Informant Consensus Factor Value Research Articles

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by various ethnic tribes of Mizoram, India.

Mizoram has a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups, including the Lushai, Mara, Lai, Bawm, Hmar, Chakma, and Bru. Through practice and experience in their protracted battles with disease and the harsh natural environment, they have amassed rich folk medicine knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge, identification of bioactive compounds, and the eventual discovery of novel medicinal plant species all depend on the documentation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was designed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge related to the usage of medicinal plants in Mizoram, India. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 17 villages of 5 districts in Mizoram between September 2022 and January 2023. A total of 128 informants (77 males and 51 females) were interviewed. Information was gathered through field observations, group discussions, and semistructured interviews. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. To assess the importance of medicinal plant species, quantitative indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and cultural index (CI) was used. In our ethnobotanical investigation, 102 medicinal plant species from 95 genera and 58 families were recorded and documented. The majority of them (90 species) were obtained from wild habitats. The majority of the documented species were trees (48), followed by herbs (23 species) and shrubs (21 species). The most common method of preparation was decoction (67 species). Diabetes had the highest ICF value (0.81), followed by cancer, liver problems, and hypertension (0.8). The fidelity level (FL) of indigenous communities in the study area was evaluated to determine the dependability and consistency of herbal drug use. Indigenous knowledge and the variety of medicinal plant species that are used are of great values. The therapeutic applications of documented plants provide fundamental information for additional studies centered on pharmacological investigations and the preservation of the most significant species.

Ethnobotanical study of twenty species in the family Asteraceae in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical study was conducted on 20 plants belonging to 18 genera of the Asteraceae family. The aims of this research were to explore the current ethnobotanical status of the identified plant species, document their indigenous utilization for diverse purposes within the specific research area and assess the extent of Asteraceae plant usage by the local population. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and open-ended interview techniques with different categories of informants in the Ife Central Local Government Area of IleIfe, Osun State, Nigeria. Demographic data of respondents were analyzed using a descriptive statistical method, providing understandings into their characteristics. The ethnobotanical survey results were subjected to quantitative analysis employing several parameters. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was utilized to determine the prominence of plant species in terms of citations. The Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were employed to assess plant importance, therapeutic efficacy, and consensus among informants, respectively. Ethnobotanical study of the selected Asteraceae plants revealed the traditional uses of these plants for diverse purposes for both humans and livestock. The average ICF value was 0.92, indicating a relatively high consensus among the respondents. Ageratum conyzoides, Tithonia diversifolia, Aspilia africana, Launaea taraxacifolia and Tridax procumbens were the most cited of all the species, hence their high RFC values. Fidelity Level (FL) had the highest value in Aspilia africana, Tithonia diversifolia and Ageratum conyzoides while Acmella radicans had the lowest FL value. According to this study, Ageratum conyzoides (0.10) and Launaea taraxacifolia (0.10) had the highest use value. The study concluded that the Asteraceae species have several edible, ornamental and medicinal uses, which have not been explored extensively in the study area.

Ethnobotany of traditional cosmetics among the Oromo women in Madda Walabu District, Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia

