Relative Frequency Of Citation Research Articles

Medicinal plants used for the treatment of respiratory diseases in Kabylia, north of Algeria: an ethnomedicinal survey

IntroductionRespiratory diseases are a major health problem in developing countries, including Algeria. Our study aimed to document the indigenous knowledge about the use of medicinal plants in the Kabylia region of Algeria, for the treatment of respiratory diseases. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in eight localities of the Tizi-Ouzou province (Kabylia) from August 2019 to January 2020. A total of 105 informants, including herbalists, doctors, botanists, and rural dwellers, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The frequency citation (FC), relative frequency citation (RFC), and informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated to analyze the data. ResultsOut of the 105 informants, women were the dominant gender (67.62%), with an average age of about 64 years, while men (32.38%) had an average age of 62 years. A total of 42 plant species belonging to 23 families used for the treatment of chronic respiratory inflammation were reported. Lamiaceae was the most cited family (46%), represented by nine species. Interestingly, Thymus numidicus Poir., an Algerian endemic plant, was reported for the first time to treat cold, flu, and asthma. In addition, Arum italicum Mill. and Pinus halepensis Mill. were described as remedies for asthma symptoms, essentially wheezing. A high-value ICF (0.94–0.97) was estimated for six respiratory ailments, including asthma, pulmonary obstruction, cough, wheezing, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Leaves (56%) were the most widely used plant part, and infusion (42%) was the most cited preparation method. ConclusionOur study showed rich ethnomedical knowledge in the Kabylia region regarding the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The most reported species could be of great interest for further pharmacological studies.

Ethnoveterinary survey of trypanocidal medicinal plants of the beninese pharmacopoeia in the management of bovine trypanosomosis in North Benin (West Africa)

Cattle breeding is of great socio-economic importance for Benin's cattle farmers in general and those of North Benin in particular. The objective of this study is to inventory the natural products of medicinal plants of the Beninese pharmacopoeia for the management of trypanosomes in cattle in North Benin. The methodology consisted of individual and semi-structured interviews with cattle farmers on the use of medicinal plants. A total of 360 cattle farmers were selected and interviewed in twelve villages in four municipalities (Tchaourou, N'dali, Bembèrèkè and Gogounou) in northern Benin. Different quantitative ethnobotanical indices were calculated to determine the level of use of plant species. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF = 0.918) and the Generic Coefficient (Rg = 1.04) were evaluated. The knowledge of medicinal plants was influenced by the level of education and the main activity of those who practiced animal husbandry. The results yielded 48 medicinal plants for veterinary use belonging to 46 genera and 28 families. The Leguminosae family (12.50%) was the most represented. The most cited plants with a RFC above 10% were K. senegalensis, P. africana, K. africana, M. inermis, S. latifolius, M. polyandra. The parts used were leaves (46.15%); barks (24.62%) and roots (15.38%). Decoction (53.23%), plundering (32.26%) and maceration (11.26%) were the main methods of preparation. The administration was mainly by oral route. The calculated indices show a high diversity of medicinal plants with trypanocidal properties in the control of cattle trypanosomosis in the Sudanese and Sudano-Guinean zones of northern Benin. Plant species with high citation and RFC values should be selected for comprehensive pharmacological and phytochemical research to validate this ethnomedical knowledge in the management of cattle trypanosomosis.

Quantitative ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Bodo Community of Baksa District, BTR, Assam, India

Abstract. Boro M, Das B, Boro KK, Nath M, Buragohain P, Roy S, Sarma PJ, Kalita S, Nath M. 2023. Quantitative ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Bodo Community of Baksa District, Assam, India. Biodiversitas 24: 3169-3182. Plants are the core part of religious and cultural aspects of various ethnic communities of the world. Assam is a homeland of diverse ethnic tribes of Indo-Mongolian origin. The Bodo Community is one of the oldest communities and they are rich in their traditional healthcare knowledge system. The current study aimed to record the data on medicinal plants used by the Bodo Community in Baksa District, Assam, India. Statistical analysis was done by following established formula to find Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Agreement Ration (IAR) and Informant Consensus (Fic). A total of 129 medicinal plant species were recorded, used in 18 different ailment categories by the Bodo people. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. was the most used plant by the informants (use value 0.69) and also had the highest RFC (0.60). In present survey, the IAR range was from 0-1. The highest Fic value was recorded in the ailment category of Renal and hepatic disorder. The present work provides rich data, as this work, besides documenting the medicinal plants used by the community, also gives proper scientific evaluation of the ethnobotanical data. The work will be helpful for future researchers, academicians and stakeholders to carry out research work in this diverse scientific field of ethnobotany. From the conservation point of view, there is an urgent need to involve local people for the conservation of medicinal plants for the future.

