Potential Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

A Review on Divine Tree Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Linn – A Treasure House of Therapeutic Components

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn is a short ancient tree believed to be a divine tree in India. The tree bears beautiful white flowers known for its aura. It is extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Since time immemorial, crude extracts of each part of the tree is used as a classical medicine in treatment of organ disorders, fevers, infections, expectorant, allergies, gynaecological problems, and various other diseases. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn possess phytochemicals such as Alkaloids, steroids, Glycosides, flavonoids, Terpenes, essential oils, proteins that exhibit pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, hepato-protective, CNS depressant, anti-anaemic, antipyretic, sedative and many more. This review article has included all the possible details about the plant, its distribution phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities. Phytochemical studies and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn’s pharmacological activities indicated it as a potential medicinal plant for various elements. However, more research is crucial to investigate the mode of action of the plant’s bioactive constituents and its therapeutic potential.

Probable Potential Medicinal Plants of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The paper deals with 72 probable potential medicinal plants belonging to 63 genera and 39 families of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for curing various ailments among different ethnic societies. Out of 70 species, 6 are endemic to these islands and 8 species extend to South East Asia except mainland India. The information has been gathered by field survey and from literature.

Potential of Bioresource Usage in The Tropical Area of Southeast Asia for Human Mental Well-Being

Human health and well-being depend on lifestyle, and current unhealthy lifestyles cause many health problems, including mental health problems. Therefore, people are searching for natural remedies to overcome such well-being problems. Medicinal plants have been used as a primary source of health care and treatments for many diseases. However, the recent search for valuable plants concentrates on human physical well-being. This attention needs to shift to mental well-being as the current limited and poor diet and modern lifestyle adversely affect people's mental health. Southeast Asia consists of tropical countries with abundant bioresources for potential medicinal plants and various food crops. Many underutilized plants have vast marginalized medicinal potentials and have yet to be fully exploited. The traditional knowledge of the application of medicinal plants for mental well-being and in superstitions and healing rituals in Southeast Asia is described in this paper. Scientific exploration of many traditional healing and magic practices in Southeast Asia will benefit in understanding the application of medicinal plants. The incorporation of advanced technologies in detecting beneficial plant compounds from such traditional practices in Southeast Asia will aid humans in finding remedies for modern health problems. This review focuses on the usage of potential plants available in Southeast Asia for human mental well-being and the application of herbals in superstitions and healing rituals.

Morphological characterisation of ethnomedicinally important Kaempferia L. (Zingiberaceae) and its present distribution status in Manipur, North-East India

Kaempferia L., a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is one of the most potent medicinal plants in India and requires proper attention. Our efforts to collect various species of Kaempferia in their natural habitat led to the collection of 30 accessions, including K. galanga, K. marginata, K. parviflora, K. rotunda, and five other unidentified Kaempferia species that are likely natural hybrids with no distinguishing features. It has been found that rhizomes are the most usable portion of the plant, and people in this region use them the most for medical purposes. The present study aimed to describe and evaluate the morphological structures of the plant, incorporating 52 phenotypic descriptors. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were employed to explore diversity. The majority of the traits tested were highly variable. The elevation range (28704.02%) and plant height (at 648.03 %) had the largest coefficients of variation (CV %), whereas anther length (0.06 %) and corolla shape (0.19 %) had the lowest. Rhizome size has a high positive correlation with the odour of the aerial plant parts, growing, dormant, new shoots sprouting, and flowering seasons. However, it shows negative correlations with elevation, lifespan of the flower, and number of leaves. Principal component analysis (PCA), revealed that the first five components accounted for 89.90 % of the variability, and hierarchical grouping based on accession dissimilarity revealed two significant groupings. It was found that wild K. species populations were genetically diverse, suggesting that this diversity can be used for agronomic and horticultural purposes to isolate and characterise numerous important, well-adapted genotypes with the potential to significantly increase yields. Therefore, it is crucial to conserve the genetic material that is currently available.

