Traditional Medicinal Plant Species Research Articles

The conversion of monolignans to sesquilignans and dilignans is closely correlated to the regulation of Arctium lappa seed germination.

The secondary metabolic conversion of monolignans to sesquilignans/dilignans was closely related to seed germination and seedling establishment in Arctium lappa. Arctium lappa plants are used as a kind of traditional Chinese medicines for nearly 1500years, and so far, only a few studies have put focus on the key secondary metabolic changes during seed germination and seedling establishment. In the current study, a combined approach was used to investigate the correlation among secondary metabolites, plant hormone signaling, and transcriptional profiles at the early critical stages of A. lappa seed germination and seedling establishment. Of 50 metabolites in methonolic extracts of A. lappa samples, 35 metabolites were identified with LC-MS/MS and 15 metabolites were identified with GC-MS. Their qualitative properties were examined according to the predicted chemical structures. The quantitative analysis was performed for deciphering their metabolic profiles, discovering that the secondary metabolic conversion from monolignans to sesquilignans/dilignans was closely correlated to the initiation of A. lappa seed germination and seedling establishment. Furthermore, the critical transcriptional changes in primary metabolisms, translational regulation at different cellular compartments, and multiple plant hormone signaling pathways were revealed. In addition, the combined approach provides unprecedented insights into key regulatory mechanisms in both gene transcription and secondary metabolites besides many known primary metabolites during seed germination of an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant species. The results not only provide new insights to understand the regulation of key medicinal components of 'ARCTII FRUCTUS', arctiin and arctigenin at the stages of seed germination and seedling establishment, but also potentially spur the development of seed-based cultivation in A. lappa plants.

Overexpression of AtMYB2 Promotes Tolerance to Salt Stress and Accumulations of Tanshinones and Phenolic Acid in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a prized traditional Chinese medicinal plant species. Its red storage roots are primarily used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, a transcription factor gene AtMYB2 was cloned and introduced into Salvia miltiorrhiza for ectopic expression. Overexpression of AtMYB2 enhanced salt stress resistance in S. miltiorrhiza, leading to a more resilient phenotype in transgenic plants exposed to high-salinity conditions. Physiological experiments have revealed that overexpression of AtMYB2 can decrease the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during salt stress, boost the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and mitigate oxidative damage to cell membranes. In addition, overexpression of AtMYB2 promotes the synthesis of tanshinones and phenolic acids by upregulating the expression of biosynthetic pathway genes, resulting in increased levels of these secondary metabolites. In summary, our findings demonstrate that AtMYB2 not only enhances plant tolerance to salt stress, but also increases the accumulation of secondary metabolites in S. miltiorrhiza. Our study lays a solid foundation for uncovering the molecular mechanisms governed by AtMYB2 and holds significant implications for the molecular breeding of high-quality S. miltiorrhiza varieties.

Genetic diversities in wild and cultivated populations of the two closely-related medical plants species, Tripterygium Wilfordii and T. Hypoglaucum (Celastraceae)

