Use Of Plants Research Articles

SYNERGY OF SCIENCE AND TRADITION: A NANOTECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN REVOLUTION IN NATURAL MEDICINE

Usage of plants to treat various ailments is part and parcel of our tradition and culture. Most marketed formulations are directly or indirectly derived from plants only. Herbal plants are potential therapeutic agents against most life-threatening diseases. Despite these advantages, herbal medicines fail clinical trials due to their low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. To get the maximum benefits out of herbal plants, we must incorporate medicinal herbs in nanotechnology. The nanotechnology approach not only protects herbal medicines in the body but also aids in delivering the same to the site of action with sustained release. The formulation of herbal nanomedicines will be a breakthrough in treating life-threatening diseases and will also aid in the delivery of drugs that conventionally cannot cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). The review summarizes the recent advancements of the various nanocarriers loaded with herbal extracts/Phytoconstituents developed to treat various diseases, especially cancer. It also highlights the regulatory requirements for herbal nanomedicines.

Ethnobotany study on wild edible plants used by the Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng, southwest Hubei, China.

Wild edible plants hold a significant position in the lives of local residents, serving as a primary food source or supplement. Laifeng County, located in the hinterland of the central mountainous area of China, boasts abundant wild edible plant resources. The Tujia people, residing here for generations, have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge in the long-term practice of utilizing wild edible plants. The aim of this study is to document and organize the traditional utilization of wild edible plants by the Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng. An ethnobotanical investigation, comprising semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observations, was conducted in 26 traditional villages in Laifeng County from May 2023 to June 2024. A total of 252 informants were interviewed, from whom information about wild edible plants, including edible parts, food categories, consumption modes, and multiple uses was collected. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) and the cultural food significance index (CFSI) were calculated to identify the cultural importance of wild edible plants. A total of 163 species of wild edible plants consumed by the Tujia people in Laifeng, belonging to 64 families and 118 genera and related traditional knowledge were collected, including vegetables (78), fruits (52), wine-soaking plants (12), spices (11), food substitutes (9), tea substitutes (6), nuts (5), coagulants (2), and oil (1). The most frequently used families were Rosaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae, with 23, 10, and 10 species, respectively. The most commonly utilized plant parts were fruits, leaves, and stems. RFC and CFSI analyses identified 14 species of wild edible plants with high cultural importance in the local diet, such as Allium macrostemon, Houttuynia cordata, and Hovenia acerba. The Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng demonstrates extensive knowledge in their traditional usage of wild edible plants, offering unique and robust insights into the harvesting, processing, and consumption of these resources. Over time, this practice has become an integral part of the local food culture. These findings contribute to the preservation of the Tujia culture of wild edible plants in Laifeng and the conservation and development of wild edible plant resources.

Awareness and current knowledge of medicinal plants

Abstract Objectives This research attempts to investigate the historical applications of plants for therapeutic reasons, follow the development of these applications, and comprehend the influence of artificial methods on the use of medicinal plants. Methods The study involves the examination of antique writings from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the Islamic world, as well as a 5000-year-old Sumerian clay tablet discovered in Nagpur. The study examined historical reports of a number of therapeutic plants, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cupressus sempervirens, Commiphora myrrha, Cedrus duham, and Papaver somniferum. It also looked at how improved methods of separating active plant components were developed in the early 19th century, as opposed to more crude treatments like tinctures and powders. Key findings Historical evidence reveals that ancient cultures used a wide variety of plants for medicinal reasons, preparing them in different ways. The development of synthetic methods in the 19th century completely changed the manufacture of pharmaceuticals by making it possible to replicate active ingredients precisely and in large quantities. With more than 250 000 plant species recognized, nature’s wide diversity of plant metabolites highlights the importance of plants in both traditional and contemporary medicine. Conclusions The development of contemporary synthetic approaches from traditional plant-based medicines serves as an example of how far medicine has come. While modern techniques have increased the effectiveness and scalability of medicinal manufacturing, the historical usage of plants demonstrates a profound grasp of their curative potential. The vast diversity of plant metabolites continues to be important for health and medicine despite advancements in synthetic approaches, highlighting the ongoing importance of natural resources in pharmaceutical research.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Artocarpus heterophyllus Peel Extracts