Endophytic fungi-assisted biomass synthesis of eco-friendly formulated silver nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities

Fungi-mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles is one of the promising nanomanufacturing processes. Using endophytic fungi isolated from potential medicinal plants has emerged as a novel approach for producing several metal oxide nanoparticles in a green and cost-effective manner. The present study validates the biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles of endophytic fungus (Phyllosticta capitalensis Henn.) (Phyllo-AgNPs) isolated from the leaves of Annona muricata and the effect of process variables, i.e., reductant concentration, ratio of AgNO3 to reductant concentration, reaction time and reaction pH to achieve maximum efficiency using the factorial design approach. The nanoparticle formation was confirmed by absorption peaks between 400 nm and 500 nm, followed by their characterization by UV–visible spectroscopy, TEM, SEM-EDX, XRD, particle size, and zeta potential analysis. The in-vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial potential (agar well dfiffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration) of Phyllo-AgNPs at various concentrations were assessed. The Phyllo-AgNPs scavenged the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and inhibited the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes at an IC50 of 31.75 ± 0.70, 39.32 ± 1.12 and 28.56 ± 1.08 μg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial potential was determined against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and, Salmonella typhimurium. The study revealed the therapeutic potential of Phyllo-AgNPs against pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the in-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities showed improved results compared to the standard (ascorbic acid and acarbose). By taking note of this, Phyllo-AgNPs can be further studied for pre-clinical trials, which would be beneficial in developing novel medicines with no adverse effects for the benefit of mankind.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of the Iranian Coastline of Makran Based on the Unani Medicine

Background:: Makran is a semi-desert coastal strip that extends from southeastern Iran to Baluchestan, Pakistan, on the coast of the Oman Sea. This region has a special place in the country and enjoys the cultural diversity of the Baluch people. Aim:: As no specific ethnopharmacological data are available for the Makran coastline, the present work was undertaken to document and analyze traditional knowledge of medicinal approaches used by Baluch communities (Chabahar and Konarak counties) during 2021-2023 in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Methods:: Data were collected through direct observations during comprehensive field surveys, comprehensive questionnaires, and interviews with local traditional practitioners, herbal healers, and grocery and itinerant sellers of medicinal plants and minerals. Results:: Because of its strategic location, ethnomedicine knowledge of this area has been influenced by Indian and Pakistani medicine and has been endowed with a marvelous diversity of therapeutic approaches, such as Unani or Ayurvedic systems of traditional medication for the treatment of different diseases. Herbal integration, mineral (kushtas), mud, and music and heat therapy are examples of medicinal approaches utilized in the study area. A total of 74 potential medicinal plants belonging to 41 families and 6 mineral drugs have been identified to be traditionally used for remedial measures against special diseases. The inventory of medicinal plants showed that Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Malvaceae dominated other plant families. Out of the total documented species in this area, some species were used as medicine in at least two or further forms in the local communities. The results have shown that musculoskeletal (SKE-L), digestive (GAS-D), and respiratory (RES-R) diseases have high ICF (>0.90). In terms of temperament, 37% of the medicinal plants used in this region have been found to be hot and dry, 28% hot and moist, and 25% cold and dry. Also, 77% of the medicinal plants have been found to have two degrees of toxicity. Spearman's correlation showed a moderate correlation between temperament and phytochemical compounds (r=0.31). Comparing our data with ethnopharmacological references in Iran revealed that applications of minerals (kushtas) have not been investigated in other provinces and are significant in this region. Conclusion:: The culture of the coast of Makran is rich in the local knowledge of traditional medicine. In addition to herbal medicines, mineral substances are also used in this area, which are a good source for the treatment of various ailments. The Unani medical system and the composition of herbal medicine (multi-ingredients) are the main features of medicinal methods used at the Makran coastline. The variety of treatment methods used by the Baluch people can suggest a suitable candidate for finding drugs.

Secondary Metabolite Profile in Mature and Old Leaves of Four Piper Species: Forest Betel (Piper aduncum L.), Red Betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.), Javanese Chili Betel (Piper retrofractum Vahl.), and Green Betel (Piper betle L.)

