Use Of Plant In Traditional Medicine Research Articles

TUMBUHAN OBAT TRADISIONAL SEBAGAI INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE MASYARAKAT SUNDA: KAJIAN ETNOPEDAGOGIK

This study discusses the use of traditional medicinal plants from an ethnopedagogical perspective, focusing on a case study in the Sundanese community. The research aims to understand the traditional healing practices involving the use of medicinal plants among the Sundanese people and how the ethnopedagogical approach can be used to uncover local knowledge and strengthen these cultural practices. The research methodology employed is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation study. The research sample was purposively selected, involving community leaders or traditional healing experts with extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices in the Sundanese community. The results show that the use of traditional medicinal plants remains an integral part of the Sundanese healthcare system. These plants are used to treat various diseases and health disorders, serving as symbols of local wisdom and cultural identity. The ethnopedagogical approach facilitates the sustainable transfer of knowledge from generation to generation and raises awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the context of traditional medicine.

Indigenous Knowledge and Herbal Medicine: Exploring the Ethnobotany of the Karo Tiganderket Tribe in Indonesia

This ethnobotanical study investigates the traditional use of medicinal plants in Tiganderket Village, Karo Regency, Indonesia, to document local plants' diversity, uses, and preparation methods for medicinal purposes. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive approach, data were gathered from 30 informants, including traditional healers and residents. The study identified 92 plant species from 44 families, with the Zingiberaceae family being the most dominant. Frequently used plants, such as Piper betle (belo) and Zingiber officinale (ginger), were primarily employed to treat common ailments like fever, boils, and joint pain. Boiling (74%) was the most common method of plant preparation, and leaves (50%) were the most frequently used plant parts. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) revealed Acorus calamus and Curcuma longa as the most cited species. At the same time, 40 of 66 recorded diseases showed high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values, reflecting shared knowledge of plant use. This study highlights the rich preservation of traditional medicinal plant knowledge in Tiganderket Village, which continues to play a crucial role in local healthcare practices.

Literature-based Survey of Medicinal Plants Since 1900: A Case Study to Treat Cancer in the Sultanate of Oman.

Due to the high prevalence of cancer, researchers for the past decades have made considerable efforts for its management and treatment. Medicinal plants have always been exploited to discover novel anticancer agents. Oman's huge biodiversity has created a rich source of traditional medicine. The current survey has aimed to document the traditionally used medicinal plants of Oman and their therapeutic role in the treatment of cancer. This study comprises of literature-based survey through different databases, including Google, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer Link, BioMed Central and PubMed. The current review revealed a total of 57 plant species that belong to 35 families that are used in the treatment of cancer in Oman. Most documented plants belong to Solanaceae (6 sp.), Apocyanaceae (5 sp.) and Lamiaceae (4 sp.). The literature reveals that the residents of the area mostly use leaves (38.5%) and prepare their recipes in the form of decoction (40.3%). Moreover, herbs are the most dominant life form (43.85%). Among all forms of cancer in Oman, breast (47%), wound (26), and lung cancer (0.5%) were found dominantly. A literature study confirmed that the medicinal plants used for cancer in Oman are rich in phytochemicals such as quercetin, allicin, coumarin, alliin, kaempferol, solamargine, rutin, lupeol, ursolic acid and luteolin that have shown significant biological activities including anti-cancer potential. It reflects the efficacy of these plants to be used as a medicine in clinical trials. Among all, Boswellia sacra Flueck. is of key importance due to the presence Boswellic acid being used for the treatment of different types of cancer. The residents of Oman have great knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases like cancer. The therapeutic potential and physiological efficacy of Omani medicinal plants should be further explored at a molecular level via in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Ethnobotanical study of the traditional use of medicinal plants used for treating human diseases in selected districts of West Gojjam zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Introduction: Historically, Ethiopians have relied on medicinal plants to heal a wide range of human diseases. However, indigenous knowledge associated with medicinal plants has been lost due to the secrecy of the knowledge transfer system and several anthropogenic factors. Thus, this study was aimed to document ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in three districts (Sekela, Dembecha, and South Achefer) of west Gojjam zone of the Amhara Regional State.Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected between November 28, 2021 to December 22, 2022 using a semi-structured questionnaire, a focus group discussion, and field observations. Data were gathered from 30 key informants and 399 general informants. Key informants and general informants were selected by purposively and random sampling method, respectively. Descriptive statistics and ranking analyzing methods was used to analyze the data. During the process of data analysis, we pooled data from three districts into a single dataset. Combining data from three districts into one analysis allows for a broader understanding of the traditional knowledge and practices within the districts.Results: A total of 97 medicinal plants were identified, with the Fabaceae family being the most prominent, followed by the Asteraceae. Herbs were the dominant plant habit, and leaves were the most frequently used plant part for medicines. The most common method for preparing remedies was crushing, and oral delivery was the primary administration method. Olea europaea was identified as the most multipurpose plant species, particularly effective under high pressure, with an informant consensus factor of 0.92 for dermatological diseases. Calpurnia aurea was the top ranked for treating diarrhea, followed by Rumex nepalensis. The decline of medicinal plants in the study areas was primarily due to charcoal production and agricultural activities, leading herbalists to collect remedies from forests and remote locations.Conclusion: This study underscores the vital role of indigenous knowledge and biodiversity by documenting medicinal plant use in Sekela, Dembecha, and South Achefer districts. Urgent conservation measures are imperative to safeguard these plants and sustain traditional medicinal practices.

