Use Of Plant Species Research Articles

Elbow Bursitis, Spondylodiscitis and Meningitis Due to Streptococcus agalactiae: A Case Report

Malaria remains one of the most important diseases in the world, being lethal to 610 thousand individuals annually. The widespread resistance of P. falciparum to antimalarials emphasizes the urgent need for new therapies, as treatment remains the primary strategy to control the disease. Although combinations of synthetic drugs are used in treatment, medicinal plants are often utilized in folk medicine as a complement and/or alternative to treat human malaria, especially in poor endemic areas. This systematic review evaluates the antiplasmodial and/or antimalarial activities, as well as the ethnopharmacological use of plant species by traditional communities from South America, through a search in the PubMed Central and Science Direct databases. Among 346 articles selected using the keywords “Malaria”, “Plants”, “Traditional”, “Knowledge”, “Antimalarial” and “Amazon”, 27 were considered eligible. Plant species with no activities were used to a new search on Google, PubMed, and Science Direct. Of the 389 species or genera from 88 botanical families evaluated, most studies were conducted in Peru, with leaves being the primary plant part used for treatment and/or prevention. Out of the analyzed species, excluding 30 mentioned only by genus, 185 had their extracts, fractions, or pure substances assessed, and only nine species had both in vitro and in vivo activity. Among the 174 species cited by traditional communities evaluated, with no data for activity, 66 presented results when a new literature search was performed. The Chayahuita ethnicity was the community providing more traditional knowledge about malaria treatment. Most plant species mentioned in the articles indicated for treatment and/or prevention of malaria have not yet been evaluated for antiplasmodial and antimalarial activities. Collecting ethnopharmacology information of plants is important, since their use for malaria treatment significantly increases the chances of finding a plant to be used as antimalarial substitutes.

Exploring the value of ecosystem services at health clinic gardens in a South African context

Ecosystem services (ESs) valuation is important for advancing biodiversity objectives and investing in green infrastructure (GI) establishment. Little is known about the potential of health clinic gardens (HCGs) to provide ESs and their potential values. This study sought to determine the plant and bird species composition and potential value of ESs provided by 32 HCGs in two South African district municipalities. HCG sizes range from 513.0m2 to 13531.0m2 and each had at least one micro-garden. Among the 312 plant species observed across all HCGs, 60% were exotic. The small HCGs had 31 ± 3.6 different plant species per garden, compared to the medium-sized (32 ± 3.7) and large ones (49 ± 5.2). Provisioning ESs from the observed species were prominent with 17.4 ± 1.16 species potentially used for general well-being, 13.66 ± 1.08 as potential food plants, and 11.91 ± 0.93 potentially raw materials. Trees in HCGs were estimated to sequester up to 163481.87 kg of carbon from trees covering an area of up to 9620.80m2. Approximately 1390.70 ± 427.50m2 of HCG space had the potential to provide a habitat for plants and birds, and 11 bird species were observed across all HCGs. Sixty-three bird nests encountered in 18 HCGs are believed to belong to the Passer domesticus. HCGs resemble other types of gardens like home and domestic gardens, and their rich plant biodiversity positions them as ideal ecosystems to benefit even the most vulnerable members of society. They provide an opportune platform for knowledge upscaling in the cultivation and use of plant species as a supplement of primary healthcare and food security issues in the summer months to the rural, urban, and peri-urban poor in the Global South.

Chemometric and ICP-OES analyses of Forsythia europaea Degen & Bald. and its extracts

Forsythia represents a group of plants originating mainly from China and Japan, but one species is endemic and grows in the Balkans (Balkan forsythia, Forsythia europaea Degen & Bald.). Our previous studies on polyphenols in investigated extracts of Balkan forsythia showed that this plant is a good source of polyphenols. Analysis of the various extracts of Balkan forsythia (Forsythia europaea Degen & Bald.) by the application of ICP-OES method showed that they are rich in different macro and microelements. The abundance order of macroelements is K>Ca>P>Mg>Na in all extracts. Among the transition metals iron, manganese, zinc and copper are particularly important, and the order of abundance is Zn>Fe>Cu>Mn. Heavy metals which are the most frequent contaminants of food are lead, cadmium and arsenic, and the determination of their contents is of special importance on the safe use of plant species. The determination shows that aqueous extracts contain the highest quantity of elements, which is especially important. The contents of toxic elements are significantly lower than the permitted values. Statistical methods (Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC)) are useful tools for the grouping of samples and determining relations between investigated elements. This analysis shows that when higher quantities of Cr and Ba are present, the lower quantities of V are present, and vice versa. Based on our studies on polyphenols and minerals, we can expect the anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of Balkan forsythia.