Piper species is a potential medicinal plant, empirically known for its effectiveness in curing various diseases, particularly in Indonesia. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the similarities and differences in the profile of secondary metabolite compounds in mature and old leaves of four Piper species using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis was also carried out to identify the specific compounds found in each species at different leaf development stages. Samples used were mature and old leaves from four species of Piper, namely forest betel (Piper aduncum L.) (PA), red betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.) (PC), Javanese chili betel (Piper retrofractum Vahl.) (PR), and green betel (Piper betle L.) (PB). Subsequently, samples were extracted using ethanol solvent and secondary metabolite profile was detected through GC-MS. A total of 40 secondary metabolite compounds were found in mature and old leaves of four species. The results showed that alkaloid content contributed 25% of the total compounds detected, while fatty acids yielded the largest portion (27.5%). Based on PCA score plot analysis, a significant grouping of secondary metabolite compounds was observed in all species, where PC was categorized separately on the right, and the other species were on the left. Several specific compounds were also found only in one species and not in others. Similar to mature and old leaves, some compounds were discovered in one of the developmental phases. Dillapiole and hexadecane were only found in PA, both in mature and old leaves; germacrene A, eugenol, and chavicol were found in mature and old leaves of PB, but beta-selinene, delta-guaiene, and linolelaidic acid were only found in mature leaves. In PC, there were specific compounds namely benzofuran, myrcene, and 1,6,10-dodecatrien that were found in mature and old leaves. Besides that, trans-ocimene and alpha-bisabolol were only found in old leaves of PC. In PR, only tetracosane was found in mature leaves, while piperidine, octanodecanoic acid, and benzylmalonic acid were found in old leaves.

Evaluating the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Pathogenic Properties of Cannabis Species.

The Cannabis species is one of the potent ancient medicinal plants acclaimed for its medicinal properties and recreational purposes. The plant parts are used and exploited all over the world for several agricultural and industrial applications. For many years Cannabis spp. has proven to present a highly diverse metabolomic profile with a pool of bioactive metabolites used for numerous pharmacological purposes ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial. Cannabis sativa has since been an extensive subject of investigation, monopolizing the research. Hence, there are fewer studies with a comprehensive understanding of the composition of bioactive metabolites grown in different environmental conditions, especially C. indica and a few other Cannabis strains. These pharmacological properties are mostly attributed to a few phytocannabinoids and some phytochemicals such as terpenoids or essential oils which have been tested for antimicrobial properties. Many other discovered compounds are yet to be tested for antimicrobial properties. These phytochemicals have a series of useful properties including anti-insecticidal, anti-acaricidal, anti-nematicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Research studies have reported excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although there has been an extensive investigation on the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis, the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis on phytopathogens and aquatic animal pathogens, mostly those affecting fish, remain under-researched. Therefore, the current review intends to investigate the existing body of research on metabolomic profile and anti-microbial properties whilst trying to expand the scope of the properties of the Cannabis plant to benefit the health of other animal species and plant crops, particularly in agriculture.

Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Extract: A Potential Alternative to Conventional Antibiotics

As part of the ongoing search for potent and resistance-free antibacterial medicinal plants, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the plant extract of Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf. Standard procedures were used to provide a potential cheap alternative to conventional medication for treating bacterial infections. The aqueous extract of V. amygdalina leaves was prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening, which revealed the presence of tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. The antibacterial activity of the extract was tested against the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method. The extract showed moderate antibacterial activity, exhibiting 10 mm and 8 mm zones of inhibition against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. However, it displayed no activity against E. coli. In comparison, the standard antibiotic gentamicin produced larger zones of inhibition of 33.5 mm, 27 mm, and 23.5 mm against the respective test organisms. The results suggest that V. amygdalina extract had greater antibacterial activity on the gram-positive S. aureus than on the gram-negative microorganisms tested. The presence of phytochemicals like tannins, saponins and alkaloids in the extract may contribute to its antibacterial properties. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the medicinal potential of V. amygdalina and isolate the active compounds responsible for the observed antimicrobial effects. Overall, the findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of this plant in treating bacterial infections. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial resistance, Traditional. medicine

Validation of classical pharmacology of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) through reverse pharmacology

Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) belonging to the Malvaceae family is one of the most frequently used herbs in Ayurveda therapeutics. It has been included in Agraya Prakarana (best among their class drugs) which signifies its role in various diseases. In Charaka Samhita, Bala has also been categorized under Balya, Brimhaniya and Prajasthapana Mahakashaya. It is used in several diseases like Vatavyadhi, Vatarakta and acts as a Rasayana. Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, sterculic acid, malvalic acid are its main bioactive chemical constituents. It has been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological activities like CNS depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antidiabetic activities and the plant is reported to be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease also. In classical texts, five varieties of Bala have been mentioned and all are said to possess similar properties and actions. All the varieties are abundantly available across the country. Thus, Bala becomes one of the most potent medicinal plants of present era. Present paper is an attempt towards exploration of therapeutic potential of the drug through reverse pharmacology.

