Important Ethnomedicinal Plant Research Articles

Traditional medical practice on Primitive Nooka Dora tribes, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh

An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in HukumpetaMandal, AlluriSitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India. For documentation of important ethnomedicinal plants and information from local community about their medicinal uses. The traditional knowledge of primitive Nooka Dora tribe traditional uses was collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 49 plants species belong to 47 genera and 37 families were identified by taxonomic description and locally by ethnomedicinal knowledge of people existing in the region.

Ethnomedicine of Primitive Porja Tribe, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh

aAn ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Hukumpeta Mandal, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India. For documentation of important ethnomedicinal plants and information from local community about their medicinal uses. The traditional knowledge of primitive Porja tribe traditional uses was collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 55plants species belong to 52 genera and 40 families were identified by taxonomic description and locally by ethnomedicinal knowledge of people existing in the region.

Phytochemical profiling and GC-MS analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) H. Gross: An important ethnomedicinal plant

Medicinal plants are the best source of alternative medicine and are acquiring recognition in the area of pharmacological research for the production of plant-based medicines with improved efficacy. Persicaria hydropiper (L.) H-Gross is known worldwide for its use in traditional medicine systems. It possesses numerous therapeutic properties. The present endeavor was taken up to analyze the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay of various extracts of Persicaria hydropiper leaves. The preliminary phytochemical screening of acetone, methanol, and aqueous extract of P. hydropiper leaves showed the presence of important phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The quantitative estimation revealed elevated amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and total alkaloid content. The antioxidant activity also revealed higher radical scavenging activity by the extracts. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry assay of methanol extract of P. hydropiper leaves detected and identified altogether 54 phytocompounds including 7 major compounds displaying higher peaks such as Andrographolide, 1H-cyclopropa[a] naphthalene, 1a,2,3,5.6,7a7b-octahydro-1,1,7,7a-tetramethyl-[1aR-(1a?,7?,7a?,7b?)-, Cis-Z alpha bisabolene epoxide, 1,8-cyclopentadecadiyne, Aromadendrene oxide (2), Bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-3-cyclopropyl 7-hydroxymethyl, (cis) and Alpha-guanine. The concentration of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins revealed in the phytochemical profiling of three extracts might be responsible for the strong antioxidant activity of the extracts and the bioactive compounds identified in the GC-MS investigation exhibit important therapeutic properties required for the treatment of various human diseases. Thus, the medicinal use and properties of Persicaria hydropiper may be attributed to the presence of these phytochemical constituents. Further study of the compounds may provide scope for the production of novel drugs with increased efficacy and potency with the ability to cure harmful human diseases.

Traditional Healing of Bone Fracture Complications Through Wild Plants in Hamirpur, India

Wild plants have a medicinal sense that can be applied to treat different ailments of the human body worldwide. They have been assessed for pharmacological, pharmaceutical, nutritional and ecological significance. In the present work, an effort has been made to conduct an ethnobotanical survey in the Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh from 2012 to 2019. Key informants were identified in the preliminary study and information was collected by conducting semi-structured and open interviews. The focus was primarily on the wild plant the residents used to treat bones and related complications for ages. The local people employed 23 main ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 15 families for the same purpose. The Citation Frequency (CF) and Medicinal Importance Value (MIV) of wild plants were evaluated. It varied from 0.68 to 10.63 and 1.16 to 42.2, respectively. The highest CF was observed for Cissus quadrangularis (10.63) and lowest for Peristrophe bicalyculata (0.68), whereas the highest (42.12) MIV was calculated for Cissus quadrangularis and lowest (1.16) for Cleome viscosa. The present study found that Cissus quadrangularis, Tinospora cordifolia, Celastrus paniculata, Litsea glutinosa, Cuscuta reflexa, Soymida febrifuga and Osyris arborea are traditionally important ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of bone problems, such as hematoma formation, inflammation and repair.

