Traditional Medicinal Knowledge Research Articles

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

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

An exploratory study on becoming a traditional spiritual healer among Baganda in Central Uganda.

Traditional medicinal knowledge and healing practices of indigenous spiritual healers play important roles in health care, and contribute towards achieving Universal Health Care. Traditional spiritual healers (TSHs) are grouped into three categories. One category of Baganda TSHs, Balubaale, engage ancestral spirits during health management. Balubaale are socially significant but not legally accepted. Their initiation and training practices have not been documented in Uganda. The study purpose was to understand and establish the training of traditional spiritual healers. Twelve (10M, 2F); practicing TSHs in Central Uganda were purposively selected and recruited between 15th July 2019 and 29th April 2020, and were prospectively interacted with for 24 months. Transcribed data was coded and thematically analyzed using ATLAS ti. 22 computer software and presented based on an inductive approach. Findings show key areas of TSHs training include connecting with ancestral spirits and the spiritual powers of non-materials and materials such as living and non-living things through rituals. Spiritual healers train in diagnosis and health management based on ancestral spirits and they finally pass out in a communal ceremony witnessed by family and community members. We conclude that TSHs undergo training and are supervised and supported by experienced spiritualists, family and the community. We recommend similar studies among other ethnic groups to contextualize the process of becoming a TSH, compare and harmonize findings to facilitate inter-medical systems communication and policy considerations.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Knowledge Graph Construction Based on Large Language Models

This study explores the use of large language models in constructing a knowledge graph for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve the representation, storage, and application of TCM knowledge. The knowledge graph, based on a graph structure, effectively organizes entities, attributes, and relationships within the TCM domain. By leveraging large language models, we collected and embedded substantial TCM–related data, generating precise representations transformed into a knowledge graph format. Experimental evaluations confirmed the accuracy and effectiveness of the constructed graph, extracting various entities and their relationships, providing a solid foundation for TCM learning, research, and application. The knowledge graph has significant potential in TCM, aiding in teaching, disease diagnosis, treatment decisions, and contributing to TCM modernization. In conclusion, this paper utilizes large language models to construct a knowledge graph for TCM, offering a vital foundation for knowledge representation and application in the field, with potential for future expansion and refinement.

Traditional medicinal plants used for rheumatoid arthritis and immune system disorders treatment in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco: An ethnopharmacological study

Rheumatoid arthritis, classified as an immune system disorder, stands as a prevalent condition that presents considerable challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. This study was delving into the realm of traditional medicine to explore the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and immune system disorders in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco. With a focus on ethnopharmacological insights, a comprehensive survey was conducted involving 372 participants, including herbalists and patients, to document the local knowledge and practices associated with these conditions. The findings revealed a noteworthy reliance on traditional medicinal knowledge, with a prominent role played by females across different age groups. A diverse spectrum of 88 plant species hailing from 45 distinct families was identified, where in the Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, and Zingibneraceae families garnered prominence as the most endorsed choices. Noteworthy among these, Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa emerged as highly favored species, boasting robust anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory attributes. The study also offers insight regarding preferences concerning administration methods, highlighting the salience of oral consumption and infusion as the predominant modes of preparation. Nevertheless, the observed variability in dosage utilization underscores the traditional therapeutic paradigmsintricacies. Geographic disparities were discernible as well, with certain species displaying a region-specific usage pattern, further enriching the understanding of local herbal practices. Moreover, the study identified endemic species such as Olea europaea, Teucrium polium, Argania spinosa, and Withania adpressa contributing to the safeguarding of the region's indigenous botanical heritage. In conclusion, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the traditional management of RA and immune system disorders in the Casablanca-Settat region. The documented plant species, practices, and preferences offer valuable insights into potential sources of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents.

