Wild Medicinal Herbs Research Articles

Phytochemical, antioxidant, and in-silico studies of Erigeron sumatrensis from Gayo Highlands as a potential inhibitor of Type-2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract. Puspa VR, Zumaidar, Nurdin, Fitmawati. 2024. Phytochemical, antioxidant, and in-silico studies of Erigeron sumatrensis from Gayo Highlands as a potential inhibitor of type-2 diabetes mellitus. Biodiversitas 25: 3179-3192. Erigeron sumatrensis Retz., a wild medicinal herb, was determined qualitatively and quantitatively for its leaf extract's phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capacity and to conduct computational studies. Secondary metabolites identified included flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids. The methanol fraction exhibited the greatest TPC (5945.45 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity, as determined by the ABTS assay, indicated a significant radical scavenging activity in the methanol fraction of E. sumatrensis leaves, with an IC50 value of 57.67 ?g/mL. In silico molecular docking revealed that cucurbitacin b, 25-desacetoxy-?-sitosterol, and ?-amyrin exhibited potential as ?-glucosidase inhibitors (PDB ID: 2QMJ). The same compounds demonstrated inhibitory properties against ?-amylase (PDB ID: 2QV4), with acarbose as a positive control with a binding energy of -7.8 kcal/mol. The ADMET profiles indicated compliance with Lipinski's rule of five for all compounds, suggesting their suitability as an orally administered drug. Based on these findings, E. sumatrensis has excellent potential as a source of raw materials for antidiabetic drug formulation, so it needs to be further investigated for pharmaceutical applications.

A comparative analysis of phytochemical constituents and bioactivity of two wild medicinal herbs of the Amaranthaceae family

Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera paronychioides are 2 common herbaceous plants in the North Eastern region of India. The 2 species are known traditionally for edibility and medicinal use. The objectives are to qualitatively screen phytochemicals and test for antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity between the 2 species– Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera paronychioides. The samples for analysis were collected from aerial leaves and air-dried for phytochemical screening and biological activity tests. Antioxidant assays used are DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl), H2O2, and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay. For antimicrobial tests, 2 different strains of microbes were used to test the bioactivity of the plants. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of several antioxidant potential groups of phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, etc. Phytochemical constituents of Alternanthera sessilis showed more antioxidant potential than Alternanthera paronychioides in DPPH and H2O2 assays but Alternanthera paronychioides showed more potential than Alternanthera sessilis in FRAP assay. The phytochemicals also showed positive tests for antimicrobial activity against 2 bacterial strains, i.e., Escherichia coli (MTCC 443) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737). This study reveals the presence of phytonutrients which suggest the antioxidant and antibacterial activities exhibited by the 2 species of the family. Further exploration of phytochemicals in different aspects could lead to better-performing drugs for various ailments.

DIVERSITY OF WILD MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATION AREAS IN THUONG TIN DISTRICT, HANOI CITY

Evaluation of the diversity of wild medicinal herbs contributes to creating the basis for the effective management, exploitation, and usage of medicinal plant resources in ecosystems. This study has listed 170 species of wild plants belonging to 119 genera, 50 families, 28 orders, and 2 phyla, Pteridophyta, and Magnoliophyta with medicinal value. Whole plants or up to 10 parts of local wild medicinal plants are used in the prevention and treatment of 20 common diseases.

A cross-cultural ethnobotanical knowledge comparison about local plants among Pashto, Punjabi and Saraiki communities living in Southwest Pakistan

Background: The current work was conducted with the aim for the documentation of the indigenous uses of medicinal plants for food purposes across the three main indigenous communities in South-west Pakistan. Field work was conducted in 21 villages belonging to the three regions of the district D.I. Khan (Saraiki Community), district Zhob (Pashto Community) and district Mianwali (Punjabi Community), located in the Southwest Pakistan. Methods: Snowball sampling method was used to interview 93 informants (43 Pashto, 28 Punjabi and 22 Saraiki) using semi-structured questionnaire to document the uses of indigenous taxa as food, herbal tea and herbal juice/drinks purposes. Documented data was quantified by indices UV (use value) and CI (Cultural importance values). Results: Overall, 68 Plants species belonging to the 40 families were documented to be used in food, herbal tea and herbal juice/drinks. The most important species was Limonium cabulicum on the basis of use reports. Major ailments include stomach problems, hair loss, wounds, fever, weight loss and others treated with traditional food /drinks. The Phyllanthus emblica (0.31) has the highest UV. The highest cultural value was obtained for Zingiber officinale (0.28). Conclusion: The traditional communities still use medicinal plants. Cross-cultural ethnobotanical studies are fundamental among three ethnic communities in Southwest Pakistan not only for suggesting customs of using plant-based products, which could be exploited in sustainable local development projects (e.g. trade of wild medicinal herbs on small-scale, herbal products, food niche and also focusing on eco-tourism), but also for development relationship and reconciliation among diverse ethnic communities. Keywords: Cross-Cultural Ethnobotany, food plants, herbal tea, herbal juice/drinks, Pashto, Punjabi, Saraiki

Antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts from stem and seeds of Peganum Harmala L.

