Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge Research Articles

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine Cynoglossum amabile: a review.

Cynoglossum amabile, a member of the Boraginaceae family, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and ethnomedicine known as Daotihu. Despite several studies confirming the presence of bioactive pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as amabiline, ambelline, echinatine, europine, and others in C. amabile, there has been no comprehensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology thus far. This review was conducted by thoroughly examining the literature and analyzing network databases. It covers various aspects of C. amabile, including botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and clinical applications. The results have shown that C. amabile has been traditionally used for medicinal, edible, and ornamental purposes in China for many centuries. The whole plant, root, and leaf of C. amabile are used by different ethnic groups, such as Lisu, Bai, Naxi, Yi, Jinuo, and Han, to treat malaria, hepatitis, dysentery, leucorrhea, tuberculosis cough, fracture, joint dislocation, trauma bleeding, and skin carbuncle abscess. A total of 47 chemical components, including alkaloids (pyrrolizidine alkaloids, PAs), sterols, organic acids, and saccharides, were isolated from C. amabile. Pharmacological studies show that the chemical extracts of C. amabile possess various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, cardiovascular effects, ganglionic action, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. However, it is important to note that C. amabile exhibits hepatotoxicity, with its toxicity being linked to its primary PAs components. Although preliminary studies suggest potential applications in the treatment of prostate diseases and alopecia, further research is needed to validate these clinical uses. Our review highlights the traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activity, toxicity, and clinical applications of C. amabile. It emphasizes the essential guiding role of the indigenous medicinal knowledge system in developing new drugs. Previous studies have shown that the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of C. amabile are significantly related to its traditional medicinal practices. Cynoglossum amabile has excellent market potential and can be further analyzed in terms of phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, which are critical for its clinical drug safety, quality evaluation, and resource development.

The local medicinal plant knowledge in Kashmir Western Himalaya: a way to foster ecological transition via community-centred health seeking strategies

BackgroundThe mountainous region of Kashmir is a biodiversity hotspot, with diverse local communities and a rich cultural history linked to nature. Mountain ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change. This study emphasises the need to record the indigenous ethnoecological knowledge of wild plants used for the treatment of various ailments at higher elevations in remote areas where globalisation poses a threat to this traditional knowledge.MethodsThe field survey was carried out in 2020–2022, to collect data on wild medicinal plants. Informants were selected randomly to collect indigenous medicinal knowledge using semi-structured interviews and group discussions. Various quantitative indices were employed to evaluate ethnomedicinal data.ResultsA total of 110 medicinal plants belonging to 49 families were recorded in the study area. These medicinal plants are extensively used by local communities for the treatment of 20 major disease categories. Asteraceae was the dominant family contributing (9.09%) to medicinal plants, followed by Polygonaceae (8.18%), Apiaceae (7.27%), Lamiaceae (5.45%), and Ranunculaceae (5.45%). We observed 166 remedies were used for the treatment of various diseases in humans, and 9 remedies were used for animals. The most frequently used medicinal remedy was tea or decoction (30.91%). Among the medicinal plants, herbs (85.5%) were most frequently used by the local populations of Kashmir, whereas leaves (10.26%) were used for the treatment of various ailments. Out of 110 species, 31 were endemic, 15 of which are endemic to the Kashmir region and 16 to the Western Himalaya. The highest RFC value was reported for Allium humile (0.77), the highest UV value for Fritillaria cirrhosa (1.33), and the highest ICF value for gastro-intestinal/digestive disorders (0.85).ConclusionsLocal communities still rely on wild medicinal plants for primary healthcare. These communities retained valuable indigenous knowledge, which needs to be preserved for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Further field exploration is required to fully explore indigenous knowledge in the mountainous regions of Kashmir, and this knowledge has the potential to support the ongoing ecological transition.