PENGETAHUAN SISWA SEKOLAH MAN 4 BALANGAN TENTANG TUMBUHAN OBAT DI KECAMATAN HALONG KABUPATEN BALANGAN PADA PELESTARIAN TUMBUHAN OBAT TRADISIONAL

The Meratus Dayak people still believe that traditional medicine using medicinal plants can cure diseases and still often use it as needed. This traditional medicine has become extinct because the system of inheritance of knowledge is only through oral without any written records from generation to generation. This has led to a decrease in the number of individuals who have knowledge and skills in traditional medicine, especially in the younger generation who are less interested in learning traditional medicine. The purpose of this study was to analyze the knowledge of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 4 Balangan students on medicinal plants, their use as daily or traditional customs and efforts to preserve traditional medicines in Halong Subdistrict, Balangan District. Students from class X IPA and X IPS at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 4 Balangan have low knowledge about medicinal plants caused by several factors, including curriculum, teaching methods that are less interactive, the influence of parents who have limited knowledge, and modernization make modern medicines easier to obtain. Students have basic knowledge of medicinal plants, but limited to a few common types, there is a desire to expand their knowledge. The application of medicinal plants in everyday life is still low due to lack of practical knowledge and limited access.

Traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines used by Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China

IntroductionThis study aims to document and preserve the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China, providing valuable insights for modern pharmacological research and the development of these traditional remedies.MethodsOur methodology encompassed a blend of literature review, community interviews, and participatory observation to delve into the traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines among the Gelao community. We employed quantitative ethnological and ecological assessment techniques to evaluate the significance of these practices. Informed consent was secured before conducting interviews, with a focus on ascertaining the types of medicines familiar to the informants, including their local names, sources, methods of preparation, application techniques, diseases treated, frequency of use, and safety considerations.ResultsOur research cataloged 55 varieties of animal-derived medicines utilized by the Gelao people. Out of these, 34 originate from wild animals, mainly encompassing small insects, reptiles, and aquatic species; the remaining 21 are derived from domesticated animals, largely involving their tissues, organs, and various physiological or pathological by-products. These medicines are primarily applied in treating pediatric ailments (13 types), internal disorders (11 types), gynecological issues (3 types), dermatological problems (7 types), ENT conditions (3 types), trauma-related injuries (5 types), joint and bone ailments (5 types), infections (2 types), dental issues (2 types), and urolithiasis (1 type), with three types being used for other miscellaneous conditions. Commonly utilized medicines, such as honey, Blaps beetle, chicken gallstones, and snake-based products, are preferred for their availability, edibility, and safety within the Gelao communities.ConclusionThe Gelao community’s traditional medicines represent a rich diversity of animal sources, showcasing extensive expertise and knowledge in their processing and clinical applications. This wealth of traditional knowledge offers novel perspectives for the contemporary pharmacological study and development of these remedies. Additionally, our research plays a crucial role in aiding the preservation and continuation of this invaluable cultural heritage.

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.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal plants used for Traditional Diarrhea Treatment in North-East Algeria

The objective of this study is to aid in the identification and documentation of medicinal plants that are utilized in traditional local pharmacopeia for the treatment of diarrhea in four provinces located in the northeast region of Algeria. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted during 2019-2020. All users of medicinal plants in those regions were interviewed using a guide questionnaire. Stratified sampling was used to collect information on medicinal plants. Furthermore, the study established the relative importance of the species and estimated the informant consensus factor (ICF) for the medicinal plants included in research. The study has found a total of 52 species that are commonly employed in the treatment of diarrhea in four specific provinces of Algeria. These species are categorized into 26 families and 22 genera. The most frequently quoted plants (over 10 quotations) were Artemisia herba alba Asso. (52 quotations) with the highest (FC = 43.33%); Punica granatum L. (50 quotations, FC = 41.67%); Origanum vulgaire L. (32 quotations, FC = 26.67%); Juniperus phoenicea L. (29 quotations, FC = 24.17%), and Ceratonia siliqua L. (19 quotations, FC = 15.83%). The most common plant families were Lamiaceae and Rosaceae (10 and 6 plants, respectively). Species morphological type analyses show that herbs were most represented (46.16%). For different organs used, leaves and fruits were the most used (27.15% and 26.35%, respectively). Although the infusion (55.81%) constituted the prevailing approach to drug preparation, the results showed that many kinds of plants can be used to treat diarrhea in Algeria. The study has enhanced the collection of medicinal plants with anti-diarrheal properties and has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in traditional medicine while also preserving local indigenous knowledge.