Traditional cosmetics play a significant role in the cultural practices and personal hygiene of many ethnic groups worldwide. The Oromo, an indigenous community in Ethiopia, has a rich history of utilizing local plants for cosmetic purposes. However, the use of plants as traditional cosmetics has only been poorly investigated as more emphasis was given to traditional medicines. The study thus aimed to identify and document plant species, and parts used in traditional cosmetics and associated knowledge, and practices among Oromo women in the Madda Walabu district, Southeastern Ethiopia. A total of 150 Oromo women were interviewed to gather ethnobotanical information including the plant species used for cosmetics, their preparation methods, and their applications. Ethnobotanical indices were computed to determine the most important species used by the women. A total of 48 plant species belonging to 31 families used as sources of traditional cosmetics were recorded. Most of these plants were trees. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part in traditional cosmetics, and maceration and decoction were the most common preparation methods applied to prepare traditional cosmetics. Topical application of traditional cosmetics was the most common, while oral infusions were rarely reported type of administration. All categories had high informant consensus factor (ICF) values, ranging from 0.80 to 0.98. The highest ICF value was found for skin treatment, followed by the hair, and face mask. Overall, Commiphora habessinica, Gnidia stenophylla, Kalanchoe lanceolata, Mimusops kummel, Sesamothamnus rivae, Terminalia brownii, T. laxiflora, Acacia drepanolobium, A. mellifera, and Aloe citrina were the most frequently cited and culturally important plants by Oromo women for traditional cosmetics in the area. The study highlights the importance of local plant resources for maintaining cultural practices and personal hygiene. However, the cultural heritage associated with traditional cosmetics is facing threats from various factors. Therefore, a continuous effort to document and disseminate knowledge about traditional cosmetics practices to ensure their preservation and transmission and awakening younger generations about the importance of traditional cosmetics and their role in cultural heritage is crucial.

Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used in the treatment of skin diseases in the Western Middle Atlas region (Morocco)

An investigation was conducted among 360 people from the local population of the Western Middle Atlas of Morocco to identify medicinal plants used for treating skin diseases. Various parameters, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Family Use Value (FUV), Plant Part Value (PPV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL), were used for data collection and assessment. During the investigation, 45 medicinal plant species belonging to 33 families were documented, with the most important family being Euphorbiaceae (FUV = 0.292). The highest ICF value (ICF=0.991) was mentioned for skin cancer. The poultice was found to be the primary method for preparing the majority of remedies (51%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (PPV = 0.476), and Allium sativum L. was the most widely used species (RFC = 0.302). These findings are a preliminary step towards conserving and popularising these plant species, promoting sustainable practices in traditional medicine, safeguarding biodiversity, and integrating these valuable botanical resources into modern healthcare systems.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia

BackgroundThe influence of socio-demographic variables was widely explored to evaluate their impact on indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia mainly focused on rural areas. They were limited to exploring and documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables in rural–urban interface areas among ethnic groups. Hence, this study aimed to document plant-based indigenous and local ethnomedicinal knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables among selected three ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 189 key informants, floristic species inventories, and field observations. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the use values (UV) of the most important medicinal plants, the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP). Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the influences of socio-demographic factors and associations between variables on local ethnobotanical knowledge across ethnic groups in different informant categories.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of medicinal plants reported among age categories. There was also a positive association between the respondent's age and plant knowledge acquisition. Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Aloe macrocarpa Tod., Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Calpurnia aurea (Aiton) Benth, and Allium sativum L. had the highest use values among ethnic groups. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded for circulatory system disorders (0.68) followed by febrile illness and reproductive organ complications (0.66 each) across the three studied ethnic groups. The highest FL, RPL, and ROP values were noted for Lactuca inermis Forssk., Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Allium sativum L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Ricinus communis L., Schinus molle L., Antiaris toxicaria (J.F.Gmel.) Lesch., Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill., Echinops kebericho Mesfin, Ocimum jamesii Sebald, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley, and Ricinus communis L. across ethnic groups in the study areas, which showed the conformity of knowledge on species curing potential and their prevalent uses.ConclusionThe study revealed that the ethnic groups of Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama have considerable indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge practices. Statistical analysis shown high variation in the acquisition of local ethnobotanical knowledge among age groups, which boosted our understanding of the effects of socio-demographic factors on the local ethnobotanical knowledge dynamics. Thus, this finding advocates for efforts to repair the observed generation gap via continued professional support and educating local communities to preserve traditional knowledge and practices through systematic documentation.

