Local Knowledge Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

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

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

Exploration of Local Knowledge of Medicinal Plants that are utilized by the Community of Kanor District, Bojonegoro Regency

Exploring the use of a plant in everyday life is a form of ethnobotanical approach in conserving plant biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to determine the types, organs, benefits, methods of processing, and sources of plant used as medicine by the people of Kanor District, Bojonegoro Regency. This research is a type of descriptive research using a survey method and a combination of open and closed interview techniques. The selection of respondents was determined using a random sampling technique, with a total sample of 100 respondents. This research was conducted in November 2022-January 2023 in Semambung Village, Pilang Village, and Kabalan Village, Kanor District, Bojonegoro Regency. Based on the research results, 56 plant species have been inventoried which are used as medicine. The plant organs most widely used by the people of Kanor District as medicinal materials are leaves (49% of Semambung Village), 52% (Pilang Village), and (59% of Kabalan Village). The method of utilizing or processing plants as medicine includes boiling which has percentage values, namely (60% of Semambung Village), (73% of Pilang Village), and (59% of Kabalan Village). Sources of obtaining medicinal plants from wild plants which have a percentage of (60% Semambung Village), (58% Pilang Village), and (60% Kabalan Village).Keywords: Ethnobotany, Kanor District, Medicinal Plants.

Diversity of medicinal plants sold in the traditional markets in Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract. Asra R, Ihsan M, Andriani F, Silalahi M, Fijridiyanto IA, Maryani AT. 2023. Diversity of medicinal plants sold in the traditional markets in Jambi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1544-1550. Traditional markets are places for local people to do transactions of medicinal plants and traditional cooking spices. The use of plants as traditional medicine is high in Jambi Province, Indonesia. This is because the population in Jambi Province consists of several ethnicities that still practice traditional medicine. This work aims to document and inventory local knowledge of medicinal plants in Jambi's two most important markets. An interview, participatory observation, and documentation were used for data collection. There were 14 respondents of various ages chosen randomly. Data analysis used the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') and Jaccard similarity index (Ji). A total of 78 medicinal plant species belonging to 42 families were found. Most species were from Zingiberaceae (14 species) and Rutaceae (9 species). The diversity indexes (H') of medicinal plants at traditional markets in Jambi are high in the Angso Duo (H'= 4.295) and Talang Banjar Markets (H'= 4.277). The similarity index (Ji) in both markets was high (Ji= 88,5%). Based on the type of disease, the medicinal plants used are classified into 19 groups. The plants are mainly used for digestive disorders (29.49%), muscle tenderness (20.51%), respiratory disorders (14.10%), skin (12.82 %), and cancer (12.82 %). The part of the plant most used for medicine is fruit (26.92%), followed by rhizomes (19.23%) and flowers (15.38%). The results can be used for bioprospecting studies that will lead to the discovery of new drugs.

Medicinal plants used in Soran district Kurdistan region of Iraq, an ethnobotanicals study

Context: The current study, the first of its type, focuses on the ethnobotanical uses of 97 medicinal plant species by the inhabitants in the Soran area, Kurdistan region of Iraq. Aims: To evaluate local knowledge of medicinal plants and provision of preliminary data on the user-benefit of the accessible plant species in the area. Methods: Between October 2021 and May 2022, key informant interviews were conducted as part of an ethnobotanical survey. Information about a particular study through face-to-face interviews with 171 participants (98 males and 73 females) were collected. For the therapeutic plants considered in the study, quantitative indices such as use value (UV), family use value (FUV), the relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), and informant consensus factor (ICF) were applied in addition to detailed notes on each plant species. Results: The survey discovered 97 plant species and 41 plant families. Leaves were the plant portion that was used the most (44%) while seeds were the least (12%). The most popular three methods of preparation were decoction (52%), row (36%), and crushed (6%). The Olea europaea species had the highest use values (0.82), while Vitex agnus-castus had (0.005). Amaryllidaceae had the highest family use value (1.218), while Asteraceae had (0.005). According to the consensus index, Ficus carica and Datura stramonium had (140.84%) and (1.011%). The digestive tract disease category was shown to have the highest informant consensus factor value out of all disease categories (0.57), while the lowest value ICF was (0.0) for tooth pain. Conclusions: As a result of the development of natural medicines, this study gives information on the indigenous medicinal plants utilized in the Soran district to treat common illnesses that are ready for additional pharmacological and phytochemical examination. For better use of natural resources, the traditional use of plants requires conservation methods and additional research.

