Use Of Plant In Traditional Medicine Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants Used by the Local Communities of Ameya District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

In the present study, the diversity of medicinal plants and associated traditional medicinal knowledge of the rural community in the Ameya district in Ethiopia was assessed and documented. A survey was conducted through semistructured interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussions, and field observations. The snowball and purposeful sampling techniques were employed to select general and knowledgeable informants, respectively. Accordingly, a total of 210 respondents, 156 (74.3%) males and 54 (25.7%) females, were participated in this study. The informants were selected from seven kebeles (the lowest administrative units) following the recommendations of the local community for the availability of traditional medicinal plant use practice. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, fidelity level, informant consensus factor, and direct matrix ranking were used to analyze and present the data. A total of 78 medicinal plants represented in 70 genera and 40 families were identified. Croton macrostachyus and Dodonaea viscosa were the most preferred species used to treat wounds, whereas Cucumis ficifolius and Phragmanthera macrosolen were the most popular species applied to treat stomachache. Leaves (38%) and roots (20%) were the most predominantly used plant parts for remedial preparation to treat 42 human ailments. The informant consensus factor (ICF) value ranged between 0.45 and 0.81, with the respiratory diseases category scoring the highest ICF value. The fidelity level (FL) value for the medicinal plants ranged from 24 to 95%. Considerable proportions (55.5%) of the medicinal plants were collected from wild habitats. Higher ICF (0.81) and FL (>90%) scores indicate the presence of rich traditional knowledge in the community. This knowledge can be used to select medicinal plants (such as Croton macrostachyus, Cucumis ficifolius, Dodonaea viscosa, and Phragmanthera macrosolen) for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies.

Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants against ENT Diseases by the Tribals of Purulia District, West Bengal, India

Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants against ENT Diseases by the Tribals of Purulia District, West Bengal, India

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PENANGANAN WABAH PMK BERBASIS KEARIFAN LOKAL DI DESA SUMBUNG, KECAMATAN CEPOGO, KABUPATEN BOYOLALI

Sumbung Village is located in Cepogo District, Boyolali Regency, precisely on the east side of the Merapi Slope and is located about 10 km from the center of the capital Boyolali Regency is a milk-producing dairy cattle center because the number of female cattle farmers in the Sumbung Village community is very large, the majority of livestock are cattle cattle FMD outbreak. Sumbung Village supports the economy of the local community, even the Boyolali Regency government itself. When the FMD outbreak spread in Sumbung Village, farmers suffered losses of up to 80%. The impact of FMD Outbreak in Sumbung Village is very heavy, but with the ability of local resources and local wisdom owned by the Sumbung Village Community, they can carry out FMD outbreak handling, especially in the treatment and recovery after FMD Outbreak. Through the research method to be used in this study using a qualitative approach with the PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) method. Research Involving all actors of the Sumbung Village community who play an active role in handling FMD outbreaks at the community and government levels, it was found that the Community Development carried out by the people of Sumbung Village was very good in handling FMD outbreaks, especially the use of traditional medicinal plants around their homes. Local wisdom with the use of medicinal plants is a form of empowerment of the people of Sumbung Village in handling FMD outbreaks independently.The actions of the Sumbung Village Community in handling FMD Outbreak by planting medicine.This good learning can be used as a guide in handling emergency situations in the future.

Use of medicinal plants during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Medicinal plants are an integrative and complementary health practice widely used by the population. However, its use is not without risks. This study assessed the profile and associated factors with the traditional use of medicinal plants. To this end, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a southeastern Brazilian city. Descriptive analysis was performed by frequency distribution and median and interquartile range. Associated factors with the use of medicinal plants were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance. A total of 641 people were interviewed, of whom 258 (40.2%) reported using medicinal plants. A total of 79 distinct plants were identified, of whom Melissa officinalis (31.0%), Peumus boldus (24.4%), Mentha spicata (20.9%), Matricaria recutita L. (18.2%), Rosmarinus officinalis (17.0%), and Foeniculum vulgare (14.7%) were the most used. There were no reports of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19. However, anxiety was the most frequently cited indication for using medicinal plants, a health condition exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the use of medicinal plants for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those in COVID-19 has been identified. There was an association between the use of medicinal plants and females, non-white, lower schooling, higher income, and comorbidities.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of lake Abaya basin, southern Ethiopia

IntroductionEthnobotanical study was conducted in lake Abaya basin, southern Ethiopia. The study aimed at documenting indigenous and local knowledge and use of traditional medicinal plants for treating human and livestock ailments. MethodsA survey was conducted among purposively selected traditional healers and randomly selected herbal medicine practitioners of the local communities. Guided field observations, semi-structured interview, group discussions and market survey were used for ethnobotanical data collection. Preference and direct matrix rankings including descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. ResultsSeventy-one medicinal plant species belonging to 64 genera and 36 families were used as remedies for human and livestock ailments. Among these, 51 were reported for human, 13 for livestock ailment treatments and seven for both. Most of them were collected from the wild. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves followed by roots. The largest numbers of remedies were used to treat abdominal disorders. The major routes of administration include oral, dermal and nasal. Leucas abyssinica ranked first and most effective to cure abdominal disorder followed by Lepidium sativum and Stephania abyssinica. Moringa stenopetala was most preferred multipurpose plant by local people. Agricultural expansion was the major threatening factor followed by firewood consumption. ConclusionsTraditional healers apply diversified traditional medicinal plants for healthcare of the community and domestic animals. However, traditional medicinal plants and the associated indigenous knowledge of local community were under threat. Thus, public awareness and community-based management need to be encouraged to maintain indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge of the study area.