Nurturing Tradition and Nature through Odisha's Shraddha Rituals

Purpose of the Study: This research investigates the use of plant species in Odisha's Shraddha rituals, aiming to highlight the interplay between cultural traditions and biodiversity conservation. It seeks to understand how these rituals contribute to the preservation of the region's botanical heritage and the broader environmental sustainability. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, discussions with key informants, and direct observations, across both rural and urban areas of Odisha's coastal districts. A total of 167 informants from diverse backgrounds participated, providing comprehensive insights into the rituals and their associated flora. The research also involved collecting plant specimens and photographic documentation to enrich the understanding of these practices. Main Findings: Thirty-nine plant species across 24 families, crucial to the Shraddha rituals, were identified. Notable species like Areca catechu and Cocos nucifera emerged as symbols of the spiritual-nature bond in Odia culture. The study uncovers challenges such as overharvesting and habitat destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable harvesting practices and biodiversity conservation. Applications of this Study: The findings are instrumental for cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. They provide a framework for local communities and religious leaders to engage in sustainable practices and for conservation bodies to develop strategies that balance cultural traditions with ecological preservation. Novelty/Originality: This research is unique in its ethnobotanical approach to exploring the role of religious rituals in environmental conservation. Integrating cultural anthropology with botanical science offers new insights into how traditional practices can support biodiversity preservation. Its comprehensive analysis across both rural and urban settings in Odisha adds depth and relevance to the understanding of these rituals in contemporary society, making it a novel contribution to the field.

Façade Greening for Healthy Urban Air: An Umbrella Review on Particulate Matter Reduction, Challenges, and Future Directions

Particulate matter (PM) exposure in urban areas is a continuous threat to human health and requires sustainable solutions for effective reduction. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of façade greening and its effects on PM and to identify knowledge gaps. We systematically screened, analyzed, and re-evaluated previous reviews according to the criteria established for an umbrella review. As a result, this study covers and discusses common measurement methods, influencing factors, the effectiveness of façade greening, leaf characteristics, and plant species from different subtopics. The main findings are that inconsistent measurement methods limit the comparability of the analyzed reviews, and different climatic conditions affecting the use of plant species lead to different international effects. Despite the existing studies reporting a positive effect on the reduction of PM, comparability is difficult due to methodological differences and external influences. Given the complexity, interdisciplinary collaboration with experts is essential to increase the effectiveness of façade greening for PM accumulation for healthy urban air. We suggest that this umbrella review provides a foundation for future research and practical implementations, such as a suitable plant selection or façade design, by integrating the results.

Investigation of Selcuk University Alaeddin Keykubat Campus in Terms of Xeriscape Design

Drought and thirst are among the most important problems in today's world where water resources are depleted more rapidly due to global warming and climate change. The use of plant species with high water needs in landscaping causes an increase in the need for irrigation and more water consumption. For this reason, the need for xeriscape design in landscape areas has increased in recent years. The aim of this study is to examine and evaluate the xeriscape landscaping in Selcuk University Alaeddin Keykubat Campus in line with the xeriscape principles. As a result of the examinations, it was determined that the xeriscape design areas in the campus were generally created in accordance with xeriscape principles.

Religious and Cultural Use of Plant Resources by Baram Tribe

Plants have been used by the humans since the ancient times. Indigenous people have sound knowledge of using floral species in their cultural rituals and customs. The use of such resources depends on indigenous knowledge gained from ancestral experience. So this study was carried out to explore the traditional use of plant species in their culture and religious customs of Barams in their ancestral place (Barpak-Sulikot Municipality of the Gorkha district) under ethnographic research design. Total of six elder people having the socio--cultural knowledge (are also the healers) were selected purposively for the study. In-depth interview and observation with ethic perspective was done frequently from 2076 to 2078 BS. Following the qualitative technique of data analysis, information was analyzed and interpreted thematically. The result shows that Barams have rich indigenous knowledge of using plant resources. They depend on floral resources for medicine, food, fodder, timber and firewood etc. aligning with the cultural and religious use. Total of 29 species were used in total of six worships or festivals and total of 13 species were used in four different cultural rituals of the Baram.