BACKGROUND: Plants have a diverse variety of bioactive compounds such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates and steroids among many others that can offer significant physiological actions in the human body. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemical, biological and active compounds found in plants that are of benefit to human health apart from those that act as macronutrients and micronutrients. A. heterophyllus (Jackfruit) belongs to the family Moraceae. Jackfruit tree is native to India and is popular in several tropical and sub-tropical Countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of the fruit peel of A. heterophyllus extracts using three different solvents. METHODS: Artocarpus heterophyllus fruits were collected from University of Ibadan botanical garden, identified at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Oyo State. The peel was extracted and dried at 35 ℃. Qualitative method and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy were used to determine the phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in the plant, whereas¬¬¬¬¬¬ 2, 2, Diphenylpicryl-1-hydrazyl (DPPH) was used for the antioxidant analysis. RESULTS: Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, and Terpenoids were present based on the solvents while anthraquinnes were absent. Flavonoid and phenol were abundant in the three extracts while saponin was moderate. Eight chemical compounds were observed in the plant extracts. Major bioactive components with highest and lowest retention peak were (65.55 %) bis(2- ethyl hexyl) phthalate and (6.06 %) Cis- 13(2- ethylhexyl)phthalate respectively. Antioxidant activity increased with increase in concentration of which acetone extract had the highest DPPH (75.00 %) at 100 μg/ml. CONCLUSION: The fundamental means of the usage of medicinal plants for medicine is due to their bioactive properties which are used as substrates for biochemical and enzymatic reactions. Phytochemical derivatives have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antitumor, analgesic and many other properties harbor in them.

The Frequency of Medicinal Plant Usage during Pregnancy and possible Related Factors; A Cross-Sectional Study from Tehran, Iran

Taking medicinal plants during pregnancy may be associated with geographical, socioeconomic, cultural, and individual factors. The present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of medicinal plant usage and its influencing factors among pregnant mothers living in Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted (Tehran, Iran; 2019-2020). All pregnant women who attended the prenatal clinic were invited. A written consent was obtained from all subjects before enrolment. Data regarding medicinal plant consumption, the reasons for usage, the cause of preference, the source of advice, and the preparation route were gathered through an interview and the completion of a questionnaire. The recorded data were analyzed to assess the prevalence, indications, and factors influencing medicinal plant usage during pregnancy. Of 326 pregnant women, 105 (32.2%) used at least one, and 221 (67.8%) used no medicinal plant. The most consumed medicinal plant was ginger, followed by peppermint, thyme, frankincense, chicory, and saffron. The main reasons for usage were digestive disease and cold symptoms. The place of receiving prenatal care was the only significant factor affecting herbal medicine consumption (p=0.01). More analyses showed a relatively significant correlation between the participant’s age and medicinal plants usage (p=0.05). The results also showed that belief in low adverse effects and high effectiveness of medicinal plants were the reasons for preference of herbal medicine usage. Furthermore, 37 subjects (35.0%) informed by their family or friends, and 15 (14.3%) consumed medicinal plants on their data. Plants were mainly provided by herbal stores. The results showed a relatively frequent use of medicinal plants. The plants were mostly recommended by families and friends. Future studies with larger sample sizes are suggested to determine possible teratogenicity and safe doses.

The importance of application of medicinal plants and natural products in poultry health management

Application of herbs and natural medicines have shown to have no negative side effects, with high effectiveness to improve productivity. Usage of medicinal plants can increase gut function, improve hepatic function, inhibition of prooxidant enzymes, enhance antioxidant content, improve shelf life, enhance sensorial value, better nutritive value, improve both health and consumers preference, enhance calcium and other minerals, increase vitamin B and folate, and enhance immunity. The most important medicinal plants with antiparasitic activities are green tea, guar bean, pine bark, grape seed, barberry root bark, Rangoon creeper, olive tree, and wormwood. Some other important medicinal plants in poultry industry are black pepper, nettle, shrubby sophora, Aleppo oak, garlic, red cedar, ginger, mint, tobacco, turmeric, aloe vera, etc. The application of herbal medicines can be considered as an important alternative to treating parasitic infections. In organic broiler production with application of medicinal plants, decreasing hormones, growth promoters and antibiotics should be considered as well as paying more attention to selection of appropriate organic feed management with considering higher production. This article aims to survey on the importance of application of natural products and medicinal plants in poultry industry by considering secondary metabolites such as triterpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids due to their anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent properties.

An ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants used among rural communities in Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India: a quantitative study

The present study aims to document and analyze information related to significant ethnomedicinal plants in rural communities of Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India. Data collection involved the use of open-ended and semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on ethnomedicinal plant usage, including specific plants, applications, and traditional healing practices. Quantitative indices such as Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Use value (UV), Family use value (FUV), Informant consensus factor (ICF), and Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity (JCS) were employed to quantify and analyze the gathered information. A total of 201 medicinal plants, belonging to 170 genera and 76 families, were recorded for treating various diseases, with trees (43%), herbs (33%), and climbers (13%) being predominantly used. Plants such as Hedychium coronarium and Cordia macleodii exhibited high RFC and high UV, particularly for treating eye and blood pressure problems. Vanda tessellata showed a high informant consensus factor for treating ear-related problems. Positive correlations were found between RFC and UV (0.631) and RFC and FUV (0.159). The study highlights the prevalence of traditional healing practices using medicinal plants in the area. Documentation of ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic applications could stimulate further exploration into phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, potentially leading to the development of novel pharmaceuticals.

The Heritagescape of Kichwa People of Nizag Built upon Traditional Plant Usage along a Chimborazo Variant of the Andean Road System or Qhapaq Ñan

To document the dynamics of biocultural heritage, we studied traditional uses of plants on a segment of the Andean Road System, or Qhapaq Ñan, within the central Andes of Ecuador, home of the Kichwa community of Nizag. Here, residents preserved a rich diversity of plants within their agricultural fields, or chakra, of the Andean landscapes, upholding a culture steeped in traditional knowledge. Wild and domesticated plants are a cornerstone for the community, prompting the development of ethnobotanical management strategies with a conservation approach. The diverse plant uses aim to revalue their culture, fortify their self-identification as an indigenous community, and ensure the transmission of ancestral knowledge. This research aims to ascertain the ethnobotanical applications of this venerable community. Employing participatory action research, semistructured interviews were conducted with 43 community informants to gather ethnobotanical data on the flora applied within their territory, spanning categories such as food, agriculture, crafts, living fences, construction, fuel, ornamental, environmental, technological, and medicinal services. The findings indicate that age, rather than educational level and gender, significantly influences the variation in plant usage knowledge. In total, 142 plant species were cataloged, comprising herbs (58%), shrubs (23%), trees (15%), and climbers (4%). The most represented families were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae. Notably, 96% of these species provide some type of environmental service or fulfill a niche within the socioecological system. Medicinal uses were reported for 89% of the plants, while 56% served agricultural purposes, primarily in fertilizer production and forage. Additionally, 44% of the plants are utilized as food, typically consumed fresh. Among the medicinal plants, leaves are the most used part (58%), prepared as infusions and poultices. The prevalent ailments addressed include respiratory and urinary system conditions, with Borago officinalis, Carica pentagona, Vasconcellea pubescens, and Origanum mejorana being the most frequently employed plants.

The diversity and traditional use of home garden plants near Kerinci Seblat National Park, Indonesia

Abstract. Suwardi AB, Navia ZI, Mubarak A, Rahmat R, Cristy P, Wibowo SG, Irawan H. 2024. The diversity and traditional use of home garden plants near Kerinci Seblat National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 3284-3299. Home gardens are traditional agroforestry systems that improve plant diversity and ecosystem services while also having a direct and beneficial effect on human well-being. Each plant species in a home garden provides a variety of ecosystem services, which are linked to specific ecological functions and social drives. Although home gardens are biodiversity hotspots and have recently been identified as essential to tropical biodiversity conservation, the benefits of ecosystem services offered by home gardens are frequently undervalued. This study aims to analyze the diversity, usage, and traditional knowledge of home garden plants among the local communities living near Kerinci Seblat National Park, Indonesia. This study was carried out in four villages from two districts of Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, i.e. Lebong and Rejang Lebong. Field surveys, plant collections, and interviews with local communities were used in this study. Interviews were conducted with 120 informants (30 in each village) selected at random. A total of 218 plant species belonging to 67 families associated with 12 use categories were recorded in the study area. Capsicum frutescens, Musa x paradisiaca, and Mangifera indica are frequently discovered in home gardens. The most diverse categories of plant use in home gardens encompass food, medicine, and ornament, utilizing various parts such as rhizomes, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Home gardens, with their diverse plant species, are considered to have a significant role in household livelihoods, protecting plant genetic resources, and biodiversity conservation.