Exploring the benefits of wild plants in dietary nutrition: investigating perspectives, choices, health impacts and sustainable practices

BackgroundThis ethnobotanical study in Dunyapur, District Lodhran, Pakistan, focuses on traditional medicinal knowledge, exploring 41 plants across 28 families. The research involves 496 informants from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, herbalists, housewives, teachers, and shopkeepers. The prevalence of herbs (68%) aligns with their accessibility and rapid regrowth, shaping the local medicinal landscape. The study investigates socio-demographic features, emphasizing the importance of considering the community's diverse perspectives.MethodsThe research employs quantitative ethnobotanical data analysis, introducing various indices like PPV, FUV, FIV, RFC, UV, and RI. The analysis of plant growth habits underscores the dominance of herbs, and the method of preparation evaluation identifies decoction as the most common (23%). Leaves (27%) are the most utilized plant part, and Resedaceae stands out with the highest FUV (0.38). FIV highlights the ecological and cultural significance of Poaceae, Boraginaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae.ResultsThe RFC values range from 0.016 to 0.032, with Cucumis melo having the highest value (0.032), indicating its frequent citation and cultural significance. The study reveals specific plants like Melia azedarach, Peganum harmala and Salvadora oleoides with high PR values for skin issues, reflecting their widespread acceptance and effectiveness. Oligomeris linifolia emerges with the highest UV (0.38), emphasizing its greater significance in local traditional practices. Leptadenia pyrotechnica records the highest RI (9.85), underlining its exceptional importance in the community's traditional pharmacopeia.ConclusionThe findings offer a holistic understanding of ethnobotanical knowledge in Dunyapur, emphasizing the role of local contexts and ecological factors in shaping traditional plant uses. The study contributes valuable insights into the diverse practices within the community, laying the foundation for sustainable integration of traditional knowledge into broader healthcare frameworks.

Comparison of Knowledge and Traditional Medicine Use Patterns Among Health and Non-Health Students in Medan City

Traditional medicine is an ingredient or concoction made from elements in the form of plants, animals, minerals, extract preparations (galenic), or a mixture of these ingredients, which has been used for treatment for generations. This research aims to describe the knowledge and patterns of use of traditional medicine among health and non-health students. This research is descriptive quantitative research using survey methods. Data was collected using a questionnaire via Google form, which was then analyzed to describe the research results. The research results showed that 43.86% of health students understood and comprehended traditional medicine knowledge, while 24.5% of non-health students had low knowledge of traditional medicine. The pattern of traditional medicine use by health students is 76.87% lower than that of non-health students, who use traditional medicine patterns as much as 80.96%. The conclusion of this research is that the level of knowledge regarding traditional medicine is better in health students at around 43.86% compared to non-health students, and the pattern of effort to use traditional medicine is more significant in non-health students at 80.96% than in health students.

Traditional Medicine and Healing Knowledge in the Context of Witchcraft: What Do the Holy Books and Religious Leaders Say?