Traditional use of medicinal plants for curation of liver cirrhosis, tuberculosis and other associated health issues in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India

Traditional use of medicinal plants for curation of liver cirrhosis, tuberculosis and other associated health issues in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India

Ethnopharmacology and anthelmintic screening of some plants used in traditional medicine in the Far-North of Cameroon

Background: The use of traditional medicinal plants in Cameroon for the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis is a common practice among traditional healers and livestock breeders. However, the use of ethnopharmaceutical products for their anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus has been poorly addressed in the Far-North region of Cameroon, therefore justifying the need to bridge this gap. Methods: An ethno-pharmacological survey was conducted among livestock breeders and traditional healers in the Far-North region of Cameroon using a questionnaire to determine different plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal helminths. Thereafter, aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the most used plant (frequency >2%) were evaluated for their anthelmintic activity against the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus in vitro. Results: Seventy traditional healers and 36 livestock breeders were surveyed with 22 medicinal plants found to be involved in the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis in the Far-North Region of Cameroon. These plant species are distributed in 15 families with the Fabaceae being the most used (22.6%). The roots (39.6%) and leaves (36.8%) of the plants were the most frequently used parts mainly in the form of decoction (45.3%) and maceration (29.3%). Aristolochia baetica (20.8%) was the most used plant. Eleven plants were selected and all exhibited significant (p ˂ 0.001) anthelmintic activity on adult Haemonchus contortus. The highest anthelmintic activity was observed with the hydroethanolic extract irrespective of the plant species. The hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Tephrosia pedicellata, Aristolochia baetica, and Abelmochus esculentus showed the highest anthelmintic activity with 100% mortality at 1 mg/mL after 24 hours of incubation. Conclusion: This study allowed us to list the anthelmintic plants used in traditional medicine in the Far North of Cameroon, with the anthelmintic screening sustaining the traditional use of these active plants for the control of helminthiasis in humans and animals.

Systematic Review of Chemical Compounds with Immunomodulatory Action Isolated from African Medicinal Plants.