BackgroundThe sustainable supply of medicinal plants is important, and cultivating and domesticating them has been suggested as an optimal strategy. However, this can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, but its wild populations are dwindling due to excessive harvesting. To protect the species and meet the increasing demand, it is urgent to cultivate it on a large scale. However, distinguishing between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, two similar species with different medicinal properties, is challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the genetic diversity and population structure of these species for their sustainable utilization.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of the two traditional medicinal semiwoody vines plant species, Tripterygium wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, including wild and cultivated populations using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and microsatellite loci. Our results indicated that the two species maintain a high level of genetic divergence, indicating possible genetic bases for the different contents of bioactive compounds of the two species. T. wilfordii showed lower genetic diversity and less subdivided population structures of both markers than T. hypoglaucum. The potential factors in shaping these interesting differences might be differentiated pollen-to-seed migration rates, interbreeding, and history of population divergence. Analyses of cpDNA and microsatellite loci supported that the two species are genetically distinct entities. In addition, a significant reduction of genetic diversity was observed for cultivated populations of the two species, which mainly resulted from the small initial population size and propagated vegetative practice during their cultivation.ConclusionOur findings indicate significant genetic divergence between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum. The genetic diversity and population structure analyses provide important insights into the sustainable cultivation and utilization of these medicinal plants. Accurate identification and conservation efforts are necessary for both species to ensure the safety and effectiveness of crude drug use. Our study also highlighted the importance of combined analyses of different DNA markers in addressing population genetics of medicinal plants because of the contrasts of inheritance and rates of gene flow. Large-scale cultivation programs should consider preserving genetic diversity to enhance the long-term sustainability of T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum. Our study proposed that some populations showed higher genetic diversity and distinctness, which can be considered with priority for conservation and as the sources for future breeding and genetic improvement.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local Gamo people in Boreda Abaya District, Gamo Zone, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundMedicinal plants have been used for centuries and are still relied upon by over 80% of the Ethiopian population. The people of Gamo, southern Ethiopia, have a rich cultural and traditional lifestyle with a long history of using plant resources for various uses including traditional herbal medicine. However, their traditional knowledge of traditional medicinal plants in Boreda Abaya District has not been explored Ethnobotanically yet, despite preserving diverse indigenous traditional medicinal plants. Hence, the study aimed to document and analyze traditional medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge and practices used by local people.Materials and methodsQuantitative ethnobotanical data were collected via semi-structured interviews, face-to-face conversations, group discussions, and guided field trips between September 2022 and February 2023. In total, 92 informants participated, of which 25 were key informants. Quantitative data indices (informant consensus factor—ICF—and use report—Ur) were computed by MS Excel spreadsheet software. Scientific names of medicinal plants were checked via World Flora Online.ResultsIn the present study, we recorded 188 traditional medicinal plant species belonging to 163 genera and 73 plant families. Lamiaceae (16 species), Asteraceae (16 species), Fabaceae (11 species), and Euphorbiaceae (8 species) contributed highest number of species and were found to be predominant family in the area. Leaves and seeds were most frequently used plant parts, and pounding (46%) was the main method to prepare remedies. The sudden sickness disease category scored the highest consensus (ICF: 0.35), followed by blood and circulatory-related disease categories (ICF: 0.33). The highest number of plant taxa (61 species) used to treat dermal disease has a 71-use report score, while fewer plant taxa (21 species) were utilized to treat genitourinary system-related disease category, having 25 use reports. Ocimum lamiifolium (Ur:56) and Moringa stenopetala (Ur:51) are widely used species and received highest use report value.ConclusionGamo people possess extensive traditional knowledge of ethnomedicine. The region's vegetation hosts diverse medicinal species, but deforestation, agriculture, and droughts threaten them. Local conservation practices require scientific support, prioritizing species having higher use reports (Ur), and in-depth investigations of promising species for drug development are essential.

Antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plant species from the Kars (Turkey)

Fourteen different plant parts consisting of leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds were examined separately of Rumex patientia, Hyoscyamus niger, Melilotus officinalis, Lamium album, and Epilobium angustifolium plants. All of these are naturally growing and used for medicinal purposes in Kars province. Five different methods were used to determine the antioxidant capacity of these herbal products. The methods were as follows: determination of total polyphenol, total flavonoid, DPPH● (free radical), CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric ıon reducing antioxidant power). The data obtained regarding the antioxidant activity demonstrated that the flower part of the Epilobium angustifolium plant obtained from Kars had the highest antioxidant capacity. It was determined that the seeds of the Hyoscyamus niger plant had the lowest antioxidant capacity.

Traditional Medicine Offers Hope for Cancer Management

Traditional medicine practices play a vital role in health care systems in countries with developing economies like China, India, USA and few African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe etc. The aim of this scientific article was to enlighten the public of the use of traditional medicine within local Nigerian communities for cancer management. In this article, we examine the ethnobotanical uses of selected plant species from the Nigerian flora and attempt to correlate the activities of the isolated bioactive principles with known uses of the plant species in African traditional medicine. Hundreds of plant species have been identified and about 100 out of the compounds identified with these plants matched with the ethnobotanical uses of the plants.

A Systematic Review of Curtisia dentata Endemic to South Africa: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology.