An Updated Review of Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth

There are a myriad of potential medicinal plants worldwide. Researchers have found some, while others are still unexplored. Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (family: Lamiaceae), commonly known as the cat's whiskers plant, is a well-known herbal plant with many medicinal uses. All the parts of O. stamineus, such as the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds, have their uses. More than 140 pure compounds were identified and isolated from different extracts of O. stamineus, particularly leaf extracts and stem oils. Flavonoids are the most abundant phytoconstituents found in O. stamineus leaf extract. Several pharmacological activities have been studied and validated using extracts as well as pure compounds. Multiple phytoconstituents attributed to these pharmacological activities such as diuretics, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiepileptic, etc., have been discovered. Considering the purported benefits of O. stamineus, the present review critically evaluates and discusses the pharmacognosy, taxonomy, ethnobotany, pharmacological activities, and phytochemistry of O. stamineus and provides updated information.

Review of Arnebia euсhroma as a Potential Medicinal Plant Based on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity

Abstract: Arnebia euchroma, commonly known as "Pink Arnebia," is a plant from the Boraginaceae family found in Western and Central Asia. Traditionally, it has been used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatological ailments. Recent studies have highlighted its pharmacological properties and potential health advantages, resulting in increased interest in this plant. Pharmacognostic investigations have revealed the presence of various beneficial phytochemicals. Phytochemical studies have identified several bioactive compounds in A. euсhroma, such as eugormoside A, eugormoside B, scopoletin, and β-sitosterol, which exhibit diverse biological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-ulcer effects. The therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds suggests that A. euсhroma could be beneficial for a wide range of diseases. Pharmacological studies have validated the plant's healing properties, demonstrating its antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Furthermore, A. euсhroma extracts possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases. Other pharmacological actions of A. euсhroma include wound healing, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic effects. Overall, A. euсhroma exhibits promise as a medicinal plant with significant health benefits. However, further research is required to identify the active compounds responsible for its pharmacological activity and elucidate their primary mechanisms of action. Additionally, clinical studies are necessary to assess its safety and efficacy when used therapeutically. The primary objective of this review is to showcase the phytochemical composition and traditional ethnopharmacological applications of A. euchroma worldwide. The study examines previous research concerning this plant, laying the foundation for a forward-looking perspective on the potential future of A. euchroma.

Profiling Potent Medicinal Plants: Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, and Annona squamosa in Diabetes Management

Diabetes mellitus, a global metabolic disorder, continues to affect millions, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies to complement existing treatments. Medicinal plants have historically been significant in managing various diseases, including diabetes. This review paper profiles three potent medicinal plants – Allium sativum (garlic), Azadirachta indica (neem), and Annona squamosa (sugar apple) – that hold promise in the arena of diabetes management. Delving into their historical context, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and modes of administration, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their therapeutic potential. Preliminary studies have indicated that the bioactive compounds in these plants exhibit antidiabetic properties, supporting their traditional use in many cultures. This review underscores the importance of integrating such natural remedies into modern therapeutic strategies, offering potential benefits in diabetes care and promoting holistic health.

Effect of moringa extract on parasitemia, monocyte activation and organomegaly among Mus musculus infected by Plasmodium berghei ANKA.

In Indonesia, malaria remains a problem, with 94,610 active cases in 2021 and its current therapy includes chloroquine and artemisinin; however, resistance has been commonly reported. To overcome this problem, studies about potential medicinal plants that can be used as antimalaria, such as moringa (Moringa oleifera) started to receive more attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moringa in parasitemia, monocyte activation, and organomegaly on animal model malaria. This experimental study used male Mus musculus, infected by Plasmodium berghei ANKA, as an animal malaria model. The extract was made by maceration of dry moringa leaves, which were then divided into three concentrations: 25%, 50%, and 75%. Dihydroartemisinin-piperazine was used as a positive control treatment, and distilled water as a negative control treatment. The animals were observed for six days to assess the parasitemia count and the number of monocyte activation. On day 7, the animals were terminated, and the liver, spleen, and kidney were weighed. The results showed that the effective concentrations in reducing parasitemia and inducing monocyte activation were 50% and 25% of moringa leaf extract, respectively. The smallest liver and spleen enlargement was observed among animals within the group treated with a 50% concentration of M. oleifera extract. In contrast, the smallest kidney enlargement was observed in the group treated with 25% of M. oleifera extract. Further analysis is recommended to isolate compounds with antimalarial properties in moringa leaves.