Https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4183

Background: The literature gathers several pieces of evidence on the use of medicinal plants for disease treatment, showing that local knowledge about medicinal plants is a relevant reservoir of information for local health treatment. However, a direct positive correlation between this local knowledge and the perception of well-being is still unknown, as well as the potential impacts of this correlation on humans’ quality of life. In this study, we hypothesized that the local knowledge of medicinal plants positively impacts well-being. Methods: The study was conducted in six communities inside the Catimbau National Park, Northeastern Brazil, dependent on using plants to treat diseases. Local knowledge about medicinal plants and self-reporting well-being were collected by free listing and semi-structured interviews, respectively. The well-being index of each participant was calculated by summing the scores of their answers for seven questions that covered individual aspects and food and financial security. A generalized linear model was conducted to assess the relationship between the knowledge of ethnospecies and the well-being index of participants. Results: Participants cited an average of 10.06 ethnospecies and 8.18 therapeutic targets. The mean score of the well-being index was 22.22. We found no association between the local knowledge of medicinal plants and the well-being index. Conclusion: The local knowledge of medicinal plants is not a determining factor of local human well-being. Keywords: happiness, ecosystem services, ethnobotany.

The Local Knowledge of Medicinal Plants by The Tanjung Merpati Village Community for The Postpartum and Infant Care

Women often experience various health problems with their reproductive organs. They also have to take several treatments during postpartum and infant care. In the community, these treatments generally use medicinal plants and become local knowledge. This study aimed to document the local knowledge of Tanjung Merpati Village community in using medicinal plants for postpartum and infant care. We interviewed a total of 96 respondents, who are the general public in Tanjung Merpati Village. The data obtained were analyzed in the form of use-value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). The analysis results showed 22 species of medicinal plants used for postpartum and infant care. Plants such as kunyit kuning (Curcuma longa), cokur (Kaemperia galanga), entomu (Curcuma xanthorriza), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) have the highest UV values with values respectively (1; 0.96; 0.84 and 0.8). Baby haircare shows the highest ICF value. Several plants have the highest FL value (100), namely manjakani (Quercus infectoria) and asam kanis (Garcinia xanthochymus) (postnatal maternal care), ayau (Litsea sp) (baby poultice), kumis kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus), and coconut (Cocos nucifera) (fever in infants), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) (treatment of baby's umbilical wound), lidah buaya (Aloe vera) (baby haircare), mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) (stomachache and bloating in infants), as well as pisang (Musa sp) and cangkok manis (Sauropus androgynus) (enhance mother breast milk). Conclusions from the results of the study indicate that the people of Tanjung Merpati Village have local knowledge regarding postpartum and infant care, and this knowledge is still well maintained in the community.

Local Knowledge and Botanical Teaching At Campo De Caroebe/ Roraima School

Plants are natural resources essential for human survival, with which local populations establish important cultural relationships to meet their basic needs. Such relationships involve local knowledge that is little considered in the pedagogical practices of school education. As a result of this reality, this research focuses on the contribution of the approach of local knowledge of medicinal plants in the teaching of Botany content in a rural school, located in the municipality of Caroebe in Roraima, in 2017. To access the knowledge, we use questionnaires with students from a class of the 2nd year of high school and also, diversified didactic activities were carried out in the approach to the content. We proved that the development of the didactic sequence with local knowledge favored the understanding of the contents of Botany and contributed to the involvement of students in the proposed pedagogical activities.

Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants used by local populations in Tlemcen National Park (extreme North West Algeria)