Cultural Use and the Knowledge of Ethnomedicinal Plants in the Pülümür (Dersim-Tunceli) Region.

Pülümür has been a refuge place for internal and external exiles several times throughout history, and today it is a district of the province of Tunceli (known as Dersim in the region), which differs significantly from many settlements around it in terms of biodiversity and social aspects. The aim of this study is to identify, catalog, and report the traditional medicinal uses of plants in this province, where every living thing and many natural objects around it are regarded as sacred, with a scientific ethnobotanical approach. The field study was completed between May 2016 and July 2023. The collection of plant excursion and plant usage information was implemented in two stages; in the first stage, a survey about the collection and the uses of medicinal plants was conducted. At this stage, plant samples were collected by visiting 49 villages of the district and performing face-to-face interviews with 112 participants (51 female and 61 male). In the second stage, the usage statistics related to the data obtained from the field studies were determined. For this reason, every informant was interviewed at least twice, people who were previously interviewed were included too. In the course of this study, interviews from 211 participants (95 female and 116 male) were analyzed. As a result of analysis, the traditional medicinal uses of 120 plants belonging to 48 families were identified. The most taxa are identified from the Asteraceae (15), Rosaceae (13), Fabaceae (8), Lamiaceae (8), and Apiaceae (6) families. In Pülümür, these medicinal plants are mostly used for the treatment of wounds, abdominal pain, constipation, and diabetes.

Herbal medicine in the Jewish Renaissance rare medical handbook The Guide to the Tree of Life (Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe only known copy of Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim, an anonymous old print, is stored in the Austrian National Library in Vienna. It was written in the Yiddish Ashkenazi language and printed in 1613. The author, a Jewish physician, resided or lived in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This rare book, although it was printed over 400 years ago, has not yet been systematically assessed in the ethnomedical context of those times. Aim of the studyA quantitative assessment of the botanical drugs and kinds of healthy diets described in The Guide is presented to recognise the medicinal, diachronic, and botanical outlines of this peculiar rarum. Materials and methodsTo investigate various recipes describing the use of medicinal plants of Jewish culture in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the content of The Guide was analysed. All therapeutic uses of herbal medicines and nutritional recommendations for health were obtained by reviewing the Polish translation of the rare medical handbook. For each plant usage revealed in the text, we noted: Scientific, Common and Yiddish name of the taxon, Plant family, Part of the plant or substance used, Administration, Preparation, Primary pathology, Broad use, and Inferred pathology (ICD-11 and ICPC-3). ResultsAmong the 161 recipes, 58 plant taxa and 361 use records were recorded. Additionally, 127 mixtures with 68 plant taxa and 183 use mixture records were noted. 22 diet recipes with 19 plant taxa were also found. These data constitute three separate analyses, according to the intention of the author of The Guide. Formulations using Apiaceae were recommended primarily for gastroenterology and gynecology, while those using Rosaceae for gastroenterology, urology, and neurology. For mixtures, Lamiaceae plants are also represented and used for gastroenterology, respiratory system treatment, and gynecology. ConclusionThe medicinal knowledge described in Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim fills a gap in contemporary knowledge regarding phyto-medical writing of the Renaissance. The Guide has a form of home first aid kit, used both for medicinal purposes and on the daily menu. In response to current challenges in healthcare, there is a growing interest among researchers in ethnomedicinal sources for the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds. This includes the re-evaluation of formulations and therapeutic indications that have been recognised for centuries. The remedies analysed and detailed in The Guide can provide valuable insights for researchers focused on identifying biologically active therapeutic raw materials of plant origin, thus contributing to advances in modern healthcare.

Applications of combinations and concentrations of different phytohormones for the induction of callus, shoot, and root of cannabis sativaunder tissue culture technique

