Informant Consensus Factor Research Articles

Medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in Wadla District, Northern Ethiopia: An ethnobotanical approach

IntroductionThe global population started using traditional medicine before the advent of allopathic or modern medicine to manage several diseases. Nearly 887 plant species have been documented to heal different health problems. Documenting the traditional use of medicinal plants is a vital step in obtaining information on bioactive chemicals, preserving indigenous knowledge and ultimately interesting, medicinal plant species. This study aimed to document medicinal plants and the associated indigenous knowledge used to treat human ailments. MethodsThe data were collected using a combination of sampling techniques, including strict random sampling, stratified random sampling, (for general informants) and snowball sampling, purposive and random sampling (for key informants). Semistructured interviews, group discussions, guided field walks, and field observations were used to collect the data. We analysed the data using descriptive statistics, including direct matrix rankings, preference rankings, informant consensus factors, and fidelity levels. ResultsA total of 200 informants (68 % males and 32 % females) living in 10 kebeles were selected. A total of 107 plant species belonging to 51 families and 71 genera were identified by local people to address human ailments. The Solanaceae family represented the greatest number of species (7 species). Leaves were the most dominant plant parts used for remedy preparation (47 %). The most common routes of administration were oral (47 %). The categories with the highest ICF values were diseases of the nervous system (0.96). Datura stramonium was the most preferred species for treating wounds. The highest fidelity level (93.3 %) was recorded for Guizotia abyssinica. Eucalyptus globulus was ranked first in a direct matrix ranking exercise of multipurpose medicinal plants. ConclusionThis study revealed that the study area has a considerable number of traditional medicinal plants that are used to address a wide range of health problems. Although community members rely on medicinal plant species to manage various health problems, they threaten medicinal plants in the country, and indigenous knowledge is rapidly vanishing from communities; thus, conservation measures should be taken to protect these plants in their natural sites, agricultural areas and villages.

Inventorization of ethnobotanical use of some medicinal halophytes plants in the Algerian arid zone (Biskra)

Context: The population's use of halophyte plants in traditional medicine is a fundamental component of the exploration of natural remedies. Aims: To analyze a list of halophyte plants and their ethnobotanical characteristics, with a focus on those most commonly used in traditional medicine in the southeast of Algeria (Biskra). Methods: The ethnobotanical surveys were conducted between 2017 and 2019 by interviewing 120 informants using a questionnaire and applying a semi-structured interview methodology. The data was analyzed using ethnobotanical statistical tools, including the informant consensus factor (ICF), citation frequency (CF), use value (UV), family importance value (FIV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), plant part value (PPV), and relative importance (RI), as well as statistics analysis (ANOVA) to compare the use of medicinal plants according to age, gender, and education level. Results: The results of the survey enabled us to identify 12 species distributed across eight different families. The most common family was that of the Amaranthaceae (four species), while the most frequently utilized parts of plants were leaves (PPV = 0.4). Furthermore, decoctions were the most commonly prepared form (33.39%). The highest ICF values were observed for the endocrinological and digestive disease groups (ICF = 0.97). The statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference in the knowledge of the use of halophyte plants in traditional medicine according to age and level of education. Conclusions: The findings of this research suggest that the halophyte flora in our arid study area may offer a promising source for the discovery of new drugs, a prospect that requires further investigation and exploration.

Integrated Ethnomedicine Study in Silico of Medicinal Plants for Hypertension

This study aims to discover a new formula from natural ingredients that are effective as antihypertensive agents through ethnomedicine research and in silico testing. The study was conducted at the Beringharjo Jamu Market in Yogyakarta by identifying the three most commonly used plants by vendors: Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata), Akar Pule Pandak (Rauvolfia serpentina), and Seledri (Apium graveolens). Ethnomedicine studies used quantitative parameters such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Subsequently, in silico tests were conducted with a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to analyze protein-target interactions and test the potential of active compounds from these three plants. The results showed that Sambiloto had the best affinity through the compound Andrographolide with an affinity value of -561 kcal/mol. This study confirms that the three plants have the potential to contain key active ingredients for hypertension therapy using the Ethnomedicine Driven Reversal Approach System (EDRAS), which has proven to be effective and efficient.