Medicinal plants are currently used by local populations to treat different diseases around the world. In the present study, the local knowledge of medicinal plants used by indigenous populations living in the Park of Tlemcen (North-West Algeria) has been documented. A total of 254 informants with a strong ethnomedicinal knowledge living in the national park of Tlemcen were interviewed by using a questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using quantitative indices such as the ethnobotanicity index (EI), use value (UV), and Informant Consensus Factor (FIC). 109 species belonging to 54 families were identified and used by indigenous populations to treat different diseases. The most frequent families were lamiaceae (15.5%), asteraceae (11.9%), and rosaceae (5.5%). Roots, rhizomes or tubers were the most used part for medical care (37.6%), followed by leaves (33.6%), other aerial parts (16%), fruits (8%), flowers (1.6%), and seeds (3.2%). Regarding modes of preparation, we noticed that decoction (40.4%) and infusion (28.5%) were the most predominant. Moreover, Thymus lanceolatus (UV=0.96), Origon glandulosum (UV=0.96) and Ammoides verticillata (UV=0.94) were the most frequently used species. FIC values ranged from 0.65 to 0.98. The highest FIC were recorded for reproductive and sexual disorders (0.98), respiratory tract diseases (0.98), cardiovascular system disease and blood disorders (0.94), digestive disorders (0.93), and general health (0.93). A variety of species are used to treat several ailments. Recorded species with high UV should be prioritized for conservation and subjected to further phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Ethnopharmacological Study on Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plant Used from Secondary Forest in Community at Sekabuk Village, Mempawah District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Study for local knowledge about ethnopharmacology especially medicinal plants used by the community is still limited. West Kalimantan possess a tropical rain forest with megabiodiversity. One of the areas where Malay and Dayak people use medicinal plants from the forest is Sekabuk village, Sadaniang Subdistrict, Mempawah District of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This research has two objectives: first, to summarize the local knowledge of medicinal plants in the Sekabuk village, and second to identify the the mechanisms of shared on knowledge on used the medicinal plants on each ethnic. The research was conducted by in-depth interview and survey for 45 days in the village. The research programme consisted of interviews, plant observations, and a collection of medicinal plants from five different subdistricts sites i.e. Gelombang, Malangga, Pak Nungkat, Sekabuk, and Titi Dahan. The whole plants, part(s) used, and remedy formulations were elicited from healers and voucher specimens were collected for identification and stored at Forestry Faculty, Tanjungpura University. The results showed that there are 66 plants used for medicine. The family of plants consisted of Zingiberaceae, Lamiaceae abd Mrytaceae. The leaves were most frequently used (108), followed by roots (47), whole plant (21), top (6), stems and fruits (5), and sap (1). The methods for preparation and administration and the awareness of medicinal plants are different by ethnic groups and the living environments. The difference between the genders did not significant in terms of knowledge about medicinal plants. Meanwhile, A retention of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants was significant in rural of West Kalimantan. The plants used as medicine were clearly different by ethnic groups, Malay and Dayak. The living environments also affect the difference of used plants on basis of plants accesibility.

Local Knowledge and Conservation Priorities of Medicinal Plants near a Protected Area in Brazil.

We investigated the influence of socioeconomic factors (age, gender, and occupation) on the local knowledge of medicinal plants in the Araripe National Forest, Brazil, and the priority of conservation of the species as perceived by people. Additionally, priority species for in situ conservation were identified by calculating conservation priority (CP). Initially, free lists were developed with 152 informants in order to identify the plants known and used by them. Based on the most cited plants in these lists, a salience analysis was performed to identify the ten most prominent tree species. In a second moment, through a participatory workshop, these ten species were classified by the perception of local experts as to their environmental availability and intensity of exploitation. Then, the population size of the forest plant species was quantified through a phytosociological sampling and the conservation priority index (CP) of the species was calculated. A total of 214 ethnospecies were cited by the informants, which were identified in 167 species. Local knowledge was influenced by socioeconomic factors, with positive correlation between age and local knowledge and difference in knowledge among professions. Among the ten most prominent tree species in terms of their medicinal importance, Hancornia speciosa was highlighted as a priority for conservation in the experts' perception because it has low environmental availability and a high exploitation rate. The ten species were ordered by the CP differently from the ordering made by the local experts' perception, indicating that people's perception of species conservation status may not correspond to the actual situation in which they are found in the forests. Conservationist measures based on the perception of informants need complementary ecological studies on the species accessed.

PENGETAHUAN LOKAL TUMBUHAN OBAT MASYARAKAT DESA DOMPO-DOMPO JAYA, PULAU WAWONII - SULAWESI TENGGARA

The ethnobotanical study of plants usage of people in the Wawonii island was conducted in April until May 2006. The local knowledge of medicinal plants in Wawonii island is a result from interaction people of Wawonii island. Environment, another ethnics and globalization, it is as cultured processes. Data were collected on the uses of plants, and more than 62 species of plants were recorded in local names. The data are discussed in the contect of Wawonii island culture, tradition, and way of life. Furthurmore, plants used also show the nearness of emotional relationship between human and environment.Key words: Indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, Wawonii ethnic, SoutheastSulawesi

Gendered medicinal plant knowledge contributions to adaptive capacity and health sovereignty in Amazonia.

