Local Healers Research Articles

Ethenomedicinal Documentation of Medicinal Plants Used by Tribal Peoples of Nuapada District, Odisha, India

The study of a region's plants and their practical applications using the traditions and local knowledge is known as ethnobotany. People have used plants for medical purposes since well before the prehistoric era. On several fronts, traditional medical systems are still heavily utilized. the process of producing medications from plants to treat a variety of human diseases. The native plants and plant parts used as medicines by traditional healers in Nuapada areas are extremely little known. The goal of this research is to compile a list of the exact plant components that local traditional healers in the chosen Nuapada areas utilize to treat a variety of illnesses. The tribes of Nuapada treat their common sickness with 18 species from 14 families.

Pharmacologicallyactive chemical compositeof Musa balbisiana ameliorates oxidative stress, mitochondrial cellular respiration, and thereby metabolic dysfunction.

The ripe fruit pulp of different Musa species is known for its excellent source of nutrient contents. Musa balbisiana (MB) is one such variety of Musa species, mainly found in the southern part of Asia, especially in the North-eastern part of India, remains unexplored despite its continuous use by the local traditional healers. The present study focuses on identifying and quantifying the active chemicals present in the ripe fruit pulp of Musa balbisiana (RFPMB) to understand its combined efficacy and nutritional benefit to control human metabolic complications specially related to diabetes and cardiovascular disorder. Characterization and confirmation through targeted LC-MS and HPLC-PDA based assays followed by quantitative analysis led us to identify the major bioactive compounds in RFPMB as shikimic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and two essential fatty acids; linolenic acid and linoleic acid. The ripe fruit pulp is further analyzed to understand the nutritional and mineral content and found a substantial presence of calcium and potassium (15.74 ± 0.43 and 395.20 ± 9.5mg/100 g of raw pulp, respectively) compared to other reported varieties. The active portion of RFPMB reduces the production of ROS, the expression of inflammatory marker genes TNF-α and TGF-β, and accelerates the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) by enhancing the basal respiration, maximal respiration, and ATP production capacity of the targeted cells. The present study concluded that, a particular phytopharmaceutical composition of RFPMB with 11-biomarker compounds might be an efficacious formulation for developing a value-added nutraceutical product in managing metabolic complications and its related oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study has provided the prior information regarding the potential nutraceutical and phytochemical advantages of Musa balbisiana (MB) fruit pulp over other reported banana varieties. The HPLC-based quantification will give a clear understanding of the food values in comparison of bioactive compounds present in the active fraction of RFPMB, which can be an effective phytopharmaceutical in combating metabolic disorders and oxidative stress. Overall this study will help to commercialize a value-added product from this variety of banana with proper scientific validation.

Ethnobotanical exploration of medicinal plants for the treatment of migraine in Dakshina Kannada district of Western Ghats, Karnataka, India

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder of humans affecting approximately 15% of the population globally. It frequently appears in childhood, particularly around puberty and affects women more than men. Traditional medicine has a key role in primary health care system of people residing in remote and rural regions. This study has been carried out in Western Ghats of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka state, India during 2018 - 2021 to document ethno-medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners to treat migraine. Most people prefer herbal folk therapies against this chronic disorder. Ethnobotanical study was carried out by repeated field visits. Information pertaining to the migraine was gathered by open-ended discussions with local traditional healers through a semi-structured questionnaire. All together 67 key informants shared their unique method of treatment against migraine. A total of 53 plant species belonging to 29 families are being used by local folk practitioners. Data was analyzed by quantitative tools like Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Family importance value (FIV) to compare the importance of reported plants. Leaves are the mostly used plant parts in the preparation of herbal formulation. Internal mode of application was more prevalent to treat migraine. Documentation of traditional knowledge of using plants in primary health care systems will be necessary in order to face new challenges by the modern medical world.

