followed by diarrhea (15%) and constipation (14%). Highest use reports (5) and use citations (207) were reported for Mentha longifolia L. while highest UV (1.79) was obtained for Artemisia maritima L. Hylotelephium telephioides (Ledeb.), A. maritima, M. longifolia, M. piperita L., Allium cepa L., and A. annua L. exhibited 100% FL. Highest ICF was calculated against dysentery and flatulence. DMRT ranked Prunus persica L. first for its multipurpose uses. Taking constipation as a reference gastrointestinal disease, PR for ten plant species was calculated where H. telephioides was ranked first followed by A. maritima. Present study concluded that 19 out of 61 plant species were documented for the first time with novel medicinal uses to cure GIDs. These plant species could act as potential reservoirs of novel lead compounds for the treatments of gastrointestinal disorders.

Traditional Plants Used for Medicinal Purposes in Güroymak (Bitlis/Turkey) District

This study, which was conducted between 2020 and 2021 to record the traditional medicinal plant usage culture of the inhabitants of Güroymak (Bitlis), was the first to be conducted in the district. Face-to-face interviews with individuals with advanced ethnobotanical knowledge were conducted in the villages (29) of the district, and the medicinal plants which were used were gathered and identified. The information gathered as a result of the interviews with 120 participants was recorded for this purpose. As a result of the study, it was observed that 60 taxa from 26 families were used to treat 30 different diseases. The most used medicinal plants were from the family “Asteraceae” (13 taxa), followed by “Lamiaceae” (8 taxa), “Rosaceae” (7 taxa) and “Polygonaceae (3 taxa)”. The usage value (UV) was calculated for each species. Malva neglecta, Rosa canina, Crataegus pseudoheterophylla, Crataegus monogyna, Juglans regia, Crataegus orientalis, Rumex scutatus, Celtis tournefortii, Alcea setosa, and Taraxacum kurdiciforme were the most commonly used taxa in the study area. Furthermore, diseases for which medicinal plants were used were classified using The International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), accepted by the WHO, and the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values for each disease category were calculated. Diseases with high ICF values are digestive problems (27 taxa). This is followed by the respiratory and skin disease categories (11 taxa for each).

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by ethnic people of Gechi District, South West Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract. Desalegn A, Egigu MC, Sasikumar JM. 2022. Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by ethnic people of Gechi District, South West Oromia, Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience 14: 104-116. This study recorded medicinal plants used by ethnic people of Gechi District, Buno Bedele zone of South West Oromia region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 386 informants through semi-structured interviews, guided field observations, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used to analyze the data. Moreover, an independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were employed to analyze the effect of Socio-demographic traits on traditional medicinal knowledge. The study documented 70 medicinal plant species belonging to 61 genera and 36 families. The majority of the plants (83.7%) were used to treat human ailments. Asteraceae (7 species) mostly represented the family. Most of the plants collected were shrubs (32.9 %), followed by herbs (25.7%). Leaves (42.3%) represented the highest part for remedy preparation. The dominant route of administration of remedies was Oral (56%). Jaccard’s similarity index (JI) showed a high degree of similarities (JI = 0.75-0.91) among the Kebeles. The highest Informant consensus factor (ICF) value (0.73) was detected for the sensory organs category illnesses. Juniperus procera Hochst. ex. Endl. was observed with the highest fidelity level (FL) index value (0.97) for the wound. The highest preference ranking (PR) was adjudged to Ruta chalepensis L. for stomach ache. Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. was top-ranked as a multipurpose plant in direct matrix ranking (DR). It was observed that the Traditional Knowledge (TK) of medicinal plants was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by gender, age, and educational level of the people. Therefore, our documentation of TK on medicinal plants possessed by the people of the studied area could help preserve their knowledge for extensive use.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants consumed during holy month of Ramadan in the Chlef region, Algeria

Background: The fasting month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. This religious practice is characterized by a specific style of life, culinary and phytotherapeutic habits in Muslim societies. The aim of this research is to document information about the traditional medicinal knowledge of herbal species used during the holy month of Ramadan in the region of Chlef, north-west Algeria. Methods: This ethnobotanical survey was conducted during the holy month of Ramadan in 1442 Hijrah, corresponding to 13 April–12 Mai 2021. The information was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 100 fasting Muslim informants ranging in age from 18 to 71 years. The obtained data were analyzed using the following indices: Use Value (UV), Family Use Value (FUV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Results: In the current and first Ramadanian ethnobotanical survey, 38 herbal species distributed into 22 families were recorded in the Chlef region, north-west Algeria. Lamiaceae was the dominant botanical family explored in phyto-folk medicine, with 8 species. Leaves and aerial parts (22.22% each) represent the main plant parts valorized. Decoction (32.35%) and infusion (27.94%) were the principal preparation methods adopted for making remedies from medicinal herbs. Species supported by Quran verses and prophetic orientation are widely consumed during the month of Ramadan and record UVs indexes superior to 0.5. The highest UV values were assigned to Phoenix dactylifera L. (0.98), Hordeum vulgare L. (0.92) and Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (0.89). The analyses revealed a high and common ICF among the local population during the month of Ramadan for 14 disease categories due to the religious guidance of informants. Conclusions: The month of Ramadan is characterized by a rich patrimony of herbal medicine and harmonious knowledge among informants based essentially on religious orientation. Further investigations into possible interactions between the health benefits of fasting and the therapeutic virtues of medicinal herbs are suggested in the future. Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Iftar, Suhur, Ramadan, Prophetic medicine.