Ethnomedicinal survey of the Paliyar tribe: a case study of Kadamalaikundu, Theni District

AbstractThe Paliyar tribe of Kadamalaikundu, Theni District of Tamil Nadu, India, has been deeply associated with forestry and ethnomedicinal practices for ages. The study aimed to identify the important medicinal plant species used by this tribe for ethnomedicinal purposes in the local vicinity. Eighty-nine informants were interviewed using the ‘specimen display’ and forest walk method, semi-structured open-ended questionnaires, interviews, and personal observations. The people from the region reported ninety-three plant species having medicinal properties. The Solanaceae family was recorded as the most dominant plant family, reporting seven different species of medicinal plants, followed by six species of the Acanthaceae family. In the study, Coccinia grandis had the highest use value (2.5), followed by Withania somnifera (2). In contrast, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Gossypium hirsutum, and Ocimum tenuiflorum with use value (1) and the ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) of value 1 accounted for 15 diseases out of forty-one categorized ailments. This study confirmed that the Paliyar tribe was dependent on a large number of medicinal plants for their primary healthcare and veterinary well-being, which require immediate conservation owing to their population fragmentation and the reluctance of the younger generation to adopt ethnomedicinal practices as occupation, which could lead to the loss of traditional knowledge as well. The study also documented the various important medicinal plant uses that could pave the way to the new pharmacological dimensions for modern wellness programs.

Traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of important local plants in Sudhnoti, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

This research purpose was focused to document the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge (TEK) associated with important wild plants and indigenous communities residing in mountainous zone of District Sudhnoti of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and to determine their conservation status with suggestions and recommendations to protect and propagate the rare and endangered wild flora of the area for sustainable use. The data regarding traditional ethnomedicines (TEMs) and phytogeography with conservation analysis of wild plants were collected via structured and semi structured interviews of 150 participants belonging to various professions and of both genders. Prior consent and permission were obtained from family heads and from all the participants, and the data were shared with all the informants through the local female translator guide. To validate the collected data, various microstatistical tools, such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and data matrix ranking (DMR) were used. The relative frequency of citations (RFC) and rank order of popularity (ROP)were also calculated to determine and authenticate the relative importance of TEMs which may be further studied in future research and used for drug discovery. In the present study, 150 locally important plants belonging to 69 families were documented, and the Rosaceae was the most dominant and prevalent family. The results indicated that many locally important plants have multiple uses such as food, medicine, fodder, shelter, ornamental and fuel. The TEMs obtained from these plants have been known to be useful for curing various infirmities such as flu, renal disorders, fever, malaria, cough, migraine, whooping cough, influenza, skin rashes, allergies, stomach aches, wounds and bruises, diabetes, tumours and joint pains. The ICF analysis revealed that renal calculus, malaria, fever, whooping cough, rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis were prevalent infirmities of the mountainous area. The FL analysis indicated the popularity of these plants used in various TEMs and among these Artemisia maritima and Berberis lycium were the most common. The DMR indicated that Pinus roxburghii was the most common species being used for multipurpose by the indigenous communities. The highest use value index was found for Indigofera linifolia. The relative frequency of citations was calculated to determine the importance of plants in traditional ethnomedicine, highlighting Morus nigra, Pinus wallichiana, and Rosa indica as significant species. The Jaccard index indicated a high level of novelty in the research which can be exploited for neo-drug discovery and drug development. In conclusion, this study has successfully documented the ethnobotanically and ethnomedicinally important plants in District Sudhnoti, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The findings of this research contribute to the preservation and documentation of cultural heritage, as well as provide a foundation for further studies in ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology and biodiversity conservation efforts for sustainable provision of wild flora to the indigenous communities which will also assist in combating drasting climatic changes.