An ethnobotanical survey on phytomedicines based on traditional knowledge in the Barpeta district, Assam, India

BackgroundTraditional knowledge (TK) is the culture as well as the identity of the majority of the ethnic communities. This knowledge is diminishing with time and with the advancement of synthetic medicines. The medicinal plants are equally effective with fewer side effects when compared to allopathic treatments for humans as well as livestock. ObjectiveThe main focus of this study is to document the use of plants for the treatment of human ailments by traditional healers in the Barpeta district of Assam. Materials and methodsA survey was conducted to gather information on phytomedicines from among the 30 local practitioners or traditional healers in the Barpeta district of Assam state through face-to-face interviews and discussions. The data obtained from the study was compiled through the UR (Use report). The data was analyzed by Fic (informant consensus factor) and RFC (relative frequency of citation). The botanical name of the plants was verified using https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list. ResultsA total of 50 plant species having medicinal benefits belonging to 48 genera and 30 families were recorded. The leaves were the most used parts used in treatment accounting for 74% of the total and were usually used by extracting the juice. Besides, the most common disease treated using herbal medicines includes that of the GIT (gastrointestinal tract). The GIT disease category showed the highest Fic index which is 0.25. The plant species Syzygium cumini showed the highest RFC index of 0.50. ConclusionsThe common people of the Barpeta district of Assam are found to be familiar with the practice of traditional medicines. This knowledge has mostly been passed down to generations from their ancestors who acquired it through trial and error methods. These medicinal plants are used in crude form. Therefore, the plants must be thoroughly analyzed and tested to identify the active principles involved in their mechanism of action which can be used in drug development.

Women's wellness in the mountains: An exploration of medicinal plants among tibeto-burman groups in Thailand

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis study offers valuable insight into the traditional healing practices of women's healthcare within four Tibeto-Burman groups. By focusing on women's wellness, the research sheds light on the often-neglected yet significant contributions made by women in the field of traditional medicine. Aims of the studyThe study seeks to address the gap of studies on the ethnobotany of women healthcare of the Tibeto-Burman groups in Thailand and to analyst the factors that could affect the diversity of ethnobotanical knowledge. Materials and methodsThe study compiled data from 15 group-informants residing in 12 different villages. The information gathering process involved a combination of free-listing, semi-structured interviews, group discussion, and the walk-to-the-wood method. To analyze the data, the researchers used various methods such as use-reports, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Importance Index (RI), and Cluster analysis. ResultsThis study identified 200 plant species used in traditional women's healthcare practices, with leaves being the most frequently used part. Drinking was the most common method for internal use, while bathing and steam were the most emphasized for external use. Blumea balsamifera and Buddleja asiatica had high RI and RFC. Cluster analysis revealed that group-informants were divided by ethnicity and geographical location. ConclusionThis study contributes to the understanding of traditional healthcare practices among Tibeto-Burman groups in Thailand, with a particular focus on women's wellness. The results provide insight into the ethnobotanical knowledge of these communities and highlight the important role played by women in traditional medicine. The study underscores the need for continued research in this field to preserve and utilize this valuable knowledge.

Sustaining Traditional Ethnomedicinal Knowledge and Protected Areas in Synergy: A Case Study of Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary in Kashmir Himalaya.