In developing countries including Tanzania, traditional medicine and healing knowledge are increasingly utilised, and play a crucial role in healthcare. However, such knowledge often faces negative associations with witchcraft. This study explored perspectives from holy books and religious leaders regarding the management of traditional medicine and healing knowledge, the role of religion in the process, the potential efficacy of traditional healing knowledge for common health conditions, and the reasons behind the association with witchcraft. A mixed research approach was employed. Religious leaders formed the population of this study. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with religious leaders, supplemented with documentary review. Data from face-to-face interviews were qualitatively analysed through thematic content analysis before it was coded and analysed through SPSS for numeric descriptions. Results underscored the vital role of traditional medicine and healing knowledge in Tanzania’s healthcare. Religious leaders and holy books recognised the necessity for managing such knowledge. Despite available religious texts describing traditional practices and their potential efficacy, religious leaders in the study area did not actively support the management of such knowledge, but rather associated it with witchcraft. The association with witchcraft arises from misunderstandings and societal biases introduced by foreign religions, early traders, and colonialists. The conclusion has been that although religious organisations played no role in the management of such knowledge, holy books, and religious leaders acknowledged the importance of doing that. Impoverishing, demonising, and disregarding were due to colonialism. The implications for managing knowledge in this context have also been provided.

Local Knowledge of Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Food Duano, Kerinci and Suku Anak Dalam Jambi As a Natural Science Learning Resource

Purpose of the study: The aim of this research is to explore the concept of science (biology, physics, and chemistry) in traditional ethnic medicine and food of the Duano, Kerinci, and Suku Anak Dalam Jambi.
 Methodology: This research examines the concept of science based on traditions and local knowledge as a source of science learning (biology, chemistry, and physics). Type of qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. Data was collected through observation, interviews, FGD, and documentation using Spradley model data analysis.
 Main Findings: The research found that the Duano Dalam tribe has local traditions and knowledge, such as menorah sunburn, marine ecology, lung, and gulai making. The Kerinci tribe has local knowledge about ethnic medicine and food, including Betemas/Tasapa and surian chili sauce. Meanwhile, the Anak Dalam (SAD) tribe has a tradition of Besale and local knowledge of Batangas and fish Pekasam food. The collection of traditions and local knowledge of each tribe has the potential to become a basis for science concepts in learning.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty or originality of the research entitled “Local Knowledge of Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Food of the Duano, Kerinci, and Anak Dalam Tribes as a Natural Science Learning Resource" lies in several key aspects. These aspects are 1) Local traditions and knowledge that can be used as a basis for science learning, 2) cultural and ethnographic perspectives as sources of science learning, 3) Interdisciplinary approaches, 4) Cross-Cultural Learning Potential, and 5) Conservation and Sustainable Practices.

Knowledge, attitude, and utilization of traditional medicine within the plural medical system in West Java, Indonesia

BackgroundThe concept of ‘medical pluralism’ has become more popular among scholars in applied health science and prevalent in societies where one medical system alone cannot adequately meet the health care needs of the entire population.MethodsThe data collection is focused on the knowledge-belief-practice and the utilization of three medical systems in Kabupaten Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Participants were purposively selected from households with at least one member experienced one of the listed diseases in the questionnaire. The extensive survey using a structured questionnaire has been undertaken to collect data on people’s health care utilization behaviour. The dataset is further analyzed using multivariate analysis through non-canonical correlation, with the analytical data provided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).ResultsWith regards to the total utilization by patients, the traditional medical system presents as the dominant medical system in the research area, accounting for 59.3% (n = 419) of total utilization, followed by the modern medical system (33.0%, n = 233), and transitional medical system (7.7%, n = 54). This study identified that village category, illness, illness duration, occupation, belief in traditional medicine, knowledge of modern medicine, accessibility, cost, proximity to the medical service, and insurance have significant (χ2 = 0.000) relationship with the utilization of medical systems. The results of the multivariate analysis show that the block of the predisposing socio-demographic factors and the block of the predisposing psycho-social factors correlate strongly with the utilization of medical systems.ConclusionsIn general, people in Kabupaten Bandung, West Java, Indonesia seeks treatment from various sources, which in the context of the medical system, consists of the traditional, transitional, and modern medical system; therefore, it adopts the patterns of transcultural health care utilization. In terms of the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of traditional medicine in West Java, the inhabitants of the five research villages were commonly familiar with medicinal plants and speak profoundly about their knowledge of traditional medicine, which in the research area is perceived as accessible, efficacious, affordable and culturally appropriate with Sundanese community.