Indigenous Knowledge and Herbal Medicine: Exploring the Ethnobotany of the Karo Tiganderket Tribe in Indonesia

This ethnobotanical study investigates the traditional use of medicinal plants in Tiganderket Village, Karo Regency, Indonesia, to document local plants' diversity, uses, and preparation methods for medicinal purposes. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive approach, data were gathered from 30 informants, including traditional healers and residents. The study identified 92 plant species from 44 families, with the Zingiberaceae family being the most dominant. Frequently used plants, such as Piper betle (belo) and Zingiber officinale (ginger), were primarily employed to treat common ailments like fever, boils, and joint pain. Boiling (74%) was the most common method of plant preparation, and leaves (50%) were the most frequently used plant parts. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) revealed Acorus calamus and Curcuma longa as the most cited species. At the same time, 40 of 66 recorded diseases showed high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values, reflecting shared knowledge of plant use. This study highlights the rich preservation of traditional medicinal plant knowledge in Tiganderket Village, which continues to play a crucial role in local healthcare practices.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of plant species of the North-East of Morocco, with three provinces as a case study: Al Hoceima, Nador, and Jerada.

This study focuses on taxa found in the Northeastern part of Morocco and cited in the book “Al Jam’ li-Mufradat al-Adwiya wa’l-Aghdiya (The Book of Simple Drugs) by Ibn Al Baytar. The main objective of this study is to determine whether the taxa on our list are recognized by the populations in the three provinces of Northeastern Morocco, as well as to collect information about their traditional uses (medicinal or non-medicinal), their modes of preparation and administration, the plant parts used. All the data have been collected through conducting an open-ended, semi-structured interviews with randomly selected individuals. The informant consensus factor (FIC) was calculated to identify the level of agreement among informants regarding the use of medicinal plants for specific disease groups. During these ethnobotanical surveys, 1,177 persons were interviewed. We were able to record a total of 241 taxa belonging to 66 families with 1,264 uses mentioned in the three provinces. The results obtained confront us with the idea that there is a decline of autochthonous knowledge. They reveal that 32.12% of the local population considers itself ignorant of the uses of plants to cure illness, and that 66.78% prefer modern medicine despite possessing some knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. However, 790 medicinal uses recorded were classified according to the WHO’s international Classification of diseases (ICPC-2, International Classification of Primary Care), and 474 other uses were recorded, along with the transcription of new vernacular names for 107 taxa. This confirms the importance of ethnobotanical studies as it plays an important role in preserving the reservoir of indigenous knowledge from being lost over time.

Medicinal plants diversity among the oromo community in heban-arsi district of Ethiopia used to manage human and livestock ailments.

Medicinal plants are commonly employed mainly due their accessibility, affordability and potency. However, medicinal plants and the associated knowledge are disappearing at an alarming rate due to natural and anthropogenic causes and thus a need for their proper documentation conservation. This study was performed to document traditional knowledge related to use of medicinal plants in Heban-Arsi district, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Interviews were conducted with 185 informants to identify medicinal plants used in traditional therapies in the study area. Informant consensus factor (ICF), rank order priority (ROP) values were computed, and preference ranking exercises were performed to assess the relative importance of medicinal plants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure and compare medicinal plants knowledge between social groups. A total of 120 medicinal plants were identified for being used to treat different human and animal illnesses in the study area. Most of the medicinal plants (76.4%) were uncultivated ones obtained from different habitats. Leaf was the most frequently used plant part constituting 62.6% of preparations. Oral was the most commonly used route of remedy administration (46%) in treating diseases. Gastrointestinal ailments category had the highest ICF value (0.83). In the study area, the highest rank order priority (ROP) values were recorded for Dombeya torrida (J.F. Gmel.), Artemisia absinthium L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Combretum pisoniiflorum Klotzsch) Engl., Celtis africana Burm. f, Ocimum gratissimum L. and Lagenaria sp. for their uses against snake poison, tuberculosis, liver disorder, stomachache, tuberculosis, febrile illness and liver disorder, respectively, each scoring a value of 100. Significant differences in medicinal plant use knowledge were recorded between male and female informants of different educational level, age and experience. Anthropogenic factors were the primary threats to medicinal plants in the area. The study area was found to be rich in medicinal plants that are useful in treating a wide range of human and animal illnesses. In future pharmacological and phytochemical investigations, priority needs to be given to medicinal plants of the highest ROP values and those that were reported against ailment categories scoring the highest ICF values.