The ethnic communities living near protected areas are critically dependent on medicinal plants for their healthcare. Although several ethnomedicinal studies are available from the Himalaya, quantitative studies focusing on protected areas in this region are largely overlooked. In this study, we aimed to document the ethnomedicinal plants of the Overa-Aru wildlife sanctuary in Kashmir Himalaya. We conducted a systematic field survey in the study area during 2020 - 2021 to collect primary data from 110 participants through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The data was analyzed using quantitative indices and Pearson's correlation. We recorded 64 plant species used against 8 human disease categories, including some first-time reports from the region. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the most dominant families and herbs were the dominant growth form. The most common plant part used were leaves, and the main method of preparation was decoction. Plant species with the highest relative frequency of citation was Achillea millifolium (0.83). Informant consensus factor for each disease category ranged from 0.94 to 0.97. We found a strong positive correlation between participants' age and citations (r = 0.85), but a negative correlation between the participants' education status and citations (r = - 0.11). Our results revealed that the younger generation possesses the least ethnomedicinal information. We recommend that the species with high use values and fidelity level merit priority in phytochemical and pharmaceutical studies. Our findings highlight that protected areas, besides their prime importance in biodiversity conservation, play a pivotal role in providing the healthcare provisioning ecosystem services to the ethnic communities.

Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Tamang Community in the Konjyosom Rural Municipility, Lalitpur District, Nepal

Background: In Nepal, plant resources play an important role in the health of local communities. However, in many parts of the country, this role and its patterns are understudied. The purpose of this study was to document medicinal plant species and assess their use among the Tamang community in Lalitpur district, Central Nepal. Methods: Ethnomedicinal information was collected through focus group discussions, semi structured interviews with local peoples and key informants from the Tamang community using rapid rural appraisal tools (RRA) across the five wards vz. Nallu, Chaughare, Bhardew, Dalchoki and Sankhu of the Konjyosom rural municipality. Botanical voucher samples were collected for scientific identification. The quantitative data were analyzed for informants consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). Results: A total of 176 plant species were recorded under 82 families and 158 genera as medicinal to treat different ailments. Among them, 169 species were angiosperms, one gymnosperm and six pteridophytes. Herbs (78 spp.) occurred most frequently in the study area, and the leaves (38 spp.) were commonly foraged. The most common route of consumption was oral (98 spp.) and the paste (36 spp.) was frequently administered. The majority of the species (58%) were collected from the forest. The ICF value ranged from 0.26 (digestive) to 0.97 (respiratory). The RFC value ranged from 0.01 to 0.87. Curcuma longa had the highest frequency of citation index of 0.87. is this RFC? Merge these 2 sentences The FL index ranged from 42.86% to 100%. The most preferred medicinal plant species was Curcuma longa which was used to treat cuts and wounds and common cold (51%). Conclusion: Medicinal plants have played a significant role in the health care of local people. This study provides a comprehensive documentation of ethnomedicinal plant species using among the Tamang community of Konjyosom rural municipality, Lalitpur district. This study concluded that it is necessary to document and preserve biodiversity and its associated knowledge, which may lead to additional research activities. Keywords: Ethnic people; Ethnobotanical, Informants, Interview

Diversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Shui people in Southwest China

