Preparation Of Remedies Research Articles

Thermal evaluation of solar dryers and the effect on the antioxidant and some physicochemical properties of Agastache mexicana and Rosmarinus officinalis.

Lemon balm (Agastache mexicana) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were dried using a mixed-mode solar dryer. A 23-factorial design was carried out: operation mode (mesh shade and direct irradiance), airflow (natural convection and forced convection), and type of flat plate solar collector cover (polycarbonate and glass). The drying kinetics of lemon balm and rosemary ranged from 4.5 to 6.5h and 4 to 7h, respectively, according to the operation mode of the solar dryer. The highest percentage of antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil tests was lemon balm, with values between 88% and 93% (100µg/mL), and rosemary, 88% and 92% (100µg/mL). When forced convection was applied, solar collector thermal efficiency increased from 3.97%-5.11% to 17.20%-24.75%, dryer efficiencies ranged from 4.78% to 6.05%, and drying efficiencies between 14.17% and 44.23%. The lowest color difference (6.01) for lemon balm was shown with the mesh shade, forced convection, and glass cover collector, and for rosemary, the lowest color difference (12.87) resulted from using the mesh shade and natural convection; according to the analysis of variance, the cover collector did not affect significantly the color difference. Dehydrated lemon balm and rosemary could be used as an additive for medicinal, gastronomic, and food preservative applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results are significant for designing dryers for community centers in areas where the production and losses of fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and edible flowers are high. The novelty of this research is to introduce a new product for the consumer; in this case, the traditional dried rosemary and lemon balm in powder form as a nutritional source, both for the preparation of remedies and for direct consumption in dishes, powders, or healthy pills and food supplements.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to manage human ailments in Lay Gaint District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia

The aim of this work is to document and record the use of medicinal plants to treat various ailments in the study area. A total of 84 informants, consisting of 54 men and 30 women, between 35 and 80 years of age were chosen. Additionally, 20 key informants were deliberately selected for their expertise. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, group discussions, and guided field walks using semi-structured interview questions. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using quantitative analytical tools such as preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, fidelity level and informant consensus factor. Forty-six medicinal plants belonging to 41 genera and 33 families were collected and identified. Brassicaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Polygonaceae had the highest abundance of medicinal plants used to treat various diseases in the study area. Most of the medicinal plants were herbs (43 %), followed by shrubs (35 %). The study revealed that leaves (45.7 %) were the most frequently used plant parts in the preparation of remedies. The most common mode of administration was oral ingestion (61 %), followed by dermal application (30 %). Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Allium sativum L.had the highest preference rank, whereas Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile was identified as the most popular medicinal plant due to its multipurpose use. while the value of fidelity level (FL) for medicinal plants in the study ranged from 34 % to 94 %. The study also identified several threats to medicinal plants in the study area, including charcoal production, overgrazing, and agricultural expansion. To prevent the eradication of these medicinal plants, the involvement of local communities in the management and conservation of plant resources is crucial.

Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Anti-Acne Face Wash Gel

Aim: To study the preparation of herbal anti-acne face wash gel remedies are more tolerable as well as safer as with side effects than the synthetic ones. We have prepared formulation using herbals. Objectives: Acne is common problem that 85% of the teenagers face today. Inthis study, poly herbal anti-acne face wash gel where prepared using herbal materials. Material and methods: Herbal face wash was prepared from the extract of neem leaves (azadirachta indica), tulsi, lemon juice, aloe Vera, glycerin, carbopol, methyl paraben, trie-thanolamine; sodium lauryl Sulphate is generally used in the preparation of face wash to avoid the maximum side effects

An Ethnobotanical Study of Antidote Medicinal Plants in Kalkulam Taluk, Kanyakumari District

Ethnobotany is the field of science that deals with the association between plants and humans, the term implies the study of indigenous or traditional knowledge of plants. This ethnobotanical survey focused on prevalence of antidote medicinal plants and the traditional knowledge of that plants among the local people of Kalkulam taluk, Kanyakumari district. The information was collected from local communities. The antidote plant species that used for different types of poisons in the study area, were documented on the basis of identification of antidote plants. A total of 45 antidote medicinal plants, belonging to 25 families were collected and identified. Plant family with the highest antidote plants in the study area used for various types of poisons was Fabaceae (17%). The result of growth form analysis showed that Shrub constituted the highest proportion of antidote plants (34%), Roots (39%) were the most frequently utilized plant parts for preparation of traditional antidote remedies. Most of the antidote plants in the study area used for animal poison with the proportion of (92%). Decoction was a widely used method of preparation of traditional antidote remedies where oral administration 92% was the dominant route. The study revealed people of the Kalkulam area are well known about the antidote plants and mostly used for poisoning and post poisoning symptoms and also used as first aid therapy in poisoning cases. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Antidote, Medicinal plants, Poisons, Traditional remedies

Traditional lore on the healing effects of therapeutic plants used by the local communities around Simien Mountains National Park, northwestern Ethiopia.