An overview on important ethnomedicinal plants of Rajasthan with their antimicrobial properties

In era of synthesized drugs, where individuals totally depend upon the chemical formulations of medication that may have adverse effects, people should re-establish their bond with nature. The gradual increase in multidrug resistance (MDR) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of pathogens is a great concern of worry to the world and obviously for this purpose, novel and effective bioactive constituents from the plants should be explored to get rid of this panic situation. Researchers are searching for the favourable natural source to fight with various antimicrobial diseases. Present study deals with the importance of precious herbs and plants from the treasure of nature and also listed some important ethnomedicinal plants with their bioactive ingredients from the region of Rajasthan.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Simarouba glauca DC Bark

Simarouba glauca DC also known as ‘Dysentery Bark’ is an important ethnomedicinal plant native to Tropical America. Later introduced India as “Lakshmi-Taru.” Bark is a potent anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and hemolytic drug. This study presents a pharmacognostic evaluation of Simarouba glauca DC bark, mainly shedding light on its macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Identification, authentication, macroscopic observation, and TLS, RLS and Powder microscopical examinations have been carried out.
 The macroscopic examination of the bark revealed distinctive features, including a rough, fissured surface, and a yellowish-brown colour. Microscopic analysis showcased the presence of a thick periderm with small flakes raised above the periderm surface. The outer part of phellem is crushed and the inner portion is modified into a thick cylinder of sclereids. The Phelloderm becomes thick walled and dark coloured and stores calcium oxalate crystals. Large prismatic calcium oxalate crystals located in uniseriate vertical row within thin parenchyma cells. TLS revealed that the phloem fibers in dense compact bundles. The fibers being highly thick walled and lignified with narrow cell lumen. The rays are 250-280 µm in height and 40-60µm. RLS showed the rays are rentered heterocellular. Parenchyma cells and fibers are vertical position at right angles to the rays. Bark powder microscopy exhibited the presence of narrow and wide fibers, fiber-sclereids, long sieve elements, thick brachy sclereids, and large quantity of quadrangular, rectangular, and polygonal Calcium oxalate crystals. These observations provide valuable diagnostic tools for the authentication and quality control of S. glauca DC bark.
 The pharmacognostic characterization presented in this study serves as a foundation for further research and development of S. glauca DC bark-based herbal medicines and pharmaceutical formulations. The insights provided in this article contribute to the understanding and utilization of this valuable botanical resource, fostering a bridge between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific approaches in pharmacognosy.

Documentation of some important ethnomedicinal plants from Jalgaon Jamod tahsil of Buldhana District, Maharashtra, India

Present investigation concerns with documentation of ethnomedicinal plants from local traditional healer, tribal people, forest dwellers, experience person and vaidoos of Jalgaon Jamod tahsil of Buldhana district, Maharashtra. Some plant species found as wild in forest region while some species are cultivated. In present study 40 plants belong to 30 different families utilized by tribal and other local people of this area were included. They consumed various plant parts mostly the leaves and root in health care practices.
 Out of listed 40 plants, most belongs to Fabaceae family followed by Mimosaceae, Amaranthaceae, Acanthaceae, Rutaceae, Liliaceae and Nyctaginaceae. Medicinal plants enlisted in present study mostly utilized for curing dysentery, fever, cough, asthma, jaundice, skin infection, diabetes, diarrhea, wound healing, piles and stomach problem. Medicinal plants utilized in study area are arranged alphabetically with their botanical name, common name, family name, parts used and medicinal uses.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by Mali tribes of Ananthagiri Mandal, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, A.P, India

An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Ananthagiri Mandal, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India. For documentation of important ethnomedicinal plants and information from the local Mali community about their medicinal uses. The traditional knowledge of primitive Mali tribe traditional uses was collected through questionnaires and personal interviews during field trips. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 60 plant species belong to 53 genera and 37 families were identified by taxonomic description and locally by ethnomedicinal knowledge of people existing in the region.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by Primitive Nukha Dora tribes of G. Madugula Mandal, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India

An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out from G. Madugula Mandal, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India. For documentation of important ethnomedicinal plants and information from the local Nukha Dora primitive community about their medicinal uses. The traditional knowledge of the Nukha Dora primitive tribe's traditional uses was collected through questionnaires and personal interviews during field trips. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 40 plant species belonging to 36 genera and 31 families were identified by a taxonomic description and locally by ethnomedicinal knowledge of people existing in the region.