Knowledge of local folk healers, the so-called whisperers, among paramedic students from eastern Poland

ContextSo far, the phenomenon of folk healers in Podlasie (eastern Poland) has not attracted the interest of medical professionals. There are no statistics describing the scale of the phenomenon. The study aimed to find out whether young adults undertaking studies and those around them use the help of whisperers. Design and setting43 student paramedics took part in the study. Parents of all participants lived in Podlasie or adjacent counties. They answered the survey questions and participated in the discussion on alternative methods of treatment. ResultsEvery fourth student paramedic reported that a whisperer was active within a radius of 20 km from his/her parents' residence. 60.5% of student paramedics have personal/family experience or friends using a whisperer. ConclusionsUsing the help of whisperers seems to have the features of a lifestyle element among educated young people from Podlasie. Non-disappearance of the tradition of healing by whispering and obligatory transfer of heritage to younger people before the expected loss of physical strength or death of a whisperer makes it possible to plan interesting biomedical research on healing and healers' predispositions.

The Health of the Commonwealth: A Brief History of Medicine, Public Health, and Disease in Pennsylvania

The Health of the Commonwealth: A Brief History of Medicine, Public Health, and Disease in Pennsylvania

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Kolli hills

The study was carried out in the Kolli hills, during the period of 2021 to 2022. In this present study totally 102 species belong to 58 families were documented. The information was collected from local people and traditional healers through personal interview, questionnaire method and group discussion during the survey. The identified species were used for treating various ailments like fever, cough, stomach pain, dysentery, ulcer, body pain, dysentery, asthma, poison bite, nervous problem, sugar, lactation problems, vomiting, giddiness, skin disease, rheumatism, leprosy etc., the mode of consumption is mostly decoction, paste, leaf powder, raw leaf and juice. Malayali tribes are the major tribes present in the Kolli hills, they continue to play an important role in healthcare needs. The collection and documentation of their practical knowledge preserve the valuable knowledge of Malayali tribes in kolli hills.

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

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

Traditional Healer of Asclepiadoideae of Apocynaceae in Bankura, West Bengal

The present communication deals with the ethno-botanical exploration, identification of some plants of formerly Asclepiadaceae that are treated as subfamily Asclepiadoideae, the milkweed subfamily of family Apocynaceae (order Gentianales) as per APG III system of classification. The plants of this subfamily are being used frequently by the rural people of Bankura. During the present investigation, a total of 14 species of subfamily Asclepiadoideae have been reportedthey were used by the local health healers for the treatment of different diseases. Among them Calotropisgigantea, Hemidesmusindicus, Pergulariadaemia, Telosmapallida, Tylophoraindica, are leading species that are frequently used for a variety of health problems. As reported by informants, roots are the most important part used for herbal preparation followed by whole plant, leaf and fruit. The rural people of Bankura have good knowledge about ethno-medicinal plants and this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. So present paper depicts various plant resources of ethno-medicinewith special reference to subfamily Asclepiadoideae.

Diversity of Ethnomedicinal Plants among Tribal Communities in Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, Central India

ABSTRACT Ethnobotanical data were collected from local traditional healers using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and group discussions in 29 villages of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. A total of 114 plant species from 103 genera from 59 families were identified as being used in the treatment of different diseases. Trees constituted the highest proportion of 43 species (38%), and the most preferred method of preparation of traditional medicines from plant material was in crushed powdered form (68, 40.47%). The informants’ consensus about the usage of medicinal plants in the study area ranged from 0.18 to 0.5 for 13 categories. The fidelity level for 11 plant species ranged from 33.33% to 75%.