The use of traditional medicine in treating a variety of both human and animal infections is ancient and still relevant. This is due to the resistance exhibited by most pathogenic microbial stains to currently-used antibiotics. The current work reports the phytochemistry, ethno-medicinal uses, toxicology, and most important pharmacological activities that validate the use of the plant species in African traditional medicine. Curtisia dendata is used in the treatment of many human and animal infections, including diarrhea, skin and related conditions, sexually transmitted infections, cancer, and a variety of ethno-veterinary infections. Pharmacologically, the plant species exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens. Further, both extracts and compounds isolated from the plant species exhibited potent antioxidant, anticancer, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and other important biological activities. Phytochemically, the plant species possess a variety of compounds, particularly triterpenes, that may well explain the various pharmacological activities of the plant species. The toxicological parameters, antimicrobial activities against microorganisms related to sexually transmitted infections, anti-diabetic effects, and inflammatory properties of the plant species are not well studied and still need to be explored. The biological activities observed validate the use of the plant species in African traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of pulmonary infections associated with Mycobacterium species, and may well be due to the presence of triterpenes prevalent in the leaves.

Thnomedicinal and conservation evaluation of the traditional medicinal plant species employed by the Van Gujjar Tribe in the Dehradun Shivalik Hills, Uttarakhand, India Authors

Background: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative and conservation ethnomedicinal evaluation of the Van Gujjar Tribe inhabited in the Delhi-Dehradun Highway Shivalik hills Belt (DHSB). The study area is situated adjacent to biodiversity hotspot Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, which is an important part of Himalayan systems. The area is ecologically sensitive, increasing anthropogenic disturbance and overexploitation of medicinal herbs is also major concern. So, along with conventional ethnobotanical studies, conservation analysis of the area is important. Methods: This ethnomedicinal study comprised extensive field surveys and repetitive interviews of 120 informants of the Van Gujjar tribe with different social and educational backgrounds. Procured data were analyzed using three different quantitative indices, i.e. the relative frequency of citations (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), and the fidelity level (FL%). Collected plant samples were identified by relevant flora literature and online plant databases. Identified species conservation status was derived from The IUCN online database. Results: A total of 71 medicinal plant species from 67 genera and 41 families were documented from the study area. The most frequently used species, Zingiber officinale Azadirachta indica A. Juss, and Ageratum conyzoides L. were employed for multiple health issues, mainly for digestive and respiratory disorders. The highest RFC values are Z. officinale (RFC = 1.0), A. indica A. Juss. (0.99) and A. conyzoides L. (0.92. FL% of these species were 96%, 90% and 83 % viz. The highest ICF value is 0.98, which shares dental & gum problems, digestive disorders and wounds categories. The IUCN status of 71 reported medicinal plant species indicated 28.1 % plant species were least concerned, 4.2 % critically endangered (Chlorophytum borivilianum,Commiphora wightii, Nardostachys jatamansi ), 1.4 % near threatened and 1.4 % endangered, 2.8 % Data Deficient, while 61.9 % species status remained unknown as currently not available in IUCN Red data list. Highly utilized species IUCN status however under ‘least concerned’ category. Conclusions: The study aids medicinal plant species data with current conservation status in the Delhi-Dehradun Highway Shivalik hills Belt. Medicinal plant species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Commiphora wightii, and Nardostachys jatamansi are critically endangered and others could be prone due to overexploitation. The present data could help to fill the previous conservation and quantitative ethnobotanical studies gaps in the study area. Keywords: Medicinal flora, Rajaji National Park, Himalaya, IUCN status, Critically Endangered Species, Traditional Knowledge,

Diversity and use of traditional medicinal plant species in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia

Abstract. Husaini IPA, Maulany RI, Nasri N, Ngakan PO. 2022. Diversity and use of traditional medicinal plant species in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5539-5550. The people of Minasatene (Pangkep District) in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi (Indonesia) have used traditional medicinal plants for many centuries. However, this local knowledge has not been recorded. This study aims to examine the diversity of plant species used to treat various ailments in the area. A set of semi-structured questionnaires was distributed to 60 respondents, consisting of traditional healers, elderly people, herb sellers and local people of Minasatene. This was used to obtain a demographic profile, vernacular names of plants and their uses, plant parts used, modes of preparation and methods of application. The diversity and use of the medicinal plant species in a traditional context were descriptively analyzed. The data were further extrapolated using Use Value (UV) to analyze the relative importance of plant species based on the number of uses; Fidelity Level (FL) to determine the specific uses of each plant species and preference over other species, and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) to investigate an agreement between each group of diseases and related remedies. The study reveals that there were 74 species of medicinal plants belonging to 65 genera and 44 families being used as traditional medicines, which have been known to treat 54 ailments. Among the plant species, soursop (Annona muricata) had the highest UV (0,95), while the fig tree species, Ficus septica (100%) had the highest FL with the most frequent citation. From the data gained, it was found that skeletomuscular disorders had the highest ICF value (0,92).

Evaluating in vitro cytotoxic effects of Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua infusions against selected lung cancer cell lines

Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in 2020. This can mainly be attributed to the poor outcomes of chemotherapy as a result of acquired multidrug resistance. Traditional medicinal plant species such as Artemisia afra and A. annua have been used for decades to treat various health-related conditions, including cancer. Both species have previously exhibited anti-cancer activity, although studies to confirm their efficacy and safety in the treatment of lung cancer are still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the major compounds in the traditionally prepared infusions and to evaluate the infusions’ in vitro cytotoxicity against the following lung cancer cell lines: H69V, a chemo-sensitive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) line; H69AR, a drug-resistant SCLC line that hyper-expresses the multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 efflux transporter; and A549, a non-small cell lung cancer line. Non-cancerous lung fibroblast and kidney cells (MRC-5 and Vero) were also included in the study to evaluate the cancer selectivity of the samples. A series of concentrations of each of the samples were screened to determine the relative cell viability inhibitory concentration and selectivity index by means of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The major phytochemicals in the infusions were identified as organic acids and coumarins and both A. annua and A. afra infusions showed a high degree of selectivity towards the chemo-sensitive H69V cells with IC 50 values of 6 and 70 µg/mL, respectively, and a SI value of 10 for A. afra . However, cytotoxicity towards both non-cancerous cell lines was also observed. Furthermore, the H69AR cells showed considerable resistance to the plant extracts’ cytotoxicity, suggesting that some of the active phytoconstituents in the extracts may potentially be substrates of the MRP1 efflux transporter. From the outcomes of this study, it became evident that both A. afra and A. annua extracts have the potential as a treatment for chemosensitive SCLC. However, possible non-selective cytotoxic effects may be a concern that warrants further investigation. • The cancer cytotoxicity of infusions from Artemisia annua and A. afra was evaluated. • The major compounds in the infusions were identified as organic acids and coumarins. • Infusions were found to be active at > 50 µg/mL with A. afra being most active. • While less active than paclitaxel, A . afra was more selective against H69V and A549.

Review of Shikonin and Derivatives: Isolation, Chemistry, Biosynthesis, Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Shikonin and its derivatives, isolated from traditional medicinal plant species of the genus Lithospermum, Alkanna, Arnebia, Anchusa, Onosma, and Echium belonging to the Boraginaceae family, have numerous applications in foods, cosmetics, and textiles. Shikonin, a potent bioactive red pigment, has been used in traditional medicinal systems to cure various ailments and is well known for its diverse pharmacological potential such as anticancer, antithrombotic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-gonadotropic, antioxidants, antimicrobial and insecticidal. Herein, updated research on the natural sources, pharmacology, toxicity studies, and various patents filed worldwide related to shikonin and approaches to shikonin’s biogenic and chemical synthesis are reviewed. Furthermore, recent studies to establish reliable production systems to meet market demand, functional identification, and future clinical development of shikonin and its derivatives against various diseases are presented.