A robust, well-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health. Various factors may influence the immune system's effectiveness, potentially leading to immune system failure. This review aims to provide an overview of the structure and action of immunomodulators isolated from African medicinal plants. The research was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Full-text access research articles published in English up to December 2023, including plant characteristics, isolated phytochemicals, and immuno-modulatory activities, were screened. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were generated using ChemDraw® (version 12.0.1076), and convergent and distinctive signaling pathways were highlighted. These phytochemicals with demonstrated immunostimulatory activity include alkaloids (berberine, piperine, magnoflorine), polysaccharides (pectin, glucan, acemannan, CALB-4, GMP90-1), glycosides (syringin, cordifolioside, tinocordiside, aucubin), phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, eupalitin), flavonoids (curcumin, centaurein, kaempferin, luteolin, guajaverin, etc.), terpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, boswellic acids, corosolic acid, nimbidin, andrographolides). These discussed compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, targeting the modulation of MAPKs, PI3K-Akt, and NF-kB. These mechanisms can support the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat immune-related diseases. The outcomes of this overview are to provoke structural action optimization, to orient research on particular natural chemicals for managing inflammatory, infectious diseases and cancers, or to boost vaccine immunogenicity.

Ethnobotany and diversity of Citrus spp. (Rutaceae) as a source of “Kem-kem” traditional medicine used among the Karo sub-ethnic in North Sumatra, Indonesia

The Karo sub-ethnic is one of five Batak sub-ethnicities in the Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. They are famous for their local knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat various diseases. The “Kem-kem” traditional medicine is one of the traditional healing practices that involve using plants passed down through generations from their ancestors. One of the plant genus group in the Rutaceae family utilized in the traditional “Kem-kem” healing practice is a citrus known as “Rimo”. This study aims to document the local knowledge about the diversity of Citrus spp. as Kem-kem's herbal medicinal plant. This study was conducted from April to July 2023 in the Kabanjahe and Berastagi districts, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Data was collected using interviews with traditional healers, herbal medicine vendors, and direct observations at traditional markets, involving a total of 8 Citrus spp. The Karo uses “Rimo” with different local names as sources of traditional medicinal ingredients in practicing “Kem-kem”. There are 15 local names comprising eight species of Citrus. Four are hybrids, i.e., Citrus x aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, Citrus × aurantium L, Citrus × junos Siebold ex Yu.Tanaka, and Citrus × taitensis Risso. Two of the remaining species are recognized in infraspecific rank, one variety (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Hoola van Nooten) Swingle) and one form (Citrus × aurantium f. deliciosa (Ten.) M.Hiroe). They were used as material sources for Kem-kem traditional medicine to treat at least nine health problems. There are two species with six local names included in the Least Concern (LC) category, namely C. medica (Rimo Gawang, Rimo Hantuantu, Rimo Kayu), C. medica var. sarcodactylis (Rimo Kuku Harimau), and C. medica (Rimo Telur Buaya), C. maxima (Burm.) Merr. (Rimo Malem). Nine local names are included in the Not Evaluated (NE) category, namely C. × junos (Rimo Kejaren), C. × taitensis (Rimo Jungga), C. × aurantium f. deliciosa (Rimo Keling), C. × aurantium (Rimo Kersik), Citrus hystrix DC. (Rimo Mukur), C. × taitensis (Rimo Puraga), C. × aurantium (Rimo Kalele), Citrus swinglei Burkill ex Harms (Rimo Pagar), and C. x aurantiifolia (Rimo Bunga). Rimo Kejaren (C. × junos) is a species that has the most benefits.

Ethnobotanical survey and biological activities of plants used for cancer treatment in traditional Senegalese medicine