Study of plant resources with ethnomedicinal relevance from district Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract An ethnomedicinal expedition was conducted to collect and record indigenous knowledge about the use of medicinal plants by local inhabitants of four villages (Chittra, Topi, Pandi, and Kalri) of district Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Ethnomedicinal data were obtained from 60 randomly selected local inhabitants of the study area through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. These data were analyzed quantitatively through different ethnobotanical indices including family importance value, relative frequency of citation, use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF), and Jaccard index (JI). our study reported 69 medicinal plants belonging to 39 families. Rosaceae (9 species) was a dominant family of the study area. Herb (54.83%) was dominant growth form of plants used for medicinal purpose. Leaves contributed maximum usage (44.29%) for curing diseases. Decoction (23 records) was most used mode of utilization. Relative frequency of citation and UV ranged from 0.03–0.85 and 0.05–1.17, respectively. There were 4 plant species with 100% FL. Highest ICF (0.88%) was found for gastrointestinal diseases. By comparing results with previous study, JI ranged from 0.54 to 24.43%. Our results found that there were 18 plant species not reported with ethnomedicinal aspect in previous studies from district Bagh region. The research of this study concludes that the area is rich with medicinal plants and the local inhabitant of this area still prefer medicinal plants over allopathic medicines for treating different ailments. Comparative analysis has shown some novel uses of plant species which may be due to cultural differences of the study area. However, awareness and pharmacological study are needed to conserve and unveil pharmaceutically important plants.

Quantitative and comparative analysis of ethnomedicinal plants from the Lasdana (Azad Jammu and Kashmir)

Description of the subject. Ethnopharmacology is important because it aids in a proper knowledge of the interrelationships of many aspects, as well as the entire practical and intellectual culture of people with plants. Objectives. The objective of this research is to document and compare traditional knowledge about medicinal plant diversity in Lasdana, District Bagh Azad, Jammu & Kashmir. Method. Informants contributed to ethnopharmacological knowledge through interviews and group discussions, which was examined using multiple quantitative metrics. Results. There were 140 medicinal plant species identified, divided into 123 genera and 54 families. The Asteraceae family was the most common (14 species), and herbs were the most common (72.85% contribution), with leaves being the most commonly used plant element (74 species). The most common way to produce a remedy was to make a decoction (45 plant species). Circulatory diseases had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) score (0.92). The highest relative frequency of citation was found in Thymus linearis Benth. (0.89), Geranium wallichianum D.Don ex Sweet (0.89), and Berberis lycium Royle (0.88). Conclusions. Pharmacological and pharmaceutical investigations on vital therapeutic plant species should be done to safely apply traditional knowledge to a larger population.

Medicinal Plants Used in Ethnoveterinary Practices in Adea Berga District, Oromia Region of Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, locally available materials, mainly medicinal plants, are commonly utilized to manage livestock diseases. However, this practice is currently being threatened by several factors including loss of traditional knowledge and depletion of plant resources. This calls for an urgent need to document the ethnoveterinary knowledge in the country and conserve the associated medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to document traditional knowledge on use of medicinal plants in the Adea Berga district, Oromia region of Ethiopia, to manage livestock ailments. Ethnobotanical data were collected largely through semistructured interviews conducted with purposively selected traditional healers of the district. The study identified 59 medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary practices in the district. The great majority (90.4%) of the medicinal plants were used in fresh forms, which were mainly administered orally. The majority (65.4%) of the medicinal plants were gathered from the wild. Data revealed that yoke sore (wound) had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) value (1.00), followed by leech infestation (0.92) and endoparasite infections (0.90). The highest fidelity level (FL) (100%) and rank order priority (ROP) (100%) values were obtained for the plants Nicotiana tabacum, Malva parviflora, and Calpurnia aurea that were used to treat leech infestation, retained placenta, and snake poisoning, respectively. Priority for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations needs to be given to the aforementioned three plants with the highest FL and ROP values as such values may indicate their higher potency against the respective ailments.

Ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge of Tehsil Charhoi, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Background: Wild plants are used a lot by the local people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), Pakistan, for different purposes in daily life. It has been published by various researchers that AJ&K, Pakistan is enriched with wild medicinal flora on the basis of surveys conducted in various parts but some areas are still unexplored. Methods: The present study was conducted from March 2019 to April 2020 and 60 native informants were interviewed from different sites of Tehsil Charhoi. Ethnomedicinal data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In ethno-botanical survey total 100 species of plant were documented that belonging to 52 families and 90 genera. Moraceae was the dominant family in the study area that included 7 species (13.46%). In present ethno-botanical survey total 16 plant parts were utilized for preparation of traditional remedies against for various ailments. The most used plant parts were leaves (28%), followed by roots (18%), fruits (12%), bark, seeds and whole plants (8% each), stems (4%), flowers, wood and latex (3% each), and resin, rhizomes, pods, tubers, gum and aerial parts (1% each). We evidenced a total 18 kinds of preparations curing various diseases with paste (59%) being the most common. The Use Value (UV) index ranged from 0.2 to 0.96. Highest UV was reported for Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (0.96) whereas lowest UV was reported for Rhamnus triquetra (Wall) Brandis. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) values ranged 0.03 to 0.55. The highest RFC value was obtained for Ficus benghalensis L. (0.55) while Gloriosa superba L. (0.03) had the lowest value. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values ranged 0.21 to 0.68. Diseases were classified into 17 different categories. The high ICF value recorded for jaundice and hepatitis whereas low ICF value for cardiac problems. The highest Fidelity Level (FL) value of Viola canescens Wall (97.1%) was helpful for colds, flu, coughs, constipation, and jaundice. In present study out of 100 medicinal plant species 30 plant species were also utilized for other than medicinal purposes like vegetable, fruit, fodder, fuel, furniture, making agriculture tools, house thatching, walking sticks and handicrafts. In direct matrix ranking of multipurpose species (DMRMS) Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. ranked first according to information provided by 10 informants. Conclusion: It has been concluded that Tehsil Charhoi, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir are rich sources of wild plants used to treat various ailments. There is need to build awareness among local people about the value of medicinal plants and the publication of ethno-botanical information forms the basis for the development of innovative drugs. Keywords: Charhoi, Indigenous, Ethnobotany, Wild, Kotli

The Local Knowledge of Medicinal Plants by The Tanjung Merpati Village Community for The Postpartum and Infant Care

Women often experience various health problems with their reproductive organs. They also have to take several treatments during postpartum and infant care. In the community, these treatments generally use medicinal plants and become local knowledge. This study aimed to document the local knowledge of Tanjung Merpati Village community in using medicinal plants for postpartum and infant care. We interviewed a total of 96 respondents, who are the general public in Tanjung Merpati Village. The data obtained were analyzed in the form of use-value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). The analysis results showed 22 species of medicinal plants used for postpartum and infant care. Plants such as kunyit kuning (Curcuma longa), cokur (Kaemperia galanga), entomu (Curcuma xanthorriza), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) have the highest UV values with values respectively (1; 0.96; 0.84 and 0.8). Baby haircare shows the highest ICF value. Several plants have the highest FL value (100), namely manjakani (Quercus infectoria) and asam kanis (Garcinia xanthochymus) (postnatal maternal care), ayau (Litsea sp) (baby poultice), kumis kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus), and coconut (Cocos nucifera) (fever in infants), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) (treatment of baby's umbilical wound), lidah buaya (Aloe vera) (baby haircare), mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) (stomachache and bloating in infants), as well as pisang (Musa sp) and cangkok manis (Sauropus androgynus) (enhance mother breast milk). Conclusions from the results of the study indicate that the people of Tanjung Merpati Village have local knowledge regarding postpartum and infant care, and this knowledge is still well maintained in the community.

First insight on ethnobotanical appraisal of plants used traditionally as medicine by Berber community (Amazigh-speaking), living in Driouch province (North-eastern Morocco)

Background: Most ethnobotanical studies carried out in different regions of Morocco revolved around documentation of medicinal plants and their medical uses. However, little is known about ethnobotanical knowledge coupled to Berber community living in “Driouch province” (Northeastern region of Morocco). This study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants used traditionally by local people to manage health problems while investigating and comparing ethnobotanical patterns obtained in this region with other findings reported elsewhere. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out between January 2017 and August 2019 in several regions within Driouch province. Ethnobotanical data were collected using standard methods and with prior informed consent. Quantitative analyses were performed by using some indexes and formulas, including Use Value (UV), Family Use Value (FUV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: A total of 997 local inhabitants (415 male and 582 female) were interviewed. The plants listed (158) were reflected by a high number of families (60) and genera (137). Regarding the number of species/Family, Lamiaceae was the leading family with 15 species. Among diseases treated, respiratory diseases were ranked first with a rate of 26.46%. The high ICF (0.97) was calculated for respiratory diseases and the most important medicinal plant recorded were Origanum compactum Benth with UV=0.55. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the people living in Driouch province holds significant knowledge about medicinal plant resources. Despite the development of medical technology, local people still rely on using these herbs for healthcare. Keywords: Ethnobotanical, Medicinal plants, Driouch province, Morocco.