Documentation of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in Health Care by Poumai Tribe of Manipur, India

The paper deals with plants used as a traditional system of medicine by the Poumai tribe of Manipur, India. The Poumai tribe is one among the major tribes of Manipur, mostly resides in the Senapati District, Manipur. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood and also the main sector for employment although it is highly unorganized and unskilled. An ethno-medicinal investigation was conducted to understand the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants being used by the local healers of Poumai tribe, Manipur, India. Some of the medicinal plants used by the community exhibits established pharmacological activities which signify the importance of the traditional knowledge of the tribes. Besides, many other species traditionally used by the tribes assume to have pharmacological potentiality. The result documented 35 plant species belonging to 23 families were found to use for curing 22 ailments. Leaf was used in the majority of cases for medicinal preparation (20 species) followed by bark, fruit, whole plant, flower, stem, bark, seed and rhizome. Among the 35 plant species, they were mainly used to treat diabetes (6 species) followed by diarrhoea and dysentery, hypertension and gastritis (5 species each). The study thus focuses on the potentials of the ethno-botanical research and the need for the proper documentation of indigenous healthcare knowledge pertaining to the medicinal plant utilization for the greater benefit of human mankind.

Evaluation and Assessment of the Acute Toxic Potential of <i>Sansevieria cylindrica</i> and </i>Plumeria obtusa</i> Plant Extracts in Wistar Albino Rats

<em>Sansevieria cylindrica</em> (SC) Bojer ex Hook. (Asparagaceae) and <em>Plumeria obtusa</em> (PO) L. (Apocynaceae) are indoor and outdoor ornamental plants respectively. These plants are traditionally used by the local healers during accidental injuries. However, their toxicological properties are very poorly explored over folkloric usage. Therefore, the present study evaluated the toxic potencies of SC leaves and PO seed Hydro-Alcoholic Extract (SCPOHAE) through acute oral dose (14-days) administration in female Wistar rats. Safety of the SCPOHAE was evaluated as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Acute Oral Toxicity study guidelines 423. The female Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=3). A single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight of individual extract and 1:1 blend was administered to each animal. The animals were closely observed for clinical signs, neurobehavioral changes, morbidity, and mortality if any for the first half an hour and then every hour for the first four hours followed by observation every 24–hours for 14 days. Changes in food and water consumption, body weight were monitored daily during the study. On day 1 and day 15 blood samples were collected to evaluate changes in the hematology and biochemistry parameters. The urine samples were also collected for urine analysis parameters. Animals were sacrificed on day 15 and organ samples of liver and kidney were collected for histopathological findings. The SCPOHAE individually and also as 1:1 blend at the limit dose (2000 mg/kg, body weight) did not cause death and did not induce any remarkable and abnormal clinical signs, indicative of systemic toxicity, in rats during the treatment period of 14–days. The statistically non-significant small differences in the body weight were observed. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The oral administration of SCPOHAE did not cause any systemic toxic effects. In conclusion, the No-observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) of these extracts in rats was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg.

An ethnobotanical study on the wild edible plants used by forest dwellers in Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Manipur, India

Background: The study documented the wild edible plants (WEPs) used by forest dwellers in the Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (YLWLS), Manipur, India. The inhabitants of YLWLS belong to the Thadou, Meitei, and Maring communities. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out from March 2018 to February 2020. The elderly local people, local healers, forest staff, and vendors in local markets participated in the survey. The respondents were selected through snowball sampling method. The ethnobotanical information was gathered from the respondents, especially the elderly people, local healers, forest staff, and vendors through interviews. The questionnaire used was a semi-structured type. The data was collected on parameters such as vernacular name, botanical name, family, the life form or habit of the species, information on flowering and fruiting, the plant part used, mode of consumption, medicinal use, marketability, and price. The voucher specimens of the wild edible plants were collected and identified with the help of literature. Results: One hundred and eight taxa belonging to 86 genera and 50 families of WEPs were documented. Zingiberaceae was the most dominant family with seven species used as WEPs. Herbs were most dominant with 42 species. Nine species bore flowers and fruits all year round. Maximum species (49 species) were consumed after cooking. Forty-nine species out of the 108 WEP species were consumed for their medicinal values. Sixty six species (61%) of WEPs were marketed. The highest-priced species were Asparagus racemosus (INR 180-220/kg; USD 2.41-2.95) and Cinnamomum verum (INR 150-200/kg; USD 2.01-2.68). The use of the pseudostem of Ensete glaucum as food is a new report for Manipur. Conclusions: The forest dwellers depend on the WEPs for their food, medicine, traditional ceremonies, and source of livelihood. Some species of WEPs could be propagated for conservation, management, and sustainable utilization, which would help in generating additional income for the locals. Keywords: Wild edible plants, forest dwellers, Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Manipur