P103 Natural compounds in Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Insights from immune-metabolic profiles

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represent chronic and occasionally disabling conditions, necessitating innovative treatment strategies. Covering 14% of Ireland's landscape, bogland ecosystems house unique plant biodiversity, yielding biologically active secondary metabolites. Informed by traditional medicinal knowledge and in vitro screening for immunomodulatory potential, three plant extracts (NTP0226A, NTP0127B, NTP0206EA) were selected for exploration of their potential to treat IBD and IBS within the "Unlocking Nature’s Pharmacy from Bogland Species" project. Methods Patients undergoing colonoscopy were prospectively recruited in three cohorts: healthy controls, IBS, and ulcerative colitis (UC). Recto-sigmoid biopsies were collected and cultured for 24 h with treatments (Infliximab, NTP0226A, NTP0127B, NTP0206EA). Colonic tissue explants underwent real-time energy metabolism profiling and quantification of 10 inflammatory mediators using Seahorse Xfe24 analyser and multiplex ELISA, respectively. P values <0.05 were considered significant in analyses. Results Twenty-seven patients were recruited (6 healthy controls, 6 IBS, and 15 UC). UC patient explants exhibited elevated glycolytic metabolism and increased IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12p70 secretion compared to non-UC patients. No differences were observed between healthy controls and IBS patients. Linear regression did not show correlation between age and mitochondrial bioenergetics. There was no change in metabolism profiles of any cohort following treatment with Infliximab or the 3 novel extracts. In the UC tissue, treatment with Infliximab reduced IL-12p70 secretion (p=0.0098), this reduction was not seen in the other 2 cohorts. NTP0206EA reduced IL-10 secretion in the UC cohort (p=0.0255). In the IBS cohort; NTP0127B reduced IL-10 secretion (p=0.0048) and NTP0226A reduced IL-4 (p=0.004) and IL-6 (p=0.0219) secretion. Principal component analysis demonstrated reduced separation between the immune-metabolic profiles of UC patients and healthy controls following treatment with NTP0226A (Figure 1). Conclusion Using an explant model, we have shown that UC patients have a distinct immune-metabolic profile modifiable by a standard IBD therapy and novel plant extracts. Blockade of IL-6 trans-signalling has recently shown promise as an effective treatment target in IBD. Our natural extract NTP0226A reduced IL-6 secretion in IBS patients and is a promising candidate for therapeutic exploration. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay in the colonic microenvironment and highlight potential avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.

Legal protection of traditional medicine knowledge as intellectual property of North Aceh communities

The Convention on Biodiversity affirms the principles of having respect for and protecting traditional knowledge related to biodiversity, including traditional medicine knowledge. Indonesia as a country rich in traditional medicine knowledge ratified the Convention on Biodiversity in 1994. Traditional knowledge is a communal intellectual property which is one of the potential areas for improving people’s welfare. The North Aceh District is one of the districts in Aceh Province which still uses traditional medicines as part of the traditional knowledge of the community. Traditional medicine knowledge includes treatments related to, for example, coughs, broken bones, sprains, fever, itching and ringworm. The ingredients used are Peacock Leaves, Moringa Leaves, Black Seunijuk Leaves, Henna Leaves, Broken Nutmeg Leaves, areca nut roots, logs, areca nuts and noni fruit. This article will analyse the legal protection of traditional medicine knowledge as an intellectual property for the people of North Aceh. The results of the study show that legal protection for the traditional medicine knowledge of the people of North Aceh has not yet been implemented, and the entire existing traditional medicine knowledge is not yet known. Therefore, there is a need for strategic steps such as the availability of data collection in databases and collaboration with institutions observing traditional medicine knowledge.

