Relative Frequency Of Citation Research Articles

Study of medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary medical system in riverine areas of Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundThe use of medicinal plants to treat various veterinary illnesses has been practiced for millennia in many civilizations. Punjab is home to a diverse ethnic community, the majority of whom work in dairy farming, agriculture, and allied professions and have indigenous practices of treating animal illnesses using native flora. This study was designed to (1) document and preserve information about the applications of medicinal plant species in ethnoveterinary remedies among inhabitants of Punjab, Pakistan, and (2) identify popular plants for disease treatment by quantitative analysis of the obtained data and to assess the pharmacological relevance of these species.MethodsTo collect data from informants (N = 279), questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. The ethnoveterinary data were analyzed using principal component analysis, relative frequency citation, fidelity level, relative popularity level, and rank order priority.ResultsA total of 114 plant species utilized in the ethnoveterinary medicinal system were found, which were divided into 56 families and used to treat 16 different illnesses. The Poaceae family, with 16 species, was the most common in the region. The most commonly employed growth form in herbal preparation was herb (49%). The most used part in ethnoveterinary remedies was leaves (35%), while powder was the most commonly used way for preparing ethnoveterinary remedies (51 applications). According to principal component analysis, the most typically used species in the research region were grasses. Five grasses (Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum) showed a 100% FL value when used to treat diuretics, helminthiasis, digestive problems, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, oral infections, and genital prolapse. The maximum value of disease cured level (DCL%) was recorded at 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments in the study area.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that medicinal plants play an important part in satisfying farmers’ animal healthcare demands, making it a feasible practice. The study also provides a wealth of knowledge regarding ethnoveterinary methods for further planning and application, providing an option for farmers who cannot afford allopathic therapy.

The role of wild edible plants and their medicinal values used by the native people of Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, India- a quantitative study

The main aim of the present study was to gather comprehensive data on the wild edibles found in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, India, assess their cultural value, and comprehend how they contribute to the local tribes' attainment of food security. We gathered traditional knowledge about edible wild plants by administering a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collection followed standard protocols. To determine which species were most frequently cited and of cultural significance, the gathered data were subjected to specialized statistical analysis using tools such as the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). To determine how similar food plants are used in various Balurghat District localities and neighboring areas, the Jaccard Similarity Index (JI) was employed. A total of 1,603 citations were made by the 96 participants for 63 types of wild edibles spread across 36 families. Among the 63 species, 60 species were angiosperms, three species were pteridophytes. The RFC value was found to be in the range of 0.05-0.07. The most constantly referred species was identified as Madhuca longifolia (L.) J. F. Macbr. (RFC= 0,76; FC= 116). A total of 13 wild edible species was identified as the most traditionally valuable species in the locality including Marsilea vestita Hook. & Grev., Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Termitomyces heimii Natarajan, Enydra fluctuans Lour etc. For the tribal community of eastern India, using these wild edibles scientifically and sustainably can be a smart move towards achieving multiple health benefits and food security. Furthermore, culturally acceptable species can be a good source for nutraceutical bioprospecting.

Plant use knowledge and quantitative analysis of some medicinal plants from Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the plants used medicinally in rural and semi-urban areas of Ondo State, Nigeria with a view to generating a comprehensive list of therapeutic plants and evaluating their importance quantitatively. Surveys were conducted in some communities in Ondo State between November 2021 and November 2022 with focus on different uses of plants. Structured questionnaires were administered to plant collectors and users. Data were analyzed based on some ethnobotanical indices. In total, 179 medicinal plants belonging to 66 plant families were recorded. The family Fabaceae had the highest (16.20%) representative species while shrubs formed the most used plant form (32%). The highest Frequency of Citation (FC, 49) was obtained for Azadirachta indica. The most valuable plant was A. indica (0.17) based on the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and highest (1.67) Use Value (UV). The Consensus Index and Fidelity Level (FL) were also found to be highest with A. indica (50% and 83.33% respectively) while Fabaceae had the highest Family Importance Value (FIV, 10.98%). The ethnomedicinal use of A. indica, V. amygdalina etc. in the treatment of malaria/fever has been further confirmed in this study. The family Fabaceae has been shown to contain plant species that are important to the informants. The use of quantitative techniques in ethnomedicinal studies allows the identification of commonly used plants and their recommendation for pharmacological research to confirm traditional claims. There is need to properly educate plant users in the communities on the sustainable use of plant resources.