Biodiversity and Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge of North-East India: Navigating Climate Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants for Conservation and Advancement -

The northeastern region of India holds the sixth position among the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, covering approximately 8% of the nation's total land area, which amounts to 262,060 square kilometers. Situated in the eastern Himalayas, any alterations in this biodiversity-rich area can have significant and far-reaching consequences. Indigenous tribes of this region believe in the remarkable healing properties of certain medicinal plants, and within its diverse population of around 225 communities, each tribal and sub-tribal group possesses distinct traditional knowledge. Capturing and harnessing this indigenous wisdom by scientists and researchers could unlock new avenues for progress, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Climate change stands as one of the paramount global environmental challenges. Predictions indicate that by the close of the 21st century, the Earth's average temperature might rise by anywhere between 0.3 to 4.8 °C, accompanied by a potential sea level increase of 26 to 82 cm. These climate shifts could have adverse effects on the abundance and accessibility of medicinal plants, potentially leading to species extinction. Moreover, the impact of climate change could extend beyond availability to also encompass alterations in the pharmacological properties of various plants, particularly those found in alpine environments. This discussion underscores the importance of existing knowledge, critical analyses, challenges, opportunities, and the immense value of medicinal plants. It emphasizes the intersection of changing climate and the vulnerability of medicinal plant resources, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these effects in the context of the North Eastern region of India. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for in-depth research on the geographical distribution of plant communities and strategies to enhance the secondary synthesis of critically endangered medicinal plants under the current climate change scenarios.

An ethnobotanical study of the indigenous medicinal knowledge by the rural people in different villages of Agaya Narah Gram Panchayat, West Bengal, India

This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of rural people from different villages of Agaya Narah Gram Panchayat, West Bengal, India. A total of 67 informants from nine ethnic communities were interviewed, and the collected information was examined qualitatively and quantitatively using various ethnobotanical indices such as use value (UV), informative consensus factor (Fic), fidelity value (FL) and Jaccard index (JI). We documented 32 plants belonging to 21 families and 32 genera. The most represented family is Apocynaceae (6 species), and the most used plant part is the fruit. The quantitative analysis revealed that the UV of the plants ranged from 0.12 to 0.66, while the Fic was found to be the highest (1.0) for worm disease, eye disease, and arthritis. Thirteen plants were found to possess a 100% FL value for different diseases. A high degree of similarity index (JI value) was calculated when compared with a study reported from the Jatasankar Region, Gujarat, India. The inhabitants of the study area have sound knowledge of the medicinal use of plants, which needs to be further investigated through systematic research.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used By Local Inhabitants Of Kedarnath Valley, Garhwal Himalaya

Ethnobotany is the scientific discipline that studies the dynamic relationships between people and plants. The Indian Himalaya is a source of plant based indigenous medicinal knowledge based on local plant diversity. A rapid rural survey in more than 45 villages of Kedarnath valley of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand were conducted with altitudinal variation ranges from 1000 to 2500 masl. A total of 57 (19 trees, 6 shrubs, 4 climbers and 28 herbs) most highly effective medicinal plant species were recorded, that are used by local inhabitants for traditional local health care system. The local communities use these ethnobotanically important plants for curing fever, stomachache and gastric problem, cancer, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, diabetes, snake bite, tuberculosis, paralysis, rheumatic pain, liver ailments, asthma, cough, skin diseases, toothache, wounds and cuts etc. The present study provides valuable information about ethnomedicinal plants of Kedarnath Valley of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.

Plants used in tribal medicine due to culture and tradition factors

Indian folk medicine is an age old system practiced by primitive people, particularly; the tribal’s residing in remote villages and forests. The knowledge gained over the years - through trial and error methods - about the medicinal uses of local flora are transmitted from one generation to another. It is an outcome of bold experimentation and useful observations made over several hundreds of years and are in fact considered as mother of all other traditional systems of medicine. This system is losing ground with time and getting influenced by modern medicinal practices. The depletion of the forest resources and lack of proper recognition to the traditional healers, is posing threat of losing the valuable age old knowledge. Traditional indigenous medicinal practice is a repository of knowledge that needs to dovetail with the innovations and practices of modern medicine for betterment of mankind.The “Study of Traditional medicinal practice among the Tribals of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana” was primarily undertaken to document and recognize the sustainable indigenous medicinal knowledge and practices of the tribals located in the Eastern Ghats of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and in Adilabad in Telangana. It is a qualitative and quantitative study, where data were gathered through interviews, direct observation, focus group discussions and questionnaires, and analyzed. The study brings to light that, how unique and innovative they were and how, over a period of time, the practices and knowledge is losing its ground and its impact on mankind, and environment, It has also raised pertinent questions on sustainability and the increased vulnerability of traditional healers.