Techniques in Preserving Traditional Medicinal Knowledge in uMhlathuze in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT This article examined the techniques used in preserving traditional medicinal knowledge in UMhlathuze in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Four research objectives guided the study: to determine the types of traditional medicinal knowledge owners in uMhlathuze area; to determine techniques used by traditional medicinal knowledge owners in preserving their traditional medicinal knowledge; to establish the effectiveness of the techniques used by traditional medicinal knowledge owners in preserving their traditional medicinal knowledge and to identify the challenges associated with the preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge. The study adopted qualitative research approach underpinned by the interpretivism research paradigm, in order to understand the techniques or strategies used to preserve traditional medicinal knowledge, guided by Nonaka's knowledge creation model. Qualitative data was collected through interviews (primarily through open-ended questions incorporated in semi-structured interviews with traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners) and content analysis was used for qualitative data obtained from lliterature review and document analysis. The study interviewed fifteen (15) traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, included diviners (Izangoma), herbalists (Izinyanga), and faith healers/prophets (Abathandazi). The study identified the abundance, accessibility, and usage of traditional medicinal knowledge for the benefit of both owners and users of this knowledge. The findings reveal that the traditional medicinal practitioners employed various strategies, such as notebooks and diaries to record and preserve their knowledge. Traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners also passed on their therapeutic experiences to their loved ones. Even though most traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners used a written form of preservation, several obstacles were recognised when conserving knowledge. The lack of education, skills and ability to use technological gadgets to their full potential made conserving traditional medicinal knowledge challenging. The study recommends that traditional medicinal knowledge should be captured, stored, retrieved, and disseminated via technological devices.

An ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plants used by the Bai people in Yunlong County northwest Yunnan, China

BackgroundThe Bai people in Yunlong County, northwest Yunnan, China, have used medicinal plants and traditional remedies for ethnoveterinary practices. The Bai have mastered ethnoveterinary therapeutic methods in livestock breeding since ancient times. The Bai’s traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge is now facing extinction, and their unique ethnoveterinary practices have rarely been recorded. This study documented animal diseases, EMPs, and related traditional knowledge in Yunlong County, China.MethodsEthnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in six villages and townships of Yunlong County between 2021 and 2022. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, and keyperson interviews. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, and the informant consensus factor and use reports (URs) were used to evaluate the current ethnoveterinary practices among the local communities. Information on livestock diseases, medicinal plants, and traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge were also obtained.ResultsA total of 90 plant species belong to 51 families, 84 genera were recorded as being used as EMPs by the Bai people, and Asteraceae plants are most frequently used. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, including 58 men (85.3%) and 10 women (14.7%). The most commonly used EMPs parts included the roots, whole plants, leaves, and stems, and the common livestock diseases identified in this field investigation included trauma and fracture, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, parasitic diseases, miscellaneous, venomous snake bites, reproductive diseases, infectious diseases, skin disease, and urinary diseases. Most of the EMPs are herbs (77.78%). Courtyard is one of the habitats of medicinal plants in Yunlong County.ConclusionTraditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine is related to the local sociocultural characteristics of the Bai. Plants are used in cultural traditions, which, in turn, nourish the plant culture. Cultural diversity and biodiversity are interdependent. This traditional knowledge is at risk of disappearance because of the increasing extension of Western veterinary medicine, lifestyle changes, and mainstream cultural influences. Therefore, it is important to continue research on ethnoveterinary practices.