Birds as sacred ‘children of god’, beholders of spirit and symbols of twinhood: Human–bird interaction among the Nuer in western Ethiopia

Abstract The deep connection between Indigenous communities and nature plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation. Ethiopia, one of Africa's priority countries for bird conservation, harbours 821 bird species and 83 ethnic groups of Indigenous people. However, cultural and spiritual ties between Indigenous peoples and bird species remain largely unexplored. This is particularly true for remote Indigenous communities such as the Nuer. Relying on preexisting bird survey data, we conducted focussed group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with Indigenous Nuer in western Ethiopia to explore human–bird interactions and documented associated traditional ecological knowledge and considered their conservation implications. We found that Nuers have strong ties with birds. In Nuer community, birds are collectively known by three interchangeable terms: ‘gaatkuoth’ to mean sacred children of god, ‘kuoth’ meaning bearers of spirit and ‘diit’ symbols of human twins (since birds nurture multiple offspring, they associate the incidence of twins in human with birds). We identified 71 culturally important bird species that were used in seven different use categories. Among these species, 10 were used as bushmeat, five for traditional medicine, eight as fish indicators, seven as omens (believed to indicate upcoming misfortunes), three as amulets (believed to protect against danger when bird's body parts are used as necklaces and bracelets), three as season indicators and 45 for their scenic beauty. An informant consensus factor for species in all use categories was >90%, except for the scenic value, indicating a high homogeneity of knowledge about species uses. Bird species with multiple uses have significant cultural values among locals, emphasizing the need to understand these values in conservation efforts. Nuer traditional systems regulate the direct use of birds including for bushmeat. Hunting is permitted only by impoverished households during severe food shortages and is prohibited for those with a history of twins in their ancestry. The Nuer people exhibit a profound cultural connection to birds, viewing them as sacred and spiritually valuable beings. This deep‐seated reverence and traditional knowledge highlight the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into bird conservation strategies to enhance their effectiveness and respect cultural values. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia

BackgroundHerbal medicine has been used for the treatment of human and livestock ailments since ancient times. Numerous rural and urban communities in Ethiopia practice traditional medicine and transfer the knowledge verbally from generation to generation. Thus, this study was conducted to document the traditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia.MethodsThree hundred seventy-four (374) informants from 11 kebeles (the smallest administrative units) were selected and participated in the data delivery. The ethnobotanical data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, field observation, market surveys, and focus group discussions, including voucher specimen collections. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), ranking, comparison, and quantitative ethnobotanical techniques such as informant consensus factor, fidelity level index, Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity, and use value index.ResultsA total of 170 plant species were recorded to treat 79 human and 29 livestock ailments. Fabaceae (with 20 species) and Asteraceae (with 18 species) were the most dominant medicinal plant families in the area. Most remedial plants were herbs (61 species, 35.88%), followed by shrubs (39 species, 22.94%). The majority (135 species, 79.41%) of medicinal plants were harvested from wild sources and mainly possessed multiple remedy parts (41.17%) that are usually prescribed in fresh form (60.13%). The most commonly reported human ailment was snake venom, while blackleg was mostly reported among livestock diseases. The herbal medicines were mostly administered orally (52.20%), followed by dermal (17.62%) application. Embelia schimperi Vatke, Glinus lotoides L., Haplosciadium abyssinicum Hochst., Mucuna melanocarpa Hochst. ex A. Rich., and Phragmanthera macrosolen (Steud. ex A. Rich.) M.G.Gilbert had the highest fidelity level values (100%) against the corresponding ailments.ConclusionThe study area is rich in a diversity of potential medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge. Thus, appropriate conservation actions and careful utilization are essential to counteract the rise of anthropogenic threats and to ensure the continuity of plants with the related indigenous knowledge. Additionally, the medicinal plants should be validated through experimentation to integrate local knowledge with modern medications.

