Usage Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Oxidative Stress and Aging and Medicinal Plants as Antiaging Agents

Background: Aging processes is the way of humans becoming older. Aging also eventually leads to alterations in biological, physiological, psychological and social processes. There is mounting evidence demonstrating the participation of oxidative stress in aging. In this review, we discuss on free radicals and oxidative stress and their role in aging. Methods: In this mini review, the effects oxidative stress on the aging processes and the role of medicnal plants as an antiaging agent have been studied by using various published papers as well as credible sources. Results: After searching, screening, and qualitative evaluation of various published papers Most of these studies have confirmed the role of oxidative stress in aging procesess, and have also emphasized the role of medicnal plants as anti aging agent. Oxidative stress which developed by the accumulation of free radicals has been commonly linked with the process of aging which has drawn attention to the prevention of early aging by utilizing medicinal plants. Conclusion: Medicinal plants play an important role in delaying aging processes, especially the prevention of early aging. This review also summarizes the updated information on the potential usage of medicinal plants as an antiaging agent. Hence, medicinal plants should be considered as future green antiaging agent.

Preparation of herbal curd with Gymnema sylvestre and its characterization for the treatment of liver cancer

AbstractHerbal curd was prepared by adding the Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract during fermentation and its activity against liver cancer was investigated on HepG2 cell lines by MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazole‐2yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The prepared herbal curd was characterized with the help of qualitative phytochemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography‐ mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The sensory attributes and stability of the herbal curd were also determined. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the herbal curd showed the transfer of phenolic compounds from the plant extract to herbal curd. The FT‐IR analysis exhibited that the Anhydride group present in the plant extract was infused into the herbal curd in addition to its other functional groups such as Alcohol, Alkyne, Alkene, Amide, Sulfate, Ether and Esters. The GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 10 new compounds which were not present in curd or plant extract. The results of MTT assay showed that the herbal curd had significantly reduced the growth of HepG2 cells. The sensory evaluation proved that the herbal curd was delicious than the plant extract. Hence, it can be used as a potential food supplement for the treatment of liver cancer.Practical ApplicationsFermented milk products have been used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases including cancer and diabetes. Recently, the usage of medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer and other diseases has gained incredible attention due to their higher activity and minimal side effects. Gymnema sylvestre is a pharmacologically significant medicinal plant, used in different kinds of poly‐herbal formulations for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, it was used for the preparation of herbal curd that will serve as an alternative remedial measure for treating liver cancer.

Herbal Teas and Drinks: Folk Medicine of the Manoor Valley, Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan.

In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities in accessibility and affordability of these facilities coexist throughout Pakistan. Thus, we aimed to explore and document the cultural knowledge of herbal teas used medicinally by the local community members of Manoor Valley, Pakistan. Field investigations were undertaken during the summer season of 2015–2017, and cultural practices of medicinal plant usage for treating various ailments were gathered through interviews of the local inhabitants. Ethnomedicinal insights of the medicinal plants used in herbal teas were gained with different indexes. Our results revealed 27 plant species, comprising of herbs (70%), shrubs (26%), and trees (4%), which were used for treating 21 diseases. Plants belonged to 18 families: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the leading families used for treating diseases. Diarrhea and gas troubles were the most frequent diseases. Based on indexes values, Cannabis sativa was the dominant species used. The results revealed that 57% of medicinal uses are new to literature. This ethnomedicinal study is providing the first insights into the traditional medication system of Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan, through ethnomedicinal teas.

Medicinal plants and their uses recorded in the Archives of Latvian Folklore from the 19th century.