Medicinal plants used against gastrointestinal complaints in district Budgam of Jammu and Kashmir - An ethnomedicinal study

Background: The current study was the first to target on gastrointestinal illnesses and associated traditional recipes in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam area. Gastrointestinal disorders affect any part of the gastrointestinal system, from the esophagus to the rectum, as well as the accessory digestive organs. The knowledge about plants used for the treatment gastrointestinal disorders is rapidly depleting in the study area and hence it becomes important to document this valuable knowledge. Methods: Extensive surveys were conducted in the study area during March 2019 to July 2020 for the collection of medicinally important plants and the traditional knowledge associated with them. In a total 35 informants (22 males, 13 females) were interviewed aged between 29-80 years to collect the data using group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were carried out in local dialect and all the documented data was then translated into English. Various ethnobotanical indices, including informant consensus factor and use value, were employed to evaluate the gathered information. Results: A total of 56 plant species belonging to 24 families and 47 genera were reported to be used against gastrointestinal disorders in Budgam region of Jammu and Kashmir. Among 24 families, Asteraceae was the dominant family (12 species) of the total reported taxa in the study area and leaves were the most utilized plant part with decoction as the major mode of herbal recipe preparation. Highest ICF (Informant consensus factor) of 1 was reported for vomiting and Artemisia absinthium recorded the highest UV (Use value) of 0.74. Conclusion: Local inhabitants still prioritize herbal medicines as an effective way to treat a wide variety of ailments. Elders of the study area are well equipped with indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants, but young people are not much interested in herbal practices. Thus, valuable knowledge about the use of plants is on the verge of decline. Hence there is a dire need to document these valuable medicinal plants and the traditional treasure associated with them. In addition, plants reported with high UV should be subjected for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation to authenticate indigenous uses. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Ethnomedicine, Traditional knowledge, Gastrointestinal complaints, Budgam, J&K.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by community in Jambur Labu Village, East Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract. Elfrida, Tarigan NS, Suwardi AB. 2021. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by community in Jambur Labu Village, East Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2893-2900. Jambur Labu is a village in East Aceh that is home to various ethnic groups. The community in the village has used various plant species as a traditional medicine to treat diseases and disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the medicinal plants used by the community in the Jambur Labu Village, Birem Bayeun Sub-district, East Aceh, Indonesia. This study was based on field surveys, plant collection, and interviews with the local people. Interviews were performed with 30 informants selected using the Snowball Sampling technique. A total of 107 medicinal plant species, belonging to 87 families, were documented to be used by the local community in Jambur Labu Village. Leaves were the most used plant part (38%), followed by fruit (22%), whole plant (9%), rhizome (8%), roots (7%), flowers and bark (4% each), sap (3%), stem and tuber (2% each), and seeds (1%) and the main mode of preparations are decoction (39%). Breynia androgyna (L.) Chakrab.dan N.P.Balakr., Moringa oleifera Lam, Jatropha multifida L., Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr., Zingiber officinale Roscoe., and Tagetes erecta L. had the highest UV value (0.96), indicating the high importance of such species for the community. The high informant consensus factor (ICF=0.978) was assigned to the diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism (DBF) category. The results of this study can enrich the existing study of medicinal uses of plant by communities, in this context is the use by a community in Aceh.

Indigenous knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants by the Assamese community in Dibrugarh District, Assam, India

The present investigation is an attempt to study the uses of ethnomedicinal plants in traditional knowledge system among the Assamese community of Dibrugarh District in Assam. All the relevant data were collected during 2017–2019 by following standard ethnobotanical methods through personal interviews as well as through focus group discussions with a total of 193 informants including 62 men and 131 women. The use value (UV) of the medicinal plants and informant consensus factors (FIC) values were determined. In the study 174 ethnomedicinal plant species were documented belonging to 147 genera and 78 families. Except for three species, the 171 species are Angiosperms mostly collected from the wild. Among the 174 species of medicinal plants, 12 species are listed under various categories by IUCN and CITES. All these plants are used to treat various diseases that are grouped under 13 ICPC (International Classification of Primary Care) disease categories, with the highest use value (0.54) recorded in Leucas aspera followed by Paederia scandens with (0.5) use value. This confirms that these plants are important traditional herbs with potent medicinal uses. The highest informant consensus factor with the highest number of species (93) being used for the digestive system (FIC= 0.76%), followed by oral and dentistry (FIC= 0.73%) category. The ethnic communities in the district are rich in traditional knowledge which is evident from the use records and high degree of consensus among the informants.