Ethnopharmacological survey of the therapeutic use of camel urine in the Guelmim-Oued Noun and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra regions of Morocco

The therapeutic use of camel urine (CU) has shown an increasing trend in recent decades for treating diverse ailments and infections. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted to collect and document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of local people in the Saharan region of Morocco, including the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra and Guelmim Oued Noun regions, regarding the traditional use of CU for treatment. Semi-structured interviews with 384 traditional practitioners, camel herders, and rural and urban dwellers were conducted from December 2022 to June 2023. The collected data covered diseases treated, CU quality attributes, modes of preparation, dosage, administration, treatment duration, and mild side effects. Quantitative data analysis was performed through the relative frequency of citations, informant consensus factor, informant agreement ratio, cultural importance index, and fidelity level. The results showed that CU was collected from virgin female camels (46.7 %) and pregnant camels (51.6 %) at different age stages (39.7 %) in both wet and dry seasons (57.5 %). For the treatment of the most common ailments (cancer, liver diseases, gastric ulcers, diabetes, and tuberculosis), accounting for 69 %, the recommended regimen involved orally consuming one teacup (69 %) of fresh urine (70.6 %) on an empty stomach (91.1 %) once a day (87.1 %) four days a week (56 %). In the case of integumentary system problems, applying one (13.2 %) to three teaspoons (17.8 %) topically (10.3 %) was also effective. Secondary effects occurred in 48 cases (13.8 %), including diarrhea (13 cases), nausea (11 cases), headache (7 cases), constipation (7 cases), and dry mouth (8 cases). The duration of these effects ranged from 2 to 3 h. The present survey indicates that CU is still used in traditional medicine by local inhabitants of the southern regions of Morocco to cure various human illnesses. The outlined findings strongly suggest the usefulness of CU as a valuable source of bioactive molecules for pharmaceutical, dermo-cosmeceutical applications, and developing innovative food supplements that promote significant job creation and entrepreneurial prospects.

Documentation of spices and condiments as medicines by Reang community of Tripura

A total of 36 species of spices and condiments belonging to 30 genera and 19 families were reported to be used for medicinal purposes by the Reang community. Leaves were the most commonly used part followed by whole plant, rhizomes, fruits, young shoots, barks, flowers and stems. Zingiberaceae was the most dominant family followed by Apiaceae, Fabaceae and Araceae. There were 24 herbs, 7 trees, 5 shrubs, and 1 climber species. The Informant Consensus Factor was maximum (0.75) for medicinal uses of spices for treating gastric problems and ulcer and minimum (0) for liver disease. The highest fidelity levels were observed in Curcuma longa L. (100%) to treat wounds and gynecological problems and lowest in Amaranthus spinosus L. (28%) for snake bite. The present study reveals that Reang community uses the plants not only as spices and condiments but also as herbal medicines for treatment of various ailments.

Ethnobotanical survey and scientific validation of liver-healing plants in northeastern Morocco.

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with primary causes including excessive alcohol consumption, infections, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. Medicinal plants, due to their natural bioactive compounds, hold promise for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against liver ailments. This study aimed to document the use of herbal remedies in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases and correlate these uses with scientific evidence through a bibliometric analysis. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in remote communities of northeastern Morocco from October 2020 to January 2022. A total of 189 informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on local medicinal plants used for liver ailments. The data were analyzed using four ethnobotanical quantitative indices: use value (UV), familial use value (FUV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the scientific support for the ethnopharmacological uses documented. The survey identified 45 plant species from 26 different families used in the treatment of liver diseases. The most frequently utilized species were Cuminum cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), Allium sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), Salvia officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457). The Apiaceae family showed the highest familial use value (FUV = 0.1066), followed by Alliaceae (FUV = 0.1015). Liver congestion had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.83), followed by hepatic colic (ICF = 0.80). Bibliometric analysis revealed that 61% of the plants identified had documented pharmacological effects related to liver health. The study demonstrates that traditional knowledge in northeastern Morocco encompasses a rich diversity of medicinal plants used to treat liver diseases. The high ICF values indicate a strong consensus among informants on the efficacy of these remedies. The correlation between ethnopharmacological use and scientific validation for a significant portion of these plants suggests their potential as reliable therapeutic agents for liver conditions. However, further scientific investigations are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings. This research contributes valuable information for future studies on the therapeutic potential of these plants. This ethnobotanical survey provides a comprehensive database of medicinal plants used in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases. The findings highlight the potential of these plants in developing novel treatments for hepatic conditions, although further research is essential to substantiate their therapeutic claims.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and ritual plants utilized by the indigenous communities of Benguet province, Philippines

