Preparation Of Remedies Research Articles

English

An ethnoveterinary study of medicinal plants used by local people of Berbere district was carried out from June 25 to September 5, 2015. The study was focused on utilization of medicinal plants to treat various livestock health problems by people of the study area. The data were gathered using semi-structured interview, participant observation and personal interviews. A total of 69 informants (55 male and 14 female) in the age between 30 and 89 years were purposively selected from eight kebeles. Twenty four medicinal plants, which are distributed in 18 genera and 17 families have been collected and identified. These medicinal plants were collected from natural habitat [23 (94.6%)], whereas 1 (5.6%) from home gardens. The most frequently harvested medicinal plants parts was shrub accounting for 11 species (45.8%) for livestock. Leaves [13 (52%)] were frequently used plant parts for preparation of livestock remedies. Agricultural expansion was the major threat to medicinal plants. Creating awareness of young generation on the usage of traditional medicine and conservation is recommended. Key words: Medicinal plants, traditional utilization, Berbere district, South East Ethiopia.

Quantitative ethnobotanical appraisal of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of lower Kurram, Kurram agency, Pakistan

Medicinal plants are used for treatment of ailments throughout rural and urban areas of the world. Such use of plants varies from one region to another and is measured using quantitative techniques. The current research which was conducted from March to October 2015, is the first explorative study of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of lower Kurram, Kurram agency, Pakistan. Field trips were done to 20 location of lower Kurram and information regarding medicinal use of plants was collected from the locals through semi-structured interviews. A total of 52 plant species that were reported by the people from the region, to have medicinal value, fall within 48 genera and 35 families. The family Asteraceae comprised most of these herbs (6 species) followed by the family Lamiaceae (4 species) and Solanaceae (3 species). Leaves (24.3%) and fruits (21.6%) were the frequently used parts in preparation of remedies. The reported plants were used for treatment of 50 ailments with most of these plants (35 species; 30.97%) being used for treatment of digestive problems. Seriphidium kurramensis had the highest relative frequency of citation (66.18) and use value (1.10). Fidelity level of Caralluma tuberculata and Artemisia scoparia for diabetes was (61.22) and (55.56), respectively. The highest fidelity level for malaria was reported for Artemisia absinthium (43.66) and S. kurramensis (40.00). The inhabitants of lower Kurram still practice medicinal plants and few of the plants were used for treatment of fatal diseases like malaria, hepatitis and blood cancer. Haphazard cutting of plants and overgrazing are major threats that can affect plants biodiversity.

Abstract 5283: Ethnomedicinal practices and herbalists' perception of inflammatory bowel diseases as risk factor for colorectal cancer among patients with anorectal or gastrointestinal disorders in northern Nigeria

Abstract Traditional alternative medicine providers are widely patronized in many parts of Africa. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), anorectal and gastrointestinal disorders (AGD) usually designated as piles could be signs of early stage polyposis and are significant risk factors in colorectal cancers. A survey report reveals that over 20% of adults in Northern Nigeria have piles or symptoms of IBD or AGD and majority of them consume herbal preparations because they believed that such disorders are better managed using traditional medicine. Herbalist as such are important first contact for this particular group with IBD and AGD in Nigeria. Existing literatures have established that cultural practices and beliefs contribute to late-stage diagnosis of cancers in Africa. The study evaluated the ethno-medicinal practices used by herbalist in the management of piles and their knowledge and perceptions about colorectal cancers. Survey information including knowledge on colorectal cancer, herbal remedies used, methods of preparation and administration, as well as incidence of anal or bowel inflammation or hemorrhage in consulted patients were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 145 herbalists selling “pile” remedies in northern Nigeria were sampled for the study. The results identified 75 plants used for preparation of pile remedies, many of which contain toxic alkaloids and saponins; with those in the family leguminosae leading followed by euphorbiaceae and rubiaceae. Literature searches on these plants indicate that 31% are relatively safe for consumption, 15% contained quantified toxic phytochemicals with established toxicity status while the rest (46%) contained toxic phytochemicals with no evaluated toxicity. The main methods of preparation are infusion and decoction while main means of administration is by ingestion through oral route; 15% of respondents however indicated usage of herbs as suppositories and anal washes. Almost all the respondents (96%) are conversant with the term “Cancer” , 44% have an idea of what colorectal cancers are, while only 19% have correct knowledge of the sign and symptoms of colorectal cancers or believed that inflammation and hemorrhages are potential early signs of polyposis. Knowledge of association between IBD or AGD and colorectal cancers among herbalist showed weak correlation (r2 = 0.33). Findings concluded that there is a poor knowledge on colorectal cancer among herbalist and a general perception that AGDs are not risk factors for colon cancers. The study recommends for increased cancer education with particular attention at enlightenment of herbalist and patients with IBD and AGD on benefits of clinical treatments and importance of screening for early detection of colorectal cancers and possible intervention. Citation Format: Mubarak L. Liman, Sunday E. Atawodi, Uju E. Iliemene, Abdulrazaq Yusuf, Abduljalal Danbaba. Ethnomedicinal practices and herbalists' perception of inflammatory bowel diseases as risk factor for colorectal cancer among patients with anorectal or gastrointestinal disorders in northern Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5283.