Diversity of Aquatic Macrophyte Species of Pardi Wetland, Valsad District, Gujarat, India: Social-economic and Ethnobotanical importance

Wetlands, which serve as a transition between land and water, are a source of concern across the world in terms of resource evaluation and use, environmental protection, pollution control, eco-restoration, biodiversity conservation, and so on. Wetlands are an important aspect of human civilization because they provide drinking water, food, improved water quality, sediment retention, flood storage, transportation, recreation, and climate stabilization, among other things. Despite their numerous advantages, wetlands are increasingly subjected to anthropogenic pressures and are rapidly disappearing. Valsad district is the developing district of Gujarat state, located between 20°37'48.00" N and 72°55'48.00" E, making it one of Gujarat's rainiest districts and having many wetland ecosystems with great aquatic biodiversity. The present investigation aimed to list, find, and investigate wetlands, with a focus on macrophyte species, because of their high socioeconomic and ethnobotanical relevance. The current study identified a total of 43 macrophyte species, which are organized into 35 genera and 24 different families. Out of the 43 macrophyte species, 40 were recorded as angiosperms, 02 as pteridophytes, and 01 as macroalgae. In the present investigation, existing macrophyte species were evaluated based on their ecological classification, life form classification, and their wetland indicator status. This research not only showed the diversity of indigenous macrophytes but also discusses the utilization of aquatic plants for socioeconomic and ethnobotanical purposes, which enhance the traditional medicinal knowledge about the macrophytes.

Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge, and nutritional value of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Western Anti-Atlas of Morocco.

The Souss region in Morocco is known nationally and internationally for its essential knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and the cultural heritage of nutrition. The endemic species Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an important crucial plant used by the local population to treat many diseases and prepare some authentic foods. To identify the therapeutic uses of the Argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] and their benefits in preparing authentic foods, the survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. We have achieved 450 interviews with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. In the region of Chtouka Aït Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas). In parallel with this survey, we collected some old local manuscripts from conventional practitioners in the region. The data obtained were analyzed using specific ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). In parallel, we analyzed the nutritional value of some authentic foods derived the argan oil (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis). All 450 interviewees use the argan oil in food or for the preparation of their authentic foods derived (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis); among them, 100 persons use Argan, in addition to food, in the treatment of various diseases with UV and RFC at 1.94 and 0.22, respectively. Among eight treated diseases by argan tree, the treatment of skin and subcutaneous diseases had a very highly significant value of the FL index (98%). Similarly, the analysis of the manuscripts collected in the study area revealed an ancient therapeutic use of the argan tree. The results also show that the Argan oil extracted from the seed is used to prepare authentic foods with significant nutritional value, especially Amlou.

Kiến thức, thái độ, thực hành về y học cổ truyền của sinh viên từ năm 1 tới năm 3 năm học 2022 – 2023 tại Trường Đại học Y - Dược, Đại học Huế

Objective: Traditional medicine is an ancient treatment method; it is a natural therapy suitable for initial healthcare and plays a crucial role in improving health. The training program at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, has incorporated traditional medicine into the curriculum for various health-related disciplines. Therefore, researching students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards traditional medicine is essential and appropriate to enhance the quality of education. Methods: A descriptive cross - sectional study was conducted on 400 students, who had studying from the 1st year to the 3rd year at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the 2022-2023 school year. The survey period extended from November 2022 to February 2023. Data was collected based on a prepared set of questions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with knowledge and practical application of traditional medicine methods. Students with good knowledge of Traditional Medicine account for 79.3% of the total. Additionally, the results also indicate that 80.8% of students have a positive attitude towards it. Furthermore, 80.6% of students agree and are willing to engage in learning and exploring traditional medicine if given the opportunity. The proportion of students who have used traditional medicine for prevention and treatment of illnesses is 42,8%. There is a correlation between knowledge of traditional medicine and field of study, and academic year. Additionally, there is also a relationship between practical application and the classification of knowledge, as well as attitudes, with p<0.05. The majority of surveyed students have good knowledge and a positive attitude towards Traditional Medicine, but a relatively small number of students have actually practiced Traditional Medicine methods. There is a correlation between knowledge of Traditional Medicine and gender, major, and academic year. Additionally, there is a correlation between practice and knowledge and attitude (p<0.05).