BackgroundThe Sto. Niño site in Benguet province, Philippines was once a mining area that has now been transformed into an agricultural land. In this area, there has been significant integration of the three indigenous people (IPs) Ibaloi, Kankanaeys and Kalanguyas with the Ilocano community. These IPs safeguard biodiversity and traditional knowledge, including medicinal plant use. However, the documentation of these plant species and their medicinal applications has not been systematic, with the resultant loss of knowledge across generations. This study aims to document the medicinal and ritual plants used by the indigenous communities at the site, in order to preserve and disseminate traditional medicinal knowledge that would otherwise be lost.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected in Sto. Niño, Brgy. Ambassador, Municipality of Tublay, Benguet, Philippines, and collected through semi-structured interviews, together with focus group discussions (FGD). A total of 100 residents (39 male and 61 female) were interviewed. Among them, 12 were key interviewees, including community elders and farmers, while the rest were selected through the convenience and snowball technique. Demographic information collected from the interviewees included age, gender, and occupation. Ethnobotanical information collected focused on medicinal plants, including the specific parts of plants used, methods of preparation, modes of treatment, and the types of ailments treated. Ethnobotanical quantitative indices of the relative frequency of citations (RFC) and informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated to evaluate the plant species that were utilized by the community.ResultsA total of 28 medicinal plants from 20 different families and 6 ritual plants from 5 different families were documented. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Lamiaceae (10.71%) family are the most mentioned medicinal plant species, followed by Myrtaceae and Euphorbiaceae (7.14%). The most widely used growth form were herbs (46.4%), while leaves (61.5%) were the most utilized plant part, and the preparation of a decoction (62.2%) was the most preferred method of processing and application. The medicinal plants were most commonly utilized for wound-healing, cough and colds, stomachache and kidney trouble, whereas ritual plants were largely used for healing, protection, and funeral ceremonies.ConclusionThis study marks the first report on the medicinal and ritual plants used by a group of indigenous communities in Sto. Niño, Brgy. Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet Province. The data collected show that plant species belonging to the Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Lamiaceae family were the most mentioned and should be further evaluated by pharmacological analysis to assess their wider use for medicinal treatment.

Exploring Ethnobotany in the Catalan Linguistic Area: Traditional Plant-Based Knowledge for Addressing Gastrointestinal, Metabolic, and Nutritional Disorders.

Ethnobotanical research in the Catalan linguistic area (CLA) is crucial due to the persistence of traditional medicinal plant knowledge. Gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders are major global health issues requiring effective treatments. This study aimed to analyze plants used for these disorders in the CLA, compare the findings with phytotherapy literature, and examine correlations between plant use in humans and animals. Data were sourced from the database of the research group of Catalan ethnobotany at the University of Barcelona and the Botanic Institute of Barcelona, representing a collection of ethnobotanical studies. A total of 630 plant taxa were examined, with 15,252 use reports (UR) provided by 2301 informants. Gastrointestinal disorders were the focus, comprising 94.24% of the UR. The high informant consensus factor (0.96) indicated strong reliability of the results. The most often reported species were Matricaria recutita (5.97%), Thymus vulgaris (5.12%), and Lippia triphylla (4.90%). Lamiaceae (19.86%), Asteraceae (18.78%), and Rosaceae (5.55%) were the top botanical families. The main uses were digestive (17.62%), intestinal anti-inflammatory (15.68%), and antidiarrheal (8.91%). The main part of the plant used was the aerial part (33.22%). Tisane (69.25%) was the most cited pharmaceutical form. Traditional uses were confirmed by pharmacological literature in 57.59% of cases. This work highlights the potential of medicinal plants for treating gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders in the CLA. Further research is possible in other territories, as well as in the phytochemical and medicinal aspects of the plants recorded.