Wild medicinal herbs have been used as folk and traditional medicines all across the world since well before recorded history. This present study was designed to test the antimicrobial activities of five different solvent extracted samples (n-hexane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Peganum harmala using stems and seeds. Two different strains of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia), two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilus and Staphylococcus aureus), and one fungal strain (Candida albicans) were used. The antimicrobial activities were measured using a disc diffusion assay. Two concentrations of the extracts (1 and 2mgDisc-1) were used. Ethyl acetate fraction was found more affective among the tested solvents and showed maximum activity (zone of inhibition) against S. aureus (65.53 and 81.10%), E. coli (46.22 and 61.29%) while n-butanol and water fractions gave maximum activity against S. aureus (78.86 and 70.00%) and K. pneumonia (57.00 and 61.39%) respectively. Water fraction showed maximum activity against C. albicans (60.00 and 81.88%). In the case of the stem, Ethyl acetate again showed more activity against B. subtilus (38.57 and 42.10%) and S. aureus (36.66 and 46.66%) while n-butanol showed maximum activity against K. pneumonia (24.55 and 32.44%) and E. coli (27.93 and 37.61%). Methanol was found more effective against C. albicans (25.71 and 43.80%). Seed extracted samples were found more effective compared to the stem. Ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous extracted samples showed good activity against the tested microbes, so these fractions are recommended for study their mechanism of actions and isolation of bioactive metabolites responsible for antimicrobial activities. The P. harmala should be evaluated for their bioactive compounds to be used in future studies. Our objective is to provide the framework for future study on the roles of P. harmala as traditional medicines.

Medicinal and indigenous use of Morchella esculenta for socio-economic development of tehsil Thunag /Seraj block, district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India

Inhabitants of the Seraj valley largely depend on wild herbs for medicine, food and for economy. As the valley is the rich repository of wild medicinal herbs. Present study was carried out in theThunag Tehsil ( 31.55°N , 77.17°E) at an altitude of 2052m, of district Mandi (31.5892°N,76.9182°E). Morchella esculenta commonly known as growing gold of mountains because it fetch good price in market. Favourable environmental conditions like thick coniferous forest, loamy soil rich in humus, high altitude, cool climate. All these conditions favour the natural growth of this fungus. It is found in coniferous forest habitat at a height of about 2500-3500 m. It is commonly found as a mycorrhizal or saprobic relationship with hardwood and coniferous trees. Its growing season is from March to July. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, fibres, all important vitamins, minerals and aromatic compounds. Due to its unique flavour, taste and texture it is used in different recipes all over the world. It contains a wide range of pharmacological properties which includes antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it also acts as an immune-stimulant due to the presence of various active constituents.The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional, medicinal and judicious use of this herb for socio-economic development of study area.

Nutritional, medicinal and indigenous use of Nasturtium officinale in Tehsil Thunag of District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India

Inhabitants of the hilly regions largely depend on wild herbs for medicine and food supplements. The indigenous knowledge and traditional use of these wild herbs are vanishing fast. Thunag Tehsil is the rich repository of wild medicinal herbs. One among them is Nasturtium officinale (watercress), of the family Brassicaceae, it has been long used as a home remedy or a medicinal plant, edible herb by the local people. The aim of this study was to investigate the traditional use, nutritional, medicinal use of N. officinale in the Tehsil Thunag of District Mandi Himachal Pradesh Western Himalayas. Local inhabitant of valley used to collect this green leafy vegetable from nearby river streams, they used to consume it as (sagg) green leafy vegetable or as a medicine. It is a good source of food, medicine and income for local people in the study area, as this area is surrounded by large number of perennial rivers and streams where this plant is found in abundant. But the young generation is least interested about these traditional herbs and their uses.Its traditional knowledge is declining sharply. So to document this knowledge, the present study was carried in this region.