Indigenous livestock care practices in Kamlah, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh: A preserving heritage

Cattle production has been an important source of livelihood for the rural communities. Current study aimed to documenting the indigenous traditional knowledge and practices related to livestock health care system among the people of Kamlah region of Sandhol tehsil of district Mandi (Himachal Pradesh). Reconnaissance surveys were conducted in this region from 2021 to 2022. A total of 65 informants (35 males &amp; 30 females) were interviewed. Ethnoveterinary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions with elderly people, women, farmers and local herbal healers. In this study, 28 plant species belonging to 23 families were identified; in which herb (57%) were the maximum used life forms and leaves (43%) were the commonly used plant parts. The highest number of species recorded in families were Asparagaceae and Fabaceae (3 species each). A wide range of diseases or disorders of cattle such as bone fracture, eye infection, fever, heat stroke, insect bite, prolapsed uterus, skin disorders and stomach disorders are treated by the people of study area with the help of indigenous medicinal plants. The data was analysed using three ethnobotanical indices i.e., use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF). According to quantitative analysis, plant species with high UV values for curing live stock were Mentha spicata L. (0.92), Cassia fistula L. (0.77) and Stephania rotunda Lour. (0.77). FL% values ranged from 25 to 100% and ICF values ranged between 0.97 to 1.00. These findings were at primary level and provide basic information to the researchers for carrying out phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, to create more effective veterinary drugs.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the people of Mosop, Nandi County in Kenya.

Background: Throughout the history, nature has provided mankind with most of their basic needs, which include food, shelter, medicine, clothes, flavours, scents as well as raw materials. Given that they are an integral part of cultural heritage, medicinal plants have played a significant role in human healthcare systems around the world. Investigating various biological resources for use as medicines requires ethnomedicinal studies. Methods: Data on utilization of ethnomedicinal plants from local healers in Kenya's Mosop Sub-County in Nandi County was documented through open-ended, semi-structured questionnaires. A number of quantitative indices, such as the Use Citation (UC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Frequency of Citation (FoC) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were used to convey the potential medical benefits, vitality and variety of the ethnomedicine. Results: 102 informants provided information on 253 ethnomedicinal plant species, classified into 74 families. There were 249 native plant species identified, along with few exotic species: Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton, Persea americana Mill, Carica papaya L. and Solanum betaceum Cav. Of all recorded species, 32% and 27% were herbs and trees, respectively. Among plant parts, leaves were most frequently utilized (27%) and roots (26%), while decoctions (21%) were the most widely used formulations. The dominant family was Asteraceae, with 28 species, followed by Lamiaceae, with 19 species. The highest ICF value was 0.778 for a number of parasitic and infectious illnesses, including ringworms, athlete's foot rot, tetanus, typhoid, intestinal parasites, abscesses, malaria, and amoebiasis. The study's data validates the region's widespread use of traditional medicinal plant remedies. Conclusion: The current study will lay a foundation of knowledge for future research investigations. The abundance of knowledge regarding ethnomedicinal species and their medicinal applications will stimulate further phytochemical and pharmacological research, which could lead to the discovery of potentially significant pharmaceuticals.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, SW China

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Yi people in the Xiaoliangshan region in southwest China have a unique practice of combining ritual treatment and traditional medicine to care for patients. Despite increasing urbanization in the area, they have managed to preserve their distinctive lifestyle and extensive knowledge of traditional medicinal plants, setting them apart from other regions. However, there is a lack of systematic documentation on the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan. Aim of the studyThis research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Yi people and explore their therapeutic usages. 2. Evaluate and analyze the main types of diseases with a high incidence in the local area and identify the types of medicinal plants used to treat these diseases. 3. Explore the underlying geographical and human factors influencing both disease prevalence and medicinal plant usage. MethodsEthnobotanical research methods were used to record and analyze the medicinal plants used by the Yi in Xiaoliangshan. Experts identified all plant specimens collected during ethnobotanical field surveys. The types of diseases treated by medicinal plants were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care -2nd. ResultsA total of 125 medicinal plants were recorded after interviewing 193 participants. Of the medicinal plants identified, those with over 100 use reports were Paris polyphylla (202 use reports), Taxillus sutchuenensis (183), Artemisia indica (149), and Papaver somniferum (113). A total of 14 disease categories were recorded, with those related to the following categories having higher Informant Consensus factor values (ICF ≥0.85): Pregnancy, Childbearing, Family Planning, General and Unspecified, Urological, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Skin. The highest quantity of medicinal plants is utilized to improve specific diseases and health problems, namely those related to Digestion, Skin, and Musculoskeletal. Fewer plant species were utilized for diseases or health issues associated with Eyes, Psychological, or Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning. The use reports from the informants also revealed how some medicinal plants are used to treat a variety of diseases or health issues. For instance, Malva pusilla is used for inducing abortion, treating postpartum hemorrhage, and joint sprains; Artemisia indica is used for treating malaria; Argentina lineata is used to remedy tuberculosis and malaria. Taxillus sutchuenensis is used for dealing with cold, pneumonia, and other ailments. ConclusionsThe Yi people in Xiaoliangshan have a rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Decoction and wine brewing are the most common processing methods used for these plants, which are utilized to treat a wide range of diseases. The characteristics of the medicinal use of the Yi people reflects the alpine mountainous environment in which they live, and their medical practices are closely related to traditional healing culture. This study enhances our understanding of the Yi traditional medicine via documentation and offers a valuable reference for future research and the development of new drugs.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the indigenous community of the western region of Mizoram, India