Cannabis sativa is a significant crop of the family (cannabaceae).Interest has been resurgent in the usage of the cannabis plant for medical purposes, industrial fibre, seed oil, food, and recreation.Auxin and cytokinins act antagonistically with each other in which cytokinins promote shoot branching and inhibit root branching, while auxin inhibits shoot branching and promotes root branching. Young cannabis leaves and petioles were used and inoculated in the MS medium with various combinations. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium for explant were developed in additions of 25µl-450µl 2, 4 D, 25µl-450µl Kinetin, and 50µl-450µl BAP for callus induction. Shoot induction was developed on 2-3ml/l BAP-supplemented MS media from the callus. Root induction was developed from the shoot on MS5ml/2 litters (indole-3-acetic acid) IAA + 8ml/2 litters (indole-3-butyric acid)IBA-supplemented media.Seeds of cannabis were inoculated in the MS medium. After one week, seed germination was observed in the seeds of the DG Khan variety of Cannabis. MS media found better and more abundant Callus induction with 450µl 2, 4D +450µl Kinetin+450µlBAP from cannabis sativa leaves. 3ml/l BAP observed the high growth of the shoot. Better growth of roots was observed by 5ml/2 litters (indole-3-acetic acid) IAA + 8ml/2 litters (indole-3-butyric acid) IBA. In the present study, seed, callus, shoot, root, and meristem growth were observed using the combination and concentration of different growth regulators. By using different phytohormones, the growth rate and productivity of Cannabiswere significantly increased, which can be valuable for medical purposes.

Traditional knowledge of wild plants on traditional tools, materials, products and economic practices in southern Yemen

BackgroundThe traditional knowledge in southern Yemen is rich in wild medicinal and food plants, which has been documented in our previous studies. In addition, other significant and general traditional usage for the daily livelihood requirements of local people (beyond medicinal and food plant uses) has not been studied before and needs urgent documentation.MethodsEthnobotanical data on of wild plants used by local people in southern Yemen were collected by oral questionnaire interviews. Most informants (n = 1020) were local elderly from 15 different localities in southern Yemen. The local names and non-medicinal and non-food uses of plants were identified and analyzed.ResultsThe ethnobotanical data resulted various traditional uses of 73 plant species distributed in 28 families. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae. The most growth forms were trees and shrubs. Seven main and common categories of traditional uses were determined and classified as handicraft, health aids, livestock husbandry and beekeeping, economic and commercial plant products, agriculture tools, construction timber and fuel. The most cited species were identified for Ziziphus spina-christi, Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia nilotica, Anisotes trisulcus, Dracaena hanningtonii (Sansevieria ehrenbergii) and Aerva javanica, which have multi-purpose values of traditional usage. Nine major traditional uses of local wild plants were recorded: handicraft, agriculture tools, products aid general health, economic products, construction timber, livestock husbandry, bee keeping, fuel and ornamental.ConclusionsDespite the challenges on local traditional knowledge of wild plants, it still requested vital to many usages of traditional life and still have an economic value and heritage required of develop the daily livelihood level of the local people especially in rural areas. This includes the traditional uses of wild plants in handicraft skills, tools of agriculture, constructions. The importance of the continuity of traditional industries and their transmission to generations lies in the local population’s reliance on local natural resources without relying on external resources in situations such as wars. This is the first study that contributes to documenting and analyzing the indigenous knowledge on traditional general usage of wild plants in southern Yemen.

Virulent-MDR-ESBL E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae report from North Sinai calves diarrhea and in vitro antimicrobial by Moringa oleifera

The health of calves has a significant impact on the production of cows and livestock. Some desert plants have pharmacological importance, as they can be used to reduce antibiotic resistance. Our hypothesis is designed to detect Virulent- Multidrug-Resistant and Extended- spectrum Beta- lactamase Enterobacteriaceae (Virulent-MDR-ESBL Enterobacteriaceae and to determine whether Moringa oleifera has antibacterial activity against the detected isolates. A total of 39 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from 28 diarrheic samples were collected from calves aged between 20 days and 20 months from 3 different flocks in North Sinai, Sahl-Eltina region, Egypt. E.coli 46% (18/39), O157 13% (5/39), Klebsiella pneumoniae 41% (16/39). MDR members accounted for 87%, while ESBL isolates accounted for 43%. The antibacterial activity is represented by microdilution. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) for the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera ranged from 2.5,5,10, and 25mg/ ml among E.coli isolates, and O157 was susceptible to (2.5mg/ ml), Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to (5-50mg/ ml). Analysis of the methanol extract revealed that ferulic acid was the dominant phenolic compound with a concentration of 29,832 parts per million (ppm). In silico docking study expected the active site of ferulic acid to act on the tyrosine bacterial enzyme through Pi-alkyl, Pi-anion, Carbon hydrogen bonds, and extra ionic attractive interactions with copper ions which can stabilize ferulic acid inside the targeted pocket Diverse virulent gene profiles were observed in E. coli. The Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was reported in 83% of the isolated E. coli, while the DNA gyrase (gyrA) was harbored in 100% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Various profiles of antibiotic resistance genes for both E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were distinguished. blaTEM genes were detected in 99% of E. coli and 100% of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Sequence analysis for E. coli strain DRC-North Sinai-Eg was placed in accession numbers (OP955786) for the Shiga toxin 2 gene (Stx2A), (OP997748) and (OP997749) for the Adhesion to host cell gene (Eae). For the hemolysine gene (hylA), the accession number was (OP946183). Klebsiellapneumoniae strain DRC-North Sinai-Eg was placed in (OP946180) for (gyrA). This study has proven the broad range of Moringa oliefera's antibacterial effects in vitro against the virulent-MDR- ESBL E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from North Sinai calves diarrhea. These are congruent with the disability effect on bacterial tyrosinase enzyme through docking study therefore, we recommend the usage of this desert plant as a prospective feed additive, we endorse this as an antibacterial new insight natural source and for the medication of considered pathogens with zoonotic impacts.Graphical