Ethnobotanical Insights into Medicinal and Culinary Plant Use: The Dwindling Traditional Heritage of the Dard Ethnic Group in the Gurez Region of the Kashmir Valley, India.

This ethnobiological study addresses the complicated relationship between the Dard ethnic group and their natural environment in the Gurez region of the Kashmir Valley. The study documents their traditional knowledge of the use of plant species for medicinal and culinary purposes. A total of 87 plant species from 41 different families were cataloged, with the Asteraceae family (15 species) and the Lamiaceae family (12 species) being the most commonly used. These plants were found to be used to treat 20 different ailments, with menstrual cramps being the most common (12 species). The fidelity values for these plants ranged from 11.10 to 71.42, demonstrating their importance in traditional medicine. In addition, 17 plant species were found to be useful for gastronomic purposes, with Juglans regia being the most valuable (use value of 0.73). The study also evaluated the conservation status of these plants and found that seven of them are considered critically endangered, ten endangered, and four endangered according to the IUCN classification. This study offers insights into the Dard people's deep connection to their natural environment and has significant implications for policy formulation, cultural conservation, and sustainable use of endemic species, as well as potential applications in pharmaceutical research for therapeutic compounds.

Plant Composition and Species Use in Agroforestry Homegardens in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Agroforestry home gardens are integrated arrangements of common vegetable plants near residences, resembling tropical forests. They cultivate multiple species to meet families’ basic needs, including food, medicine, and family activities. This study aimed to assess the composition and use of plant species in agroforestry home gardens in three municipalities in the western region of Pará. The study analyzed 119 home gardens in Belterra, Mojuí dos Campos, and Santarém in Pará, Brazilian Amazonia. These home gardens span peri-urban, urban, floodplain, indigenous, and tourist land zones. Data were collected through questionnaires and visits, surveying 5323 plants from 188 species and 62 plant families. The findings revealed that 80.5% of plants concentrated in just 18.6% of the species, with no significant difference in species per home garden across zones. Notably, food species, particularly fruit-bearing plants, dominated these home gardens. This indicates a potential emphasis on incentive programs and public policies. Most home gardens contained up to 17 plant species, while less than half included medicinal plants. Native and exotic species were equally represented, with native plants valued for shading benefits. Agroforestry home gardens are vital for conserving and cultivating food species. Their specific purposes influence species distribution and selection, showcasing their socioeconomic and environmental significance. Thus, recognizing and investing in these land-use systems is crucial to maintain and enhance regional benefits.

Assessment of Vinca rosea (Apocynaceae) Potentiality for Remediation of Crude Petroleum Oil Pollution of Soil

Petroleum oil pollution is a worldwide problem that results from the continuous exploration, production, and consumption of oil and its products. Petroleum hydrocarbons are produced as a result of natural or anthropogenic practices, and their common source is anthropogenic activities, which impose adverse effects on the ecosystem’s nonliving and living components including humans. Phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted soils is an evolving, low-cost, and effective alternative technology to most traditional remediation methods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the phytoremediation potentiality of Vinca rosea for crude oil-contaminated soil by understanding its properties and involvement in the enhanced degradation of crude oil. The remediation potentiality was determined by evaluating the total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation percentage (TPH%) and changes in the molecular type composition of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions. TPH% was estimated gravimetrically, and changes in the molecular type composition of saturated and aromatic fractions were measured using gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Sulfur concentration was measured using X-ray fluorescence. Cadmium and lead quantification was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results revealed that V. rosea enhanced total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation and altered the molecular composition of the crude oil. The saturated hydrocarbons increased and the aromatic hydrocarbons decreased. The saturated hydrocarbon fraction in the crude oil showed a wider spectrum of n-paraffin peaks than the oil extracted from unplanted and V. rosea-planted soils. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation was enhanced in the presence of V. rosea, which was reflected in the increase of monoaromatic and diaromatic constituents. This was parallel to the increased sulfur levels in planted soil. The determination of sulfur and heavy metal content in plant organs indicated that V. rosea can extract and accumulate high amounts from polluted soils. The ability of V. rosea to degrade TPH and alter the composition of crude petroleum oil by decreasing the toxicity of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in soil, as well as its capability to absorb and accumulate sulfur and heavy metals, supports the use of plant species for the phytoremediation of crude oil-polluted sites.