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED TRADITIONALLY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF VARIOUS AILMENTS IN KAURA NAMODA, ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

The research was carried out between December 2022 and March 2023. Eighty-eight (88) informants provided information on traditional knowledge via a semi-structured questionnaire. The demographic data of the respondents was presented using descriptive statistics. The popularity of the referenced species was examined using Use Consensus Values (UCs) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). There were 88 informants, of which 27% were women and 73% were men. Most respondents (35 percent) are between the ages of 51 and 60. Just 6.8% of the respondents were single, while the majority, 80.7%, were married of the responders, and 64.8% had never attended college. Herbalists made up 42 percent of the respondents. A total of twenty-four (24) families' worth of plant species were collected. The dominant family is called Fabaceae with eighteen (18) members, and malvaceae, with three (3) and four (4) members, in order of precedence. There was one (1) member in each of the following families: SolanaceaeAsteraceae, Asclepiadaceae, Zingiberaceae, Curcubitaceae, Convulvolaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Apocynaceae, Ebanaceae, Rutaceae, Moringaceae, Rubiaceae, Zygophylaceae, and Annonaceae The plant Azadirachta indica exhibited the greatest Use Concensus Value (UC) of 0.40 and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) of 0.20. Most plants are used to treat a variety of conditions, including piles, diabetes etc., asthma, malaria, typhoid, stomachaches, anti-snake bites, diarrhea, yellow fever, whereas certain herbs arouse libidinal urges.

Survey of plant species used in the treatment of common ailments in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

To record the locals' knowledge of some of the medicinal plant species in the area, a survey of plant species used for the treatment of common ailments was carried out in Hawul Local Government Area Borno State. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Numerous quantitative indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Shannon Weiner Index, Simpson Index, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Family Importance Value (FIV), were used to quantify the advantages, significance, and coverage of ethnomedicine. The Jaccard Index (JI) was used to assess the degree of homogeneity between the current study and earlier research as well as within indigenous tribes. A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plants species, which were distributed under twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. The majority of species that have been identified are tree species, and the most common plant portion used to make ethnomedicines is leaf material. The Fabaceae were the predominate families among the species that had been documented (11 species) Accacia nilotica, Piliostigma thonningii, Detarium microcarpum, Faidherbia albida, Sennia siamea, Prosopis Africana, Parkia baglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Senna occidentalist, Senna obtusifolia, while the least represented was (1 species) Apocynacea. For digestive system problems, the highest ICF score was 0.77. According to the data gathered from the questionnaires, pile, yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, stomach ache, and ulcer were the most prevalent diseases, in that order. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40), Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) while the least was (0.01) Guinea senegalensis. The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral while least cited was sit bath. Phytochemical profiles demonstrated that flavonoids, alkaloids phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical component in Khaya. senegalensis and Piliostigma. thonningii leaves. This further justifies the frequent application of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different forms of illnesses. It is stated that due to their physiologically active ingredients and accessibility, herbal medicine will continue to play a significant role in the community's health care delivery system.

Ethnobotanical study of twenty species in the family Asteraceae in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical study was conducted on 20 plants belonging to 18 genera of the Asteraceae family. The aims of this research were to  explore the current ethnobotanical status of the identified plant species, document their indigenous utilization for diverse purposes  within the specific research area and assess the extent of Asteraceae plant usage by the local population. Data were collected through  semi-structured questionnaires and open-ended interview techniques with different categories of informants in the Ife Central Local  Government Area of IleIfe, Osun State, Nigeria. Demographic data of respondents were analyzed using a descriptive statistical method, providing understandings into their characteristics. The ethnobotanical survey results were subjected to quantitative analysis employing  several parameters. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was utilized to determine the prominence of plant species in terms of  citations. The Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were employed to assess plant importance,  therapeutic efficacy, and consensus among informants, respectively. Ethnobotanical study of the selected Asteraceae plants revealed the traditional uses of these plants for diverse purposes for both humans and livestock. The average ICF value was 0.92, indicating a relatively  high consensus among the respondents. Ageratum conyzoides, Tithonia diversifolia, Aspilia africana, Launaea taraxacifolia and  Tridax procumbens were the most cited of all the species, hence their high RFC values. Fidelity Level (FL) had the highest value in Aspilia  africana, Tithonia diversifolia and Ageratum conyzoides while Acmella radicans had the lowest FL value. According to this study,  Ageratum conyzoides (0.10) and Launaea taraxacifolia (0.10) had the highest use value. The study concluded that the Asteraceae species  have several edible, ornamental and medicinal uses, which have not been explored extensively in the study area. 