Simien Mountain National Park is a world heritage site with spectacular landscapes and rich in floral diversity. Exploring the plethora of conventional wisdom regarding therapeutic flora for sustainable use and drug development is a timely endeavor. Thus, the present study was aimed at investigating therapeutic plant uses and conservation practices by the local communities dwelling in the vicinity of the Park. Eighty randomly selected general informants and 20 purposefully selected key informants were used to collect the traditional lore from 10 purposefully selected kebeles that border the Park. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, guided field walks, group discussions and market surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the basic information collected from the informants. An independent sample t test was computed to compare the knowledge variations among different informant groups. Clustering and ranking techniques were employed to validate traditional wisdom of informants. Significant differences in traditional wisdom (P < 0.05) were observed only between general and key informants. Hundred thirteen therapeutic plant species belonging to 56 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the most species-rich family (10%). The majority of therapeutic species were collected from the wild (77%). Herbs and roots were the most preferred habit (47%) and plant parts (37%) for remedy preparation, respectively. Pounding was the most common preparation method (50.1%). The most frequently practiced route of administration was the oral route (48.1%). The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value (84%) was recorded for respiratory and febrile illnesses. Rumex nepalensis was the most preferred for the treatment of wounds, and Olea europaea subsp cuspidata wasthe first-ranked multipurpose plant. The Park is rich in therapeutic species serving as a refuge for many endemic and endangered species associated with the local community rich medicinal traditional lore. Erosion of therapeutic plants, verbal transfer of the traditional wisdom and young generation negligence in acquiring traditional lore led to the deterioration of the long tradition of using therapeutic plants for health care. Endangered multipurpose therapeutic plants like Echinops kebericho should get conservation priority. Therapeutic plants with the highest ICF and fidelity level could be candidates for drug development.

Homemade herbal remedies - tradition with practical relevance

The preparation of homemade herbal remedies has always been practiced by animal keepers and is still employed in farm animals today. In order to document this practice, an ethnoveterinary study was conducted in Bavaria in 2018-2021. The farmers were interviewed on site and the reported recipes were documented in detail and, where possible, also carried out during the interviews. The plant parts used were weighed using a laboratory balance in order to be able to calculate a daily dose per animal or the concentration in the end product for as many of these traditional use reports (UR) as possible. A total of 716 recipes for 884 UR were named in the 77 interviews by the participating farmers. Two thirds (69%) of the formulations mentioned consisted of one or more medicinal plants and 31% dealt with other natural home remedies (honey, vinegar, etc.). Overall, the farmers surveyed preferred the use of single plants in their formulations. Most UR were for cattle (77% of all reports). These traditional remedies are most often used in Bavarian stables for the treatment and prophylaxis of gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, there was a high correspondence of the medicinal plants used with described UR from two historical reference books. The study participants used their homemade herbal remedies with a high degree of satisfaction and thereby act within the scope of their own responsibility as farmers. This traditional knowledge of herbal preparations containing active ingredients, which has been passed on for generations, may also be a good starting point for a phytotherapeutic supplement in the treatment of farm animals in veterinary practice. Pharmaceutical and feed law framework conditions must be adhered to.

Lychee (Lychee chinensis Sonn.), composition and possible applications

Objective: to mention the importance of the bioactive compounds and fatty acids (FA) present in lychee, in addition to their possible applications Lychee is a fruit originally from Asia, which has sweet pulp and juice, presents an attractive appearance and pleasant flavor, in addition to high nutritional value, so that it is quite accepted by consumers. Lychee is a great source of bioactive compounds such as tannins and vitamin B1. Because of its functionality, it has various uses as in the preparation of teas and medicinal remedies. Because of the functionality it has, it is important to research this fruit in detail and to find possible applications. Therefore, the objective of this study.