BackgroundThe Shui are a small Chinese sociolinguistic group living in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, south of Guizhou Province. The Shui people have accumulated and developed rich traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a significant role in their healthcare. Traditional ethnic herbal medicines, like Shui ethnomedicine, have become an important resource of rural development in Guizhou Province. However, not much research has been conducted to document the medicinal plants traditionally used by the Shui people. This study’s aims are (1) to record the current use of medicinal plants in Sandu County and associated traditional knowledge, including the medicinal plant species used and the types of diseases treated by local healers and any unique aspects of their preparations; (2) to analyze the most important medicinal plant species using relative frequency of citation (RFC); and (3) to provide useful information and data for possible future development and application of ethnomedicine and promote the conservation and preservation of Shui traditional medicinal knowledge.MethodsField surveys were conducted between July 2015 and August 2022 in Sandu County. A total of 15 local healers as key informants were interviewed. An additional 132 informants from villages and local markets were also interviewed through semistructured interviews and focal group discussions. Local Shui healers were followed during their collection of medicinal plants in the fields and recorded the medicinal plants’ names, uses, and parts used. An ANOVA was used to evaluate the number of medicinal plants recognized by local healers across age-groups and townships, and relative frequencies of citation values were determined for the recorded medicinal plants.ResultsIn this study, data collected from 15 Shui healers and 132 other informants were analyzed. The healers used fresh or dried parts of 505 plant species as medicine to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. These plants belong to 405 genera from 156 families, with Fabaceae being the highest represented plant family. The Jiuqian township had the highest distribution of per capita healers (pch); only one local healer was in Zhonghe. Of the 15 local healers, only two were younger than 40 years of age. There is a major concern that traditional medicinal knowledge may be lost if there are not sufficient trainees or suitable successors. Among the common medicinal plants, most are herbaceous and the Shui typically use the whole plant in their medicines. There are 85 different recorded diseases treated by Shui medicinal plants, and among them, rheumatism and bone fractures have the largest number of species used. Three medicinal plant species, Isodon amethystoides, Asarum insigne, and Acorus tatarinowii, are the most commonly used ethnomedicines by the Shui people.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that Shui people have extensive knowledge of a diverse range of medicinal plants, many of which had not been systematically recorded before the current study. Further research on the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Shui medicinal plants will be useful for developing functional foods or pharmaceutical products, particularly those of Isodon amethystoides, Asarum insigne, and Acorus tatarinowii. Additionally, as a result of rapid economic growth, fewer young people in Shui communities pursue traditional medicinal studies. Only 15 traditional Shui healers remain in the county, and only two of them are below the age of 40 years. Therefore, to conserve Shui’s traditional medicinal knowledge, initiatives and policies are required to regenerate, strengthen, and promote Shui medicinal knowledge.

Natural therapies utilisation in Ranya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Natural products are an important way to treating the disease in the whole earth. It has been estimated that more than 70% of the earth population relies on natural products. Unfortunately, the knowledge is passed from generation to generation verbally without documentation. The study aims to document the natural therapies used by the Kurdish people in the treatment and management of various ailments. Non-purposive sampling was employed in the study with an in-depth interview guide. One hundred and thirteen respondents were interviewed from the period of September 2021-June 2022. Qualitatively, excel 2016 was used to calculate descriptive statistics of socio-demographic information of the respondents and quantitatively the data were subjected to the following indices: Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency Citation (RFC). Fourty two medicinal plants were documented and used for the management of various ailments: diabetes, fever, immune booster, aphrodisiac, stomach pain, headache, fungal, and bacterial infections. Leaves were reported as the most used part of the plant (25.5 %), oral as the most form of administration (80.5%). Plants with 0.05 are considered with have the highest UV and 0.8 for RFC. Ranya has a varied range of medicinal plants, according to the current study, and the use of medicinal plants and plant-based therapies is still common in the area. The study aimed to comprehensively document the traditional medicinal plants utilised by the people of Ranya. It will serve as an avenue for further development of herbal formulations and modern medicines in the region.

Application of ethnobotanical indices to document the use of medicinal plants in Tehsil Kallar Syedan, District Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

Background. Ethnobotanical studies report the customary uses of plants used by the local communities across the world. The goal of present study was to census the ethno-medicinal uses of local plants used by the natives of Tehsil Kallar Syedan, District Rawalpindi by using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. Methodology. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out during March 2018 to April, 2022 to document traditional uses of medicinal plants by using semi-structured questionnaires. The gathered data was examined by using quantitative indices comprising frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency citation (RFC), use value index (UV) and fidelity level (FL%). Results. In total, 169 medicinal plant species belonged to 136 genera and 54 families have been documented from this region which are being used to treat or prevent common diseases. The informants included people of different age groups. Poaceae was the most widely used family (17 species). Major life form of plants was herb (61%); while leaves (35%) were highly used in preparing recipes. RFC values ranged from 0.11 to 0.78; while UV ranged from 0.10 to 0.82. A total of 13 species showed highest FL of 100%. Most medicinal applications involved the whole plant (50.8%), although leaves (32.5%), roots (10.0%), flowers (8.2%), stems (5.9%), seeds (3.5%), bark (3.5%), fruit (1.7%), latex (1.7%), bulbs (1.1%), rhizomes (0.5%), and tubers (0.5%) were also used. Conclusion. This research appraisal provides some additional and novel use along with higher RFCs and UVs which may serve as benchmark for phytochemical analysis and novel therapeutic properties. Key words: Ethnobotanical indices, Traditional plants, Ethno-medical knowledge, Traditional medicines, Herbalists, Kallar Syedan