Ethnobotanical assessment of antidiabetic medicinal plants in District Karak, Pakistan

BackgroundDiabetes is a leading health disorder and is responsible for high mortality rates across the globe. Multiple treatment protocols are being applied to overcome this morbidity and mortality including plant-based traditional medicines. This study was designed to investigate the ethnomedicinal status of plant species used to treat diabetes in District Karak, Pakistan.Materials and methodsA semi-structured survey was created to collect data about traditionally used medicinal plants for diabetes and other ailments. The convenience sampling method was applied for the selection of informants. The collected data was evaluated through quantitative tools like frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV).ResultsA total of 346 local informants were selected for this research. Out of them, 135 participants were men and 211 participants were women. Overall 38 plant species belonging to 29 plant families were used to treat diabetes. The most dominant plant family was Oleaceae having 11 species. Powder form (19%) was the most recommended mode of preparation for plant-based ethnomedicines. Leaves (68%) were the most frequently used parts followed by fruit (47%). The highest RFC was recorded for Apteranthes tuberculata (0.147). The maximum FL was reported for Apteranthes tuberculata (94.4) and Zygophyllum indicum (94.11) for diabetes, skin, and wounds. Similarly, the highest UV of (1) each was found for Brassica rapa, Melia azedarach, and Calotropis procera. Based on documented data, the reported ailments were grouped into 7 categories. The ICF values range between 0.89 (diabetes) to 0.33 (Cardiovascular disorders).ConclusionThe study includes a variety of antidiabetic medicinal plants, which are used by the locals in various herbal preparations. The species Apteranthes tuberculata has been reported to be the most frequently used medicinal plant against diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that such plants be further investigated in-vitro and in-vivo to determine their anti-diabetic effects.

Exploration of traditional Ethno-gynaecological knowledge: advances to ethnobotanical studies from indigenous communities of Neelum Valley in the Himalayan Region

The indigenous communities of the Kashmir region are exclusively dependent on medicinal plants for the treatment of various gynecological disorders. Due to the remoteness and unavailability of modern medications, indigenous communities still use traditional healthcare practices to cure various diseases related to women. The specific objective of this study is to document the traditional ethno-gynecological knowledge in Neelum Alley. Field visits were conducted from April to November 2023 to gather data on medicinal plants used for gynecological problems. Both questionnaires and group discussions were used to collect the data. The gathered data was analyzed using a variety of quantitative metrics, such as use value (UV), and relative frequency citation (RFC). A total of 45 plant species belonging to 22 families were collected from the study area. Herbs made up the majority of the medicinal plants employed by indigenous populations (91.1%), whereas leaves, the most often used plant part, contributed 22.22%. Among medicinal plants, Geranium wallichianum had the highest use value (1.41), whereas Arnebia benthamii had the highest relative frequency citation (0.80). This study emphasizes how important it is to preserve traditional knowledge, pointing out that younger people are losing understanding due to a lack of interest. The documentation of traditional ethno-gynecological knowledge is crucial for the preservation, discovery of novel medications, and sustainable conservation of vulnerable medicinal flora.