The records of folk medicine present historical evidence of medicinal plant usage in the territory of Latvia and describe native and imported plants and plant products that were used as medicine. To collect and analyse the ethnobotanical knowledge found in records of Latvian folk medicine available in the Archives of Latvian Folklore. Following the International Classification of Primary Care, plant uses were grouped into one of the 17 categories based on the body systems and psychological and social problems. Each plant was identified by its scientific name according to The Plant List website. Additionally, the plant parts used, dosage forms of herbal medicines and routes of administration were analysed. In total, 211 genera belonging to 71 families were mentioned in the analysed materials. The most common health conditions were digestive system disorders, respiratory system disorders and skin disorders. The plant families with the largest number of taxa were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae. The most frequently mentioned native plant taxa were Achillea millefolium L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Allium cepa L., Artemisia absinthium L., and Plantago sp. L. Leaves and flowers were the most commonly used parts, and herbal tea was the most common dosage form. Only 59 out of 211 taxa mentioned in this study are included in the official herbal monographs of the European Medicines Agency. One hundred and fifty-two plant taxa mentioned in the records of Latvian folk medicine are not included in the European Union herbal monographs providing scientific information on the safety and efficacy and deserve further exploration as traditional herbal medicines.

Alteration of Multi-drug Resistance Activities by Ethanolic Extracts of Nigella sativa Against Urinary Pathogens

Abstract: Background and Objective: Most of the urinary pathogens cause urinary tract infection (UTI) have developed multidrug-antibiotics resistance (MDR) and had forewarned the interest in researching natural products to increase the usage of medicinal plants as alternative therapies for infectious diseases. The study was aimed to investigate the alteration of multidrug-resistant properties of ethanolic extract from Nigella sativa against clinically isolated MDR urinary pathogens. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract from Nigella sativa was investigated against clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii using agar disc diffusion technique, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Ethanol extract of Nigella sativa possesses strong microbial growth inhibitory effects in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum MIC values were observed for Proteus mirabilis (1.5 mg mL–1), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2 mg mL–1), extended-spectrum ?-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.5 mg mL–1), ESBL producing Escherichia coli (2.75 mg mL–1) and Acinetobacter baumannii (2.5 mg mL–1). The MBC inhibitory effects of ethanolic extracts were greater than that of corresponding MIC results for all clinical isolated urinary pathogens. The bactericidal concentration of ethanol extracts was slightly increased than the corresponding MIC. Conclusion: This study augmented the effective alteration of MDR properties by the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds. Thus, it might be used as an effective natural source of a safe antimicrobial agent against emerging MDR clinical isolates in the future.

The comparative study of medicinal plants utilization as herbal antibiotics by college students

The medicinal plant utilization has become more and more popular and increasing number of consumers prefer alternative medicine to synthetic antibiotic. Research dealing with evaluation of medicinal plant usage as herbal antibiotics including the sample of 584 quizzed college students aged 19 – 25 years (337 women, 217 men) originated from Slovak Republic (n = 338), Czech Republic (n = 112) and Hungary (n = 134). According to university and the study programme the following groups were evaluated: Constantine the Philosopher University CPU (PEES – Pre-school and elementary education in Slovak language, PEEH – Pre-school and elementary education in Hungarian language, BI – Biology, RT – Regional Tourism), Mendel University in Brno MU (H – Horticulture), Slovak University of Agriculture SUA (H – Horticulture), University of Pécs UP (PE – Physical education), Comenius University CU (PE – Physical education). The study was aimed at the evaluation of the significance of the country and the study programme for the use of the most commonly used herbs: plantain, elderberry, stinging nettle, ginger and coneflower (Echinacea). Our results showed that the choice of preferred medicinal plants as herbal antibiotics during illness had not been clearly influenced by country or field of study programme. Plantain was the most frequently used herb by students of UP/PE (51.5%), CPU/PEES and CPU/PEEH (47.9%; 41.1%). Elderberry was the most popular herb among the students CPU/BI (52.9%), CPU/RT and SUA/H (37.8%). Stinging nettle was preferred as the most popular herb in groups of CPU/RT (46%). The significantly lower consumption of Echinacea was noticed in MU/H 4.5% in comparison with groups, CU/PE 26.4% (p <0.05), CPU/PEEH 27.4% (p <0.01), UP/PE 17.2% (p <0.05) and CPU/RT 28% (p <0.05). Regularly, all the year round the highest utilization of Echinacea was evident in CPU/BI 30.0%. The highest percentage formed respondent’s utilized Echinacea only during illness. Otherwise, the differences between the frequencies of Echinacea usage cannot be considered as statistically significant. Generally, a significantly higher level of ginger usage was assayed within groups SUA/H 80.0% (p <0.001), CPU/PEEH 66.3% (p <0.001), UP/PE 36.6% (p <0.001), CPU/BI 58.8% (p <0.001), CPU/RT 56.0% (p <0.001), MU/H 78.6% (p <0.001) and CPU/PEES 77.1% (p <0.001) in comparison with the rest of the groups. Daily the respondents from CU/PE 20.8% consumed ginger significantly more often than students belonging to CPU/BI 0.0% (p <0.05) and MU/H 0.0% (p <0.05). Respondents from CPU/PEEH consumed statistically significantly more ginger once a week in comparison with students belonged to MU/H 0.9% (p <0.05). To sum up the research results, we can claim that state or study programme had no clear statistically significant evidence on the regular consumption of medicinal plants as herbal antibiotics.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in Ahar-Arasbaran (protected area in East Azerbaijan Province of Iran)