Female breast cancer is known to be one of the leading causes of death in Senegal. In Senegal, the absence of a national cancer control program, the lack of specialized infrastructure and qualified human resources and the exorbitant cost of care have contributed to the extensive use of traditional medecine, particularly in rural areas. This study aims to inventory the medicinal plants used by these healers and to assess the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of the most widely used one. Data on healers and their use practices and information on plants were collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire. Based on their citation frequencies during the survey, Antiaris Africana Engler, Hymenocardia Acida Tul. and Halouf Halal (local name) were selected for chemical and biological studies. Their hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed in terms of antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects, again, in the human cancer cell line. The study revealed a total of 65 medicinal plants belonging to 35 different families. The plant parts used by traditional healers are leaves (63.89%), roots (11.11%), bark (15.28%), fruits (2.78%), and others (6.94%). Generally, herbal medicine is prepared as a powder and mixed with water by maceration (55.38%) and administered orally. A. Africana ranked first with a citation frequency of 5.7% and its hydroalcoholic extract had the highest antioxidant activity in TEAC (6533.64±7 μmol ET/g dry plant) and in ORAC (3745.17±4.8 μmol ET/g dry plant) followed by H. Acida in TEAC (3115.6±145 μmol ET/g dry plant) and in ORAC (4105.29±872 μmol ET/g dry plant). The hydroalcoholic extract of A. Africana exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 (Human mammary) and THP-1 (Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line) but had low activity against HTC-116 (Human carcinoma colorectal) and A-375 (Human skin malignant melanoma). The percentages of proapoptotic cells were, respectively, 68.85±6.22, 58.1±1.90 and 48.58±1.4%. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of medicinal plants in cancer treatment and constitute a database for biological screening to isolate cytotoxic plant-based molecules.

Gut Microbiota Targeted Approach by Natural Products in Diabetes Management: An Overview.

This review delves into the complex interplay between obesity-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highlighting the potential of natural products in mitigating these effects. By integrating recent epidemiological data, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of how obesity exacerbates T2DM through gut flora alterations. Advances in research have underscored the significance of bioactive ingredients in natural foods, capable of restoring gut microbiota balance, thus offering a promising approach to manage diabetes in the context of obesity. These findings build upon the traditional use of medicinal plants in diabetes treatment, suggesting a deeper exploration of their mechanisms of action. This comprehensive manuscript underscores the critical role of targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis in obesity-related T2DM management and by bridging traditional knowledge with current scientific evidence; we highlighted the need for continued research into natural products as a complementary strategy for comprehensive diabetes care.

Ethnobotanical and ecological study of medicinal plants of mangroves in Siak District, Riau Province, Indonesia

The mangrove forest in Kayu Ara Permai Village, Sungai Apit, Siak Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia, is a mangrove forest managed by the local community as the "Historic River" Mangrove Ecotourism Area. Mangrove forests have become a tourist attraction for many local and national tourists. The purpose of this study was to identify plants that have potential as medicinal plants in mangrove ecotourism areas of "Sungai Bersejarah" Kayu Ara Permai Village, Sungai Apit, Siak Regency, Riau Province. This study used a survey method in mangrove forests to conduct an inventory of the medicinal plants scattered throughout the area. Observations were made using a combination of the path and plot methods. The investigation was carried out by cross-checking the traditional use of medicinal plants by the surrounding community with the scientific literature. The results showed 7 species of medicinal plants from 5 different families, namely Avicennia alba, Rhizophora apiculate, Bruguiera parviflora, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Xylocarpus granatum, Sonneratia alba, and Acrostichum aureum. Mangrove density levels were in the sparse category (1,000 trees/ha) and had low diversity levels, with two dominant species, Rhizophora apiculata and Xylocarpus granatum.

Medicinal plants for gallstones: A cross-sectional survey of Moroccan patients

BackgroundGallstone is an expensive and very common gastrointestinal disorder affecting 10–20 % of the adult population. The traditional use of medicinal plants in Morocco is an ancestral and common practice to solve health problems, including gallstone disease. Our study aimed to identify the medicinal plants used by patients suffering from gallstones. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of gallstones in the visceral surgery department, University Hospital Center Ibn Rochd of Casablanca, Morocco. Face to face interviews were carried out with 128 hospitalized patients using a closed-ended questionnaire. ResultsPatients with gallstones underlined the use of 35 species belonging to 21 botanical families. The most frequently used plant was Citrus limon, followed by Petroselinum sativum, Herniaria hirsuta and Olea Europea, belonging respectively to Rutaceae, Apiaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Oleaceae. The respondents used different parts of plants; seeds, aerial parts, fruits and leaves. The most commonly preparations were decoction, infusion and powder form. More than two-thirds of the patients were overweight or obese, regularly consume soft drinks and drink little water a day. ConclusionThe pharmacological effect of the inventoried plants and their active ingredients are consistent with their use in the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia to treat and to prevent gallstones. These plant species could be a potential avenue for the discovery of an alternative treatment; however, further chemical and pharmacological investigations are needed.