Antipyretic Activity of Medicinal Plants from the Thal Desert

The Thal Desert in Punjab, Pakistan, is known for being home to a number of plants, many of which are utilized by the local natural healers to treat various inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions. However, no scientific studies to date have evaluated these plant-based therapeutics. Here we report on the results of an antipyretic study of two plants from the Thal Desert, namely Fagonia bruguieri and Tamarix dioica, in an animal model. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of the two plants were tested for their ability to reduce pyrexia induced by Escherichia coli in rabbits. Rabbits were divided into five separate groups for each plant extract tested, numbering five animals each. They included a negative control group where animals were subjected to no treatment and a positive control group subjected to the conventional treatment with 150 mg/kg paracetamol. Animals comprising the additional three sample groups were treated with 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of the experimental medicines in the form of hydro-ethanol concentrates of Fagonia bruguieri and Tamarix dioica. The treatment with the plant concentrates showed a highly positive antipyretic effect relative to both controls in these animal trials. The average body temperatures of the animals 5 h after the treatment with either Tamarix dioica or Fagonia bruguieri were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those in both control groups. The differences were not as significant at lower time points, suggesting that the plant extracts exhibit slower pharmacokinetics and have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than the conventional treatment. Another insight emerging from this study is that the hydro-ethanol concentrates of the plants assessed in this examination exhibit a dose-dependent antipyretic effect. The antipyretic activity of Fagonia bruguieri and Tamarix dioica is pronounced in an animal model. Further investigations of these plant species emerge as imperative from this study.

Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antibacterial Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus niruri L. from Kasaï Oriental in DR Congo

Objectives: The aim of this work is to carry out a phytochemical study and to evaluate in vitro antibacterial potential of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri, a plant traditionally used in Kasai Oriental (DR Congo) against various bacteriosis and non-bacterial diseases.
 Study Design: P. niruri, was selected from a list resulting from an ethnobotanical survey carried out in Kasai Oriental because of the number of citations and recipes involving it, the level of preference of the species as well as the diversity of diseases treated and the plebiscite of its effectiveness by local traditional healers. To contribute to the enhancement of this plant traditionally used against various bacteriosis and to confirm its potential antibacterial power, it was subjected to phytochemical screening and its aqueous extract was tested in vitro on bacterial strains.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The period of this research went from December 2017 to February 2018. The analyzes were carried out at the physico-chemical and microbiological analysis laboratories of the Congolese Control Office of Mbujimayi (DR Congo) and at the Biology and Chemistry laboratories of the ISP Mbujimayi.
 Methodology: The chemical groups of the bioactive substances were sought using the classic methods of characterization in solution by precipitation, coloring and foam reactions. The diameters of the zones of inhibition, MICs and CMBs of the aqueous extract of this plant were determined in vitro against 20 bacterial strains subjected to the test.
 Results: P. niruri contains various bioactive chemical groups. Its aqueous extract showed antibacterial activity in vitro against several of 20 tested bacterial strains. According to the MICs and CMBs, the inhibitory action spectrum covers 12 bacterial strains out of the 20 tested.
 Conclusion: The results found confirm that P. niruri has antibacterial principles and a therapeutic potential by the presence of several bioactive substances and the inhibitory power of its aqueous extract on some bacterial strains tested.

Preventable mortality attributable to exposure to air pollution at the rural district of Punjab, India.