Iran is an ancient country in the usage of medicinal plants and Ahar is known as one of the richest regions of medicinal plants. The traditional knowledge about medicinal plants is the basic step in many drug productions and these kinds of information should be documented through botanical investigations. The present study is the first survey conducted in this region and its primary point is to distinguish such plants and to present their application in traditional medicine. In this study, the data was gathered by talking with indigenous individuals to identify medicinal plants with local importance developed during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Scientific names and therapeutic uses are also mentioned. The results obtained from the present study indicated that there were 46 medicinal species of 23 families in Ahar and local people mainly used Lamiaceae and Asteraceae then Rosaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, and Zygophyllaceae medicinal taxa. Medicinal plants were mostly used to treat intestinal-digestive disorders, for cold treatment and for soothing pain. According to results, significant ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants gives premise information to future pharmacological and phytochemical studies. Also, this document can be utilized as a part of protecting indigenous knowledge.

Traditional usage of medicinal plants by Temiar tribes in the State of Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

Traditional medicine has deep historical linkages and cultural roots. In a rural community, it is practice based on the ethnological, medical and heritage of the practitioners. Temiar indigenous tribe of Orang Asli in Kelantan, have their traditional way of beliefs and healing practices. This study examines the remedies using medicinal plants and herbs among the tribe members in Kampung Pasik, Kelantan, Malaysia. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were conducted with 250 respondents. A total of 18 species of medicinal plants was recorded preferably used by the tribes. Results indicate that traditional phytoremedies practices play an important role in helping their healthcare system with the help of the tribe healers. Cultivated medicinal plant species represent 94% of the source, whereas 4.4% were found wild in the forest and 1.6% grown around their settlement. This study revealed that five preparations methods such as boiling (27.56%), pounded (27.45%), squeeze (21.60%), drying (14.17%) or concoction of various part of medicinal plants (9.22%). The most applied were by drinking (35.29%), chewing (32.70%) and 19.89% rubbing, poultice (6.40%) and shower ingredients (5.72%).

Survey on folklore medicinal plants knowledge of inhabitants of Khammam District, Telangana, India.

The present folklore study was carried out to document and analyze traditional usage of medicinal plants by local communities reside in and around the forest patches of Khammam district of Telangana. The survey was conducted during 2014-2018 using questionnaire and face-to-face interviews and prescribed plants were collected, identified perusing standard literature and online e-floras. The survey reports that 78 plant taxa belonging to 73 genera and 42 families were prescribed as ethnobotanical drug formulations to treat various ailments. Among these, Fabaceae is the predominant family with 13 species of 11 genera, followed by Apocynaceae (8 spp.) and Acacanthaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Menispermaceae and Solanaceae are with 3 species each and 28 families are represented with single species. This report created scientific roots in the ethnomedicobotanical domain of the study area and recommends further pharmacological investigation which confers the potent phytochemical compounds.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of medicinal plant extracts used to treat wounds and dermatological disorders