BackgroundPlants have long been utilized as traditional medicines by the inhabitants. However, until recently, the traditional knowledge had not been extensively documented from the hilly state of Mizoram, India. The present study was designed to perform a quantitative analysis of ethnomedicinal plants used by Mizo tribes using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. The study attempts to find new ethnomedicinal plant species that could be a source for the discovery of new drug formulations.MethodsThe information was obtained through extensive and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative indices such as informant consensus factor (ICF), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and relative importance index (RI) were used to quantify the advantages, significance, and coverage of ethnomedicine. All the collected data were analyzed using the ethnobotanyR package in R.ResultsA total of 124 ethnomedicinal plant species, distributed in 112 genera under 60 families, were documented from 206 informants. Herbs (49.19%) were the most dominant growth form, and leaves (49.19%) were the most common plant parts used for the preparation of herbal medicine while decoction (61.21%) was the most popular formulation. Asteraceae (11) were the most common families among the documented species. Digestive disease, burns, cuts, and wounds had the highest ICF value (0.94), and Lepionurus sylvestris had the highest FL (91%). Oroxylum indicum (6.25) was the most commonly utilized ethnomedicinal plant based on UV, RI had the highest value in Blumea lanceolaria (1.12), and O. indicum (0.29) had the highest RFC value. According to the findings, the traditional medicinal plant treatment is still widely used in the research area.ConclusionDocumentation of new ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic usage will encourage further phytochemical and pharmacological research, potentially leading to the discovery of new drug formulations.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Melit area (North Darfur), Western Sudan

BackgroundThe documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State.MethodEthnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level.ResultsA total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus.ConclusionThis is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

Medicinal Plants Used by Oromo Community in Kofale District, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study was to record the utilization of medicinal plants by the Oromo people in the Kofale District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to control human and animal health problems. Data regarding the use of medicinal plants were collected using ethnobotanical methods from 84 traditional medicine practitioners and 304 general informants sampled employing purposive and systematic random sampling methods, respectively, in the Kofale District. Data were analyzed using different indices, including a preference ranking exercise, informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and relative popularity level (RPL). In the district, 106 medicinal plants were claimed to be used for the treatment of 43 human and 18 livestock illnesses, of which 75 (71%) were used to manage human health problems, 23 (21.5%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments and eight (7.5%) were utilized to treat manage livestock health problems. Most (76.4%) plants were harvested from the wild. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (55.6%) in remedy preparations. Skin diseases scored the highest ICF value (0.97), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (ICF = 0.95), cancer (ICF = 0.93), and hemorrhoids (ICF = 0.91). Medicinal plants that record the highest fidelity level (FL) (100%) and rank order priority (ROP) (100%) values included Justicia schimperiana, Embelia schimperi, Ekebergia capensis and Datura stramonium, which have been used to treat liver disorders, tapeworm infections, babesiosis, and rabies, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the mean numbers of medicinal plants claimed by different social groups: older, illiterate, and traditional medicine practitioners reported higher mean numbers of medicinal plants than younger, literate, and general informants, respectively. This study indicated the richness of medicinal plant species in Kofale District. Medicinal plants with the highest FL and ROP values and those used to treat disease categories with the highest ICF values should be prioritized in future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants Used by the Local Communities of Ameya District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