Blood purification practices: Some ethnopharmacological insight from a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBlood purification practices, also referred to as blood cleansing or detoxification, is an ancient concept which is widespread within African traditional medicine. There is, however, limited consolidated information about the selection of plant species, the purpose of use and how the preparation is made. An in-depth examination of how regional communities use medicinal plants for blood purification is needed to better understand this ethnopharmacological practice. Aim of the studyTo gather knowledge on the traditional use of medicinal plants used for the purpose of blood purification by laypersons in northern Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted on medicinal plants used in the rural areas of northern Maputaland for blood purification. Interviews were conducted in 55 homesteads, where the most knowledgeable participant per household was interviewed using structured questionnaires. Information collected included knowledge of the concept of blood purification, purpose for medicating, plant selection, and mode of preparation. The most important species and families were identified through indices. ResultsSixty-four plant species from 35 families were recorded as blood purifiers for the treatment of ailments linked to the need for blood purification. Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. was the most used plant species (mentioned by 39% of the people interviewed). The conditions that were mostly associated with blood purification were skin complaints, gastro-intestinal disorders, and overall improvement of general health. Blood purification is also commonly used for non-medical purposes such as granting good luck or as a love charm. Six new plant species and five new Zulu vernacular names had not previously been documented for blood purification. ConclusionThe frequently mentioned use of medicinal plants for blood purification by the rural community of northern Maputaland clearly emphasises the importance of this cultural practice. There is no doubt that when examining African traditional medicine, holistic terms such as “blood cleansing” cannot be ignored. Future studies may provide a better understanding of this often misunderstood and undocumented practice.

In-Vivo Antidiarrhoea Evaluations of Methanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Chrysophyllum albidum

Background and Objectives: In Nigeria, traditional use of medicinal plants, like Chrysophyllum albidum, for diarrhoea persists. This study assessed its effectiveness in treating diarrhoea in rats. Methods: Extract and Fractions from the plant were tested for antidiarrhoea effect. The process involved methanol extraction and fractionation using hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Rat models were used to evaluate the effects on castor oil-induced diarrhoea, enteropooling, and gastrointestinal motility. Results: Defecation caused by castor oil-induced diarrhoea was inhibited significantly by 53.55, 78.48 and 74.69 % at 500 mg/kg of methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fraction respectively, and by 50.99 and 63.69 % at 250 and 500 mg/kg of butanol fraction respectively. The volume of intestinal content and weight of intestinal content were reduced by 76.74 and 80 % at 500 mg/kg of ethyl acetate fraction. Also, the volume of intestinal content and weight of intestinal content were reduced by 70.93 and 70.83 % at 500 mg/kg of n-hexane fraction. At 250 and 500 mg/kg, the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited intestinal motility by 58.65% and 76.50% respectively. The n-hexane fraction at 500 mg/kg showed a 66.35% inhibition. Conclusion: These fractions from Chrysophyllum albidum leaves exhibit potential antidiarrhoea compounds, as evidenced across all three study models. Ongoing research aims to isolate these compounds for further investigation.

Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health.

A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.

An acute and sub-acute toxicological assessment of Reissantia indica plant extract in male Sprague-Dawley rats: Hematological, serum biochemical and histopathology