Local medical systems are key elements of social-ecological systems as they provide culturally appropriate and locally accessible health care options, especially for populations with scarce access to biomedicine. The adaptive capacity of local medical systems generally rests on two pillars: species diversity and a robust local knowledge system, both threatened by local and global environmental change. We first present a conceptual framework to guide the assessment of knowledge diversity and redundancy in local medicinal knowledge systems through a gender lens. Then, we apply this conceptual framework to our research on the local medicinal plant knowledge of the Tsimane’ Amerindians. Our results suggest that Tsimane’ medicinal plant knowledge is gendered and that the frequency of reported ailments and the redundancy of knowledge used to treat them are positively associated. We discuss the implications of knowledge diversity and redundancy for local knowledge systems’ adaptive capacity, resilience, and health sovereignty.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13280-016-0826-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An ethnomedicinal survey of a Tashelhit-speaking community in the High Atlas, Morocco

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional knowledge about medicinal plants from a poorly studied region, the High Atlas in Morocco, is reported here for the first time; this permits consideration of efficacy and safety of current practises whilst highlighting species previously not known to have traditional medicinal use. Aim of the studyOur study aims to document local medicinal plant knowledge among Tashelhit speaking communities through ethnobotanical survey, identifying preferred species and new medicinal plant citations and illuminating the relationship between emic and etic ailment classifications. Materials and methodsEthnobotanical data were collected using standard methods and with prior informed consent obtained before all interactions, data were characterized using descriptive indices and medicinal plants and healing strategies relevant to local livelihoods were identified. Results151 vernacular names corresponding to 159 botanical species were found to be used to treat 36 folk ailments grouped in 14 biomedical use categories. Thirty-five (22%) are new medicinal plant records in Morocco, and 26 described as used for the first time anywhere. Fidelity levels (FL) revealed low specificity in plant use, particularly for the most commonly reported plants. Most plants are used in mixtures. Plant use is driven by local concepts of disease, including “hot” and “cold” classification and beliefs in supernatural forces. ConclusionLocal medicinal plant knowledge is rich in the High Atlas, where local populations still rely on medicinal plants for healthcare. We found experimental evidence of safe and effective use of medicinal plants in the High Atlas; but we highlight the use of eight poisonous species.

Medicinal plants used by traditional healers from South-west Algeria: an ethnobotanical study

Background/Aim:This study aimed to document and analyzes the local knowledge of medicinal plants’ use by traditional healers in South-west Algeria.Methods:The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in two Saharian regions of South-west of Algeria: Adrar and Bechar. In total, 22 local traditional healers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire and open questions. Use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and informant consensus factor (FIC) were used to analyze the obtained data.Results:Our results showed that 83 medicinal plants species belonging to 38 families are used by traditional healers from South-west of Algeria to treat several ailments. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, and Fabaceae were the most dominant families with 13, 8, 6, and 4 species, respectively. Leaves were the plant parts mostly used (36%), followed by seeds (18%), aerial parts (17%) and roots (12%). Furthermore, a decoction was the major mode of preparation (49%), and oral administration was the most preferred (80%). Thymus vulgaris L. (UV = 1.045), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (UV = 0.863), Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (UV=0.590), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (UV = 0.545), and Ruta chalepensis L. (UV = 0.5) were the most frequently species used by local healers. A great informant consensus has been demonstrated for kidney (0.727), cancer (0.687), digestive (0.603), and respiratory diseases.Conclusion:This study revealed rich ethnomedicinal knowledge in South-west Algeria. The reported species with high UV, FL, and FIC could be of great interest for further pharmacological studies.

LES PLANTES MÉDICINALES DE LA RÉGION MONTAGNEUSE DE KAHUZI- BIEGA EN RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO : UTILISATION, ACCESSIBILITÉ ET CONSENSUS DES TRADIPRATICIENS