Improving the Preparation and Prescription of a Homeopathic Remedy

SummaryIn this short article, a simple test is suggested for the control and standardisation of the dynamisation process in homeopathy. Furthermore, the habit of direct administration of homeopathic remedies is mentioned and a more professional way of prescribing is shown.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of pastoral community for treating livestock diseases in Somali regional state, eastern Ethiopia.

Modern livestock health care is still at its lowest stage in Ethiopia and most modern veterinary services like drugs and veterinary professionals are not accessible and affordable to the majority of pastoral farmers. As a result, they rely on their traditional knowledge and practices on locally available. However, this traditional knowledge has not yet been well documented. Therefore, this study identified medicinal plants used in treating animal diseases and examined factors that threatens ethno-veterinary in pastoral community of Shinle Districts. The survey study conducted on 180 households to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire and filed guided observations. Data were analyzed by using SPSS. Thirty-one plant species belonging to 18 families used against 14 types of livestock diseases. Majority of plant species fall under Fabaceae (22.5%) and Euphorbiaceae (16.1%) family that are largely shrubs. The most used plant parts were roots (35.5%) followed by leaves (25.8%). Remedy preparation was mainly through chop and soak in concoction of water and salt. Oral, topical, and nasal route were the common mode of administration. The principal threats of medicinal plants were invasive plants, drought, over grazing, agricultural activity, and firewood collection. Endogenous knowledge on ethno-veterinary medicinal plants was accepted orally from healer's forefathers and transmitted similarly. Awareness should raise and ethno-veterinary medicine should integrate in to livestock extension delivery systems for the need to exploit the possibility of discovering more medicinally viable plants. Further studies needed under controlled conditions on the efficacy and veterinary properties of such plant products and livestock disease treatments.

Faeces and the Old Sole of a Shoe: Remedies of the Dreckapotheke

Abstract In Tibetan horse medicine, the so-called Dreckapotheke remedies were very commonly an added ingredient in the preparation of remedies. In traditional Tibetan medicine, the medical ingredients are classified according to their origin. A category called Dreckapotheke however does not exist and there is no direct equivalent in the Tibetan language for this term. Nevertheless, Tibetan medicine identifies many ingredients that can be categorised as such, among these excrement, dirt and filth. Many of these that are introduced here are not used these days, and may never have been at all. The analysis of how this type of medicine is described in the Tibetan texts in this article is divided into several sections. After a general introduction to these types of ingredients, I provide a short description of the manuscripts on Tibetan horse medicine that survey diseases and treatments. This is followed by a survey of the Dreckapotheke remedies as outlined in chapter twenty of the most authoritative Tibetan text on human medicine, the Four Tantras (rGyud bzhi) with its commentary by the regent of the Fifth Dalai Lama Sanggye Gyatso (Sangs rgyas rgya mtsho). The main part of the article describes the use of these substances as found in the texts on horse medicine. I introduce its use in the German tradition, discuss the origin of these remedies and the naming of the ingredients. This article provides the basis for further research on the Dreckapotheke remedies.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Human Diseases in Berbere District, Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State, South East Ethiopia.