Medicinal Plants Used by Oromo Community in Kofale District, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study was to record the utilization of medicinal plants by the Oromo people in the Kofale District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to control human and animal health problems. Data regarding the use of medicinal plants were collected using ethnobotanical methods from 84 traditional medicine practitioners and 304 general informants sampled employing purposive and systematic random sampling methods, respectively, in the Kofale District. Data were analyzed using different indices, including a preference ranking exercise, informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and relative popularity level (RPL). In the district, 106 medicinal plants were claimed to be used for the treatment of 43 human and 18 livestock illnesses, of which 75 (71%) were used to manage human health problems, 23 (21.5%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments and eight (7.5%) were utilized to treat manage livestock health problems. Most (76.4%) plants were harvested from the wild. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (55.6%) in remedy preparations. Skin diseases scored the highest ICF value (0.97), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (ICF = 0.95), cancer (ICF = 0.93), and hemorrhoids (ICF = 0.91). Medicinal plants that record the highest fidelity level (FL) (100%) and rank order priority (ROP) (100%) values included Justicia schimperiana, Embelia schimperi, Ekebergia capensis and Datura stramonium, which have been used to treat liver disorders, tapeworm infections, babesiosis, and rabies, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the mean numbers of medicinal plants claimed by different social groups: older, illiterate, and traditional medicine practitioners reported higher mean numbers of medicinal plants than younger, literate, and general informants, respectively. This study indicated the richness of medicinal plant species in Kofale District. Medicinal plants with the highest FL and ROP values and those used to treat disease categories with the highest ICF values should be prioritized in future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

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.

An ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of fracture and dislocation in Ogugu, Kogi State Nigeria

The documented information on traditional medicinal plants in Ogugu communities of Kogi State is vague and limited to its species and thus very little research has been done on these medicinal plants. An Ethno-botanical study was conducted to take inventory of the species by the inhabitants of various communities in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government area of Kogi State in bone fracture treatment and dislocation. The study was carried out between May through September 2019. Ethnomedicinal knowledge was gathered from 20 traditional bone setters in 10 communities using questionnaires. The plants most referenced from the questionnaire were collected and identified using various standard methods and procedures. 80% of the respondents were male while 20% were female. 40% were in the range of 31-41 years of age and only 10% were in the age range of 20-30 years. About 45% has no formal education while only 5% had a university degree. TBS with most year of experience (21-25 years) are only 5% while the profession is dominated by those of moderate time of practice (11-15 years) with 40% representative. A total of 49 medicinal plant species distributed in 27 families and genera were documented. Family Euphorbiaceae was found to be mostly used for fracture treatment. The most frequent used plant parts were the leaves (49.5%). The method of preparation of the herbal remedies were generally best in the form of poultice administered in the form of paste to give the best result in fracture and bone setting treatment.

Crude extracts of &lt;i&gt;Momordica cochinchinensis&lt;/i&gt; (Lour.) Spreng exerts antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia

Purpose: To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties of the leaves, seeds and pulp of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (commonly known as Gac) in vitro and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 microglial cells.&#x0D; Methods: Lipopolysaccharide was applied to BV2 cells for 24 h in the presence or absence of Gac extracts. Then, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assayed using CM-H2DCFDA method, while nitric oxide (NO) level was determined with Griess reagent. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were determined using ELISA. Three different assays were used for determination of in vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts, namely, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging; 2,2’-azinobis-3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total flavonoids content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were also determined. &#x0D; Results: There were significantly higher levels of ROS, NO, TNF and IL-6 in LPS-treated BV2 cells than in control cells (p &lt; 0.05). However, exposure of LPS treated BV2 cells to the leaf, seed and pulp extracts of Gac led to marked decreases in levels of ROS and inflammatory mediators, when compared with untreated cells, with the seed extract producing significantly larger decreases in levels of ROS and inflammatory mediators than the leaf and pulp extracts (p &lt; 0.05). The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and total reducing power activities of the seed extract were superior to those of the leaf and pulp extracts. Moreover, the seed extract showed higher contents of TFC and TPC than the other two extracts.&#x0D; Conclusion: Gac extracts exert antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects on LPS-activated BV2 cells and in an in vitro model. Therefore, Gac extracts, especially seed extract, may be beneficial in the preparation of innovative antioxidative and anti-neuroinflammatory herbal remedies, as well as dietary supplements.