Clerodendrum Glandulosum Lindl.: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Pharmacological Potentials, and their Mechanism of Action.

Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. is popularly known for its traditional herbal remedies and therapeutic properties among the people of Northeast Indian communities, as well as Chinese traditional medicine. For the myriad pharmacological properties, viz., anti-hypertensive, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective, planting this species in kitchen gardens is a common practice to treat various ailments, especially hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic complications. Different phytochemicals, representing the diverse classes of secondary metabolites comprising physiological and phytopharmaceutical significance, have been reported from C. glandulosum. Compounds with terpenoids, steroids, and phenolics are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry. An overview of the mechanism of action of the prominent compounds has also been collated for future research on C. glandulosum-based therapeutics. Current information focuses on this important medicinal plant's ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, associated mechanisms, and toxicology. This review will help explore this potential medicinal plant, which can pave the path for its application in the pharmaceutical industry.

In vitro regeneration of Arisaema leschenaultii (Blume) using leaf explants

A standard in vitro regeneration protocol from leaf explants was developed for a potential medicinal plant Arisaema leschenaultii. Maximum callus induction (78%) was achieved on MS medium fortified with BAP (1.5 mg/L) and NAA (0.9 mg/L). The maximum percentage of shoot proliferation (75%) was attained on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L of BAP and 0.5 mg/L of GA3. The highest root induction (70%) was achieved on MS medium prepared with the combination of NAA (1.5 mg/L) and IBA (0.6 mg/L). The well-rooted plantlets that successfully followed acclimatization in the green house survived. The present efficient and optimized protocol provides mass propagation as well as the possibility of germplasm conservation for this study species.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plant at Namorambe Village, Deli Serdang North Sumatra

The Ethnobotany of medicinal plants by the community of Namorambe Village, Pancur Batu District, Deli Serdang Regency has been going on for generations. Namorambe is a village dominated by the Karo ethnic group. This study aims to determine the type, percentage of species, method of processing and use of medicinal plants. The research method was carried out by means of in-depth interviews with people who use medicinal plants. Sampling was done by purposive sampling of 42 respondents. There are 50 types of medicinal plants consisting of 29 families which are often used by the people of Namorambe Village. The types of medicinal plants most widely used by the community are from the family Zingiberaceae (8 species), Solanaceae (4 species), Myrtacea (3 species), Euphorbiaceae (3 species). The families Arecaceae, Laminaceae, Malvaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, and Rutaceae each with 2 species, and the other families each with 1 species. The results of this research can become a data base for potential medicinal plants that can be developed in a sustainable manner.

Resources and utilization of medicinal plants in countries and regions involved in "the Belt and Road" Initiative

The protection, development, and utilization of medicinal plant resources are important cornerstones of maintaining human health. However, due to factors such as the reduction of high-quality land resources, deterioration of ecological environments, and excessive and disorderly resource development, medicinal plant resources are becoming scarce, and some of them are insufficiently supplied. With the proposal of "the Belt and Road" Initiative, the cooperation between China and "the Belt and Road" partners(the countries and regions involved in "the Belt and Road" Initiative)is increasingly close, which provides a new opportunity for carrying out trade of medicinal plant resources and alleviating the problem of imbalance and relative inadequacy of medicinal plant resources in countries. This study first determined the distribution and species information of plant resources in countries and regions involved in "the Belt and Road" Initiative by investigating the database of plant distribution and that of medicinal plant resources. Then, according to the published data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES), this study identified the rare and endangered medicinal plants and the medicinal plants under trade control in countries and regions involved in "the Belt and Road" Initiative and finally sorted out the list of potential medicinal plant resources in countries and regions involved in "the Belt and Road" Initiative that can be used by China. This data resource can not only be used for the overall protection of important endangered species but also scientifically guide the development and utilization of medicinal resources, providing guidance and a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of medicinal plant resources in countries and regions involved in "the Belt and Road" Initiative.