Ethnoveterinary survey of trypanocidal medicinal plants of the beninese pharmacopoeia in the management of bovine trypanosomosis in North Benin (West Africa)

Cattle breeding is of great socio-economic importance for Benin's cattle farmers in general and those of North Benin in particular. The objective of this study is to inventory the natural products of medicinal plants of the Beninese pharmacopoeia for the management of trypanosomes in cattle in North Benin. The methodology consisted of individual and semi-structured interviews with cattle farmers on the use of medicinal plants. A total of 360 cattle farmers were selected and interviewed in twelve villages in four municipalities (Tchaourou, N'dali, Bembèrèkè and Gogounou) in northern Benin. Different quantitative ethnobotanical indices were calculated to determine the level of use of plant species. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF = 0.918) and the Generic Coefficient (Rg = 1.04) were evaluated. The knowledge of medicinal plants was influenced by the level of education and the main activity of those who practiced animal husbandry. The results yielded 48 medicinal plants for veterinary use belonging to 46 genera and 28 families. The Leguminosae family (12.50%) was the most represented. The most cited plants with a RFC above 10% were K. senegalensis, P. africana, K. africana, M. inermis, S. latifolius, M. polyandra. The parts used were leaves (46.15%); barks (24.62%) and roots (15.38%). Decoction (53.23%), plundering (32.26%) and maceration (11.26%) were the main methods of preparation. The administration was mainly by oral route. The calculated indices show a high diversity of medicinal plants with trypanocidal properties in the control of cattle trypanosomosis in the Sudanese and Sudano-Guinean zones of northern Benin. Plant species with high citation and RFC values should be selected for comprehensive pharmacological and phytochemical research to validate this ethnomedical knowledge in the management of cattle trypanosomosis.

Ethnomedicinal Aspects of Sundanese Traditional Homegarden: A Case Study in Rural Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia

Rural people of West Java have rich local knowledge on use of plant species to treat various ailments. The traditional medicinal plants have been predominantly cultivated in home-garden agroforestry systems. Nowadays, however, the local knowledge of Sundanese rural people on both ailments and medicinal plants have eroded. In addition, various plants in the homegarden systems have decreased due to conversion of the traditional homegardens to monoculture commercial crops. Rural people in Cibunar, Sumedang, West Java have still strongly maintained Sundanese cultures, including using local knowledge on various ailments and medicinal plants to treat various ailments. This study aimed to elucidate (1) the local knowledge of rural people of Cibunar, Sumedang on illnesses; and (2) role of the homegardens as source of medicinal plants. Method used in this study was mixed-method, qualitative and quantitative with ethnomedicine and ethnobotanical approach. The result of study showed that rural Sundanese community has vernacular names of illnesses, including gering or sakit in Indonesian. Based on local rural people perception, various illnesses can be caused by many factors, poor sleep, bad eating, weather, food poisoning, work fatigue and accidents, including injuries. Treatment of illness according to the local people is usually undertaken by self-treatment, buy medicine from small shops (warung), go to a community health center (Puskesmas), and go to healer (dukun). The traditional agroforestry of homegarden systems have played an important role as sources of medicinal plants, and providing various foods, and resistant with environmental changes, including pests and climate changes.

Documentation of the plants used in different Hindu rituals in Uttarakhand, India

Abstract. Chandra S. 2022. Documentation of the plants used in different Hindu rituals in Uttarakhand, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 92-101. Hinduism is one of the largest practicing religions. The Indian subcontinent is the cradle of this religion, and it is followed by a majority of the people of the subcontinent. Rituals are the main component of the Hindu tradition. Any ritual is a way to connect with God and offer salutation. From birth to the death of a person, one has to perform various rituals on enormous occasions. Methodology and material used in a ritual vary as per the presiding deity. In the sacrifice (Yajyan) and other worship procedures stage (Mandapa), different utensils and materials required to complete the rituals originated from plant products. These products represent the environmental and geographical structure of the area. Documentation of the plant species used in different Hindu rituals is done in the present article. A total of 104 plant species are enumerated. The use of plant species individually or in combination with others is also elaborated. Some terms used in the rituals, such as Panch Pallav, Panch Mewa, Saptanaja, Tambula, Panchamrita, Ashtha Bali, etc., which have botanical significance, are also discussed.