Spasmolytic Activity of Gentiana lutea L. Root Extracts on the Rat Ileum: Underlying Mechanisms of Action

The roots of Gentiana lutea L. are utilized in the preparation of various beverages and herbal remedies, serving as a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal ailments. The spasmolytic activity that could substantiate the traditional use of G. lutea root had not been investigated. The main objective goal of the study was to determine the validity of its use as a traditional remedy. The extraction of G. lutea root was performed using a 50% hydroethanolic solvent with three different extraction techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), heat-assisted extraction, and percolation. The spasmolytic activity was tested on isolated rat ileum. The mechanism of action was monitored using the models of spontaneous contractions and acetylcholine-, histamine-, CaCl2-, Bay K8644-, L-NAME-, ODQ-, apamin-, BaCl2-, charybdotoxin-, glibenclamide-, TRAM-34-, and quinine-modified contractions. UAE, having the best bioactivity, was further subjected to a liquid–liquid extraction fractionation. HPLC phytochemical analysis was performed for all tested extracts and fractions. Gentian root extracts were rich in secoiridoids, xanthones, and flavonoids. The UAE has shown better results on spontaneous contractions in comparison to its fractions, leading to the more detailed testing of its spasmolytic mechanism of activity. The extract’s activity is primarily mediated through intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, ATP-sensitive K+ channels, voltage-sensitive K+ channels, and mechanisms that activate Ca2+ channels. Overall, the G. lutea root shows great potential in the treatment of spasmodic gastrointestinal ailments.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local people in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, which combines richness in plant resources and cultures of human plant use. The people of Habru District of North Wollo Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) have a long history of use of plant resources for various purposes including in traditional herbal remedy preparation and use. However, the district has not been adequately studied for its ethnobotanical resources and the associated knowledge. This study focused on human medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Habru District. The objective of the study was to document and analyze the plant species used by the local communities to treat human ailments along with the associated traditional knowledge and practices.MethodologyThe study was carried out in Habru District from June 2021 to December 2022. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions (one at the district level and 12 at the kebele/subdistrict level) and market surveys. A total of 388 informants (250 males and 138 females) were selected from all 13 kebeles within Habru District using systematic random sampling, and 42 key informants were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were applied for data analysis.ResultsThe results provide insights into the medicinal plant diversity within Habru District, where 134 plant species in 110 genera and 54 families were documented, including 2 endemics, highlighting the district’s significance in biodiversity conservation and healthcare delivery. Disease prevalence analysis showed that gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments (ICF = 0.85), febrile diseases (ICF = 0.84), and culture-related conditions exhibit high informant consensus factors. Remedy preparation involves various plant parts, predominantly leaves (47.3%), followed by roots (22.1%), fruits (7.0%), and seeds (5.8%). Freshly harvested plant parts were frequently used (58.2%), while 24.7% involved both dried and fresh parts. Oral application (47.3%) and topical use (31.8%) are the major routes of remedy administration. The marketability of medicinal plants was evident, with 16.4% of the species reported as marketable, including Terminalia brownii Fresen. Myrtus communis L., Ruta chalepensis L., Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., Allium sativum L. and Capsicum annuum L. Multipurpose plants such as Solanum somalense Franchet. (91.3% FL), Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. (88.9% FL), and Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (85.7% FL) exhibited notable healing potentials.ConclusionThe current study underscores the intricate relationship between the local community and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and health care and acknowledging the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and ecosystem health. The results contribute to the development of sustainable conservation strategies, healthcare practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge, and highlight the interdependence of human societies and their natural environments. Community-based conservation initiatives with active participation of local communities are desirable for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species and their habitats. Raising public awareness about the sustainable harvesting and utilization of marketed medicinal plants (e.g., Terminalia brownii Fresen.) that are under threat is also important to ensure their availability for future generations and contribution to socioeconomic development.

Ethnobotanical Studies on Traditional Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Humans’ Skin Diseases in Ethiopia: A Review

The ethnobotanical literature review explores the use of medicinal plants in treating skin diseases in Ethiopia, assessing gaps in accessible research papers. 18 scientific papers, including M.Sc. theses, journals, electrons, and proceeding, highlight the safety and cost-effectiveness of these plants. In this ethnomedicinal literature review, a total of “233” species belonging to 71 families under 170 genera were selected from different regions of the country. Taxa commonly used for the treatment of skin disease belong to six families such as Asteraceae (19), Fabaceae (17), Solanaceae (15), Euphorbiaceae (14), Lamiaceae (11) and Malvaceae (10, each) in number of species. Herbs formed a major component (43%), while shrubs, trees, and climbers constitute 32%, 16%, and 9%, respectively. Plant species cure various skin diseases such as dandruff, eczema, skin rash, scabies, inflammation, cuts, wounds, boils, itching, sores, and swellings. The most frequently used plant parts for the preparation of remedies were leaves, followed by roots and/or leaves. Traditional folk medicines hold the heritage of community acceptance because they are derived from indigenous knowledge and skills that also involve theories, beliefs, and experiences. In this review, the current literature on ethnomedicinal plants is summarized, along with a listing of the medicinal plants used for common skin ailments. Based on the reviewed papers, the main threats to medicinal plants in the country were overgrazing, agricultural expansion, firewood, drought, and construction. Thus, the review paper concludes by providing recommendations regarding the scenarios of research in the country.