Medicinal plants used for wound healing and skin diseases are key to unlocking the doors to combating resistance of pathogens to pharmaceuticals and allopathic management. This study was aimed at screening the antioxidant effects, the anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing capacity of traditional medicinal plants used in the treatment of skin conditions and wound healing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Eleven plant species were selected and separated into different plant parts (bulbs, roots and leaves) and extracted using 50% aqueous methanol. The extracts were assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity using the nitric oxide release and lipoxygenase inhibition assays. Almost all plant species exhibited some degree of anti-inflammatory activity. The observed antioxidant results (DPPH, FRAP, CLAMS) were significant for many of the extracts. The LOX revealed that five of the medicinal plant extracts, Bulbine natalensis, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypericum aethiopicum, Tetradenia riparia and Zantedeschia aethiopica were effective as anti-inflammatory agents with IC50 values below the quercetin control and ranged from 3.55 ± 0.11 to 9.52 ± 0.11 μg/mL. The results of the wound healing assay/protein precipitating activity were significantly excellent for the three Aloe species, two Bulbine species and support scientific evidence from previous research. The protein-precipitating capacity as a wound healing model was significant for Haworthia limifolia 82.71 ± 0.74% while the rest of the plant extracts had moderate to low values. In addition, medicinal plant extracts from E. autumnalis, H. limifolia, H. aethiopicum, T. riparia, and Z. aethiopica demonstrated promising and beneficial results for potential use in the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. Antioxidant assays as well as anti-inflammatory assays (nitric oxide release and lipoxygenase inhibition assays) and wound healing assays support the dermatological and wound healing usage of these traditional medicinal plants and warrants further investigations and possible isolation of bioactive principles. Overall, the results from this multi-dimensional medicinal plant study provide extensive information on the 11 plant species and their various plant parts.

Traditional Herbal Knowledge among the Inhabitants: A Case Study in Urgam Valley of Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.

The Indian Himalaya is rich in plant species, including many medicinal plants, greatly valued by local inhabitants for health care needs. The study in Urgam Valley of Uttarakhand, India, is to identity and document traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The study revealed high consensus on medicinal plant usage, with 51 species belonging to 31 families used for local health care. Number of species and uses known increases with age, and elders and specialist healers retain higher levels of traditional medicinal plant knowledge, having unique knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses as well as preparation.

Routine Usage of Medicinal Plants in Northern Jordan

Routine Usage of Medicinal Plants in Northern Jordan

Survey on usage of medicinal plants: a case from Chitwan district of Nepal

The aim of this study was to know the commonly available medicinal plants and to document their usages. Study was carried out around periphery of 'Gyaneswor Community Forest' of Bharatpur-16 of Chitwan district of Nepal. Altogether, forty household were selected by random sampling, and key informant interview was carried out with community forest personnel's and leading farmers. Most of the respondents of Bharatpur-16 were found to be dependent on medicinal plants for their primary health care. Because of no side effect, easy availability and cost effectiveness of medicinal plants, most people were found satisfied using it. However, the use of and preference for medicinal plant was found limited to minor diseases only. The findings of this study revealed that there are many medicinal plants in our periphery that can be used as an alternative for allopathic medicines, but they need to be systematically managed and conserved.
 SAARC J. Agri., 16(2): 129-141 (2018

Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest valuable bestowals that were given to mankind. Many plants and herbs hold their prestigious position in the field of medicine. The worldwide interest in the use of medicinal plants has been growing, and its beneficial effects being rediscovered for the development of new drugs. Based on their vast ethnopharmacological applications, which inspired current research in drug discovery, natural products can provide new and important leads against various pharmacological targets. This work pioneers an extensive and an updated literature review on the current state of research on Rosmarinus officinalis L., elucidating which compounds and biological activities are the most relevant. According to these references, there has been an increasing interest in the therapeutic properties of this plant, regarding carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid and the essential oil. The present manuscript provides an updated review upon the most reported activities on R. officinalis and its active constituents. This knowledge about the medicinal plants usage can also be extended to other fields like field of pharmacology. In view of the nature of the plant, more research work can be done on humans so that a drug with multifarious effects will be available in the future market.
 Keywords: Rosmarinus officinalis, phytochemicals, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, neuroprotective activity, anti-diabetic activity.