En ethnobotanique, des aspects comme l’influence de l’accessibilité d’une plante sur sa fréquence d’usage, le consensus entre les tradipraticiens autour des rela- tions maladie-plante ainsi que le degré de fidélité d’une plante à une catégorie de maladies sont essentiels pour évaluer une tradition médicinale ; mais ils sont d’une interprétation difficile. Nous avons exploré ces aspects dans cette étude basée sur des entretiens semi-structurés avec 88 tradi- praticiens issus des communautés Batwa, Havu, Shi et Tembo dans les localités situées à proximité de la forêt de montagne du Parc national de Kahuzi-Biega, en pro- vince du Sud-Kivu, à l’Est de la République démocratique du Congo. Il s’avère que 77 espèces végétales sont utilisées pour traiter les pathologies regroupées dans 18 catégories de maladies, dont les plus fré- quentes sont les troubles digestifs et les infections. Lesfeuilles et les écorces sont les parties les plus utilisées dans les recettes majoritairement monoplantes et principa- lement préparées en solutions aqueuses. Bien que la corrélation entre l’accessibilité des plantes et leurs fréquences d’usage soit positive (H = 17,64 ; p < 0,001), certaines plantes forestières pourtant moins acces- sibles connaissent des fréquences d’usage particulièrement élevées. Le facteur de consensus des tradipraticiens est globale- ment élevé, particulièrement pour les caté- gories de troubles musculo-squelettiques (= 0,83) et les infections (= 0,80). Toutes les catégories de maladies fidélisent au moins une plante malgré les taux globalement faibles. Bien qu’exploratoires, nos résultats suggèrent un certain ancrage d’une tradi- tion médicinale au sein de communautés locales de la région. Cet ancrage suppose une bonne connaissance des plantes médicinales, une transmission intergénéra- tionnelle des savoirs ainsi qu’une certaine collaboration entre les tradipraticiens. Plus d’études sont nécessaires pour évaluer davantage ces différents aspects.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Mascara (North West of Algeria)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plants are considered as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to document the local knowledge of medicinal plants' use by traditional healers in Mascara, North-west Algeria. Materials and methodsThe present study was carried out in Mascara (North West of Algeria). Ethnobotanical data were recorded from 43 traditional healers practicing in Mascara. Data collected was analysed using quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor (FIC). ResultsTraditional healers reported 141 medicinal plant species belonging to 54 families and 125 genera for the treatment of different ailments grouped into 14 ailments categories. Lamiaceae were the most represented family with 19 species (13.57%) followed by Asteracea, Apiaceae and Fabaceae. Thymus vulgaris L. was the most frequently used by local informants, with the highest UV of 0.883 (38 use reports). Our findings revealed that 39 species have not been previously reported as medicinal plants in the region. Furthermore, we report for the first time a total of 100 new therapeutic uses for 37 known plant species. FIC values ranged from 0.125 to 0.658. Gastro-intestinal diseases had the highest FIC (0.658) with 60 species and 261 use reports. ConclusionThe present study revealed the important local knowledge as showed by the variety of species used to treat several ailments. Recorded species with high UV should be subjects of further pharmacological studies to validate their popular use and to isolate the bioactive compounds.

The local knowledge of medicinal plants trader and diversity of medicinal plants in the Kabanjahe traditional market, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMarket is the main place for transactions of medicinal plants and traditional ingredients by local community in the Karo regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This is the first study to document the local knowledge of traders on and the diversity of the medicinal plants. The investigation was carried out in the Kabanjahe traditional market, in the Karo regency. The research goal was to reveal the local knowledge, diversity and utilization of medicinal plants, which have been traded in the Kabanjahe traditional market, as a basis for conservation efforts. Materials and methodsThe study was conducted through ethnobotanical approach using market surveys. All traders of medicinal plants were surveyed applying in-depth interviews and participative observations. Data were analyzed qualitatively using descriptive statistics. The diversity of medicinal plants was expressed in term of the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H'), whereas the similarity among traders was indicated by Jaccard index (Ji). ResultsTraders of medicinal plants stored the simplicia of medicinal plants in chest of drawers, plastic baskets, plastic bags, and in the air by suspending them from the the stall ceilings. We recorded 344 species, 217 genera and 90 families of medicinal plants. Those that were sold mostly belong to Zingeberaceae (20 species), Poaceae (19 species), and Asclepiadaceae (17 species), and the species received high consumers demand, mostly belong to Zingiberaceae, Rutaceae, and Asclepidiaceae. Asclepidiaceae was used to treat diseases like cancer and heart problems. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index of medicinal plants at the Kabanjahe traditional market was high (H'= 5.637). The high Jaccard similarity index (Ji>0.56) suggested that the traders were trading similar species of medicinal plants. ConclusionKabanjahe traditional market is the center for the sale of of medicinal plants as traditional ingredients. Several species are well known for their pharmacological properties but others, [such as: Dischidia imbricata (Blume) Steud., Dischidia nummularia R.Br., Hoya macrophylla Blume, and Hoya coriacea Blume] have been used for cancer treatment by local communities, but pharmacologically unknown, hence they are promising candidates for further investigation.