Callogenesis optimization and cell suspension culture establishment of Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm. and Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.: An in vitro approach for secondary metabolite production

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. and D. polychaetum Bornm. (Lamiaceae family) are wild medicinal herbs native to Iran and a source of potential bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and food industries. For their bulk production, the present work aimed to investigate the effects of explants, different plant growth regulators (PGRs), and photoperiod conditions on the callus induction and cell suspension of two Dracocephalum species. A factorial experiment method based on a completely randomized design with three replications was chosen. The best conditions for callus growth obtained on the 45th day from hypocotyl, stem, and leaf explants in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented by 1.0 mg. L−1 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 4.5 mg. L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in both D. polychaetum and D. kotschyi, while the best condition for callus growth from root explant was MS medium supplemented by 1.0 mg. L−1 NAA and 6.0 mg. L−1 BAP in both species. The cell suspension cultures of two species showed the highest growth rate in B5 media supplemented by 1.0 mg L−1 NAA and 2.5 mg L−1 BAP, with friable callus. The methanolic extracts of D. kotschyi and D. polychaetum cells were then determined by high performance liquid chromatography and recognized as a valuable source of such phenolics as rosmarinic acid, naringin, epicatechin, thymol, carvacrol, rutin, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, apigenin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Ethnobotanical plants used for gastrointestinal ailments by the inhabitants of Kishtwar plateau in Northwestern Himalaya, India

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract in human body is the most important and vulnerable organ for the diverse type of diseases such as diarrhea, reflux, constipation and parasitic infections. To treat such ailments, inhabitants of Kishtwar plateau in Jammu and Kashmir (India) use the wild medicinal herbs growing in the valleys and on the hill-top of their region. Most of these medicinal plants are common in occurrence but not reported earlier for the GI disorders. The aim of thiscommunication is to narrow down the list of the medicinal plant species on the basis of oral traditional knowledge (OTK) for treating GI disorders at Kishtwar plateau. This documentation and quantitative analysis will help the natural plant chemists to get the pure and efficacious molecules for the treatment of GI ailments. For this a semi-structured questionnaire study was used to document the OTK on use of different medicinal plants to treat GI ailments by the local people ofKishtwar plateau in Northwestern Himalaya. The information gathered during the questionnaire study has been quantified by calculating use value, family use value, factor informant consensus (Fic) and fidelity level. A total of 40 plant species representing 27 families are reported to treat various GI ailments, where in Mentha longifolia has shown the maximum use value (UV)=0.87 and Carpesium abrotanoides has shown the minimum UV=0.03. Maximum Fic (0.88) has been calculated for worm infection and constipations category, however, minimum Fic=0.75 is calculated for dyspepsia. Maximum family use value has been calculated for Plantaginaceae (FUV=0.75) and minimum for Geraniaceae and Juglandaceae (FUV=0.08). Artemisia maritima (FL=20.25%) and Elwendia persica (FL=18.18%) accounts the maximum fidelity level, therefore, considered important for the treatment of diarrhea and stomachache. From calculated use value, it has been concluded that the use of M. longifolia for treating GI ailments is relatively higher than other investigated species. Further analysis revealed that uniformity in OTK homogeneity is prevailing in the area, which indicates that OTK has not been diluted over the period of time.

Evaluation of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm. cell suspension culture under magnetite nanoparticles and static magnetic field elicitation

Suspension-cultured Dracocephlum polychaetum Bornm. is a wild medicinal herb native to Iran, treated with a static magnetic field (SMF) and Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles (MNP). The effect of SMF (30 mT), Fe2O3 MNP (100 ppm) and the combination of these treatments on phenolic metabolism and the medicinal compounds were examined by high performance liquid chromatography and UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The activity of polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonialyase, as well as the content of total phenolics, flavonoid, anthocyanins, lignin and malondialdehyde in all treated cells, showed a significant difference with control. The intracellular content of rosmarinic acid, naringin, apigenin, thymol, carvacrol, quercetin and rutin, in all treated cells increased considerably. Their quantities also increased significantly in the treated cell culture media. These results suggest this increase is due to the increased production and secretion of the medicinal compounds from cells to the culture media upon application of SMF and Fe2O3 MNP.