Ethnobotanical survey on herbal remedies for the management of type 2 diabetes in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco

BackgroundMorocco faces a substantial public health challenge due to diabetes mellitus, affecting 12.4% of adults in 2023. The Moroccan population makes extensive use of phytotherapy and traditional medicine to address the difficulties this chronic condition poses. The aim of this study is to document the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for managing type 2 diabetes in the provinces of the Casablanca-Settat region.MethodsThe study employed a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. A study was conducted between August 1st and September 30th, 2023, and 244 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were invited to take part in the research, all of whom used at least one medicinal plant to manage type 2 diabetes, by visiting primary healthcare facilities in Morocco. The analysis included the use of Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) to scrutinize the data.ResultsA total of 47 plant species belonging to 25 families were documented. Notably, the Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae families were frequently mentioned in the context of treating type 2 diabetes in Morocco. Prominent among the cited plant species were Sesamum indicum L., Lepidium sativum L., followed by Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Seeds emerged as the plant part most commonly mentioned, with infusion being the prevailing preparation method and oral consumption being the most frequently depicted method of administration.ConclusionThis research underscores the practicality of incorporating traditional medicine into the healthcare framework of the Casablanca-Settat region. The findings not only offer valuable documentation but also have a vital function in safeguarding knowledge regarding the utilization of medicinal plants in this locality. Moreover, they provide opportunities to delve deeper into the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of these plants.

Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

Ethnobotanical Survey on Antidepressive Plants Used for Mood Management in Algeria

AbstractDepression is a mood disorder associated with cognitive decline. To self-medicate, people use medicinal herbs to limit the side effects associated with taking antidepressants, such as addiction, hallucinations, and dizziness. Current research consists of ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants used to improve depression-related mood disorders, and the socio-economic profiles of people with depression (gender, age, education level…) and information about the listed antidepressant plants (common name, part used…). 129 individuals belonging to some regions of Algeria answered our questionnaire among which 82% are women and 98% are academics. The informants cited 44 species (Mentha spicata with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) =0.69, Chamomilla nobilis RFC=0.49, Aloysia citrodora RFC=0.19, Lavandula officinalis, Melissa officinalis RFC=0.17, Foeniculum vulgare RFC=0.1, Pimpinella anisum RFC=0.09 and Hypericum perforatum RFC=0.07…) belonging to 25 botanical families represented mainly by the Lamiaceae family (38%). Infusion remains the most common method of preparation, and the leaves are the most used part. These plants modulated the depressive state of informants in a similar way to synthetic antidepressants. These plants deserve to be studied for the development of new herbal drugs with acceptable side effects.

Ethnobotanical Exploration of Traditional Medicinal Plants Among the Rural Inhabitants of District Muzaffarabad, Kashmir Himalayan Region

Indigenous knowledge provides insights into the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants used in local communities for basic healthcare. This research focuses on documenting the medical knowledge of rural communities that rely on medicinal plants in their traditional healthcare practices in the district of Muzaffarabad, Kashmir Himalayas. A field survey was carried out in 2022 and 2023 to collect data on wild medicinal plants. Informants were selected at random to learn about indigenous medical practices through semi-structured interviews and group discussions with 95 informants. The ethnomedicinal data were quantitatively analyzed using indices of use value (UV) and relative frequency citation (RFC). The study area documented 57 medicinal plants from 34 different families. Polygonaceae was the most dominant family, contributing 14.03% to medicinal plants, followed by Lamiaceae (10.52%) and Rosaceae (7.01%). Among medicinal plants, communities predominantly used herbs (64.91%) and leaves (29.09%) to treat several health problems. Mentha longifolia had the highest reported use value (1.71), and Bergenia ciliata had the highest recorded RFC value (0.72). Rural inhabitants continue to rely on wild medicinal plants as their primary source of medication. The transmission of indigenous knowledge to descendants is steadily declining and is primarily limited to healthcare practitioners and the elderly. These communities have kept important indigenous knowledge, which must be preserved for sustainable resource management and conservation. A more extensive field exploration is required to discover all of the indigenous knowledge in rural areas of Kashmir.

Local perceptions of anthropogenic and climate factors affecting the use and the conservation of Detarium microcarpum and Detarium senegalense in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