Traditional knowledge about medicinal plants by maya-chontal inhabitants of the town of Tucta, municipality of Nacajuca, Tabasco, Mexico

In Tabasco the use of medicinal plants is extensive by a large group of the population, both rural and urban, largely because they do not have the economic resources. Therefore both, researchers and governmental institutions have been conducting research to rescue the knowledge about medicinal plants. One of these places is the town of Tucta in Nacajuca, Tabasco, where the largest number of Mayan-Chontal indigenous groups live. Para ello, se aplicó un modelo de metodología Etnobotánica, se comenzó a seleccionar a los informantes con los que se trabajó mediante la técnica de bola de nieve. In this small community, only three people had the knowledge according to the technique used, of which two are women and one is a man. The average age of these people is 55 years old. There are 87 species and 78 genera grouped in 44 families, being the Asteraceae the ones that presented the highest number of species with 9. Regarding the biological form that predominates, herbs occupy 60%, with species such as coriander (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) and incense (Artemisia mexicana Muller) among others. Forty-eight conditions were recorded, however, 11 are the most common, the most frequently reported was cough 13 times. The parts of the plants most used for the preparation of remedies are the leaves with 56% of cases. Finally, 46% of the plants are cultivated in their gardens. This shows that in most of the communities there is still knowledge and medicinal species from the Chontal Mayan culture.

“MEDICINAL PLANTS TRADITIONALLY USED BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN AILMENTS IN AND AROUND ‘’POLO FOREST’’–VIJAYNAGAR DISTRICT”

This paper reports an ethnobotanical study that focused on the traditional medicinal plants used by local communities to treat various human diseases. The study focused on documentation of medicinal plants used to treat various human diseases in the study area. Ethnobotanical data were collected using surveys, interviews, field walks, and observations with local peoples. A total of 67 medicinal plants, were collected and identified. Crushing was a widely used mode of preparation of traditional remedies where oral administration was the dominant route. Local people in the study area possess a rich traditional knowledge on medicinal plants used to treat various human ailments. However, agricultural expansion and lack of interest by the young generation became a major threat to the medicinal plant diversity and the retention of the knowledge. It is, therefore, necessary to preserve this indigenous knowledge on traditional medicines by proper documentation, identification of plant species used, and the mode of preparation. To save medicinal plants from becoming rare in the area, cultivation of the medicinal plants by local communities is suggested.

Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Medicinal Plants from Algeria for Treatment of Liver Diseases

The objective of our study is to conduct an ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants used by people in El-Oued state, southeast Algeria, for the treatment of liver diseases. We collected data through personal interviews and questionnaires. In total, we conducted interviews with 156 respondents, the majority of whom were aged 50 or older. Our study of medicinal plants used for treating liver diseases led to the discovery of 78 species from 41 families and various genera, including 52% of medicinal plants found in the wild. Approximately 77% of these plants were primarily used in dried form for remedy preparation. The most commonly employed preparation method was decoction. Interestingly, 70% of the participants mentioned Zizyphus lotus (L.) Lam., Silybum marianum L., and Atriplex halimus L. as sources for treating liver illnesses. This investigation revealed that many people in the research region still rely on herbal remedies to treat liver disorders. Moreover, the present study provides valuable ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants, serving as a foundational resource for future extensive research in this field.