Survey of Major Diseases on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Growing Areas of Ethiopia

Medicinal and aromatic plants are industrial plant that are primarily used for therapeutic, aromatic and culinary purposes as components of cosmetics, medicinal products, health foods and other natural health products. Like other cereal crops, these potential medicinal and aromatic plants are constantly in grave danger from disease attack. The aim of this study was to assess the most prevalent diseases on prioritized medicinal and aromatic plants. Survey was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural research stations and herb growing companies in Ethiopia. Survey fields were observed from vegetative to maturity stage of the plant to assess the pest status. A total of 11 medicinal and aromatic plants were assessed in four different locations and these herbs were attacked by various diseases. Rust disease was the most serious problem on Aloe vera and Lemon grass, accounting for 30-40 percent of disease severity at Wondo Genet. In Butajira, powdery mildew was the most common disease found on sage, with a 20 percent severity. Downy mildew was recorded as a major disease on basil plants in Hawassa and Debre Zeit, with a 30-35 percent severity. Therefore, identification of the pathogen's causing agents and integrated disease management for the major recorded diseases of medicinal and aromatic plants needs further research.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by the people of Soro District, Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundEthnoveterinary studies are important to maintain the sustainability of livestock health and support people’s livelihoods through the provision of food, maintaining livestock health, and other biological resources. This study was carried out in Soro District, southern Ethiopia, to identify, document and analyse plant species with ethnoveterinary uses along with the associated indigenous and local knowledge.Materials and methodsInformants were selected using purposive (key informants) and systematic random sampling (general informants) methods. Data on ethnoveterinary plants and their uses were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions with five to seven members in each and participant observation. Informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed to identify the most common livestock ailment categories and the best plant species with ethnoveterinary use, respectively. Preference ranking methods were used to identify the potentially effective ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for the most frequently reported livestock ailments. The use diversity of multipurpose plants with ethnoveterinary importance was analysed using the analytical methods of ethnobotany including priority ranking, comparisons and important indices. The T-test statistic was used to compare knowledge differences among different social groups.ResultsA total of 132 plant species in 120 genera and 61 families were reported by informants as having ethnoveterinary uses. The plants are said to be used by the local communities in various ways to treat 50 livestock health problems. Higher number of informants (23.77%) cited Momordica foetida for the treatment of 16 livestock ailments. The highest informant consensus value for this species is associated with its use for treating blackleg in cattle; Nicotiana tabacum was cited for the treatment of 15 livestock ailments mainly recommended for the Lumpy Skin Disease/Ailment of bovines; Croton macrostachyus for treatment of 13 livestock ailments including wooden tongue, FMD in bovines; and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum for nine ailments mainly diarrhoea of all livestock types. Achyranthes aspera is claimed to provide the most effective treatment for Aspiration pneumonia (severe coughing in bovines, sheep and goats) alone, while Croton macrostachyus, Ximenia americana, Allium sativum and Juniperus procera were indicated as potential plant species to treat Lumpy Skin Disease in bovines in the order given. The fidelity level analysis showed that Datura stramonium, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia and Asparagus africanus were potential medicinal plant species to treat the respective ailments of rabies, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and evil eye/spirit. Multipurpose plant species including Prunus africanus, Combretum molle and Afrocarpus falcatus have been highly threatened as indicated by direct matrix ranking mainly due to collection of fuel wood, construction materials and making household utensils, and farm implements rather than for other uses.ConclusionSoro District has rich and diversified livestock herbal medicinal resources, and indigenous knowledge of remedy preparations and applications is transmitted through generation lines. This resource faces anthropogenic threats with deforestation being the leading factor. Consequently, ethnoveterinary medicinal plants continue to decline before adequate and proper scientific documentation and testing are made. There is a dire need for planning and implementation of appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation strategies and to strive towards ensuring the survival and sustainable utilization of such important plant resources of Soro District. This must be supported by further documentation of the associated indigenous knowledge and pharmacological testing of the key promising species including Balanites aegyptiaca (novel species/NS to treat specific ailment), Brugmansia suaveolens (novel species/NS reported first to treat Livestock ailments/LsAs), Euclea divinorum (NS to treat specific ailments), Grevillea robusta (NS), Hagenia abyssinica (NS for the reported specific ailment), Pentanema confertiflorum (NS), Juniperus procera (NS), Maesa lanceolata (NS), Millettia ferruginea (NS for reported specific ailments), Schrebera alata/NS, Securidaca longepedunculata, Spiniluma oxyacantha/NS, Vepris nobilis (novel species reported first to treat LsAs), Zanthoxylum asiaticum /NS and Ximenia americana (NS for specific ailments). This ethnoveterinary study attempted to fill part of the gaps concerning the prevalent livestock health problems and the associated indigenous and local knowledge in the area.