Survey on the Traditional Use of Medicinal Herbs in Haiti: A Study on Knowledge, Practices, and Efficacy Prevention.

The use of medicinal herbs is highly developed in Haiti. However, there is a significant lack of knowledge in the literature on medicinal plants and their uses. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of Haitian families for the prevention/treatment of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory diseases, as well as the mode of preparation and administration of the plants. Individuals were interviewed using the TRAMIL questionnaire as the information holder. The data obtained were analyzed by calculating 5 indices (relative frequency of citation, use value, the family use value, informant consensus factor, and fidelity level). The study surveyed 120 Haitians and collected 75 plants from 43 botanical families. The botanical family most used for all these preventions and remedies is the Lamiaceae. The highest ranked species with a relative frequency of citation value > 0.3. Infusion, decoction, and in the form of punch are the methods used for the remedies. The study found that the use of herbal remedies is still prevalent in the study area, and many of the commonly used plants have been scientifically validated. However, some plants, such as Samyda rosea Sims, lack sufficient research and are recommended for further investigation.

An ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants used among rural communities in Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India: a quantitative study

The present study aims to document and analyze information related to significant ethnomedicinal plants in rural communities of Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India. Data collection involved the use of open-ended and semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on ethnomedicinal plant usage, including specific plants, applications, and traditional healing practices. Quantitative indices such as Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Use value (UV), Family use value (FUV), Informant consensus factor (ICF), and Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity (JCS) were employed to quantify and analyze the gathered information. A total of 201 medicinal plants, belonging to 170 genera and 76 families, were recorded for treating various diseases, with trees (43%), herbs (33%), and climbers (13%) being predominantly used. Plants such as Hedychium coronarium and Cordia macleodii exhibited high RFC and high UV, particularly for treating eye and blood pressure problems. Vanda tessellata showed a high informant consensus factor for treating ear-related problems. Positive correlations were found between RFC and UV (0.631) and RFC and FUV (0.159). The study highlights the prevalence of traditional healing practices using medicinal plants in the area. Documentation of ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic applications could stimulate further exploration into phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, potentially leading to the development of novel pharmaceuticals.

From wild ecosystem to the pharmaceutical use–exploring the traditional medicine and socio-cultural heritage of macrofungi from Pakistan

ABSTRACT Medicinal macrofungi, like prized plants and animals, have dietary, therapeutic and commercial significance. This knowledge, anchored in the traditional healthcare system, warrants the identification of the most prominent species harbouring novel natural products. A traditional ethnobiological approach was adopted to collect ethnomycological data by interviewing 110 informants (95 men and 15 women) inhabiting 10 settlements in Bannu District, Pakistan. Visiting the remote nomadic sites revealed the most unique data of its type. This data was assessed and correlated with previous studies, comparing the standard numerical indices: informant consensus factor, fidelity level, use value, relative frequency of citation and Jaccard index. Tradition medicinal uses of 30 species of wild macrofungi (belonging to 19 genera and 12 families) are documented here. Podaxis pistillaris macrofungi was preference ranked with priority therapeutic uses, medicinally for stomach problems, as an antipyretic, for erotic uses, as an immune booster and as an antidiabetic; it is also nutritionally significant. Temperature and humidity are key factors for the growth of macrofungi generally in Pakistan (in spring and during the monsoon season), while the dynamic frequency of rain in the rainy season due to the impact of climate change cannot be neglected. Indigenous communities divided the ethnomycological potential of macrofungi into three main clusters: (a) edible macrofungi, for treating various disorders and as nutritional supplements; (b) non-edible macrofungi, medicinally important or just poisonous; (c) unknown or unused, without any known utility. Importantly, eight novel species with traditional uses are reported here, and the present work is the first ethnomycological study of macrofungi from Pakistan. This research aims to trace the traditional knowledge related to the naturally occurring medicinal macrofungi in the Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Documentation of new medicinal species and novel uses of existing species reflect a healthy relationship between inhabitants of the Bannu District and wild medicinal macrofungi.