Evaluation of Anticancer, Anthelminthic, Anti-Nociceptive, Antidiabetic and Toxicological Investigation of Ludwigia adscendens

The present research investigated Ludwigia adscendens crude methanol extract invitro anticancer anthelminthic, and invivo anti-nociceptive, antidiabetic and toxicological properties. The coarsely dried plant powder was extracted using methanol. The methanolic extract (MELA) was further tested for anticancer, anthelminthic, anti-nociceptive, antidiabetic and toxicological activities. Cell Viability Assay was used for anticancer testing, and the earthworm assay was used for anthelminthic testing using different concentrations. Antinociceptive tests were done on Swiss albino mice at 200 and 400 mg/kg utilizing a hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing & formalin-induced paw licking tests. Antidiabetic test was done using Blood Glucose Determination test using the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was tested utilizing cinnamon oil-induced toxicological tests at 3000, 5000 and 7000 mg/kg. The MELA demonstrated 39.16% inhibition at 1000µg/mL in the Cell Viability Assay. The earthworm died after 6 minutes and 4 seconds in the 100 mg/mL anthelminthic test, whereas Albendazole killed it in 4 minutes and 20 seconds. Hot plate test results were substantial. The formalin-induced nociception test demonstrated strong inhibition rates of 79.54% in the early phase and 74.54% in the late phase at 400 mg/kg, compared to 62.99% and 68.18% for diclofenac sodium. Acetic acid-induced writhing test showed 77.66% of pain inhibition where’s Diclofenac sodium showed 79.61%. MELA inhibited blood glucose level very significantly compared to the standard Glibenclamide. In toxicological testing, 7000 mg/kg killed mice 2/5, whereas cinnamon oil killed 5/5 within 24 hours. The study shows that MELA has moderate anticancer, significant anthelmintic, anti-nociceptive, antidiabetic and mild toxicological properties. They may support the plant's use in conventional medicine to relieve pain, minimize drug intoxication, and prevent cancer, control diabetes and parasitic disorders.

Medicinal Plants Used for Postpartum Recuperation in an Upland Community in Leon, Iloilo, the Philippines

The utilization of medicinal plants has been a longstanding tradition – providing natural remedies with cultural and therapeutic significance, especially in the context of postpartum care. Thus, this study aims to document the usage of medicinal plants in postpartum recuperation, specifically in herbal steaming and bathing in the upland community of Leon, Iloilo, the Philippines. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with 34 key informants using a snowball sampling method from October–November 2022 and in March 2024, thereby resulting in the documentation of 70 medicinal plant species distributed in 64 genera and 35 families. The Fabaceae family was most represented with seven species, followed by Poaceae with six species, and Lamiaceae with five species. Most of the documented species are non-native (51%) and cosmopolitan, categorized as “least concern” (50%) in the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. A variety of medicinal plants were documented – including trees (57%), herbs (20%), shrubs (17%), and climbers (6%). Roots (64%) and leaves (24%) were the plant parts used most often, and decoction was the primary form of preparation. These medicinal plants can be found growing within the community's vicinity, with most of them (51%) found in forested areas and the rest (49%) being cultivated. The use value (UV) and family use value (FUV) indices were calculated to evaluate the plant’s importance. Pittosporum pentandrum (Blanco) Merr. had the highest (0.91) UV, followed by Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. and Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. (0.88), and Bambusa spinosa Roxb. (0.85). Pittosporaceae (0.91) and Hypericaceae (0.62) had the highest FUVs. The findings of this study will provide a foundation for additional scientific validation of the biological properties of the documented plants, specifically focusing on the most valued species, and raise awareness for the preservation of cultural practices and beliefs regarding postpartum care for women.