A multivariate and quantitative assessment of medicinal plants used by the indigenous Malayali tribes in the Javadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India

The study of medicinal plants with their traditional uses and related pharmacological studies has received more attention during the past several decades around the world. The Malayali tribes of the Javadhu Hills in the Eastern Ghats rely heavily on a system of traditional medicine for healthcare. A qualitative ethnographic method with a semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 52 people across 11 localities in the Javadhu Hills. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics such as Use reports (UR), frequency of citations (FC), relative frequency of citations (RFC), informant agreement ratio (IAR), fidelity level (FL), and informant consensus factor (FIC) were studied. In the current investigation, 146 species from 52 families and 108 genera were discovered to treat 79 diseases. Leguminosae and Apocynaceae were the dominant families (12 species each). The most frequently used life form was the herb and the plant part were the leaf. The majority were being harvested from natural resources. Most medicines were taken orally. The most frequently cited species are Moringa oleifera and Syzygium cumini. The illnesses were divided into 21 categories. The majority of the plants mentioned are utilised to increase human immunity and health. The principal ailment (general health) was revealed by two-way cluster analysis and PCA. The species Litsea decanensis, Phoebe paniculata, Commiphora caudata, etc., were new records for the Javadhu hills according to a comparison between the current study and previous local and regional research. Documenting novel ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic applications will encourage more phytochemical and pharmacological research and may even result in the creation of new medications. Furthermore, the study's significant novelty is that principle component analysis and two-way cluster analysis clearly revealed that the species that are used to treat various diseases, as well as species that are closely associated with treating specific ailment categories, are distinct. Significantly, species recorded in this study rely on maintaining and improving general body health of humans.

Vernacular Taxonomy, Cultural and Ethnopharmacological Applications of Avian and Mammalian Species in the Vicinity of Ayubia National Park, Himalayan Region.

Numerous investigations on plant ethnomedicinal applications have been conducted; however, knowledge about the medicinal use of wild animals is still limited. This present study is the second on the medicinal and cultural meaning of avian and mammalian species used by the population in the surrounding area of the Ayubia National Park, KPK, Pakistan. Interviews and meetings were compiled from the participants (N = 182) of the study area. The relative frequency of citation, fidelity level, relative popularity level, and rank order priority indices were applied to analyze the information. Overall, 137 species of wild avian and mammalian species were documented. Of these, 18 avian and 14 mammalian species were utilized to treat different diseases. The present research showed noteworthy ethno-ornithological and ethno-mammalogical knowledge of local people and their connection with fauna, which might be useful in the sustainable utilization of the biological diversity of the Ayubia National Park, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Furthermore, in vivo and/or in vitro examination of the pharmacological activities of species with the highest fidelity level (FL%) as well as frequency of mention (FM) might be important for investigations on faunal-based new drugs.

Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in magico-religious practices in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Background: Local inhabitants of Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, use various sacred plants for pleasing and worshipping local ‘devats’, in various religious ceremonies, but we are losing the sacred valuable knowledge at a rapid pace, hence the need to document and preserve this knowledge. Method: Ethno-botanical survey, field visits were conducted in different parts of Kullu district. Indigenous people, shamans, tantric, and local elderly members of society were consulted to collect the data. Informal discussions and interviews were done for data collection. Different use categories, the basic variables like frequency of citation (FC), use reports (UR), the number of uses (NU) and the ethno-botanical indices like relative frequency of citations (RFC), relative importance index (RI), cultural importance index (CI), and cultural value index (CV) were determined and compared. Result: The paper includes the list of 75 species under 46 families, used for Magico-religious beliefs along with their medicinal value. Most utilized parts were flowers, whole plant, leaves, seeds, followed by fruits. Ficus religiosa L. showed highest value in all the indices (CI =2, RFC=1, RI= 0.75), with highest number of citation (FC=25), Use report (UR=50), followed by Ocimum sanctum L. Conclusion: To maintain the age-old faiths, people of these areas, harvest plants sustainably and economically, these practices contribute in the ex-situ conservation of plants while fulfilling their values in magico-religious beliefs, as well as sustainable development of the area. Study also reveals the status of 21 rare plant species which need conservation. Keywords: Sacred Plants, Religious Ceremonies, Ex-situ Conservation, Magico-religious beliefs, Sustainable Development