In the present study, the diversity of medicinal plants and associated traditional medicinal knowledge of the rural community in the Ameya district in Ethiopia was assessed and documented. A survey was conducted through semistructured interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussions, and field observations. The snowball and purposeful sampling techniques were employed to select general and knowledgeable informants, respectively. Accordingly, a total of 210 respondents, 156 (74.3%) males and 54 (25.7%) females, were participated in this study. The informants were selected from seven kebeles (the lowest administrative units) following the recommendations of the local community for the availability of traditional medicinal plant use practice. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, fidelity level, informant consensus factor, and direct matrix ranking were used to analyze and present the data. A total of 78 medicinal plants represented in 70 genera and 40 families were identified. Croton macrostachyus and Dodonaea viscosa were the most preferred species used to treat wounds, whereas Cucumis ficifolius and Phragmanthera macrosolen were the most popular species applied to treat stomachache. Leaves (38%) and roots (20%) were the most predominantly used plant parts for remedial preparation to treat 42 human ailments. The informant consensus factor (ICF) value ranged between 0.45 and 0.81, with the respiratory diseases category scoring the highest ICF value. The fidelity level (FL) value for the medicinal plants ranged from 24 to 95%. Considerable proportions (55.5%) of the medicinal plants were collected from wild habitats. Higher ICF (0.81) and FL (&gt;90%) scores indicate the presence of rich traditional knowledge in the community. This knowledge can be used to select medicinal plants (such as Croton macrostachyus, Cucumis ficifolius, Dodonaea viscosa, and Phragmanthera macrosolen) for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies.

Plants used in female reproductive healthcare by the Gujjar tribe of the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

BackgroundAbout half of India's female population suffers from gynaecological disorders due to lliteracy, poverty, a lack of healthcare resources, and social stigma. Medicinal plants play a vital role in the basic healthcare services of tribal communities in India due to their ease of availability and cost, and their use is also a vital part of the cultural heritage. The study aimed to identify and document the medicinal plants used in female reproductive healthcare by the Gujjar tribe in the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. MethodsOne hundred twelve informants between 21 and 80 years of age were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire and open-ended interviews. The documented data was quantitatively analysed by applying frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), family importance value (FIV) and the Jaccard’s index (JI). ResultsThe present study documented 90 plant species from 47 families with Leguminosae as the most cited family. The study identified Asparagus racemosus as the most important species based on RFC value. Menstrual disorder and leucorrhoea were among the primary disease categories based on ICF values. Roots were the most commonly used plant parts (22%) and decoction was the major mode of preparation (52%). ConclusionsAsparagus racemosus was one of the most frequently mentioned plant species in the present study. The findings of this investigation are important for documenting and prioritising plant species such as A. racemosus, Abrus precatorius, Bombax ceiba, Moringa oleifera, Curculigo orchioides, Cocculus hirsutus, and Centella asiatica for additional investig,ations.

Ethnomedicinal study of plants utilized in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum healthcare in Kashmir Himalaya

IntroductionWomen residing in the remote villages are entirely dependent on medicinal plant resources against a variety of disorders due to the unavailability of modern health resources. The study aimed (i) to explore the indigenous knowledge regarding the utilization of medicinal plants during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum healthcare (ii) and to carry out the preliminary phytochemical analysis of selected important plants species. Till date none of the previous studies have investigated this topic in the study region. MethodsThe ethnomedicinal information was gathered using semi-structured interviews and group discussions by standard questionnaires. All the collected data was analyzed by Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL), and on this basis 16 medicinal plants were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. ResultsThe current research reported 134 medicinal plants of 55 families being utilized in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum healthcare. Asteraceae was reported to be the dominant family with 9.7% species contribution. The ICF value was reported in the range of 0.62 and 0.82, with the highest of 0.82 for complications predominantly related to the puerperium. The highest FL (86%) was reported for Dipsacus inermis. On the other hand, various secondary metabolites (carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, phytosterols, glycosides, tannins, phenols, proteins, diterpenes and aminoacids), were also reported. ConclusionThese findings specify that indigenous utilization of traditional herbal medicine is a well-established practice in Kashmir valley. However, plants were reported to be used unsustainably. Keeping in view the toxicity, pharmacological mechanisms of action and efficacy, we recommend more research on these medicinal plants to expand and enhance regional maternity and delivery care.