Ethnobotany of traditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dawuro Zone of Southwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundThe study aimed at documenting the indigenous and local knowledge and use of traditional medicinal plants for treating human and livestock ailments in Dawuro Zone of Ethiopia.MethodsA survey was conducted among traditional healers and native administrators through discussion, interviews, and field observations. The snowball sampling technique was used to select 384 traditional healers in purposefully selected 50 villages spanning seven districts for face-to-face individual interviews. The chi-square test was applied to establish associations between traditional healers’ demographics, the distance between the village site and the nearest natural forest and a health center, and SPSS V.20 software was used for the analysis.ResultsThe traditional healers of the study area reported the use of 274 traditional medicinal plant species belonging to 217 genera and 82 families. Asteraceae (11.68%), Fabaceae (9.49%), and Lamiaceae (9.12%) were the foremost frequently used families. Herb species (54.8%) and leaves (65%) were predominantly sourced from the wild environment. The quantity of medicinal plants used (x2 = 278.368, df = 20, P = 0.000) and years of (experience in) traditional healing using herbs (x2 = 76.358, df = 10, P = 0.000) varied with distance from the natural forests. The service charge for healing had strong positive association (x2 = 24.349, df = 5, P = 0.000) with healer’s age (x2 = 309.119, df = 184, P = 0.000) and educational level (x2 = 851.230, df = 598, P = 0.000) with distance of traditional healer's residence from the medical institution. The agricultural activities, urbanization, low or no charge for the healing service, the secrecy and oral transfer of the knowledge, and the demand for medicinal and other multiple purposes species were some of the factors threatening the resource and the associated knowledge as well as the service in the study area.ConclusionThere are diversified traditional medicinal plants applied for healthcare of the community and domestic animals of the study area. The source of remedies mostly depends on herbs of natural forests, and the leaf was the most frequently used plant part. Developing conservation intervention and sustainable systems of utilization is needed for multipurpose medicinal plants. Finally, integrating with modern system and formalizing, legalizing, and capacitating the traditional medicine practitioners are needed for access of primary healthcare systems to rural communities.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of leaf, stem, and root tissues of Semiliquidambar cathayensis reveals candidate genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis.

Semiliquidambar cathayensis is a traditional medicinal plant and endemic species in China. Its roots, branches, leaves, bark, and nectar are known to have therapeutic effects against rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar muscle strain, and several other diseases. However, limited knowledge regarding the molecular properties of S. cathayensis highlights the need for further research in order to elucidate the underlying pathways governing the synthesis of its active ingredients and regulation of its accumulation processes. We conducted transcriptome sequencing of the leaf, stem and root epidermises, and stem and root xylems of S. cathayensis with three biological replicates. Moreover, candidate genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, such as IDI, FPPS, DXR, SQS, GPPS, and HMGR were selected for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. We identified 88,582 unigenes. Among which, 36,144 unigenes were annotated to the nr protein database, 21,981 to the Gene Ontology database, 11,565 to the Clusters of Orthologous Groups database, 24,209 to the Pfam database, 21,685 to the SWISS-PROT database, and 12,753 to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), with 5072 unigenes common to all six databases. Of those annotated using the KEGG database, 187 unigenes were related to the terpenoid metabolism pathway, and expression analysis of the related genes indicated that the mevalonate and methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathways play different roles in terpenoid biosynthesis in different tissues of S. cathayensis. These findings greatly expand gene resources of S. cathayensis and provide basic data for the study of the biosynthetic pathways and molecular mechanisms of terpenoids.

HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANTS ACTIVE AGAINST COVID-19 USED BY TRIBAL COMMUNITIES FROM NANDED DISTRICT (MS), INDIA

Objective: Presently, the whole world is under threat and suffering from the disease COVID-19. WHO accepted that COVID-19 viral disease poses a serious health problem for the world and declared it as a pandemic. According to WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been 183,934,913 confirmed cases, including 3,985,022 deaths globally as of 6 July 2021. From India COVID-19 464357 active cases and 403281 deaths are being reported by MOH and FW, GOI as of 06 July 2021. The present scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to provide no effective antiviral drug or vaccine therapy against this extremely contagious lethal infection. The COVID-19 mortality rate is found to be very high in people with weak immunity. India is a hub for herbals and that is the reason why the possibility to find a solution against COVID-19 is practically attainable. Methods: The present study emphasizes various herbal plants potentially considered as part of formulation or used in the management of COVID-19. Present data is collected from hilly tribal communities (Total= 180 respondents from which males are 112 and females 68) via., semi-structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 17 traditional herbal medicinal plant species belonging to 13 different families are being used extensively for the improved immune system of the human body to fight against COVID-19 by tribal communities in the studied area. Conclusion: This article will help researchers and industries to identify potential herbals for the treatment of COVID-19 viral infection.