Medicinal Plants and Related Ethnomedicinal Knowledge in the Communities of Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan

The local communities of Pakistan have vast traditional knowledge about local medicinal plants that is centuries old and transferred from generation to generation, but now, the survival of this precious ethnic knowledge is threatened. This study aimed to document the ethnomedicinal information residing within the communities of the Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan. To conserve this valuable traditional knowledge, data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, one-on-one interviews, and group discussions. From 2018 to 2021, 853 people were interviewed regarding 317 plant species. Most of the ethnomedicinal data were obtained from members of the 60–69 age group. The most dominant plant family was Asteraceae (27 sp.). Leaves (124 sp.) were the most dominant plant part used in medicines, and paste (80 sp.) was the most common herbal formulation method. Most (88) medicinal plants were used to cure digestive system diseases. The collected medicinal plants and related indigenous medicinal knowledge were compared with previously published work on the surrounding areas. We suggest a phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of the collected medicinal plants for the discovery of new drugs.

Ethno-medico-botanical studies of Eruliga and Lambani tribes of Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district of Karnataka

A study was carried out on the ethno-medico-botanical knowledge of Eruliga and Lambani tribal communities including the native Vaidyas of other communities in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district of Karnataka. The field survey and documentation of indigenous medicinal knowledge and medicinal plants was conducted from September 2019 to March 2022. A total of 417 formulations consisting of 217 medicinal plants practiced by 140 traditional practitioners were documented. The study is a positive step towards documenting the traditional medicinal knowledge, which is on the verge of extinction in future. It will help the scientific community to uphold the ancient medicinal knowledge for the betterment of society.

ETHNO - MEDICATION ON CANCER: A STUDY ON THE USE OF CURCUMIN

For centuries, Ethno-medicines have been used, and it is still in practice in various countries as an essential source of the creation of western medicines. Most plants and herbs have natural medicinal properties like antiseptic, disinfectant and anti-toxic elements. Among the medicinal plants, most of it has anticancer properties already being used for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Cancer, the second leading cause of mortality and one of the significant public health problems in the human community, continues to increase alarmingly, affecting the health care system. Therefore, this study explores ethnomedicinal practices of using Curcumin which is found in turmeric and has an anticancer property which is effective in invading tumours and cancer-causing cells. Curcumin also has antiproliferating properties, which control cell proliferation and has an apoptotic effect on the protein structure of the cells. Considering the severe threat of cancer, this article throws light on IME (Indigenous Medicinal knowledge) in preparing remedial plant-based extract, Curcumin, as an anticancer element to meet the healthcare needs of cancer patients. In this study, the medicinal ingredient curcumin and its uses for cancer cells have been highlighted. The therapeutic practices of Irulas tribal people of Coimbatore district have been taken into account of their community knowledge about using Curcumin for various ailments. Keywords: Ethno-medication, Curcumin, anticancer, Irulas, anti-proliferating, apoptotic

Conservation Strategies for Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the policies, challenges, and conservation measures related to medicinal plants in Ethiopia. The country has implemented various policies to support sustainable development and utilization of plant resources, spanning environmental protection, natural resource development, and diversification of domestic commodities. However, indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is at risk due to factors such as environmental degradation, deforestation, and the passing of traditional practitioners. Efforts to document this knowledge and establish herbaria are crucial for the conservation of declining medicinal plants. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, especially among the youth, about the contribution of traditional medicine to primary healthcare needs. It highlights the challenge of passing down this knowledge, with younger generations showing less interest in traditional practices. Incorporating traditional medicine into school curricula is suggested to bridge this gap. Furthermore, the review addresses sustainability and continuity issues faced by traditional medicine in Ethiopia, including loss of medicinal plant taxa and habitats. Preserving diverse cultures with indigenous medicinal knowledge is essential for valuing biodiversity and ensuring resource availability for future generations. In-situ and ex-situ conservation methods are recommended to conserve valuable plant biodiversity and combat threats like habitat loss, environmental degradation, and overharvesting. In particular, in-situ conservation is crucial for plants difficult to domesticate, as well as those unable to produce desired active principles outside their natural habitats. This comprehensive review underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts to transition from unsustainable practices to ecologically sound, socially acceptable, and economically equitable production and utilization systems for medicinal plants. It advocates for the implementation of conservation strategies tailored to Ethiopia's unique biodiversity challenges, safeguarding the valuable medicinal plants that are integral to the nation's cultural heritage and healthcare traditions.