Observations on the Utilisation of Forest Plants by the Tribals of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

This paper provides the available information on the usage of forest plants by the tribals called "Seenthikodi valaiyars" of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. The ethnobotanical values of 92 plant speciejs are described under three heads a) edible plants, b) ethomedicine and c) miscellaneous plants. The need for the conservation of commercially harvested plants of ethnobotanical importance is also discussed.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by various ethnic tribes of Mizoram, India.

Mizoram has a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups, including the Lushai, Mara, Lai, Bawm, Hmar, Chakma, and Bru. Through practice and experience in their protracted battles with disease and the harsh natural environment, they have amassed rich folk medicine knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge, identification of bioactive compounds, and the eventual discovery of novel medicinal plant species all depend on the documentation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was designed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge related to the usage of medicinal plants in Mizoram, India. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 17 villages of 5 districts in Mizoram between September 2022 and January 2023. A total of 128 informants (77 males and 51 females) were interviewed. Information was gathered through field observations, group discussions, and semistructured interviews. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. To assess the importance of medicinal plant species, quantitative indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and cultural index (CI) was used. In our ethnobotanical investigation, 102 medicinal plant species from 95 genera and 58 families were recorded and documented. The majority of them (90 species) were obtained from wild habitats. The majority of the documented species were trees (48), followed by herbs (23 species) and shrubs (21 species). The most common method of preparation was decoction (67 species). Diabetes had the highest ICF value (0.81), followed by cancer, liver problems, and hypertension (0.8). The fidelity level (FL) of indigenous communities in the study area was evaluated to determine the dependability and consistency of herbal drug use. Indigenous knowledge and the variety of medicinal plant species that are used are of great values. The therapeutic applications of documented plants provide fundamental information for additional studies centered on pharmacological investigations and the preservation of the most significant species.

Robotic photogrammetric underwater inspection of hydropower plants

Hydropower is the most important domestic source of renewable energy in Switzerland, accounting for around 57 % of domestic electricity production. The high intensity usage of hydropower plants results in high costs for regular maintenance and inspection, which are currently carried out through manual inspections by professional divers. The aim of this work is to develop a workflow for underwater photogrammetry with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) to supplement or replace these dangerous and expensive dives. A calibration frame was developed to provide a scale reference for the data collected during the inspection. With different acquisition missions, investigations on camera calibration and 3D reconstruction were performed. The reconstruction of underwater objects was successfully implemented. Well- distributed control points provide accurate results as a point cloud with a sub-centimetre accuracy at object distances of up to 6 m. 80 % of the point cloud differ less than 1 cm from the reference scan.

Ethnobotanical study of twenty species in the family Asteraceae in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical study was conducted on 20 plants belonging to 18 genera of the Asteraceae family. The aims of this research were to explore the current ethnobotanical status of the identified plant species, document their indigenous utilization for diverse purposes within the specific research area and assess the extent of Asteraceae plant usage by the local population. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and open-ended interview techniques with different categories of informants in the Ife Central Local Government Area of IleIfe, Osun State, Nigeria. Demographic data of respondents were analyzed using a descriptive statistical method, providing understandings into their characteristics. The ethnobotanical survey results were subjected to quantitative analysis employing several parameters. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was utilized to determine the prominence of plant species in terms of citations. The Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were employed to assess plant importance, therapeutic efficacy, and consensus among informants, respectively. Ethnobotanical study of the selected Asteraceae plants revealed the traditional uses of these plants for diverse purposes for both humans and livestock. The average ICF value was 0.92, indicating a relatively high consensus among the respondents. Ageratum conyzoides, Tithonia diversifolia, Aspilia africana, Launaea taraxacifolia and Tridax procumbens were the most cited of all the species, hence their high RFC values. Fidelity Level (FL) had the highest value in Aspilia africana, Tithonia diversifolia and Ageratum conyzoides while Acmella radicans had the lowest FL value. According to this study, Ageratum conyzoides (0.10) and Launaea taraxacifolia (0.10) had the highest use value. The study concluded that the Asteraceae species have several edible, ornamental and medicinal uses, which have not been explored extensively in the study area.