Air pollution has emerged as a leading global health risk in recent decades, where its health impacts are primarily focused on urban areas. In India, semi-urban and rural areas are also emerging as air pollution hotspots. As these regions are out of focus, the current study monitored air pollution (PM2.5) at a rural district of Punjab in North India and attempted to study the associated health impacts. Hospital data of outpatient department (OPD), inpatient department (IPD) and all-cause mortality was correlated with change in PM2.5 concentrations. PM2.5 concentrations showed seasonal variations having relatively higher concentrations during post-monsoon and winter seasons. This rise in air pollution (annual average 92µg/m3) was found to be mainly due to crop residue burning, including local meteorology. In comparison, hospital data shows that hospital visits and admissions were higher during monsoon. This shows that hospital admissions could not be directly linked to air pollution in rural areas as other factors such as short days during winters and self-medication, socio-economic factors and dependency on local unauthorised traditional healers may influence. The application of the AirQ + model for short-term health effects reveals that out of 2582 total deaths, preventable deaths ranging from 246 (WHO guidelines value - 10µg/m3) to 159 (Indian NAAQS - 40µg/m3) could be ascribed to air pollution exposure and specifically PM2.5. However, these deaths are avoidable by developing strategies to minimise air pollution in rural areas. Hence, a comprehensive approach is needed to plan air pollution reduction strategies, including urban, semi-urban and rural areas.

Ethno-medico-botanical claims of Bondla wildlife sanctuary vicinity of Goa

An ethno-botanical study carried out in the village area near to Bondla wildlife sanctuary of Bondla, Goa revealed therapeutic application of 15 plant species representing 14 families. These plants are use for a wide range of common health ailments like Infertility, Hair loss, Cervical adenitis, Cancer, burnt wound, Antidote for opium, Diabetes, Kidney stone, Piles, Cough, Worm infestation, Constipation, Bronchial asthma, Sprain, Fracture, Leucorrhoea and Wound healing etc. Majorities of preparation are taken orally and local applications in form of decoction and paste. Information of medicinal claim was collected from elderly people and local healers residing in the vicinity of Bondla wild life sanctuary. The study describes the details of Botanical identity, Family, Local Konkani name, Sanskrit name, English name, Parts of the plant used, therapeutic uses, Process of preparation, Dosage, mode and route of application.

An ethnobotanical survey in the Limpopo National Park, Gaza province, Mozambique: traditional knowledge related to plant use

This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Limpopo National Park (Gaza province, Mozambique). Data were gathered through field expeditions which involved interviews with five local healers, selected as key informants. 101 plant species, belonging to 49 families and 83 genera, related to traditional uses were recorded. For each species, vernacular name, use categories and used parts are reported. Most of the identified plants are used for medicinal purposes (94.1%) with an analogously extensive (44.1%) also directed to food use. Plants are also used for veterinary (14.7%), cosmetic (12.7%), and handicraft (12.7%) purposes. Whereas only few species are used as fuel (4.9%), several species (37.3%) are associated to local beliefs or mystical rituals. Roots are the most used part. To identify the most important plant species used by indigenous communities, an ethnobotanical value was calculated through Uses Totaled index. Based on such cultural index, the most valuable species are Euclea divinorum, Ximenia caffra, Elaeodendron schlechterianum and Peltophorum africanum. Our findings highlight the potential of Mozambique’s flora for future conservation and development research aimed at identifying genetic resources which could also open the way to notable commercial perspectives, including through the Access and Benefit Sharing process.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of rabies during an outbreak in Samtse Municipality, Bhutan: A cross-sectional study.