Traditional Medicinal Plant Species Belonging to Fabaceae Family in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

There are approximately 213 families of flowering plants in Ethiopia and among them 92 families contain species with medicinal properties. However, there is no compiled information that comprehensively expresses which plant species belong to each family. In the present review, a total of 127 medicinal plant species belonging to Fabaceae family and used to treat various human and livestock diseases were reported from 62 articles (53 published and 9 unpublished journals). Calpurnia aurea (26.7%) and Millettia ferruginea (11.8%) were among the most frequently cited species of Fabaceae followed by Trigonella foenumgraecum (11.02%). The highest numbers of species of Fabaceae (62 species) were reported from Southern Nation Nationalities Peoples (SNNP) region, and 58 species were from Oromia region. Regarding growth habit, the majority were shrubs (43 species) followed by tree (39 species) and herbs (38 species). The frequently used plant parts were leaves (19.7%) roots (17.3%) and the whole plant (16.5%). 40.5 % of the prepared medicinal plant remedies of Fabaceae were administered through the oral methods in different regions of the country. The most commonly treated health problems by species of Fabaceae were: snake bites (25 species), evil eye (19 species) and wounds (18 species) in various regions of the country. From the finding, it was concluded that Fabaceae family is providing a diverse medicinal plant species for the treatment of different human and livestock health care systems in Ethiopia. Thus, further research activities on phytochemical characterization and conservation would be suggested for better utilization from this family.

Conservation with local people: medicinal plants as cultural keystone species in the Southern Alps

The concept of “cultural keystone species” (CKS) combines ecological and socioeconomic aspects and has a great potential for improving the overall success of conservation and restoration of ecosystems. In our study, we combined an ecological analysis of traditional medicinal plant species with an explorative analysis of the stakeholder landscape to understand the importance of plants for local communities. We investigate the feasibility of the CKS concept for traditional medicinal plants using the Southern Alps (Northern Italy) as a case study. Based on a comprehensive survey of traditional medicinal plants, we analyzed the habitats where they occur and their significance as CKS candidates. We applied the index of identified cultural influence (ICI). We identified some of the relevant stakeholders and their potential interest in traditional medicinal plants. From a total of 273 native medicinal species, we ranked the 10 most important CKS candidates. These comprised species with different ecology such as the herbs <em>Achillea millefolium</em> agg., <em>Alchemilla xanthochlora</em>, <em>Arnica montana</em>, <em>Hypericum perforatum</em>, <em>Matricaria chamomilla</em>, <em>Peucedanum ostruthium</em>, <em>Urtica dioica</em>, the shrub <em>Juniperus communis</em>, and the tree species <em>Betula pendula</em>. By merging their importance for the local communities with their occurrences in the habitats of South Tyrol, the concept of CKS can stimulate species and habitat conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potentials of Ethanolic Flower Extract and Isolated Compound, Rutin from Bauhinia tomentosa L.

Bauhinia tomentosa L. belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae is a traditional medicinal plant species used by the local healers for the treatment of inflammation and other ailments. The present study was addressed to isolate and characterize bioactive entities exists in the ethanolic extract of B. tomentosa flower. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of crude and isolated compounds were assessed using carrageenan induced paw oedema model. Indomethacin, a renowned reference drug was used for comparison. In vivo antioxidant activities were achieved using standard procedures. In anti-inflammatory studies, the isolated compound, rutin (10mg/kgb.w.) manifested potent activity by inhibiting paw oedema (92.6%) than the crude extracts (88.7%). With reference to these findings, rutin also registered eminent therapeutic property in terms of in vivo antioxidant activity. Therefore, the current study exposed that the anti-inflammatory effects of isolated compound, rutin is more expected to depend on their ability to inhibit the production of proinflammatory mediators and proposes that the studied plant species can be deliberated as one of the finest, versatile and most frequently used household remedies for varied manifestations. Furthermore, the compound isolated may serve as a lead molecule for the formulation of active novel drugs without any adverse side effects.