An ethnobotanical study on across different ethnic groups from high-altitude areas of the Northwestern Himalayas

Abstract. Khoja AA, Andrabi SAH, Mir RA. 2023. An ethnobotanical study on musculoskeletal disorders across different ethnic groups from high-altitude areas of the Northwestern Himalayas. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 48-59. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body's movements. In traditional medicine variety of plant species across the globe are used to treat these diseases. The present study examined to document the plant taxa used for the said diseases in the remote and frontier area (Kupwara) of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir-India. Extensive surveys were conducted using simple stratified sampling from April 2020 to July 2022. Three different quantitative ethnobotanical indices (Use value, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and family use values) were used to interpret the results. A total of N=46 plant species from N=32 families were identified. Asteraceae (N=4) was the dominant family recognized; among the total enlisted species (N=37) were herbs, accounting for most of the life form contributing to treating the maximum number of diseases (80%). Leaf accounted for the majority of all plant parts (N=11), followed by root (N=10); the most popular and effective preparation techniques listed were decoction and paste; maximum UV was calculated for Geranium wallichianum D.Don ex Sweet (0.73) and the lowest UV for Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. (0.28). The highest FUV was conceived for Geraniaceae (0.68). Joint pain was treated by most species (N=26), and the highest value of ICF was recorded for inflammation (0.45), followed by Muscular pain (0.43). The cross-cultural analysis showed that all commonly used 13 species said selected ethnic groups (Gujjar, Bakarwal, and Kashmiri).

Quantitative ethnobotanical appraisal of Shawal Valley, South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: This study's primary goal was to collect and document uses of plants by local residents of Shawal Valley, South Waziristan, Pakistan. Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 65 residents (24 women and 41 males). The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: The research region is abode of 60 plant species belonged to 32 families of ethnobotanical significance. Lamiaceae family contributed maximum number of species (7), followed by Pinaceae (6 species). The most preferred plant parts among the reported species were the leaves (60%), followed by the stem (28.3%).&nbsp;Thymus mongolicus&nbsp;was found to have the highest RFC (0.86), while&nbsp;Adiantum capillus-veneris&nbsp;had the lowest (i.e. 0.02).&nbsp;The UV was between 0.02 and 1.&nbsp;Thymus mongolicus&nbsp;was found to have the greatest UV (UV=1); whereas,&nbsp;Adiantum capillus-veneris&nbsp;had the lowest UV (0.02). Twelve plants had a fidelity level of 100% while&nbsp;Quercus dilatata&nbsp;had the lowest (33.3%). Plants' ICF values varied from 0.87 to 0.96. The Average Direct Matrix Ranking revealed that&nbsp;Quercus dilatata&nbsp;received the highest rating (1st) for its many uses, followed by&nbsp;Pinuswallichiana&nbsp;(2nd),&nbsp;and Rumex dentatus&nbsp;(3rd),&nbsp;Pinus gerardiana&nbsp;(4th),&nbsp;and Zingiberofficinale&nbsp;(5th). Conclusion:Ethnomedicinal research indicates that indigenous people in the studied area are knowledgeable on the use of plants. These plants and indigenous knowledge must be preserved.