Traditional Herbal Medicine and its Prospects among Goat Breeders of Benin

Introduction: The use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases in livestock farming is a common practice in Benin. Various ethnoveterinary studies have documented plants that livestock farmers use to treat animal diseases. However, these studies have been limited mainly to inventorying these plants, without exploring farmers’ perceptions on the use of these plants to promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants. The current study aimed to fill this gap by gathering farmers’ views on the use of traditional herbal medicines. Materials and methods: A structured survey was conducted from February to April 2023 in the southern, central, and northern regions of Benin. This survey targeted 480 goat farmers who actively engage in veterinary phytotherapy practices. Data were collected through random individual interviews with farmers. The interviews focused on the socio-cultural characteristics of the farmers, their motivations for using medicinal plants, the different forms of preparation, the plant efficacy, the difficulties encountered when using them, and prospects for improvement using open-ended, multiple-choice, and yes/no questions. Results: There were three distinct groups of goat farmers based on their opinions on the use of traditional herbal medicines and their socio-demographic characteristics. Group 1 consisted mainly of married and illiterate men. Group 2 was predominantly composed of married and educated men. Group 3 consisted mainly of married men, with a slightly higher illiteracy rate compared to Group 2. Group 1 used plants due to their easy accessibility and knowledge acquired since childhood, while groups 2 and 3 used them due to the high cost of conventional medicines and the perceived effectiveness of herbal medicine. Group 1 mainly used decoctions and powders, group 2 utilized powders, macerations, and trituration, and group 3 used raw preparations, decoctions, and macerations. All three groups agreed on the widely recognized efficacy of medicinal plants. Nevertheless, they encountered difficulties concerning conserving traditional herbal remedies and the imprecision of dosage. All three groups expressed a willingness to explore new forms of traditional herbal medicines, such as suspensions and tablets, prioritizing efficacy, availability, and affordability. Conclusion: The results indicated that all three groups of goat breeders expressed a willingness to use herbal medicines. However, they prefer suspensions and tablets of herbal medicines rather than other forms. In addition, prioritizing efficacy, availability, and affordability are notable for using herbal medicine in current study farmers. These results offer prospects for improving traditional herbal medicines.

Medicinal plants with antidiabetic activity used in the traditional medicine in Bolivia: A review

The present study aimed to document the traditional use of medicinal plants used to treat Diabetes mellitus Type II in Bolivia. Based on the scientific literature were identified 35 medicinal plant species distributed in 21 botanical families, of which 52 % are native to Bolivia and 48 % are introduced. The botanical families with the highest representation of species were Asteraceae (7 species, 19%) and Fabaceae (17%). The most frequented growth forms were herbs (34%) and trees (29%). Leaves (30%) were the most frequently used plant parts, followed by roots (14%), and bark (9%), mostly prepared as an infusion (40%) and decoction (33%). From the available scientific studies, 25 medicinal species were verified for their antidiabetic properties with positive results, but it is necessary provide more biochemical and clinical analysis of medicinal plants to make better use of their potential.

CARING FOR PUERPERIAL MOTHERS THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL HERBS TO OPTIMIZE THEIR HEALTH

Puerperium is a critical period in which mothers often experience physical and psychological problems, however it is the beginning of the breastfeeding process and determines the success of exclusive breastfeeding. The use of traditional herbs for postpartum mothers is part of Indonesian culture that is starting to be abandoned in urban area. This community service activity aims to increase the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the community regarding the importance of postpartum maternal health care and the use of traditional herbs with proper processing methods as a promotive and preventive treatment. This activity was carried out in Gubeng Surabaya District with three stages including preparation, implementation of activities and evaluation. In the preparation stage, a situation analysis was performed. Activities were conducted by delivering lectures, discussions, video demonstrations and training. The evaluation was carried out by obtaining feedback from the social and community empowerment section as well as the pre-test and post-test questionnaires filled out by the participants. Based on the evaluation, the community service can increase participants' knowledge about postpartum health care and lactation management, thereby increasing awareness to play an active role by disseminating information to the community about the importance of family and the neighbourhood support for postpartum and breastfeeding mothers. The participants 'knowledge about the use of traditional medicinal plants for the maintenance of postpartum health and successful breastfeeding also increased, accompanied by an increase in the participants' willingness to prepare traditional jamu from fresh herbal ingredients themselves. This community service needs to be carried out in a sustainable manner with innovative delivery methods.