Ethnobotanical study of plants used in management of diabetes mellitus in Eastern Uganda

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDiabetes mellitus (DM) is the fourth leading cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases affecting about 422 million people worldwide and an estimated 1.5 million deaths directly attributed to diabetes each year with a prevalence of approximately 4.1% in Uganda. The disease is on an unprecedented rise in developing countries yet access to conventional diabetes medication is a huge challenge due to limited resources. Moreover, the current management and treatment options are life-long, expensive and associated with undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is widespread use of complementary and alternative medicines, mostly herbal medicines in the management of DM in Uganda. Aim of the studyTo conduct an ethnobotanical study about medicinal plants for the management of DM in Eastern Uganda, a resource-limited area with rich plant biodiversity. Materials and methodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in eight districts of Eastern Uganda. Eighty-six TMPs were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data on screening of DM, medicinal plant harvesting, herbal medicine preparation, packaging, posology and toxicities were generated. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 26. ResultsSixty-one plant species belonging to 38 families and 59 genera were used by the TMPs in the preparation of herbal remedies for the management of symptoms of DM. The most commonly used plant species were Kigelia africana, Tamarindus indica, Aloe vera, Erythrina abyssinica, Entada abyssinica, Carica papaya, and Maytenus senegalensis. The most frequently used life forms were trees (63.2%) and herbs (20%) belonging to families Fabaceae (11.4%) and Asteraceae (10%). Roots and leaves were the most used plant parts harvested predominantly from the wild. Most herbal remedies were prepared as decoctions and administered orally with no reported toxicities. ConclusionA wide range of medicinal plants are used by TMPs for management of diabetes in Eastern Uganda. Scientific evaluation of the antidiabetic potential, phytochemistry and toxicology of these remedies is needed to validate their use and inform the production of improved herbal medicines or discover novel molecules for effective management of DM.

Short Communication: Plants used by Sundanese mothers for maternal care in a rural village in Bandung District, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Oktavia D, Adnani QES, Gumilang L, Novianti E, Sunardi. 2023. Short Communication: Plants used by Sundanese mothers for maternal care in a rural village in Bandung District, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3568-3573. Traditional beliefs and plants are pivotal during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Little is known of Sundanese, a small ethnic group whose traditions and use of plants facilitate easier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. This study aimed to determine the traditional beliefs and types of plants used by Sundanese mothers of Bandung District, West Java, Indonesia during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Individual interviews using structured questions were conducted to collect socio-demography data and gather information on traditional beliefs and the use of plants concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Purposive and snowball sampling was employed to enroll women of reproductive age who were either pregnant at the time of the study or had recently given birth and were postpartum. Data were collected from 119 Sundanese women. These women frequently used 25 different medicinal plant species from 21 families to treat various conditions that arise during pregnancy and childbirth. The Zingiberaceae plant family was observed to be the most commonly used, with leaves being the most frequently utilized plant part. Decoction and cooking were reported as the most favored remedy preparation. The most effective plants during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum were Cocos nucifera L., Cocos nucifera L., and Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr., respectively. Therefore, to promote sustainable women's health in rural areas, the current findings highlight the necessity for conservation efforts and further studies on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of frequently used food and medicinal plants.

Cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey of plants used by traditional health practitioners for snakebite case management in two regions of Burkina Faso

BackgroundOphidian envenomation is a public health problem mainly in sub-Saharan African countries. The high cost of antivenom and/or its frequent unavailability in primary health care centres forces most snakebite victims to consult traditional healers for medicinal plants as a first-line treatment. PurposeThis study aimed to identify medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the Hauts-Bassins and Southwest regions of Burkina Faso to manage snakebite cases and repel snakes. Study designA cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was carried out from May to December 2022. We included 117 participants from the Hauts-Bassins and Southwest regions. The participants were traditional health practitioners. We used a questionnaire administered during interviews, and the responses of health practitioners were entered on an Excel sheet. Knowledge was assessed quantitatively using relative citation frequency. ResultsOf the total enrolled traditional health practitioners, 65 were recruited in the Hauts-Bassins region, and 52 were recruited in the Southwest region. The majority of participants were male (84.61%, 99/117). More than 80% (94/117) of the participants were illiterate, and 90% (105/117) stated that they had received their knowledge from their ancestors. A total of 31 plant families, subdivided into 58 species, were mentioned by the two groups of traditional healers. Polygalaceae (28.2%) was the most frequently mentioned family, followed by Annonaceae (14.52%) and Fabaceae (13.67%). Roots were the plant part most used by traditional healers for remedy preparation, with a percentage of 68.96% (40/58). The route of administration was mostly oral, with warm water, slurry and/or tamarind juice. For the repellent, the most common method of use was by spraying. ConclusionsOur results showed that plants belonging to the Polygalaceae family were most commonly used in the Southwest and Hauts-Bassins regions in snakebite case management by traditional practitioners. Comprehensive pharmacological and toxicological studies need to be carried out on the reported medicinal plants to contribute to the well-being of local communities in tropical and subtropical areas.