This paper reports an ethnobotanical study that focused on the traditional medicinal plants used by local communities to treat human diseases. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out from June 25 to September 5, 2015, in Berbere district of Oromia region, Ethiopia. The study focused on documentation of medicinal plants used to treat various human diseases in the study area. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semistructured interviews, group discussion, guided field walks, and observations with participants. Preference ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking, and informant consensus factors (ICF) were used to analyze the importance of some plant species. A total of 70 medicinal plants, distributed in 56 genera and 46 families, were collected and identified. Plant family with the highest medicinal plants in the study area used for various diseases treatment was Euphorbiaceae (11.4%). The result of growth form analysis showed that shrubs constituted the highest proportion of medicinal plants (48.6%). Roots, 43 (44.8%), were the most frequently utilized plant parts for preparation of traditional herbal medicines. Crushing was a widely used mode of preparation of traditional remedies where oral administration (37.5%) was the dominant route. The highest informants consensus factor (ICF) values were linked to gonorrhea and syphilis disease (0.95); the lowest was linked with external parasites and wound (0.69). Local people in the study area possess traditional knowledge of medicinal plants to treat various human ailments; however, agricultural expansion and disinterest of young generation became the major threat to medicinal plants. It is, therefore, necessary to preserve this indigenous knowledge on traditional medicines by proper documentation, identification of plant species used, and herbal preparation. To save medicinal plants from further loss, involving local communities in cultivation of the most utilized medicinal plants is recommended.

Plants Used by Bapedi Traditional Healers to Treat Asthma and Related Symptoms in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

To the best of our knowledge there are presently no ethnobotanical surveys focusing on the utilisation of herbal remedies for asthma in South Africa. The present study is therefore an attempt to fill this gap in knowledge. A total of 140 Bapedi traditional healers (THs) practicing in the Capricorn, Sekhukhune, and Waterberg districts of the Limpopo Province (South Africa) were queried using semistructured questionnaires, supplemented by field observations during face-to-face interview. A total of 104 medicinal plant species (92 indigenous and 12 exotics) belonging to 92 genera, distributed across 54 botanical families, mostly the Asteraceae and Fabaceae (18.5%, for each) as well as Malvaceae (12.9%), were used as antiasthmatics and related symptoms by these THs. Most of the plants were trees and herbs (37.5%, for each), with root (57%), leaf (15.8%), and bark (7.5%), respectively, being the saliently used parts for preparation of remedies. Clerodendrum ternatum, Cryptocarya transvaalensis, Lasiosiphon caffer, Enicostema axillare, Mimusops obovata, Sclerocarya birrea, and Stylochaeton natalensis were widely used and valued by all THs across the surveyed districts. Furthermore, these taxa also scored both the highest use value and fidelity level indexes as asthma therapies. Overall, the larger number of species documented in the present study is recorded for the first time in literature as asthma and/or related symptoms remedies. Our study finding generally contributes towards an establishment of South African database of herbal therapies used traditionally against these conditions.

High Potency Machines for Remedy Preparation in American Homeopathy

Today, heated discussions result from debates about the curative effect or efficacy of homeopathic remedies. Regardless of that debate, however, it is informative to examine a special chapter in the history of pharmacy: the preparation of high homeopathic potency dilutions by the means of different

High Potency Machines for Remedy Preparation in American Homeopathy

Today, heated discussions result from debates about the curative effect or efficacy of homeopathic remedies. Regardless of that debate, however, it is informative to examine a special chapter in the history of pharmacy: the preparation of high homeopathic potency dilutions by the means of different

APPLIED INFORMATICS MODEL ОF KINETICS ACCOUNTING OF CYBERNETIC THREATS IN NPP PHYSICAL PROTECTION SYSTEM

Context. The topical approaches to preventive estimations and mathematical modeling of cyber attacks processes and supply of external technological informational threats were considered, which may be directed on the physical security system of modern nuclear power plant units. Objective – is an adaptation of known mathematical models of cyber attacks kinetics for use in the system of information security and physical protection of nuclear power plants to modern and foreseeable conditions. Method. The method of model dependencies adaptation was proposed, which reflects the kinetics of cyberattacks to the modern operating conditions of protected nuclear facilities was proposed. To improve the model dependencies it was proposed to modify the classic Ferhulst function and, in mathematical modeling of cyber attacks on nuclear power facilities, to use the appropriate transformation of the logistic curve, which has distinctive feature of a well-defined maximum. Results. It was predicted that the model dependence of flow external to NPP cyber threats can be characterized by the alternation of maxima and minima, which indicates the possibility of an oscillatory character of the developing process. Also was put forward and substantiated the hypothesis that the system of physical and, in particular, cybernetic, NPP protection can be characterized by a time lag that in view of possible oscillatory character of information threats admissions process creates the preconditions for the development of oscillatory instability. The results obtained in the research are of applied nature, they can be used to carry out large-scale experiments and forecasting parameters of possible cyber threats aimed at the NPP for the purpose of pre-emption and preventive maintenance of information safety of modern nuclear energy technologies. Conclusions. Recommended for use model dependences were first adapted to the conditions of operating conditions of nuclear powerfacilities, take into account the factors to counter threats and circumstances associated with a specific time delay. It was shown for the first time that there is an opportunity both extreme and oscillatory dependence nature of the cyber attacks intensity, which are focused on software and hardware system of NPP information safety. The new approach allows to assume the reality of the unstable oscillation process in the “attack – defense” system and provides an opportunity of preventive assessment of the stability stocks. The practical significance lies in the fact that the results allow to realistically assess the time of onset of expected cyber attacks current dependence changes and to use this knowledge for organizational and technical preparation of remedies and early anticipation of IT-threats.