Local health practices and the knowledge of medicinal plants in a Brazilian semi-arid region: environmental benefits to human health.

BackgroundThe concept of eco-cultural health considers the dynamic interaction between humans and ecosystems, emphasizing the implications of the health of the ecosystem for the health and well-being of human populations. Ethnobotanical studies focusing on folk medicine and medicinal plants can contribute to the field of eco-cultural health if they incorporate the perspective and local knowledge of communities. We investigated the local health practices in three rural communities living within the vicinity of a protected area of sustainable use in a semi-arid region of Brazil. We analyzed the opinions of local health experts on the elements that influence human health and on how the environment contributes to this influence. We also analyzed and compared the local knowledge of medicinal plants, as knowledge of this type is an important factor when considering the interaction between environmental and human health.MethodsWe performed structured interviews and free-listings with 66 local health experts. We used content analysis to systematize the elements of the influences on human health. We compared the richness of the plants cited among communities and analyzed the differences among the three communities regarding the ways in which the plants were obtained and the environments in which plants were collected.ResultsThe local experts identified several influences of the environment on human health. These influences can be associated with ecosystem services, such as climatic conditions, water and air quality, recreation and medicinal and food resources. We identified 192 medicinal plant species, most of which were gathered from wild ecosystems. The most important environments for the three communities were the plateau mountain and backyards.ConclusionsThe informants had a broad and integrated view of health, perceiving the importance of conserving the environment within the National Forest of Araripe for the health and well-being of the local populations.

Local knowledge of medicinal plants in sub-ethnic Batak Simalungun of North Sumatra, Indonesia

Silalahi M, Supriatna J, Walujo EB, Nisyawati. 2015. Local knowledge of medicinal plants in sub-ethnic Batak Simalungun of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 16: 44-54. Research on the local knowledge of medicinal plants by sub-ethnic BatakSimalungun of North Sumatra was conducted, using an ethnobotanical approach. The sample consisted of 8 key informants and 32general respondents, who were grouped into two, namely those who were 30-50 years old and >50 years old. Data were analyzed bothqualitatively by descriptive statistics and quantitatively by calculating the index of cultural significance (ICS) and the use value (UVs).It was found that 239 species (170 genera, 70 families) of medicinal plants were used to cure 18 kinds of natural diseases and 2 kinds ofsupra natural diseases. Almost half of those plants (119 species) had leaves used as medicines. Among the diseases, gastrointestinaldisorders had the highest number of medicinal plants used (72 species), followed by fever (64 species), and fractures (41 species). Itseemed that younger generation had lost their knowledge in the medicinal plants because their knowledge of medicinal plants (48.19 ±8.35 species) was lower than the that of older generation (170.19 ± 18.38 species), while our key informants had the highest knowledgeof medicinal plants among respondents (202.00 ± 12.32 species).

Local knowledge of medicinal plants and wild food plants among Tatars and Romanians in Dobruja (South-East Romania)

Ethnobiological studies in South-Eastern Europe are gaining the interest of scholars and stakeholders, given that they are increasingly considered crucial for the evaluation and valorisation of local bio-cultural heritage. An ethnobotanical survey focusing on local wild food and wild and non-wild medicinal plant uses was conducted in six villages of Dobruja, Eastern Romania, among 44 elderly participants belonging to Tatar and Romanian communities. We recorded and identified 77 plant taxa, corresponding to 93 plant (use) reports. Only approximately half of the plants and one-third of the plant reports were common to both Tatars and Romanians. This demonstrates that the ethnobotanies of the two communities have remained somewhat different, despite the common history that these communities have shared over many centuries within the same social and environmental space. This finding can be explained by their different religious affiliations (Romanians are Orthodox, while Tatars are Muslims), which has limited intermarriages and relevant exchanges of knowledge, practices, and beliefs related to plants. In particular, nettle (Urtica dioica) is quite commonly used for food by Romanians, but is ignored by Tatars. Our study may be of interest to rural development programs aimed at fostering community-based management strategies of natural resources, as well as ecological and gastronomic tourism.