Habitual Use of Medicinal Plants among a Group of Jordanian Elderly According to Physical Activity and Gender

Introduction: Traditional medicine use has grown significantly in the last few decades around the world. Similarly, in Jordan. The information regarding the percentages of older adults in Jordan who adopt a healthy life-style and consuming medicinal plants along with performing physical activity are limited.Objective: To evaluates the use of medicinal plants among a sample of Jordanian elderly population and the effect of physical activity and gender on their habitual medicinal plants usage.Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 120 elderly Jordanian (62 women; 58 men) and evaluated for medicinal plant usage. A questionnaire was used for collecting personal, social, anthropometries and lifestyle information including the daily activities through a personal interview by the principal investigator.Results: In this study about 90% of all participates were using medicinal plants and 95% of males and females used medicinal plants were physically active. Females were used medicinal plants (100%) more than male (79.31%), the most medicinal plants used among elderlies were sage (88.33%), thyme (85.00%) and peppermint (81.67%).Conclusion: The study highlight the increasing number of herbal users among Jordanian elderlies especially females and physically active people and alarming about the possible risk associated with herbal/drug interactions among this age group.

Immunomodulatory effect of Premna odorata volatile oils in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Introduction: The development of multi drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB, increased the interest in the usage of medicinal plants that are complementary to antibiotics to improve anti-TB efficacy. The present study aimed to confirm the anti-TB efficacy of volatile oils (VOs) isolated from different parts of Premna odorata in vivo, and moreover, to test the possible involvement of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in its anti-TB efficacy. Methods: Thirty mice were divided into six equal groups. Group 1: healthy mice (negative control). Groups 2-6 were injected intravenously with a positive TB solution of purified MeDiPro Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) antigen for 7 days to induce tuberculosis. Group 3-6: TB-injected mice treated respectively with leaves VO (300 μL/d), young stems VO (300 μL/d), flowers VO and a combination of the three essential VOs (1:1:1). Various immunologic factors and antioxidant activity were evaluated and compared in the groups. Results: TB-infected mice showed a significant increase in the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL) 1-β and the mRNA expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) & nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and a decrease in IL-10 & total antioxidant capacity (TAC). While pretreatment with VOs extracted from leaves, flowers, young stems and a combination of the three oils reversed these effects. Conclusion: The immunomodulatory effects of VOs extracted from different parts of P. odorata against TB infection involve the TLR-4/NFκB signaling pathway as well as, antioxidant effects, recommending that the use of this plant may help TB infected patients.

Nghiên cứu hoạt tính kháng khuẩn của cao chiết nước từ một số loại cây dùng làm thuốc dân gian tại Vườn Quốc gia Bidoup - núi Bà, tỉnh Lâm Đồng

Folk medicine was used to treat some common diseases such as diarrhea, inflammation, wound healing … by ethnic minorities at Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong province. However, the usage of medicinal plants has been mainly based on experiences and this study aimed to evaluate antibacterial activity of the medicinal plants as a basis for further studies. Night water extracted folk medicinal plants that ethnic minorities used to treat diarrhea were tested for antibacterial activity against 16 indicator bacteria by well diffusion agar. These results showed that the recovery performance of the extract from folk medicinal plants was high (11,99% - 29,52%). The result of antibacterial activity showed that 5/9 water extracts had antibacterial activity. The extract from xidra nguon (Medinilla septentrionalis) had the highest antibacterial activity (against 16/16 indicator bacteria) with inhibition diameter zone from 9,3 mm to 11,0 mm; 4/9 water extracts had weak activity and 4/9 extracts had no antibacterial activity. The preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts that possessed the highest antibacterial activity showed the presence of some bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. The results of this study showed that not all folk medicinal plant that was extracted by water are highly active, so there should be more intensive research.