An ethnopharmacological survey and comparative analysis of plants from the Sudhnoti District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

BackgroundThis is the first comprehensive report on the traditional and novel uses of medicinal plants practiced by the indigenous communities of the Sudhnoti district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The area is rich in folklore and indigenous medicinal knowledge due to a unique tribal composition and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to document traditional knowledge of native plant use by the local communities, particularly those used for therapeutic purposes.MethodsField surveys were conducted from September 2015 to March 2017. Interviews with 125 local inhabitants of different tribes, age groups, genders, and occupations were conducted using structured and semi-structured questions along with group discussions. Data gathered on plant uses, local names, and modes of application of each plant species were organized in tables. Ethnobotanical indices such as use value (UV) and cultural significance index (CSI) were used to produce quantitative information on the plant use category, frequency, and cultural preference of species. Reports on therapeutic uses of medicinal plants were compared with previous studies.ResultsIn all, 88 plant species from 45 families were reported, out of which 67 (77%) were used in ethnomedical applications. Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae were the dominant families. Berberis lycium was the most valued plant species, followed by Zanthoxylum armatum and Taraxacum officinale. Mentha arvensis had the highest cultural significance, followed by Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, and Zanthoxylum armatum. Leaves were the most preferred plant parts in the preparation of medicine exclusively or mixed with other parts. The most frequently used process of crude preparation of medicinal plants was cooking. Oral intake was the predominant route of administration.ConclusionsOur comparative analysis confirmed that most of the plants documented have uses that match those previously reported for the region and other parts of the world, with the exception of novel medicinal uses for 11 plant species, including Verbascum thapsus for earache, Elaeagnus umbellata for hepatitis, Achillea millefolium for oral care, Dicliptera roxburghiana to prevent sunstroke in cattle, Rumex hastatus for allergy antidote, Pyrus pashia for hepatitis, and Nerium oleander for diabetes.

Indigenous Knowledge and Vocational Education: Marginalisation of Traditional Medicinal Treatments in Rwandan TVET Animal Health Courses

This study explores Rwandan ethno-veterinary knowledge and the degree to which this knowledge is reflected in the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) instruction. The knowledge considered is the Indigenous medicinal knowledge used by rural Rwandan livestock farmers to treat their cattle. Through interviews with farmers, TVET graduates and TVET teachers, and an examination of the current TVET Animal Health curriculum, the research identifies a neglect of Indigenous knowledge in the curriculum, despite the fact that local farmers use numerous Indigenous medicinal innovations to treat their animals. The focus of the Rwanda’s TVET Animal Health curriculum is on Western-origin modern veterinary practices. The authors argue that this leaves Rwandan TVET Animal Health graduates unprepared for optimal engagement with rural farmers and with the full range of potential treatments.

Use of medicinal plants for treating different ailments by the indigenous people of Churah subdivision of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

Plants play an important role in the medicinal and healthcare regime of the people living in the remote areas of the Himalayan region, which can be attributed to their greater faith in the efficacy of herbal remedies and also the unavailability of modern healthcare facilities. The current study aimed to report the indigenous medicinal knowledge of plants among the indigenous people comprising of local traditional healers, tribal, and non-tribal people of the Churah subdivision of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Despite the gradual sociocultural transformation, these local people still possess substantial knowledge of plants and their uses. Extensive field surveys were conducted to remote villages and interviews were conducted through well-structured questionnaires, interviews, and group meetings. The data generated were examined using various quantitative tools, and an extensive literature review was done to analyze the pharmacological activity and chemical constituents of the targeted plant species. A total of 78 plants were reported to cure 13 ailments with maximum species (42) to cure dermatological problems followed by respiratory problems (20 species) and digestive problems (19 species). New or lesser known therapeutic uses of 21 plant species were reported which emphasizes for its further pharmacological validation.