AbstractUnderstanding local perceptions and the different uses of multipurpose plant species is essential for their sustainable management. Despite this, anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, extension of agricultural lands, overgrazing, and bushfires, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change, are contributing to the loss of these species. This study analyses the perceptions of local communities in Burkina Faso regarding the threats to Detarium microcarpum and Detarium senegalense and their implications, aiming to contribute to the effective management and conservation of such species. Through individual semi‐structured and focus group interviews with 465 local people, data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, plant parts used, use categories, threats and their effects, proposed solutions, and perceived conservation strategies. Descriptive statistics (consensus for plant part and relative frequency of citation), component analysis, and non‐parametric analyses were used for data analysis. Results indicated that ethnicity, age, education level, and occupation were the most influential sociodemographic factors in relation to the use of these species. Six plant parts from both Detarium species are used across seven use categories, with fruits (0.40), trunks (0.16), and bark (0.27) being the most exploited. There was consensus among local populations regarding areas of abundance. Threat factors, their effects, and conservation solutions varied significantly according to site status. This study highlights the multipurpose uses of Detarium species throughout Burkina Faso and reveals that threats to these species are linked to the occupation and the status of each site. Sustainable use, effective conservation, and domestication of Detarium species should be considered to promote and sustain the exploitation of non‐timber forest products.

Local perceptions of the benefits versus negative impacts of weedy grasses in central Madagascar, with a focus on the genus Digitaria

Societal Impact StatementPlants and agricultural practices are an integral part of human food systems and well‐being. Here, an example of an ethnobotanical research approach is provided to increase our understanding of the relationship between plants and human activities in Madagascar, where the agricultural sector is the local economy basis. This research examines weeds of the Poaceae family, assessing their recognition and societal impacts, and quantifying farmers' perception of the Poaceae weed's status in cropping systems. A better understanding of farmers' weed knowledge will strengthen our ability to inclusively support rural highland Malagasy food systems, incorporating science with traditional knowledge.Summary Research on the perceptions and knowledge of Poaceae weeds was conducted in three areas of Madagascar's central highlands: Itremo massif, Ambohidray village and Vakinankaratra region. This work aims to identify the best‐known species and understand their roles in crop and livestock systems. Additionally, it presents detailed data on Digitaria species. The approach was based on field surveys and farmer's interviews, with plant voucher specimens and photographs to facilitate identification. Relative frequency of citations, confidence interval, and use values indexes were calculated to assess cultural significance. We carried out 111 interviews, where 87 taxa were mentioned, of which 51 are Poaceae, including 11 Digitaria species. Farmers classify the Poaceae weeds in three ways: their impacts on agricultural activities, use category and vegetative growth patterns, the latter especially significant for Digitaria. Locally common grasses are perceived as weeds when they are abundant and cause yield loss. The most damaging species is Digitaria humbertii, confirmed by half of the interviews. More than 40% of the farmers use Poaceae weeds in composting, more than 20% as fodder, and more than 8% as medicine. Overall, 67% of the species mentioned are judged useful. The diversity of useful species and the associated indigenous knowledge is important to the local communities, but, weeds are still perceived as negative generally. The Poaceae are overall neglected in Malagasy ethnobotany, and an in‐depth analysis of farmer knowledge is needed. The data obtained will be useful for future studies and the conservation of agrobiodiversity, especially endemic species that are not widely known.

Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used in the treatment of skin diseases in the Western Middle Atlas region (Morocco)

An investigation was conducted among 360 people from the local population of the Western Middle Atlas of Morocco to identify medicinal plants used for treating skin diseases. Various parameters, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Family Use Value (FUV), Plant Part Value (PPV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL), were used for data collection and assessment. During the investigation, 45 medicinal plant species belonging to 33 families were documented, with the most important family being Euphorbiaceae (FUV = 0.292). The highest ICF value (ICF=0.991) was mentioned for skin cancer. The poultice was found to be the primary method for preparing the majority of remedies (51%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (PPV = 0.476), and Allium sativum L. was the most widely used species (RFC = 0.302). These findings are a preliminary step towards conserving and popularising these plant species, promoting sustainable practices in traditional medicine, safeguarding biodiversity, and integrating these valuable botanical resources into modern healthcare systems.