Ethnobotanical importance and conservation status of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad in division Mirpur, Kashmir Himalaya

Background: Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad has been used traditionally for curing ailments in humans and animals in different parts of the world. The current study was conducted to determine the ethnobotanical importance of C. colocynthis in division Mirpur, Kashmir Himalaya. Methods: Twelve well-planned ethnobotanical surveys of the study area were arranged. A total of 118 respondents of varying educational backgrounds, professional affiliations, and age groups were interviewed. Visual appraisal assessment (VAA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) methods were used to collect the qualitative and quantitative data. Results: The plant part value (PPV) indicated that fruit as a whole (PPV=90) and its parts, i.e., rind (PPV=83.33), pulp (PPV=80), and seeds (PPV=90) are mostly used for ethnomedicinal purposes. C. colocynthis was found to be most commonly used to treat microbial infections (FL=0.91), diabetes (FL=0.86) and obesity (FL=0.84). The informant agreement ratio (IAR) values indicate that C. colocynthis has antidiabetic (IAR=0.96), antilipidemic (IAR=0.91), and antimicrobial (IAR=0.88) potential. The conservation status was calculated to be 1.82, and it was stated that C. colocynthis is vulnerable in the study area. Conclusion: It can be concluded that C. colocynthis has been an important ethnomedicinal plant in the study area. It is still in use by farmers, herbalists, nomadic people, and rural people for the treatment of microbial infections, obesity, constipation, and blood purification. Due to its unchecked utilization, there is severe pressure on its survival, and its conservation is needed immediately. Keywords: Traditional Ethnomedicines, Mirpur, Conservation Status, Citrullus colocynthis

Ethnomedicinal plants used by primitive tribes of Parvathipuram Manyam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out from Parvathipuram Manyam District, Andhra Pradesh, India. For documentation of important ethnomedicinal plants and information from local primitive community about their medicinal uses. The traditional knowledge of primitive tribes traditional uses were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 150 plants species belong to 123 genera and 65 families were identified by taxonomic description and locally by ethnomedicinal knowledge of people existing in the region.

Cross-cultural studies of important ethno-medicinal plants among four ethnic groups of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

Background: This study was carried out to measure cross-cultural variability of plant use knowledge and to understand the human-nature interface among Monpa, Miji, Aka and Bugun communities of district West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, India. We compared ethnomedical knowledge, diversity of medicinal plants, use values and informant consensus in the selected ethnic societies. Methods: A total of 94 informants (53 men and 41 women) from 02 villages of each community agreed to participate in this cross-cultural ethnomedicinal study. They were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire and asked about the medicinal plants used for the management of prevalent ailments, mode of preparation and administration of traditionally prepared medicine. Results: Total 59 plant species from 52 genera and 43 families were recorded for their ethnomedicinal use by the selected communities. Zingiberaceae was the most common family with 03 genera and 05 spp., having high recommended use across the ethnic communities. Curcuma amada (1.85), Curcuma longa (1.60), Zingiber officinalis (1.48) of this family showed high cross-cultural use value as compared to other medicinal plants. The informant consensus factor for use of medicinal plants for management of cancer was high (0.99) indicating high prevalence of this ailment in this study area, availability and use of similar plants for its management. Conclusions: The high consensus for plants used in management of most of the prevalent ailments indicate good cross-cultural interaction among Monpa, Miji, Aka and Bugun communities of district West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The medicinal plants with high use value and consensus need to be conserved and propagated for their sustained availability to the future generations. Keywords: Monpa, Miji, Aka, Bugun, Medicinal plants, Intercultural

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Ethnomedicinal Plants of Sikkim Himalaya

In the present study, four important ethnomedicinal plants of Sikkim Himalaya viz., Astilbe rivularis Buch- Ham ex. D. Don, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng., Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb and Artemisia vulgaris L. were investigated to ensure its ethno pharmacological potency. The methanolic root extracts of the selected plants were investigated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the tested extracts, the root methanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata contained the highest total phenolic content (911.4±0.124 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and showed exceptional activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assays with halfmaximal inhibitory concentration value of 10 μg/ml and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Bergenia ciliata root methanolic extract was also found to be the lowest for gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (600 μg/ml) and actinomycetes Streptomyces sp. (800 μg/ml), suggesting high and effective potency against microbes. Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis root extracts were further investigated for phenolic compounds using high performance liquid chromatography. The extracts of Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis were found to contain substantial amount of bergenin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, p-coumeric and m-coumeric acid. In conclusion, this study gives scientific evidence on the biological activities of the selected plant species and recommends Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis as candidate plants for pharmaceutical drug development.