Ethnoveterinary study of the medicinal plants of Dheri, Julagram, Khar, Tari, and Totakan Villages of Tehsil Batkhela, Malakand, Northern Pakistan

Background: The current study was conducted to document the medicinal plants used commonly for the treatment of veterinary diseases in the study area. Methods: The snowball sampling method was used for the selection of informants and the informants were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire. The documented data was quantified by indices UV (use value) and RFC (Relative Frequency of Citation). Results: During fieldwork, about 51 plant species belonging to the 35 families were collected and ethnoveterinary data was documented for these plants. The most dominant family was Apiaceae and Solanaceae (5 Species each). The most dominant life form was herb (34 Species). The most commonly used plant part was the leaf (16 Species). The most common method of drug preparation was decoction (28 Species). The highest RFC value was calculated for Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (0.245) and the highest UV value was calculated for Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (0.28). The most commonly treated group of diseases was digestive system disorders. Conclusion: Traditional communities still use medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases of animals. But the knowledge of ethnoveterinary is at risk because the younger generations have no interest. Furthermore, due to deforestation and urbanization, the local medicinal flora is also at risk. Keywords: Ethnoveterinary; Medicinal plants; Traditional knowledge; Local people perception

Indigenous knowledge and conservation status of wild plants collected from Garyaum, North Waziristan, Pakistan

Background: People still use plant-based medicine for their basic healthcare requirements despite having easy access to contemporary medications. Individuals are more dependent on natural remedies, especially in rural areas. In Garyaum, North Waziristan, Pakistan, this study intends to investigate the key native plants utilized in medicine and their applications for treating various illnesses. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to: (1) conduct a systematic examination of the wild plants utilized by the inhabitants of the study area; (2) collect indigenous knowledge concerning wild plants; (3) assess species with considerable cultural importance to the Garyaum inhabitants; and (4) document the conservation status of the collected plants in study area. Methods: Ethnobotanical data based on sociodemographic characteristics were collected using the protocol of (Martin 1995). Techniques included direct led field walks, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. 95 participants including 81 men and 14 women were interviewed. Quantitative approaches, such as relative frequency citation (RFC), use value (UV), and fidelity level (FL) were also conducted. Results: The participants reported a total of 66 plant species, belonging to 49 genera and 28 families. Of the total reported plants, 47 were fodder species, 35 were medicinal species, 14 were timber species, 20 were fuel species, 11 were fruits species, 7 was vegetable species, 2 were condiment species, 9 were thatching species, 3 were ornamental species while 3 were poisonous in nature. The current findings revealed 45 species (68.18 %) as vulnerable, 9 species (13.63 %) as rare, 8 species (12.12 %) as endangered and 4 species (6.06 %) was found infrequent. None of the species was ranked in the dominant category (IUCN 2001) which clearly described the unpleasant situation of the local flora. Conclusion: It is concluded that local people still rely on plant-based medication for their basic medical requirements. The vast majority of the species are utilized as fuel, wood, and fodder. In addition, plant diversity is diminishing as a result of many anthropogenic influences, infrastructural expansion, and climate change as well. Hence, proper identification and cultivation of significant medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as appropriate conservation and management techniques, are urgently needed in the research region. And the value of floral diversity and conservation must be entrenched in local inhabitants' children. Keywords: Conservation status, Endangered species, Garyaum, Indigenous knowledge, Quantitative ethnobotany.