Cydonia oblonga miller: An update review of its ethno pharmacology

Historic documents present evidences of Quince domestication in the Mesopotamia, between 5000 and 4000 BC that have been pursued to about 500 BC in the ancient Persian and Greek empires. By the end of nineteenth century, domesticated populations of this plant had been spread to the West and East Asia, Europe and America which in turn, created several centers of diversity along its distribution route in some regions such as plateau of Iran, Anatolia, Greece and Southern Europe, north of the Black Sea and Russia. Cydonia oblonga Miller (C. oblonga) is considered as an important medicinal plant throughout the world. It is native to Mediterranean region and Central Asia having a long term history of medicinal and ethnobotanical use. C. oblonga is well known for its anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, anti-hemolytic, aphrodisiac and UV-protectant activity. It is a good and low cost natural source of metabolites with interesting biological properties. Extensive research has been performed on the metabolic profile and biological potential of this species. In particular, quinces leaves reveal to constitute a promising natural source of bioactive phytochemicals and are suitable for application in nutritional/pharmaceutical fields. Mostly it is grown for fruit and also serves as rootstock for pear. This paper gives an overview of scientific literature available on plant C. oblonga. This knowledge about the medicinal plants usage can also be extended to other fields like field of pharmacology. In view of the nature of the plant, more research work can be done on humans so that a drug with multifarious effects will be available in the future market.

Hematopoiesis Activity of Sambucus javanica on Chloramphenicol-induced Aplastic Anemia Mouse Model

Hematopoiesis has a pivotal role in the maintenance of body homeostasis. Ironically, several hematological disorder caused by chemicals, drugs, and other environmental factors lead to severe bone marrow failure. Current treatments like stem cell transplantation and immunosuppression remain ineffective to ameliorate this diseases. Therefore, a newtreatment to overcome this entity is necessary, one of them by promoting the usage of medicinal plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the hematopoiesis potency of S. javanica berries and leaves extracts in chloramphenicol (CMP)-induced aplastic anemia mice model. In this present study, several types of blood progenitor cell such as TER-119+VLA-4+ erythrocytes lineage, Gr-1+ granulocytes, and B220+ Bcell progenitor cells were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Accordingly, we revealed that S. javanica berries and leaves extracts significantly promoted TER-119+VLA-4+ erythrocytes lineage and Gr-1+ granulocytes after exposed by CMP. Thus, these results suggested that S. javanica berries and leaves extracts might have hematopoiesis activity in CMP-induced aplastic anemia mice model.

Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by ethnic communities of South India

Background : The information of therapeutic medicinal plants used by ethnic/indigenous communities in the south of India is constrained at best. These ethnomedicinal treatments constitute a critical local healthcare resource and potential for expanding research on phytomedicines of India. The present study aims to document and evaluate the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants as well as compare the distribution of knowledge and examine where research efforts are concentrated in order to gain a glimpse of current needs and future possibilities for research in the region. Methods : This study conducted a literature review of multitude of ethnic/indigenous communities in regard to ethnobotany, medicinal plants, ethnic studies, and studies on traditional knowledge and included peer-reviewed journal articles, and scientific reports published between 1980 and 2016. Results : Our study found a total of 2000 plant species belonging to 1033 genera and 215 families used in herbal preparations. Interestingly, only seven families contributed to the highest number of medicinal species and herbs used extensively for herbal preparations which include decoctions, infusions, tonics, and juice. Conclusions : This multi-disciplinary, wide-scale study brought in data from a wide diversity of both plant species and ethnic communities. The study documents the rich wealth of indigenous knowledge and usage of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases and also these research highpoints the potential of continued research with these communities and highlights some areas where more research efforts could be directed. This also underlines the potential for future studies on drug screening and the need for conservation of biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge practices.