Treatment of malaria and related symptoms using traditional herbal medicine in Ethiopia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plants have always been an integral part of different cultures in Ethiopia in the treatment of different illnesses including malaria and related symptoms. However, due to lack of proper documentation, urbanization, drought, acculturation and deforestation, there is an increased risk of losing this traditional knowledge. Hence, the use of the indigenous knowledge should be well documented and validated for potential future use. Aim of the studyTo gather and document information on medicinal plants which are used in the traditional treatment of malaria and related symptoms in Ethiopia. Materials and methodsFirst, an ethnomedicinal survey of plants was conducted in 17 districts of Jimma zone, the Oromia national regional state of Ethiopia. Jimma zone is malarious and rich in natural flora. A total of 115 traditional healers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire containing personal data of the respondents, and information on medicinal plants used to treat malaria and related symptoms. In addition, a literature search using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and HINARI was conducted on the indigenous use, in-vitro/in-vivo anti-malarial activity reports, and the chemical characterization of medicinal plants of Ethiopia used against malaria. ResultsFrom ethnomedicinal survey, a total of 28 species of plants used in the traditional treatment of malaria and related symptoms in Jimma Zone were collected, identified and documented. In addition, the literature search revealed that 124 medicinal plant species were reported to be traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in Ethiopia. From both ethnomedicinal survey and the literature search, Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most represented families and Allium sativum L., Carica papaya L., Vernonia amygdalina Del., Lepidium sativum L. and Croton macrostachyus Del. were the most frequently reported plant species for their anti-malarial use. The dominant plant parts used in the preparation of remedies were leaves. About 54% of the medicinal plants documented in the survey have been reported as an anti-malarial plant in the literature search. Furthermore, the in-vitro and in-vivo anti-plasmodial activity reports of extracts from some of plant species were found to support the traditional claim of the documented plants. Moreover, literatures indicate that several secondary metabolites isolated from certain plant species that are traditionally used for the treatment of malaria and related symptoms in Ethiopia demonstrate strong anti-plasmodial activity. ConclusionsThe result of the current study showed that traditional knowledge is still playing an important role in the management of malaria and related symptoms in Ethiopia. Allium sativum L., Carica papaya L., Vernonia amygdalina Del., and Lepidium sativum L. are the most commonly reported species as anti-malarial plants and the traditional claim of some species was supported by known anti-plasmodial activity and bioactivity reports. The finding of this study is important in the rational prioritization of plant species which are potentially used for investigating new compounds, which could be efficacious for malaria treatment.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used against human ailments in Gubalafto District, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundTraditional medicinal plant species documentation is very crucial in Ethiopia for biodiversity conservation, bioactive chemical extractions and indigenous knowledge retention. Having first observed the inhabitants of Gubalafto District (Northern Ethiopia), the author gathered, recorded, and documented the human traditional medicinal plant species and the associated indigenous knowledge.MethodsThe study was conducted from February 2013 to January 2015 and used descriptive field survey design. Eighty-four informants were selected from seven study kebeles (sub-districts) in the District through purposive, snowball, and random sampling techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, demonstrations, and focus group discussions with the help of guided questions. Data were organized and analyzed by descriptive statistics with SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Office Excel 2007.ResultsA total of 135 medicinal plant species within 120 genera and 64 families were documented. Among the species, Ocimum lamiifolium and Rhamnus prinoides scored the highest informant citations and fidelity level value, respectively. In the study area, Asteraceae with 8.1% and herbs with 50.4% plant species were the most used sources for their medicinal uses. A total of 65 ailments were identified as being treated by traditional medicinal plants, among which stomachache (abdominal health problems) was frequently reported. Solanum incanum was reported for the treatment of many of the reported diseases. The leaf, fresh parts, and crushed forms of the medicinal plants were the most preferred in remedy preparations. Oral application was the highest reported administration for 110 preparations. A majority of medicinal plant species existed in the wild without any particular conservation effort. Few informants (about 5%) had only brief notes about the traditional medicinal plants. Ninety percent of the respondents have learned indigenous medicinal plants knowledge from their family members and friends secretly. Orthodox Church schools were found the main place for 65% of healer’s indigenous knowledge origin and experiences. Elders, aged between 40 and 84 years, gave detailed descriptions about traditional medicinal plants.ConclusionsTraditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge are the main systems to maintain human health in Gubalafto District. But minimal conservation measures were recorded in the community. Thus, in-situ and ex-situ conservation practices and sustainable utilization are required in the District.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance characterization of traditional homeopathically manufactured copper (Cuprum metallicum) and plant (Gelsemium sempervirens) medicines and controls