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used for Primary Health Care from Patan Sher Khan and Surrounding Areas of District Sudhnoti, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Life on mountains is difficult and people depend on medicinal plants for primary health care. Many of mountain areas of Azad Kashmir are unexplored from taxonomic and ethnobotanical point of view. This study was conducted to document the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants of village Patan Sher Khan and allied areas of District Sudhnuti Azad Kashmir Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted during March 2020 to March 2021 for collection of medicinal plants knowledge following standard ethnobotanical methods. A total of 120 key informants were interviewed by using semi-structured questioners. The data were analyzed through ethnobotanical indices i.e., Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Use value (UV), Informant consensus factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL). A total of 37 medicinal plant species belonging to 32 genera and 25 families were recorded during the study. Dominant ethnomedicinal families were Fabaceae with 4 species followed by Moraceae and Rosaceae with 3 species each. Leaves were the most frequently used parts (36 %) and decoction was preferred medicinal preparation (19 use reports). Highest relative frequency of citation was recorded for Ficus palmata (0.15) followed by Melia azedarchta (0.14) and highest use value was found for Dodonaea viscosa (0.58). The most valuable plant species of the study area are Ficus carica with 8 use reports and 48 use citations, Bauhinia variegata with 7 use reports and 45 use citations. The maximum value of FL was recorded for Berberis lyceum (100 %) and Plantago lanceolate, (100%). Based on documented data the reported ailments were grouped into 9 categories, The ICF values ranges between 0. 33 (sexual) to 0.90 (teeth and urinary). Medicinal plant knowledge is still alive and large papulation of area still depend on medicinal plants for primary healthcare. But medicinal plant knowledge is declining especially among younger people. Hence, there is an urgent need to document such precious knowledge by continuous ethnobotanical studies.

Ethno-medicinal plants of indigenous people: A case study in Khatling valley of Western Himalaya, India

Background: Khatling valley is an unexplored and remote region located in the Uttarakhand state of Indian Himalaya, the area possesses rich medicinal flora, and local inhabitants using these plants since generations. The majority of primary health care depends upon traditional medicine due to the unavailability of a modern medicinal facility, however, the identity of medicinal plants is limited to traditional healers or elder people in the region thus the documentation of such important medicinal knowledge is a dire need for sustainable use. Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in this region from 2018 to 2020. Ethnomedicinal data were collected from 82 informants through semi-structured questionnaires and group conversations. To check the popular and frequently used species URs and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated for the collected data. Results: The present study recorded 68 plants from 63 genera and 35 families utilized for treating various disorders. The dominant families were Asteraceae (7) and Rosaceae (6) followed by Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Polygonaceae, Zingiberiaceae (4 species each). The majority of the useful plants were herbaceous (78%) followed by trees (12%), shrubs (9%), and climbers were the least in number (1%). Most of the plant parts used were leaves and roots 25% each, followed by rhizome, aerial part and tuber (9% each), seeds, fruits, and whole plant (5% each), bark (4%) while, stem, flower, resin, and the bulb has less proportion (1% each). Five drug formulations were used by the local inhabitants of which paste was the most common (32%) followed by powder (31%), decoction (19%), raw (12%), and juice (6%). Some important medicinal plants based on use reports (URs) were Valeriana jatamansi Jones (300 URs and 5 uses), Aconitum lethale Griff. (275 URs and 5 uses), Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC (250 URs and 4 uses), Solanum nigrum (L.) (234 URs and 5 uses), Paeonia emodi Royle (230 URs and 4 uses). ICF values ranged between 0.96 and 1. The highest ICF value (1) was recorded for mental disorders (ICD code F) and epilepsy (ICD code G) while a minimum of 0.96 was recorded for blood problems (ICD code I). Conclusion: Ethnomedicinal plants having high URs and ICF can be a good source for novel phytoconstituents and novel drug discoveries, apart from this documentation of traditional knowledge will be helpful for the new generation, researchers, and policymakers for sustainable use of the species. Keywords: Ethnomedicine; Indigenous knowledge; Medicinal plants; Remote region

Thnomedicinal and conservation evaluation of the traditional medicinal plant species employed by the Van Gujjar Tribe in the Dehradun Shivalik Hills, Uttarakhand, India Authors