Contribution of edible indigenous woody plants as a coping strategy during drought periods in the southeast lowveld of Zimbabwe: a review

Climatic change related extreme events such as droughts negatively affect local communities in the semi-arid savanna ecosystems. This study mainly records and analyses local knowledge on the use of edible indigenous woody plant species by local communities during drought periods, as a coping strategy, in southeast lowveld of Zimbabwe. Secondary data on utilization of edible indigenous woody plants were gathered from literature sources focusing mainly on the southeast lowveld parts of Zimbabwe and covering the period 2000–2019. Quantitative ethnobotanical data analysis involved computing the frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and family importance value (FIV) to determine the local significance of indigenous woody plant species. A total of 23 species from 12 families were recorded as being used during drought periods with key species including baobab (Adansonia digitata), bird plum (Tamarindus indica), corky-monkey orange (Strychnos cocculoides) and black monkey orange (Strychnos madagascariensis). Major use categories were food, medicine, and livestock feed. The study findings points to the need for embracing indigenous woody plants as a buffer against drought in semi-arid parts of the savanna. Future projects should focus on developing innovative strategies such as value addition and promoting sustainable use and restoration of non-wood forest products as part of livelihood diversification under drought situations.

Harmony in nature: understanding the cultural and ecological aspects of plant use in Ladakh

BackgroundTraditional knowledge (TK) in Ladakh encapsulates a repository of experimental wisdom cultivated over millennia. Despite this cultural wealth, dwindling interest among the younger generations in the region’s age-old practices underscores the urgency to document TK. The current study investigates the diverse usage of plants in Surru, Wakha and Lower Indus valleys of Western Ladakh exploring the influence of socioeconomic and ecological factors.MethodsA stratified random sample approach was adopted to select 540 respondents for gathering information of useful plants through interviews and questionnaires. Participant observation, questionnaires, open-ended and semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Free listing was done to create an extensive list of plants and their uses. Ethnobotanical metrics such as relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance index (RI), cultural value (CV) index and cultural importance (CI) index were computed to assess species applicability. Additionally, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to discern significant differences in knowledge levels based on valleys, gender, education and religion using TK as a response variable.ResultsAltogether, we recorded 246 plant species under various ethnobotanical uses from Western Ladakh. These include medicinal (126), fodder (124), wild ornamentals (86), food (81), fuel wood (54), dye (20), religious (31) and others (34). Novel plant reports include Berberis brandisiana Ahrendt and Dactylorhiza kafiriana Renz. The dominant plant family is Asteraceae with 35 species. Suru valley exhibits the highest number of cited plants followed by Wakha-chu and Lower Indus valleys (192, 168 and 152 species, respectively).ConclusionDisparities in plant use understanding are evident among different groups, prompting further investigation through intercultural comparisons. Plants such as Arnebia euchroma, Juniperus semiglobosa, and Artemisia species emerge with cultural importance. Gender, valley affiliation, religious background and the remoteness of a village all influence local plant knowledge. These variations are linked to socioeconomic disparities among communities.

Checklist of medicinal plants used by traditional women for maternal health care in Lagos State, Nigeria

Traditional women in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants for maternal health care since time immemorial. However, there is no proper documentation of medicinal plants used in maternal health care, as information is passed from generation to generation orally. This study aimed at the identification and documentation of medicinal plants used in Lagos, Nigeria for maternal health care. Ethnobotanical studies were carried out in six local government areas namely, Agege, Alimosho, Badagry, Ejigbo, Mushin and Ojo. A Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to obtain information from 300 respondents, 50 from each local government area. The respondents included herbal merchants, herbal medicine practitioners, midwives, and traditional birth attendants. Information obtained included the names of the plants, plant parts used, mode of preparation and administration and dosage of the medicinal herbs. Forty-five (45) plants belonging to twenty-three (23) families were identified and documented in the study area. Most of the reported plants belong to the Fabaceae (13.52%), Malvaceae (8.41%) and Annonaceae (6.67%) families. Kigelia africana, Caliandra portoricensis, Nauclea latifolia and Securidata longepedunculata had the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) of 0.96; 100% and 0.82; 100%, 0.92; 100 % and 0.78; 100% respectively. Most of the reported plants (73.47%) were herbs and shrubs and about 62.68% of the surveyed plants were wild. Leaves were the most frequently used (72.74%) plant’s part. Most of the herbs (80.45 %) were prepared as decoctions and preparations were mostly administered orally (88.64%). Strategies suggested to conserve the surveyed plants include the cultivation of medicinal plants to prevent their extinction.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Mile, Yunnan, China