NMR proton relaxation is sensitive to the dynamics of the water molecule H2O, through the interaction of the spin of the proton (1H) with external magnetic and electromagnetic fields. We measured dilution and potentization processes through measurements of 1H spin-lattice T1 and spin-spin T2 relaxation times. In order to interpret the recorded fluctuations in T1- or T2-values, experimental data were linearized by investigating how the area under a fluctuating time=f(dilution) curve (dilution integral or DI) changes with dilution. Two kinds of fitting procedures were considered: chi-square fitting with a goodness-of-fit probability, and least absolute deviations criterion with Pearson's linear correlation coefficient. We showed that fluctuations are not attributable to random noise and/or experimental errors, evidencing a memory effect quantifiable by the slope of the DI=f(dilution) straight line. For all experiments, correlation coefficients were found to lie above 0.9999, against 0.999 for random noise. The discrimination between experimental slopes and slopes associated with random noise data was very good at a five-sigma level of confidence (i.e. probability 3×10-7). Discrimination between experimental slopes at a five-sigma level was possible in most cases, with three exceptions: gelsemium aqua pura v gelsemium dilution (four-sigma); copper aqua pura v gelsemium aqua pura (four-sigma) and copper simple dilution v gelsemium simple dilution (three-sigma). All potentized samples show very good discrimination (at least nine-sigma level) against aqua pura, lactose or simple dilution. It was possible to transform the associated relaxation times into a molecular rotational correlation time τc and an average spin-spin distance d. Our experiments thus point to a considerable slowing down of molecular movements (τc>1300ps or T=224-225K) around water molecules up to a distance of 3.7Å, values. It was also possible to rule out other possible mechanisms of relaxation (diffusive motion, 17O-1H relaxation or coupling with the electronic spin, S=1, of dissolved dioxygen molecules). There is clear evidence that homeopathic solutions cannot be considered as pure water as commonly assumed. Instead, we have evidenced a clear memory effect upon dilution/potentization of a substance (water, lactose, copper, gelsemium) reflected by different rotational correlation times and average H⋯H distances. A possible explanation for such a memory effect may lie in the formation of mesoscopic water structures around nanoparticles and/or nanobubbles mediated by zero-point fluctuations of the vacuum electromagnetic field as suggested by quantum field theories. The existence of an Avogadro's 'wall' for homeopathically-prepared medicines is not supported by our data. Rather it appears that all dilutions have a specific material configuration determined by the potentized substance, also by the chemical nature of the containers, and dissolved gases and the electromagnetic environment. This sensitivity of homeopathically-prepared medicines to electromagnetic fields may be amplified by the highly non-linear processing routinely applied in the preparation of homeopathic medicines. Future work is needed in such directions. The time is now ripe for a demystification of the preparation of homeopathic remedies.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and edible plants of Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe Afar people inhabit the sub-arid and arid part of Ethiopia. Recurrent drought and invasive encroaching plants are taking out plants that have cultural importance, and threaten the biodiversity and the associated traditional knowledge. Thus, the aim of the current study is to conduct an ethnobotanical survey and document medicinal and edible plants in Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state.MethodsA cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was carried out in eight kebeles of Yalo Woreda from October 2015 to December 2016. One hundred sixty informants were selected using purposive sampling. The data on diseases, medicinal and edible plants were collected using semi-structure interview and group discussion. The statistical methods, informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and preference ranking were conducted to analyze the data.ResultsOne hundred and six plants were reported; gender and age differences had implication on the number of plants reported by informants. The knowledge of medicinal plants among informants of each kebele was not different (p < 0.5) and was not associated in particular with the religious establishment in the kebeles (informant*kebeles, Eta square = 0.19). Family Fabaceae was the major plant species, and shrubs (44%) were dominant plants reported. Leaf (52.94%) and oral (68%) were primary plant part used for remedy preparation and route of application, respectively. The plants with low fidelity values Indigofera articulata (0.25), Cadaba farinosa (0.22), Cadaba rotundifolia (0.19), and Acalypha fruticosa (0.15) were used to treat the category of diseases with high informant consensus value (0.69). Sixteen edible plants were identified that were consumed during wet and dry seasons. Balanites aegyptiaca, Balanites rotundifolia, and Dobera glabra were ‘famine food’ that were collected and stored for years.ConclusionPeople in Yalo Woreda are more dependent on natural resources of the area for their livelihood. The threat of climatic change and encroaching invasive plants on medicinal and edible plants affects the traditional use of plants in the Yalo Woreda. The conservation of the plants in the home garden and natural habitat and integration of edible plants into agroforestry development programs in sub-arid and arid regions has to be encouraged to conserve plants of medical and economic importance.

Ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants of Chinglai valley, Buner district, Pakistan

IntroductionIndigenous communities of the Chinglai valley, Buner district in Northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, mainly depend on ethnomedicinal plants, and the study was conducted with the aim to document therapeutic plants and formulae used by the local people for the treatment of different human infirmities. MethodsEthnobotanical data was obtained by conducting many field trips, questionnaires, open-end and semi-structured interviews, inquiries, and group gathering from 2010 to 2012. The ethnobotanical data were quantitatively studied using the index informant consensus factor (ICF). ResultsDuring the survey, 80 species of medicinal plants belonging to 46 botanical families were reported to be used in traditional medicines. Lamiaceae with 6 species is the dominant family, followed by Asteraceae and Solanaceae. With regard to growth form, the main source of herbal medicines was herbs (64%). For remedy preparation, leaf (47%) was the most frequently utilized part. Moreover, 23% of the herbal medicines were prepared in the form of decoctions and administered orally (73%). According to the result, the highest ICF value was recorded for mouth disorders (0.90). ConclusionThe different plant species used by the local people in large numbers for medicinal purposes indicated that Chinglai valley is wealthy in medicinal flora and allied traditional knowledge. This shows that the indigenous people still rely on therapeutic plants for their healthcare needs, and therapeutic plants are the chief source for plants-based medicines for the inhabitants of the study area. This work can be used as base for future ethnomedicinal and/or ethnopharmacological studies.

Animal-derived natural products of Sowa Rigpa medicine: Their pharmacopoeial description, current utilization and zoological identification

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Bhutanese Sowa Rigpa medicine (BSM) uses animal parts in the preparation of numerous polyingredient traditional remedies. Our study reports the taxonomical identification of medicinal animals and the description of traditional uses in English medical terminologies. Aim of the studyTo taxonomically identify the medicinal animals and their derived natural products used as a zootherapeutic agents in BSM. Materials and methodsFirst, the traditional textbooks were reviewed to generate a list of animal products described as ingredients. Second, animal parts that are currently used in Bhutan were identified. Third, the ethnopharmacological uses of each animal ingredients were translated into English medical terminologies by consulting Traditional Physicians, clinical assistants, pharmacognosists, and pharmacists in Bhutan. Fourth, the animal parts were taxonomically identified and their Latin names were confirmed by crosschecking them with online animal databases and relevant scientific literature. ResultsThe study found 73 natural products belonging to 29 categories derived from 45 medicinal animals (36 vertebrates and 9 invertebrates), comprising of 9 taxonomic categories and 30 zoological families. Out of 116 formulations currently produced, 87 of them contain one or more extracts and products obtained from 13 medicinal animals to treat more than 124 traditionally classified illnesses. Only five animal ingredients were found available in Bhutan and rest of the animal parts are being imported from India. ConclusionsOut of 73 natural products described in the traditional textbooks, only 13 of them (some omitted and few substituted by plants) are currently included in 87 formulations of BSM.