Background: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative and conservation ethnomedicinal evaluation of the Van Gujjar Tribe inhabited in the Delhi-Dehradun Highway Shivalik hills Belt (DHSB). The study area is situated adjacent to biodiversity hotspot Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, which is an important part of Himalayan systems. The area is ecologically sensitive, increasing anthropogenic disturbance and overexploitation of medicinal herbs is also major concern. So, along with conventional ethnobotanical studies, conservation analysis of the area is important. Methods: This ethnomedicinal study comprised extensive field surveys and repetitive interviews of 120 informants of the Van Gujjar tribe with different social and educational backgrounds. Procured data were analyzed using three different quantitative indices, i.e. the relative frequency of citations (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), and the fidelity level (FL%). Collected plant samples were identified by relevant flora literature and online plant databases. Identified species conservation status was derived from The IUCN online database. Results: A total of 71 medicinal plant species from 67 genera and 41 families were documented from the study area. The most frequently used species, Zingiber officinale Azadirachta indica A. Juss, and Ageratum conyzoides L. were employed for multiple health issues, mainly for digestive and respiratory disorders. The highest RFC values are Z. officinale (RFC = 1.0), A. indica A. Juss. (0.99) and A. conyzoides L. (0.92. FL% of these species were 96%, 90% and 83 % viz. The highest ICF value is 0.98, which shares dental &amp; gum problems, digestive disorders and wounds categories. The IUCN status of 71 reported medicinal plant species indicated 28.1 % plant species were least concerned, 4.2 % critically endangered (Chlorophytum borivilianum,Commiphora wightii, Nardostachys jatamansi ), 1.4 % near threatened and 1.4 % endangered, 2.8 % Data Deficient, while 61.9 % species status remained unknown as currently not available in IUCN Red data list. Highly utilized species IUCN status however under ‘least concerned’ category. Conclusions: The study aids medicinal plant species data with current conservation status in the Delhi-Dehradun Highway Shivalik hills Belt. Medicinal plant species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Commiphora wightii, and Nardostachys jatamansi are critically endangered and others could be prone due to overexploitation. The present data could help to fill the previous conservation and quantitative ethnobotanical studies gaps in the study area. Keywords: Medicinal flora, Rajaji National Park, Himalaya, IUCN status, Critically Endangered Species, Traditional Knowledge,

Ethnomedicinal survey of Bhalessa, Jammu and Kashmir, a remote region of Western Himalaya

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants has a significant impact on human healthcare. However, across the globe especially in remote areas, this treasure-trove of traditional knowledge is being rapidly lost. Therefore, it is important to scientifically document and validate the folklore claims about medicinal plants, which will contribute to their bioprospection and sustainable use. Aims of the studyThe study was conducted to elucidate the traditional knowledge and practices about the usage of medicinal plants by the tribal population inhabiting Bhalessa, a remote area in district Doda, Jammu, and Kashmir, Western Himalaya. Material and methodsWe collected ethnomedicinal data through focused interviews of the local population in the study area by employing in situ and ex-situ survey methods. The collected data was subjected to statistical tools of informant consensus factor (ICF), use reports and comparison with previous studies. ResultsWe report a total of 80 medicinal plant species traditionally used against 17 disease categories in the area. The most frequently used plant parts were roots and leaves and the route of administration of the medicines was largely oral in the powdered form. The ICF values were indicative of a higher agreement among the users about the usage of plants in the treatment of disease categoriesmusculoskeletal and connective tissue, genitourinary and gastrointestinal disease categories. Based on the number of use report and number of taxa utilized, the most prevalent disease in the study area were joint pain and fever. ConclusionNovel information has been generated as the elderly people of Bhalessa possess precious knowledge of medicinal plants. These novel folklore claims about the various therapeutic values of medicinal plants require scientifically sound validation. Therefore, we call for focused phytochemical research and proper pharmacological validations of the reported medicinal uses in the study area, particularly of the Himalayan endemic species such as Aconitum lethale, Arisaema jacquemontii, and Saussurea costus.