Review of Ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of <i>Acacia ataxacantha</i>

Purpose: To provide ethnopharmacological and phytochemical properties of Acacia ataxacantha as initial steps of assessing medicinal value and importance of the species in tropical Africa.Methods: Information on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of A. ataxacantha was collected from several sources including books, theses, scientific reports and journal articles obtained from internet sources such as SciFinder, Web of Science, Pubmed, BMC, Elsevier, Science Direct, Scielo and Scopus.Results: Acacia ataxacantha is an important herbal medicine in tropical Africa used against abscesses, backache, cough, dental caries and toothache, headache, malaria, pneumonia, sores and wounds, and stomach problems. The chemical constituents of A. ataxacantha include alkaloids, anthracene derivatives, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, lignan, naphtoquinone, polyphenols, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and triterpenoids. The biological activities demonstrated include antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, laxative and ulceroprotective.Conclusion: The phytochemical properties and pharmacological activities of A. ataxacantha lend some support for the traditional medicinal applications of the species against several diseases.Keywords: Acacia ataxacantha, Ethnopharmacology, Herbal medicine, Indigenous medicinal knowledge, Primary health, Tropical Africa

English

Increased resistance to insecticides and established drugs by malaria vectors necessitate the search for alternative cost-effective malaria control tools in the Ethiopia. Traditional remedies are the most important source of therapeutics of the population and more than 85% of the traditional medical preparations in Ethiopia are of plant origin. As the Ethiopian indigenous medicinal plants' knowledge and diversity is vulnerable to be lost continuous documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge and the plant species is a priority. Thus, we report an ethnobotanical survey of plants traditionally used for malaria prevention and treatment in an indigenous villages of Tepi town south western Ethiopia. To document anti-malarial plant traditional knowledge and determine level of utilization for prevention and treatment of malaria by households, 40 household heads were surveyed by snow ball sampling of which eight household heads addressed by systematic purposive sampling were traditional healers. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A total of twenty five plant species belonging to twenty two families have been reported. The most cited plant species for malaria prevention by healers were Cyperus species (52.11%), Allium sativum L. (24.15%), Lepidium sativum L. (9.34%) and Echinops kebericho Mesfin. (7.82%). This study has documented more anti-malarial plant species to be used in the indigenous village. The existing medicinal plant species and the indigenous knowledge on traditional medicinal plants in the study area were under serious threat and were at risk of getting lost. Therefore, urgently warrant sustainable conservation and further research is needed. Key words: Indigenous knowledge, malaria vectors, medicinal plants.

Impact of Environmental Conservation Status on Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge IMK Survival: Case of South Imenti in Meru County

Impact of Environmental Conservation Status on Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge IMK Survival: Case of South Imenti in Meru County

Intellectual Property Evolution and Innovation Ecosystem as Effective Tools in Strengthening Indian Healthcare Sector

Despite India’s enormous technological potential, indigenous medicinal knowledge and various initiatives by the government and industry at translational cycle, the country carries a global disease burden of 21%, majorly contributed by dual disease burden. Public health faces the major anomalies of 3A (accessibility, affordability, availability) of the healthcare sector, possibly due to restrictive coordination among stakeholders, transiting disease profile, undeveloped delivery system and regulatory mechanisms. This article emphasizes the significance of integrative approach of using our research and development strength and establishing a strong intellectual property system for conducive healthcare environment, accentuating the significance of 3P (public–private partnership) in addressing the major anomalies of 3A.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used against human ailments in Gubalafto District, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundTraditional medicinal plant species documentation is very crucial in Ethiopia for biodiversity conservation, bioactive chemical extractions and indigenous knowledge retention. Having first observed the inhabitants of Gubalafto District (Northern Ethiopia), the author gathered, recorded, and documented the human traditional medicinal plant species and the associated indigenous knowledge.MethodsThe study was conducted from February 2013 to January 2015 and used descriptive field survey design. Eighty-four informants were selected from seven study kebeles (sub-districts) in the District through purposive, snowball, and random sampling techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, demonstrations, and focus group discussions with the help of guided questions. Data were organized and analyzed by descriptive statistics with SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Office Excel 2007.ResultsA total of 135 medicinal plant species within 120 genera and 64 families were documented. Among the species, Ocimum lamiifolium and Rhamnus prinoides scored the highest informant citations and fidelity level value, respectively. In the study area, Asteraceae with 8.1% and herbs with 50.4% plant species were the most used sources for their medicinal uses. A total of 65 ailments were identified as being treated by traditional medicinal plants, among which stomachache (abdominal health problems) was frequently reported. Solanum incanum was reported for the treatment of many of the reported diseases. The leaf, fresh parts, and crushed forms of the medicinal plants were the most preferred in remedy preparations. Oral application was the highest reported administration for 110 preparations. A majority of medicinal plant species existed in the wild without any particular conservation effort. Few informants (about 5%) had only brief notes about the traditional medicinal plants. Ninety percent of the respondents have learned indigenous medicinal plants knowledge from their family members and friends secretly. Orthodox Church schools were found the main place for 65% of healer’s indigenous knowledge origin and experiences. Elders, aged between 40 and 84 years, gave detailed descriptions about traditional medicinal plants.ConclusionsTraditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge are the main systems to maintain human health in Gubalafto District. But minimal conservation measures were recorded in the community. Thus, in-situ and ex-situ conservation practices and sustainable utilization are required in the District.