Beyond the border: comparative ethnobotany in Valmalenco (SO, Italy) and Valposchiavo (Canton of Grisons, Switzerland)

BackgroundThe ethnobotanical analysis of two bordering areas allows for the in-depth understanding of the dynamics of Local Ecological Knowledge, which mirrors the naturalistic, historical, and sociopolitical features of each area. As part of the Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE&Heritage and GEMME projects, this work is an ethnobotanical comparative study of two neighboring Alpine territories: Valmalenco (Italy) and Valposchiavo (Switzerland).MethodsA total of 471 informants were interviewed on different fields of use (medicinal, food, veterinary, etc.). All data were organized in Excel™ spreadsheets. Informant Consensus Factor was calculated for the pathologies reported. Jaccard’s similarity indices were calculated to compare the Valmalenco and Valposchiavo areas. Subsequently, another comparison between Valmalenco/Valposchiavo and Italian/Swiss Alpine neighboring areas was carried out.ResultsThe number of taxa for Valmalenco was 227 (77 families) and 226 in Valposchiavo (65). Out of the 10 most cited species, 7 were mentioned in both. Arnica montana L. was the most cited in Valmalenco, and Sambucus nigra L. in Valposchiavo. The 5 most cited families were the same. Regarding the medicinal and food fields, the similarity indices were fairly low (0.31 and 0.34 for the species; 0.22 and 0.31 for the uses). Concerning the comparison with Italian and Swiss Alps, similarity values were slightly higher with Italy (Valmalenco food species: 0.38 with Italy and 0.26 with Switzerland, medicinal: 0.26 IT and 0.14 SW; Valposchiavo food species: 0.36 with IT and 0.26 with SW, medicinal: 0.21 IT and 0.14 SW).ConclusionAlthough Valmalenco and Valposchiavo partly share natural environment, language, history, and culture, they had low similarity indices. They both seemed to have more similarities with Italy than Switzerland, maintaining low values with the surrounding territories too. They showed a common core of Local Ecological Knowledge with several divergent branches possibly due to pivotal historical happenings, as well as more modern external influences.

Ethnozoological study of medicinal animals used by the inhabitants of the Kucha District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundAn ethnozoological study of medicinal animals in the Kucha district, Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia, was conducted to investigate and document the use of traditional medicinal animals and the associated indigenous knowledge. Tribal people still make abundant use of animals and their parts to manage diseases in humans and even livestock.MethodA cross sectional study design and purposively sampling techniques were used. Data were collected from 132 respondents based on semi structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions (FGD) and Key informant interviews (KII) were conducted; Fidelity level (FL), Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Informants’ consensus factor (ICF) were used to analyze species preference and importance.ResultsA total of 24 medicinal animals were identified with 13 species (54.2%) being mammals of which 5 species (20.8%) dominated. They were followed by arthropods, reptiles and fishes. Seven out of the total were domestic species (29%) and 17 (70%) were wild animals. The majority of these animals, i.e. 22 (91.7%), were used to treat human ailments; whereas 2 (8.3%) were used to treat livestock ailments. The ICF values varied from 0.8 to 1.The highest FL value (98%) was linked to the cow (cattle), the lowest (1.5%) to the scorpion. The RFC value (1.0) was highest for the cow and lowest (0.02) for the scorpion. Honey, milk, and butter were the most commonly used therapeutic animal products, but regarding direct uses, fresh/raw meat dominated. Out of ten ailment categories, headaches had the lowest ICF value (0.8). All others scored at least 0.9.ConclusionsIn rural areas, sick people often do not only have limited access to modern medical facilities, they actually prefer traditional treatments considering them to be more reliable and effective. It is therefore important to focus on documenting, conserving, and safeguarding the indigenous knowledge so that strategies to manage the traditional wisdom can be implemented in the future. To achieve these goals, it is important to make sure that medicinal animal species are available in sufficient numbers and neither threatened by habitat changes or overexploitation.