The traditional use of medicinal plants in Sub-Saharan health management lacks thorough toxicological evaluations, particularly concerning lethal dose levels. This study aims to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Reissantia indica whole-plant extract (RIE) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, with a focal point on delineating its safety profile while exploring potential therapeutic applications.RIE, obtained through precise cold maceration in 70 % ethanol, underwent rigorous analysis, revealing diverse secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Renowned for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, these compounds enhance RIE's pharmacological potential.In the acute toxicity study, RIE was orally administered at 500 and 5000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity involved oral administration of the extract at various doses (5, 50 and 500 mg/kg) over 28 days, with comprehensive assessments, including hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations.Results from the acute toxicity showed no mortality, suggesting a median lethal dose (LD50) exceeding 5000 mg/kg and indicating a substantial margin of safety. Sub-acute toxicity investigations, spanning 28 days revealed no significant changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters, or histopathological signs compared to the control group. Histological examination of kidney, liver, heart, and lung sections from treated animals showed no signs of degeneration.This study, to our knowledge, pioneers a comprehensive investigation into the toxicity profile of Reissantia indica's whole-plant ethanolic extract, addressing a significant gap in existing literature on medicinal plant safety in the Sub-Saharan region.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Melit area (North Darfur), Western Sudan

BackgroundThe documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State.MethodEthnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level.ResultsA total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus.ConclusionThis is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants Confirmed by the Baka in Southern and Eastern Cameroon

Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants Confirmed by the Baka in Southern and Eastern Cameroon

Ethno medicine of Indigenous Communities: Tamil Traditional Medicinal Plants Leaf detection using Deep Learning Models

In indigenous communities, ethno medicine has played a prominent role in healing for centuries and provides valuable insight into the use of traditional medicinal plants. Using local plant leaves as therapeutic agents, this research explores the importance of traditional Tamil medicine. Traditional healers and practitioners can benefit from technological advances and collaborate with modern healthcare systems through these advances. Based on deep learning models, a novel approach for recognizing leaves of traditional Tamil medicinal plants is presented. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly paying attention to plants that contain medicinal factors that have fewer side effects during treatment. By identifying plants with medicinal factors and identifying their medicinal uses, this work addresses the identification of plants with medicinal factors. To classify medicinal plants and their uses, we will use deep learning models and image processing techniques to identify Tamil Traditional Medical Plant (TTMP). The input dataset for this work includes 18 different traditional Tamil plant leaves such as Azadirachta Indica (Neem), Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Tulsi) and Trigonella Foenum-graecum (Fenugreek). Pre-processing steps are performed on the input plant image, including RBZR Augmentation, noise removal and grayscale conversion, to detect the image area that is important for plant type identification. To identify the core area of the plant, this work using the HGAW Segmentation algorithm. Deep learning model is trained with segmented plants and their labels as inputs. The aim is to digitize and make accessible ancestral medical knowledge by incorporating deep learning-based leaf recognition with 96.71% accuracy for the proposed EEXR model.

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Poisonous Medicinal Plants in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon

Local communities of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) have a long history of traditional use of medicinal plants. However, such use has sometimes been accompanied by toxicity symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to document the ethnobotanical knowledge about the toxicity of medicinal plant species used by local people. Ethnobotanical information was collected during 2019-2021 using semi- structured questionnaires and personal interviews involving 133 local informants (68 women and 65 men with an average age of 58 years). The Frequency of Citation (FC) index was calculated from the data collected during the interviews, which allowed the generation of a list of poisonous plant species used to treat different diseases. The toxicity of highly cited species was discussed according to phytochemical profiles reported in the literature. The findings resulted in a list of 31 plant species from 22 botanical families, with Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Solanaceae being the most dominant. The most toxic plant species were Ecballium elaterium (L.) A.Rich (FC 11%), Sambucus ebulus L., Ricinus communis L., and Arum palaestinum Boiss. (each of FC 10%). Herbs were the most dominant life form of the cited species. The most toxic parts were the leaves (22% of citations), followed by whole plants and seeds (each 17%), and fruits (11%). Oral ingestion and skin contact were the main routes of toxicity. According to the published literature, toxicity can be primarily attributed to biochemical compounds, such as cucurbitacins, proteaceous glycoprotein, ricin, tropane alkaloids, atropine, cyanogenic glycosides, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, among other compounds. This work highlights the importance of the traditional knowledge of poisonous plants used in folk medicine and the need for phytochemical and toxicological research. The development of regulatory measures on the use and trade of medicinal plants as well as raising awareness of practitioners and public are also deemed necessary.