Preliminary phytochemical screening of medicinal herb, SAMBAU PAYA (Chloranthus erectus)

The genus Chloranthus (L.) is one of the most important groups of plants belonging to the Chloranthaceae family. Chloranthus erectus is an erect shrub, native to Southeast Asia's tropical and temperate zones. It is a popular folklore medicine used by many indigenous communities. However, no comprehensive assessment and scientific report of C. erectus were published. Hence, this preliminary study was carried out to screen the phytochemical analysis of leaves extract in methanol and aqueous extracts of indigenous medicinally important plants of C. erectus. The phytochemicals analysis reveals the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, quinones, glycosides, and steroids. The current study shows that C. erectus solvent extract contains therapeutically significant bioactive components, which supports the use of plant species as traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of disorders.

Ethnobotanical knowledge and socio-economic importance of Ceratonia siliqua L (Fabaceae) in the North of Setif (North-East of Algeria)

The knowledge of the usefulness of plant species by the local population, is an important factor for their conservation. Ceratonia siliqua L; The carob tree, or El Kharoub in Arabic, is a Mediterranean tree with many virtues.In Order to list the ethnobotanical knowledge, and the socio-economic importance, of Ceratonia siliqua L. (Fabaceae family); in the province of Setif (North-East of Algeria), individual ethnobotanical surveys, were organized, among the local population, using 180 questionnaire forms; the surveys collected sociodemographic data (age, gender, education level) and traditional knowledge on Certaonia siliqua L. (part used, mode of use, category of use, traditional recipe…)The results, collected throughout the structured interview, were analyzed using quantitative indices, in terms of: Use values (UV); Relative Citation Frequencies (RCF): Diversity indice (ID) and Equitability indice (IE) of the respondent; and the Consensus Value of Use Type (Cs). In total, more than five categories of use of Ceratonia siliqua L. were identified by the different groups of respondents; of which the most cited are the food category (92.5%) and the medicinal category (85.5%); where nearly 15 diseases and symptoms are cured mainly by the fruit of Ceratonia siliqua. L.In terms of economic importance, the sale of the fruits of Ceratonia siliqua L. (carob) is a potential source of income for the local population; it can provide up to 100,000 D.A per year.The highest Use Value, are obtained among adults (UV = 5.82), men (UV = 5.74) and among the educated of average level (UV = 5.15). For the whole, the total diversity value, as well as the equitability value, are respectively 4.82 and 0.89, these values indicate a diversity and a homogeneity, of the knowledge of the populations, on the uses of the species. The results obtained, constitute a very valuable source of information, for the development of conservation strategies, and sustainable use of the target species, in the study area, and its products; and a database for future research in the field and for Ceratonia siliqua L.

Alpine ethnobotanical knowledge in Sondalo (SO, Lombardy, Italy)

Background: Whereas Alpine populations have been geographically isolated from major cities since ancient times, they have long learned to make use of the features of their own territory and its resources, especially autochthonous spontaneous plants. In such areas there is still a wide traditional use of plant species; this heritage, however, risks becoming extinct. Our work gathered and processed information on the plants used for medicinal, veterinary, cosmetic, domestic, ritual, and religious purposes by the inhabitants of Sondalo (Valtellina, SO, Lombardy, Italy). Methods: The survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews. All data was entered within a database. Extensive bibliographic research was performed in scientific literature on the biological activity of the species used for human medicinal purposes. Results: We interviewed 101 people aged 25-98. 112 plants were mentioned, belonging to 52 families. 87 species were spontaneous, 25 cultivated. The most cited species were Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg., Sambucus nigra L., and Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson. The most frequently used parts were flowers/inflorescences, leaves, and fruits. The most common preparation forms were infusion, decoction, and syrup. The traditional uses covered different aspects of the daily life: 73 species were used for cooking, 62 for medicinal purposes, 27 in the domestic field, 17 for agropastoral activities, 13 for animal healthcare. The evaluation of scientific literature allowed us to find information on the biological activity of 36 plants, linked to the traditional uses of the territory. Conclusions: This work enhances the mosaic of ethnobotanical studies carried out in the Alpine region and highlights the importance of this kind of surveys in the search for new natural potentially active compounds. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Northern Italy, Alps, Medicinal plants, Biocultural heritage.