An ethnomedicinal study in tulo district, west hararghe zone, oromia region, Ethiopia

Traditional medicinal plants used by local Oromo people of Tulo District in west Hararghe, Ethiopia, were investigated before people's medicinal knowledge vanishes. Data on medicinal plants and demography were obtained between November 2019 and October 2020 through semi-structured interviews, group discussion and direct guided onsite observation to elicit information from 376 non-traditional and 20 traditional medicine practitioners. Ethnobotanical indices including informant consensus factor (ICF), preference ranking (PR), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFG) and cultural importance (CI) were employed for the data analysis. Moreover; descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance and linear regression were used to reveal the effects of socio-demographic factors on respondents' traditional medicinal knowledge. Totally 104 plants distributed among 98 genera and 55 families were enumerated for the treatment of 60 illnesses. Seventy-seven of these medicinal plants serve to treat human ailments, whereas 11 and 16 of them were used for livestock and for both, respectively. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were species rich families. Leaves were the most frequently (41.53%) reported structures for the preparation of remedies. Crushing was the principal approach (34.50%) of remedy preparation. Oral administration was frequently (66.08%) used route of application. The highest ICF was observed for swelling and hemorrhoid (0.90) category. Metabolic and degenerative as well as other ailment categories had the least ICF values. About 66% of medicinal plants had FL value of 100%. In PR, G. abyssinica was ranked first to treat cough. RFC values varied from 0.03 to 0.18 with the highest record for Salvia nilotica (0.18) followed by Lepidium sativum, Rydingia integrifolia and Nigella sativa each with 0.16; Euphorbia abyssinica and Asplenium monanthes each with 0.15. Extensive use of land for agricultural purpose was key threat to medicinal plant of Tulo District. All the tested socio-demographic features except religion significantly (P < 0.05) affected the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants possessed by the study population. The results of this study reveals that the people of Tulo District rely on traditional medicine of plant origin, and their indigenous knowledge is instrumental to exploit the most potential plants for further validation. Therefore, the medicinal plant species wealth of the study site and the associated indigenous knowledge need to be preserved.

Ethnobotanical study on herbal tea drinks in Guangxi, China

BackgroundHerbal tea drinks, different from classical Camellia beverages, are a wide variety of herbal drinks consumed for therapeutic purposes or health promotion. Herbal tea is widely consumed in Guangxi. However, the documentation on the plants for herbal tea and their related health benefits is still limited.MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 52 villages and 21 traditional markets in Guangxi from 2016 to 2021. Semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and structured questionnaires were applied to obtain ethnobotanical information of herbal tea, in which 463 informants had participated. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and cultural food significance index (CFSI) were used to evaluate the most culturally significant herbal tea plants, and informant consensus factor (ICF) was applied to assess the agreement among informants.ResultsThis study recorded 155 herbal tea species belonging to 49 families. The most commonly used parts included leaf (27.61%), whole plant (22.09%), branch and leaf (19.02%), and flower (13.50%). The most frequent preparation method of herbal tea was decoction. Herbal tea was very popular in Guangxi, attributing to its therapeutic value, special odor, and good taste. There are 41 health benefits classified into eight categories. Among them, clearing heat was the most medicinal effects. Local people had high consistency in tonic, removing cold and cough, improving blood circulation, and clearing heat away. Based on CFSI values of each species, the most culturally significant herbal tea species were Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex A. M. Lu & Zhi Y. Zhang, Plantago asiatica L., Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Pholidota chinensis Lindl., and Morus alba L.ConclusionHerbal tea is a valuable heritage that carries the local people’s traditional knowledge, like health care and religious belief. The recorded herbal tea species in this study possess tremendous potential for local economic development in the future. Further research on efficacy evaluation and product development of herbal tea species is necessary.

Endogenous Knowledge and Socio-Economic Importance of Squash (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cucurbita sp.&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in Burkina Faso