Contribution to traditional knowledge used for the prevention and healing of the Covid-19 symptoms by local people of Deng-Deng massif forest Cameroon

SARS-CoV-2 which causes the corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) continues to spread worldwide, causing death and panic in rural communities with little emergency medical facilities. The efficiency of traditional medicine has become the priority to prevent this pandemic. The aim of this study was to identify local knowledge and forest plant species used by local populations of the Deng-Deng massif forest against the Covid-19 pandemic. Semi-structured questionnaires was used; and inquired including the naturopaths, healers and heads of households (men and/or women). A total of 405 people were interviewed in 22 villages. Available lexicons were used to find correspondence to the vernacular/common names provided by inquired people. Five major Covid-19 symptoms including fever, headache, cough, dyspnea, cold/nasal discharge were identified by local people and 48 forest plants species were identified to prevent these symptoms, while 26 plant species were identified as treatment of specific Covid-19 symptoms. The frequent use of the various plant species for the prevention of the Covid-19 emerged as follow: Alstonia booneii (95%), Annickia chlorantha (72%), Picralima nitida (50%), Pycnanthus ivorensis (20%) and Milicia excelsa (16%). This study confirms the importance of forest plant species in traditional medicine against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Flavonoids and Phenolics Contents, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Folk Medicinal Plants Used in Northeastern Thailand

Background and objectives: Thailand has abundant traditional medicinal plant species which are efficacious for many illnesses, but most of them still lack the supportive scientific information for their healing properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the constituents and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of some of these plants. Methods: The medicinal plant extracts were assessed for their flavonoids and phenolics composition and tested for antibacterial activity using disk diffusion method. In vitroantioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results: Major flavonoids present in the medicinal plants were naringenin, (+)-catechin and quercetin. The highest contents of naringenin, quercetin and (+)-catechin were observed in Tinospora crispa (896.15 mg/100 g dw), Betula alnoides (521.57 mg/100 g dw) and Albizia procera (430.28 mg/100 g dw), respectively (P<0.05). Naringenin was first reported from T. crispa,quercetin and (-)-epicatechin were also found in this plant. The lowest EC50 value based on the DPPHassay was found in Capparis micracantha extracts (9.10 mg/mL). The strongest antioxidant capacities, examined by the DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays, were found in Capparis micracantha (EC50 9.10 mg/mL), Zingiber cassumunar (334.00 mg Fe(II)/100 g dw) and Plumbago indica (61.56 mg TE/100 g dw), respectively (p<0.05). The extract of Plumbago indica root exhibited the highest antibacterial activity mainly against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.56 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (MIC = 0.39 mg/mL), Streptococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.19 mg/mL), Salmonella sp. (MIC = 0.39 mg/mL) and Salmonella typhi (MIC = 0.19 mg/mL). Conclusion: The results provided significant scientific data on phytochemical constituents and biological activities of Thai medicinal plants use in traditional medicine and the relation to their therapeutic properties.

Ethnobotanical Study of Fig Tree (Ficus Carica L.) And Olive (Olea Europaea L.) From Tetouan Province In Morocco And Study Their Antimicrobial Activity

This study we have conducted an ethnobotanical survey and antimicrobial activity in Tetouan province to identify the use of the famous plant species in traditional medicine : fig tree and Olive and follow-up of antimicrobial activity during three stages for green, pink and black olives and mixing activity of olive and fig extracts. 80 questionnaire sheets were done during April-June 2019, and the method of diffusion was used for the antimicrobial activity.Bacteria and yeasts were used: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, E.coli and Candida albicans. The results revealed that 32% of farmers use olive oil for the initial treatment of respiratory diseases, and 22% use it for digestive system problems and 13% use it as a treatment of the nervous system.However, fig tree is used against insect bites, as an inhibitor of the growth of certain cancerous tumors, diabetes and certain viral infections. The ethanol extracts showed good inhibitory effects against most strains of bacteria and yeast. Also for the majority of strains tested, it was found that in December (black olive), activity is stronger, and that the mixture of ethanol extracts with ethanol extracts of fig tree it strengthened them.