A rabies outbreak in dogs occurred on February 22, 2021, in the Samtse Municipality, Bhutan. A rapid response team (RRT) was activated comprising of human and animal health teams to investigate and contain this outbreak. An assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on rabies was elicited during this period to develop evidence-based education material. A face-to-face KAP questionnaire was administered to a volunteer member of 55 households in two communities (Norbuling and Xing Workshop areas) following the rabies outbreak in the Samtse Municipality from March 15 to 22, 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics. The associations between the KAP scores were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Of the 55 respondents, 63.6% (35) had poor knowledge, 90.9% (50) and 63.6% (35) reported good attitude and practice toward rabies. Three (5.5%) participants had not heard about rabies. The other misconceptions were that rabies can be prevented with antibiotics (67.3%, 37), dressing the bite wounds (20.0%, 11), and seeking treatment from the local healer (5.5%, 3). Correct knowledge was reported on excessive salivation as the sign of the rabid animal (58.2% 32), rabies prevention through vaccination (81.8%, 45), and seeking medical care on the same day (94.5%, 52). Eighty-nine percent (49) vaccinated their dogs and domestic animals annually, 100% received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after an animal bite, 78.2% (43) washed the animal bite wounds with soap and water, and 9.1% (5) would consult the local healer for animal bites. A majority (78.2%, 43) of them agreed that rabies is a serious public health problem in the Samtse Municipality and 49.1% (27) agreed that the public was adequately informed about rabies. A positive correlation was observed between the knowledge-practice scores (r = 0.3983, P value = 0.0026), and attitude-practice scores (r = 0.4684, P value < 0.001). The poor knowledge of rabies in this study needs to be addressed urgently. The main misconceptions included were that rabies is not fatal, dressing animal bite wounds, and seeking dog and animal bite care from local healers. Health education should focus on these misconceptions.

Study on the Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and Ethnobotanicals Associated with Gouty Arthritis in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir

Hyperuricemia prevalence is an exclusive condition in the global populace as it seems to have increased day by day for a long time now. Recent studies recommend that hyperuricemia is an issue and is considered an independent risk. The prevalence of hyperuricemia in the patients of Azad Kashmir and the surveillance of medicinal plants used for this gouty arthritis is relatively low. However, to assess hyperuricemia prevalence in the Rawalakot region of Azad Kashmir, a review study was conducted. The data of the previous three years were retrieved from the Eastern Medicine Teaching Clinic at the University of Poonch, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalakot, as well as Ali Imran Hospital Rawalakot. Additionally, an ethnobotanical survey was performed to investigate the therapeutic plants utilized to cure gouty arthritis in the Rawalakot region of Azad Kashmir. The study observed a high incidence of hyperuricemia with joint pain in 17.4% of the 189 patients. The percentage of hyperuricemia in males was higher (10.5%) than in females (6.87%). These plants were identified and then evaluated by the local elder people and traditional healers (Hakims). Later on, it was then confirmed by the Botanical Department of University and then preserved. The ethnobotanical study revealed 13 medicinal plants belonging to 11 families used as medicines to treat gouty arthritis. Solanaceae was the most popular family with three species, Datura stramonium, Solanum nigrum, and Withania somnifera. It has been observed that people taking these medicinal plants have significant improvement in gouty arthritis. However, further study needs to be carried out to explore the bioactivity of the plants.

An ethnographic approach to understand cultural perspectives of tribes on branding practice for sick children in Odisha, India.

Traditional beliefs on child healthcare at time lead to potentially harmful practices like branding. However, there is a gap in people's perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about branding practice. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to document the cultural motivation, ability and opportunity for branding practice in a tribal district of Odisha, India. Initially, such practices were observed in the tribal community for three months. Then, 18 in-depth interviews were conducted - ten among women having under-five children, and eight among traditional healers. Six focus group discussions were conducted with community health workers as well. The responses were digitally recorded, transcribed and translated and were further used for thematic framework analysis. The primary determinants of branding practice were cultural beliefs compounded with low-health literacy, proximity to conventional care and influence of family and friends. The key driver for branding practices was traditional cultural beliefs on child healthcare decisions and health-seeking behaviours. Opportunities in the health system - availability and quality of health services - frequently drive them to seek healthcare from the system structure and routine health communication improves their ability to make better healthcare decisions. Culture significantly affects the conceptualisation of illness and care-seeking pathways in a society. The indigenous community used to consult local traditional healers for their health concerns. While the government has made efforts to increase community health literacy through various platforms and multiple stakeholders' engagements, the doorstep availability of modern care and health promotion interventions remains critical for meeting the health needs of the indigenous community.