Medicinal Plants Used by a Mbyá-Guarani Tribe against Infections: Activity on KPC-Producing Isolates and Biofilm-Forming Bacteria

The traditional use of medicinal plants for treatment of infectious diseases by an indigenous Mbyá-Guarani tribe from South Brazil was assessed by evaluating the antibiotic and antibiofilm activities against relevant bacterial pathogens. Aqueous extracts from 10 medicinal plants were prepared according to indigenous Mbyá-Guarani traditional uses. To evaluate antibiotic (OD600) and antibiofilm (crystal violet method) activities, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984 and seven multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing bacterial clinical isolates were challenged with the extracts. Furthermore, the susceptibility profile of KPC-producing bacteria and the ability of these isolates to form biofilm were evaluated. The plants Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Maytenus ilicifolia, Bidens pilosa and Verbena sp. showed the best activity against bacterial growth and biofilm formation. The majority of KPC-producing isolates, which showed strong ability to form biofilm and a multidrug resistance profile, was inhibited by more than 50% by some extracts. The Enterobacter cloacae (KPC 05) clinical isolate was the only one resistant to all extracts. This study confirms the importance of indigenous traditional medicinal knowledge and describes for the first time the ability of these plants to inhibit biofilm formation and/or bacterial growth of multi-drug resistant KPC-producing isolates.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by the communities of Mount Hermon, Lebanon

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plant species in Lebanon are experiencing severe threats because of various environmental conditions, human expansion footprints and recent growing global demand. Organized research and information on indigenous medicinal plants and knowledge have been very limited and little efforts have been invested to develop a complete inventory for native medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge in the country. Recognized as a key biodiversity area of the Mediterranean Basin, Mount Hermon hosts important richness of medicinal plants that has been traditionally used in treatment of many illnesses since generations. Novel knowledge gathered by the present investigation is important in preserving indigenous knowledge of Mount Hermon community and revitalizing traditional herbal medicines. Material and methodsEthnopharmacological information was collected by semi-structured interviews with 53 native informants (herbalists, traditional healers, midwives and local adult villagers) in 13 towns and villages surrounding Mount Hermon. The interviews were conducted through guided field visits and discussion groups whilst collecting plants specimens. Taxonomical identification of plant species was based on the determination keys of the “New Flora of Lebanon and Syria” and specimens were deposited at the herbarium of the Research Center for Environment and Development at Beirut Arab University. ResultsThe results obtained indicate that 124 plant species of Mount flora are still used in traditional medicine by the local communities as an important source of primary health care and treatment of a wide range of different illnesses. These species belonged to 42 families and 102 genera. Compositae (19 species), Labiatae (18 species), Rosaceae (11) and Umbelliferae (11) formed the dominant families. Informants' Consensus Factor (FIC) analysis revealed that among the 14 illness categories used, respiratory (0.94), gastrointestinal and renal (0.93), genital systems (0.92) had the highest FIC values. The Medicinal Importance (MI) of these systems had also the top positions (16.24, 13.60, 13.18 and 12.09, respectively), whilest Mentha spicata subsp. condensata (Briq.) Greuter et Burdet recorded the heighest Cultural Importance (CI) value at 4.75. ConclusionThis study documents for the first time the ethnopharmacological knowledge regarding part of the Lebanese flora in Mount Hermon. The perpetuity of this knowledge of successive generations can be used as an important tool for the future phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies, as well as conservation and management of medicinal plants as part of the local cultural heritage.