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).

Phytoremediation technique on the rehabilitation of contaminated areas and the application of Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) in this process: a narrative review

Phytoremediation is an innovative, efficient and eco-friendly technique for the treatment of contaminated areas. This method consists in the use of plant species for extraction, degradation, containment or immobilization of pollutants/xenobiotics. Recently, ornamental plants have been gaining spotlight in remediation studies, precisely because of their aesthetic value and their ability to develop in environments contaminated with heavy metals, textile dyes and pesticides. An important ornamental species for these studies is Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng. popularly known as calla lily. The objective of this narrative review is to report up-to-date studies on the use of phytoremediation to clean up contaminated areas and highlight the use of ornamental plants of the genus Zantedeschia in this process, especially the species Zantedeschia aethiopica. For this, articles indexed between 2015 and 2022, written in Portuguese and English, were selected and the searches were carried out through three electronic databases, Google Scholar, Web of Science and SciELO. The papers were selected through the association between the words Zantedeschia spp., Zantedeschia aethiopica, ornamental plants and phytoremediation with several other related topics. This review aims to emphasize the gaps found in phytoremediation of contaminated environments studies, specially mediated by Z. aethiopica, indicating paths for further research.

Use of Biostimulants as a New Approach for the Improvement of Phytoremediation Performance-A Review.

Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing global issues, and it requires priority attention. Environmental remediation techniques have been developed over the years and can be applied to polluted sites, but they can have limited effectiveness and high energy consumption and costs. Bioremediation techniques, on the other hand, represent a promising alternative. Among them, phytoremediation is attracting particular attention, a green methodology that relies on the use of plant species to remediate contaminated sites or prevent the dispersion of xenobiotics into the environment. In this review, after a brief introduction focused on pollution and phytoremediation, the use of plant biostimulants (PBs) in the improvement of the remediation effectiveness is proposed. PBs are substances widely used in agriculture to raise crop production and resistance to various types of stress. Recent studies have also documented their ability to counteract the deleterious effects of pollutants on plants, thus increasing the phytoremediation efficiency of some species. The works published to date, reviewed and discussed in the present work, reveal promising prospects in the remediation of polluted environments, especially for heavy metals, when PBs derived from humic substances, protein and amino acid hydrolysate, inorganic salts, microbes, seaweed, plant extracts, and fungi are employed.

Cross-ethnic use of ethnoveterinary medicine in the Kashmir Himalaya - A Northwestern Himalayan region

Ethnoveterinary practices are an important part of Himalayan culture, and they have evolved as primary health care system for the treatment of different ailments in animals. The valley of Kashmir is home to a variety of ethnic groups [i.e., Gujjar, Bakarwal and Kashmiri], mostly occupied in agriculture and related services, having traditional knowledge to treat animal ailments by employing local flora. In the present study we documented the use of plant species used to treat animals, specific diseases treated with specific plant species, also we investigated the cross-cultural ethnoveterinary plant usage in the administrative district Kupwara of Kashmir valley. To gather the data we used simple random sampling; semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires followed by group discussions. The data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and ordination techniques [Principal Component Analysis] using Past Software ver.3.14. A total of 41 plant species, belonging to 25 families were identified as used for the treatment of livestock by the three ethnic groups in Kashmir. The distribution of species across families was asymmetric, with 7 families accounting for half of the species and 18 families accounting for the other half, but with 14 families comprising a single species. Asteraceae had the most species [15%], followed by Ranunculaceae [7%. Roots were the most frequently used plant part [48%,] followed by whole plant and leaves [18% each]. Different preparation forms were enlisted during the present study, but powder [54%] was the dominant form followed by decoction [22%] and paste [12%]. The Cluster analyses indicated substantial clusters of ethnoveterinary illnesses. In terms of disease-specific plant use, nearly one-third of the total species pool was used to combat gastrointestinal issues, while the remaining two-thirds of the species clustered out and were dispersed among the remaining 18 disease types. A cross-cultural comparison of plant resources showed that 15% of all plants were overlapping between the three ethnic groups. Our current findings of documenting ethenoveterinary knowledge serves a variety of purposes, including preserving it for future generations, securing it by placing it in the public domain, using it as a springboard for further research and conservation efforts. The documented species needs to be investigated scientifically as it can provide possible chances for the discovery of future novel molecules with potent medicinal attributions.