Some Ethnomedicinal Plants of Bhardew village, Lalitpur District, Nepal

This paper describes fifteen important ethnomedicinal plant species of Bhardew village of Lalitpur district. The several field visits were carried out during 2020 and 2021 to gather information from local people and key informants regarding the ethnomedicinal plants and their uses to cure various human diseases. On the basis of 25 common informants and five key informants total 15 ethnomedicinal plants were documented as very common and highly used medicinal plants. Some of the important medicinal plants were Artimesiadubia, Valerianajatamansi, Acoruscalamusand Urticadioica in the study area. Despite the fact that the study area is very close to the capital city, medicinal plants have played a significant role in the health care of the local people.

Antibacterial Properties of Major Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the Local People of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh

Antibiotics resistant pathogenic bacteria are one of the emerging challenges of 21st century. Recently, researchers are looking for antibacterials (therapeutic agents) from ethnomedicinal indigenous plants to be considered new sources to meet the emerging challenges. These antibacterials could be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics against infectious human diseases. The antibacterial properties of ethnomedicinal plants used by the local people of Brahmanbaria were determined. Ethnomedicinal data was collected in between June 2015 and June 2017 from 467 local people using mainly key informant’s interviews followed by group discussions, filed interviews and plant interviews. A total of 243 ethnomedicinal plants were recorded. In order to identify the most important ethnomedicinal plants Factor of informant consensus (Fic) was calculated and 8 medicinal plants were identified based on the higher consensus of informants. These are Litseaglutinosa (Lour.), Robinson, Scopariadulcis (L.), Dalbergiasissoo (Miq.), Clerodendrumviscosum (Vent.), Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall.exDecne., Phyllanthus reticulatus (Poir.), Paederia foetida (L.) and Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers. Both the aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaves were screened for antibacterial activity against 8 clinical strains through disc diffusion assays. The experimental results revealed that maximum (85%) plant extracts were potentially effective in inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacteria with variable potency. Litseaglutinosa was the most effective plant species retarding microbial growth of eight tested pathogenic bacteria. This plant can be evaluated for production of potential herbal antimicrobials alternative to antibiotics. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 779-786, 2022 (December)

An updated review of Rubus ellipticus (an edible shrub), its bioactive constituents and functional properties

The vast majority of people continue to view medicinal plants as a low-cost source of medications and treatments. Numerous trees, herbs, plants, and shrubs have been used as remedies for various ailments since the dawn of time. Rubus ellipticus Smith, a weedy wild raspberry that flourishes in damp woods at high elevations, particularly those in the Himalayas and the Nilgiris area, is one of the important ethnomedicinal plants in the genus Rubus. Traditional Tibetan medicine places a great deal of importance on the plant R. ellipticus. Because of the abundance and diversity of phenolics and flavonoids in fruits or berries, which have a high concentration of both, they are generally regarded as inherently healthful foods. The roots and leaves, as well as the fruit, have traditionally been used as therapeutic agents for several illnesses including colic pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, wound healing, diarrhea, antifertility, antibacterial, analgesic, epilepsy, and others. The objective of the current review is to concentrate on the pharmacological characteristics, nutrition profile, phytoconstituents, and folkloric therapeutic applications of R. ellipticus, therefore achieving the review's overall subject.

In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicological Evaluation of Avicennia africana P: Beauv. (Avicenniaceae) Leaf Extract in a Rat Model.

Avicennia africana is an important ethnomedicinal plant that has long been used to treat malaria and several other diseases. Despite the plant's antimalarial and other therapeutic properties, there is limited evidence-based data on its potential toxicity. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to assess the safety of A. africana leaf ethanolic extract (AAE). The study was designed to ascertain the cytotoxic effects of the crude extract on red blood cells (RBCs) as well as the acute and subacute toxicity in Wistar albino rats in accordance with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines "Test No. 423" and CPMW/SWP/1042/99. The pulverized, shade-dried plant leaves were sequentially macerated with 70% ethanol to obtain the crude extract (AAE). The extract's cytotoxic activity (CC50) against the uninfected human red blood cells (RBCs) was determined using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For the acute toxicity studies, the rats (male and female) were divided randomly into six groups of five rats (n = 5) and dosed orally once with the following dose levels: 100, 300, 1000, 3000, and 5000 mgkg-1, p.o. of the extracted AAE, with the control group receiving only the vehicle. In the repeated dose toxicity studies, the rats (both sexes) were orally administered daily with AAE at 100, 300, and 1000 mgkg-1 for 14 days. Rat body weights were measured, and blood samples were tested for haematological and biochemical markers. Internal organs like the heart, kidney, liver, and spleen were collected, inspected, and weighed, and histological examinations were performed. The median lethal dose (LD50) value is greater than 5000 mgkg-1 body weight, with no significant change in bodyweight or relative organ weight (ROWs) of the extract-treated groups or control group. The extract showed greater cytotoxicity activity (CC50), which was >100 μg/mL, compared to the reference drug (artesunate).The dosage groups of 100 and 300 mgkg-1bwt had neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia (p < 0.05). However, changes in these haematological parameters may not be dose dependent and could be stress related. All the serum biochemical markers studied in rats given AAE did not show any significant change (p > 0.05). Histopathological examination of internal organs of AAE-treated rats did not show any significant abnormalities resulting from the extract treatment compared to the control group. Based on the findings in the present study, the LD50 value of AAE was found to exceed 5000 mgkg-1 in the acute toxicity test, while the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in rats was 1000 mgkg-1 p.o. In the sub-acute toxicity tests. Histopathological analysis revealed no morphological abnormalities in the vital organs.

A Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic activities in vitro of Pergularia tomentosa L. leaves

The present investigation is aimed at screening the bioactive compounds present in the leaves of Pergularia tomentosa L. an important ethnomedicinal plant. The qualitative analysis for the present phytochemicals was performed using MeOH/H2O extracts. Phytochemical analysis showed the existence of some primary and secondary metabolites, phenolic, flavonoids, cardenolides, tannins, alkaloids, quinones, terpenoids and glycoside; leaves contained the highest amounts of all these compounds. The highest total phenolic content and total tannins was observed in aqueous extract which is 2.59±0.49 mg GAE/g DW and 0.436±0.00 mg CE/g DW respectively. In addition, the highest total flavonoid content was observed in butanol extract which is 0.486±0.01mg QE/g DW. Reducing power assay and DPPH were employed to measure antioxidant activity in vitro, extracts were the most powerful antioxidants for the two-assay in vitro system. In addition, we investigated in vitro anti-diabetic activity of different extracts. The dichloromethane extract of Pergularia tomentosa L. showed strong antidiabetic antidiabetic activity.

FT-IR and GC-MS Analysis of Stem Extract of Ethnomedicinal Plant: Bridelia montana (Roxb.) Willd

Human beings have been using plants with medicinal properties since so many years in traditional and folk medicine due to the therapeutic potential they possess. Exploration of the plants with medicinal properties has unearthed numerous novel drugs that are used to treat varied human and animal diseases. Bridelia montana (Roxb.) Willd is one of the important ethnomedicinal plants used across the southern part of India. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals revealed the presence of phenols, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and carbohydrates. Fourier Transform Infra- Red analysis results showed 5 major peaks and the Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry study revealed the presence of 8 phytocompounds from the stem extract of Bridelia montana. The phytocompounds that were present were identified by the comparison of their peak area percentage and the retention time with the help of library sources and by the mass spectra interpretation. Many of these compounds were used in the pharmaceutical industries for their antimicrobial, antitumor and antioxidant properties.

Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis and in vitro Study of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Aegle marmelos Fruit with Peel and without Peel: A Comparative Evaluation

Background: Aegle marmelos is an important ethnomedicinal plant that is found commonly in India and other Asian countries. The peel of the fruit is hard and is often discarded as waste. However, a few studies have shown that even the peel has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. The aim of this research work was to perform a comparative evaluation of Aegle marmelos fruit extracts with the peel (whole fruit) and without the peel. Phytochemical investigations were carried out on the two extracts. Materials and Methods: The Folin-ciocalteu reagent method and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method were used to determine the total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents, respectively. The marmelosin content was measured using the high-performance thinlayer chromatography technique. The antioxidant activity was determined in-vitro using the free-radical scavenging method, and the in vitro antiinflammatory property was determined using the egg albumin denaturation method. The unpaired t-test (with Welch’s correction) was used to determine P values. Any differences that were observed were considered significant if P &lt; 0.05. Results: The total flavonoid content of the extracts was found to be low, while the total phenolic content was high. There were no significant differences in the antioxidant activities of the extracts. The anti-inflammatory activities and marmelosin contents of the extracts were significantly different. Conclusion: The extracts displayed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of the fruit without the peel was found to be greater than that of the extract of the fruit with the peel.