Squash (<i>Cucurbita sp</i>) is one of the vegetables-fruits used in human nutrition and in traditional medicine. This study contributes to a better understanding of endogenous squash practices related to socio-demographic factors (age and gender) and socio-cultural group in Burkina Faso. To this end, 194 semi-structured personal interviews were conducted in nine regions (South-West, Central-West, Central-South, Central-East, Central, North, Boucle du Mouhoun, East, and Hauts-Bassins) of the country using the random method. The relative frequency of citation, the reported use value and the cultural importance index were used to quantify the uses and importance of the species. Totally, 27 uses were identified and registered into three categories of use, that are the most mentioned with the highest cultural importance values such as food and medicinal uses. The fruit is the part/organ of the plant more needed for food uses. Moreover it is locally marketed. Medicinal uses involve several organs/parts (fruit, leaf, stem, seed and root). Knowledge about the uses of <i>Cucurbita sp </i>varies between socio-cultural groups but not between gender and age groups. Indeed, the <i>Bobo </i>and <i>Toussian </i>socio-cultural groups, unlike the <i>Mossi </i>and <i>Samo</i>, have more knowledge about the uses of <i>Cucurbita sp </i>and prefer it for food uses. The promotion of the food uses of <i>Cucurbita sp </i>can be considered and thus serve as a starting point for its extended value improvement. However, future analyses should explore the genetic diversity of <i>Cucurbita sp </i>and focus on the agronomic, nutritional value and income generated by the plant as well as its expansion for value adding.

Diversity and traditional ethnozoological uses of ichthyofauna by the Bodo Tribes of Kokrajhar, Assam, Northeast India

Abstract. Basumatary G, Narzary B, Khangembam BK. 2023. Diversity and traditional ethnozoological uses of ichthyofauna by the Bodo Tribes of Kokrajhar, Assam, Northeast India. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 49-57. Fish is an important component of ethnomedicine for treating many diseases in many tribal cultures worldwide. Traditional medicine remains the primary healthcare system in most rural populations worldwide, and ethnomedicine is the foundation of many modern-day disease management. The use of fish in traditional healthcare could be a potent source for finding new compounds with therapeutic prospects. Studies on ethnoichthyology have indicated fish as an important component for treating many diseases. However, such studies are yet to be fully documented in the northeastern states of India, especially in Kokrajhar, Assam. The Bodos are one of the largest tribal groups of Assam in Northeast India, with a rich traditional knowledge system. The study explores the traditional uses of fish for various ethnomedicinal properties and health benefits by the Bodos of Kokrajhar, Assam. The study was conducted in eight villages of Kokrajhar District from March 2019 to February 2020 through personal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires with 150 informants. Thirty-four different fish species from 20 different families were identified to be used for their health benefits and therapeutic properties. The highest number of fish species belonged to the family Cyprinidae (20.59%), followed by Channidae (11.76%) and Ambassidae (8.82%). The highest use value (0.58) and relative frequency of citation (0.37) was recorded for Heteropneustes fossilis. Anaemia, gastrointestinal and integumentary disorders, and body weakness were the most commonly mentioned ailments treated. The present study also reported some small indigenous fish species for their health benefits. The study also found some unique traditional methods for preparing and applying fish species (Xenentodon cancila, Chitala chitala, Glossogobius giuris, Leiodon cutcutia, etc.) not reported earlier. Identification and detailed study of the biochemical profile of these different species may be recommended to develop suitable alternatives to synthetic medicines. This study may be a valuable addition to the rich traditional knowledge of Northeast India.

Ethnomedicinal study on plant resources from sacred groves of Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India

Background: Sacred groves found in Dakshin Dinajpur district are natural in-situ conservatories that provide a home to numerous biological entities with rich ethnomedicinal plant diversity. Native communities have been conserving these groves through their own beliefs and folklore practices and they possess vast knowledge of herbal ethnic medicines. The current study aims to explore the ethnic traditional practices of medicinally important plants among different indigenous communities residing in sacred grove-centric villages throughout the district. Methods: For the current study, 15 ethnomedicinally enriched sacred groves were selected. Ethnomedicinal data were collected from 179 informants and were quantitatively analyzed using various statistical indices viz., Use value, Informant consensus factor, Fidelity level, and Relative Frequency of citation. With the help of an in-silico network pharmacological study, the findings were revalidated. Results: In the present study, a total of 105 ethnic plants belonging to 93 genera and 47 families were documented and the most dominant plant family was Fabaceae. The diseases reported by the informants were classified into 16 different disease clusters. Cuscuta reflexa Roxb., Heliotropium indicum L. and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. were the most popular medicinal plants. Conclusion: Gathering such first-hand information about ancient traditional practices will be helpful in further pharmacological studies and may show new paths to modern therapeutic approaches. Keywords: Sacred Groves; Traditional Knowledge; Dakshin Dinajpur; Quantitative analysis; in-silico