Assessment on the Use, Knowledge and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Selected Kebeles of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia

The aim of the study was to assess and document the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used in the communities and preserve it to be used by the next generations. Ten study sites (kebeles) were selected based on a reconnaissance survey and recommendations of elders and local authorities. The study was carried out in two different seasons, from September to November, 2014 and from June to August, 2015. Eighty informants including twenty traditional herbalists (as key informants) participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews, group discussions and guided field walk constituted the main data collection methods. Techniques of Preference Ranking, Informant consensus Factor, Fidelity level index and Pearson correlation were employed in data analysis. Medicinal plant specimens were collected identified and kept at the National Herbarium (ETH) of Addis Ababa University. A total of 129 plant species in 61 families and 109 genera constituting herbs (50%), trees (24%), shrubs (23%) and climbers (3%) were reported in the treatment of various health problems. Family Fabaceae was dominant representing 8.5 % of the plant species documented. Leaves (29.4 %) were the most frequently used parts in preparing herbal remedies. Crushing (29 %) and oral route (61%) were commonly used methods of herbal remedy preparation and administration, respectively. Health conditions grouped in 22 categories were treated using medicinal plants. Informant consensus factor was highest for mental illness, poisonous animal bite and head ache and fatigue that had ICF values of 1, 0.61 and 0.60, respectively. Sphaeranthus suaveolens, Barleria orbicularis, Solanum sepiculum and Cadaba farinosa had a fidelity level of 100% this indicated their outstanding preference for treating mental illness, snake bite and swollen body part (GOFLA). There was a positive correlation (r =0.48) between the age of informants and the number of species reported by the informants. However, there was a negative correlation (r = -0.26) between the number of species reported and informants’ educational level. The present paper represents significant ethnobotanical information on medical plants which provides baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies.

An Ethnoveterinary Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Management of Livestock Ailments in Selected Kebeles of Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia

Ethnoveterinary study of medicinal plants in selected kebeles of Dire Dawa Administration, eastern Ethiopia was carried out with the aim of assessing and documenting the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used in the local communities. In Ethiopia traditional medicine is often used for the management of livestock aliments by various ethnic groups. About 90% of livestock population is said to be dependent on traditional medicine for primary healthcare services and most of these remedies come from plants. The study sites were selected purposefully based on the reconnaissance survey conducted prior to the actual study and recommendations of elders in the study area. Ethnoveterinary data collection was carried out from December to June 2016 from 48 informants using semi-structured interviews. The informants were with an average age of 46 years. Males were the leading representing (83%) of the respondents. Generally, (60%) of the respondents were above 50 years. A total of 33 ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species belonging to 30 genera and 20 families were documented and identified for treating 22 different livestock ailments. Most of the ethnoveterinary medicinal plants were collected from the wild (88%) and leaves were the most frequently used (38%) parts for remedy preparations. Oral application is the most frequently employed (64%), followed by the dermal application which accounts for 11%. There was a significant positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient, r= 0.39, at α = 0.05, p = 0.04) between the informants’ age and the number of species cited. However, there was a significant negative correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = -0.31, at α = 0.05, p < 0.001) between the number of species cited and the educational background of the informants. The information generated from this study can be used as baseline data for farther studies.

Ethnomedicinal uses of indigenous plant species in Mogalakwena Municipality of Waterberg District, Limpopo Province South Africa

Various indigenous cultures in the Limpopo Province of South Africa are transitioning from a traditional lifestyle to a westernised one. This leads to a loss of cultural identity and knowledge. Consequently, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted to investigate the medicinal uses of indigenous plants in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality of the Waterberg District in Limpopo Province, South Africa, an area experiencing rapid transition to a western lifestyle. The study interviewed 30 traditional healers via a semi-structured questionnaire. Thirty five indigenous plant species were documented to be used in the treatment of 37 ailments. These species are distributed among 22 families, of which Asteraceae (5 species), Fabaceae (4 species) and Hyacinthaceae (3 species) are the most prominent. The remaining families are represented by either a single or two species. Bark and roots accounted for 50% of the material used, followed by leaves (12%) and tuber (8%), amongst other. Preparation of remedies was mainly through decoctions (40%), followed by infusions (33.3%), paste (8.3%), and fumes through burning (6.7%). The high percentage of bark and roots use is an area of concern. Furthermore this study found many instances of unsustainable harvesting techniques. These issues need immediate attention for the long term conservation of a number of threatened species identified in this study.