BackgroundThe Yi people are a sociolinguistic group living in Mile City, which is their typical settlement in southeastern Yunnan, China. Over the long history of using medicinal plants, the Yi people have accumulated and developed a wealth of traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a vital role in their health care. However, only a few studies have been performed to systematically document the medicinal plants commonly used by the Yi people. This study provides fundamental data for the development and application of ethnomedicine as well as supports the conservation of the traditional medical knowledge of the Yi people.MethodsThis study was conducted from May 2020 to August 2022 and involved five townships in Mile. Information regarding medicinal plants was obtained through semistructured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observation. The collected voucher specimens were identified using the botanical taxonomy method and deposited in the herbarium. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using informant consensus factor, relative frequency of citation, and fidelity level.ResultsIn total, 114 informants distributed in five townships of Mile were interviewed. The Yi people used 267 medicinal plant species belonging to 232 genera and 104 families to treat various diseases. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae were the most commonly used plant families by the Yi people. In addition, herbs were most commonly used by the Yi people. Whole plants and roots were the preferred medicinal parts. Decoctions were the most common method of herbal medicine preparation. There are 49 different recorded diseases treated by Yi medicinal plants, and among them, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, traumatic injury, fractures, and digestive system diseases have the largest number of species used. A quantitative analysis demonstrated that plants such as Zingiber officinale, Lycopodium japonicum, Aconitum carmichaelii, Panax notoginseng, Cyathula officinalis, and Leonurus japonicus played crucial roles in disease prevention and treatment.ConclusionTraditional knowledge of medicinal plants is closely associated with the social culture of the local Yi people. The medicinal plants used for health care in the study area were diverse. Local healers were skilled at using medicinal plants to treat various diseases. Their treatment methods were convenient and unique, exhibiting distinctive regional characteristics. However, the inheritance of their traditional medicinal knowledge and protection of wild medicinal plant resources are facing serious challenges, including the decreasing number of local healers, aging of healers, lack of successors, and excessive harvesting of medicinal plant resources. This ethnobotanical survey provides a useful reference for the sustainable utilization and protection of medicinal plant resources in Mile and the inheritance of traditional medicinal knowledge of the Yi people.

An appraisal of traditional knowledge of plant poisoning of livestock and its validation through acute toxicity assay in rats.

Background: Kashmir Himalaya hosts the most diverse and rich flora in the world, which serves as grazing land for millions of small ruminants in the area. While most plant species are beneficial, some can be poisonous, causing economic losses and animal health issues for livestock. Consequently, this study is the first comprehensive report on the traditional phyto-toxicological knowledge in District Muzaffarabad and the assessment of its authenticity through experimental studies in rats. Methods: The data regarding traditional knowledge was gathered from 70 key respondents through semi-structured interviews, which was quantitatively analyzed and authenticated through plant extract testing on Wistar female rats and comparison with published resources. Results: A total of 46 poisonous plant species belonging to 23 families and 38 genera were reported to be poisonous in the study area. Results revealed that leaves were the most toxic plant parts (24 species, 52.1%), followed by the whole plant (18 species, 39.1%), stem (17 species, 36.9%), and seeds (10 species, 21.7%). At the organ level, liver as most susceptible affected by 13 species (28.2%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract (15 species, 32.6%), nervous system (13 species, 8.2%), dermis (8 species, 17.3%), renal (7 species, 15.2%), respiratory (4 species, 8.7%), cardiovascular system (3 species, 6.5%), and reproductive system (2 species, 4.3%). The poisonous plant species with high Relative frequency citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL) were Nerium oleander (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), Lantana camara (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), and Ricinus communis (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100). Experimental assessment of acute toxicity assay in rats revealed that Nerium oleander was the most toxic plant with LD50 of (4,000mg/kg), trailed by Ricinus communis (4,200mg/kg), L. camara (4,500mg/kg), and Datura stramonium (4,700mg/kg); however, other plants showed moderate to mild toxicity. The major clinical observations were anorexia, piloerection, dyspnea, salivation, tachypnea, constipation, diarrhea, tremor, itchiness, and dullness. Conclusion: This study showed that numerous poisonous plants pose a significant risk to the livestock industry within Himalayan territory, leading to substantial economic losses. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to conduct further comprehensive studies on the phytotoxicity of plants.