Shortage of Chinese medicine of the 1950s and the 20-year "Xiao qiu shou (minor autumn harvest)"

To encourage the collection and improve of purchase are the important measures to solve the shortage of Chinese medicine. In 1958, due to the large amount of rural manpower invested in the campaign of construction of water conservancy projects and the large-scale steel-making and iron-smelting, the planting of traditional Chinese medicine was thus reduced, resulting in a shortage of medicinal herbs. To alleviate the serious shortage of traditional Chinese herbals and severe situation, the State Council issued an instruction, urging to utilize and collect wild plants, raw materials in 1958, followed by another order, advocating to carry out the "Xiao qiu shou(minor autumn harvest)" the next year, including the harvesting of wild crude medicinal herbs. In the 20 years since then, the minor autumn harvest had been widely carrying out in the harvesting of wild medicinal herbs, which became the main way to solve the shortage of Chinese medicinal materials, and had played an important role in alleviating the tough supply of medicinal herbs.

Fermented Medicinal Plant Designed by Lactobacillus Hits Alternative Complement Pathway and Controlled hA1c Level

Background: A Type II Diabetes mellitus showed many symptoms that brought serious for the patients. One of the problem was suppressed activity of the phagocyte for the foreign microorganism. Objective: The objective of this study was to find excellent method to recover the suppressed phagocytic cell activity both in animal and human. Methods: A wild medicinal herbs were prepared by Yeast and Lactobaccilli against 80 sorts of wild plants including medicinal remedies (FWP80). These products were exhibited by safe in animal safety test. The trial was made to investigate a recovery of immune-competent cells both in mice and human that exhibited phagocytic depression. Results: Our results in animal model showed that FWP80 augmented the macrophage activity, both chemotaxis and phagocytosis. In clinical study with 20 volunteers diagnosed type II DM, the granulocyte and lymphocyte ratio was produced to as modulate as neutral, 30 days after the introduction by FWP80. Conclusion: In mice, depressed phagocytic cell by Streptozotocin, the macrophage activities were recovered by FWP80. We proposed an idea that FWP80 exhibited remedy effect via controlling complement component. The mechanism of activation was proved by activating alternative pathway of complement by the technic, immuneelectrophoresis. We tried to evaluate more to the anti-oxidative activities of FWP80, directory employing peritoneal macrophage in vivo.

TOXIC METALS CONTENT AND SAFE USE OF Seseli pallasii HERB

Heavy metals, whether from natural or anthropogenic sources have the ability to migrate between differ ent parts of environment and accumulate in flora and fauna, finally reaching humans through food chain. The possibility that plants might be contaminated by heavy metals should be taken into account, when they are intended for use in pharmaceutical and food industry, because increased concentration of some metals may have an adverse effect on human and animal health. Wild medicinal herb Seseli pallasii have been used in traditional medicine as well as a spice in nutrition, hence an assessment of the presence of toxic metals in it is essential in order to ensure its safe application. Vegetative parts of plant S. pallasii (root, leaf, flower and fruit) from Southeast Serbia were analyzed to assess the content of toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb, using inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results have shown that the average concentration of Cd in the aboveground part was almost twice as high 0.21 ppm than in the root 0.11 ppm, concentration of Cr in aerial part was of 0.43ppm, in the root 0.29 ppm, concentration of Ni in the aboveground was of 0.98ppm, while in the root it was of 0.68ppm. The average concentration of Pb in the aboveground part and the root was almost the same (2.31 and 2.15 ppm, respectively). These facts evidenced that the contents of toxic elements in the studied medicinal plant species are below the recommended limits, confirming that S. pallasii from the examined area can be safely used in traditional medicine and nutrition. Key words: Seseli pallasii, toxic metals, ICP, safety .

HILIC quantification of Oenotheralanosterol A and B from Oenothera biennis and their suppression of IL-6 and TNF-α expression in mouse macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEvening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) is a wild medicinal herb of Central American origin that is now globally widespread. Its traditional uses include treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and premenopausal pain both of which have an inflammatory component. The present study demonstrates the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of three Oenothera biennis compounds. Materials and methodsOenotheralanosterol A and B (Oen-A & Oen-B) along with gallic acid (GA) were isolated and characterized using column chromatography and NMR. The compounds were tested with LPS stimulated peritoneal mouse macrophages assaying for suppression of IL-6, TNF-α and NO synthesis. An HILIC method for the simultaneous quantitation of GA, Oen-A, and Oen-B in Oenothera biennis plant material was also developed as a means of monitoring quality of plant material. ResultsSignificant inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 by GA, Oen-A and Oen-B was observed (p<0.05). Inhibition was concentration dependent and no synergistic or antagonistic effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines was found when used in combination (1:1) (p>0.05). The HILIC analysis method was validated using Oenothera biennis root. ConclusionThe study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory activity of Oenothera biennis root compounds and supports its traditional use in arthritis management. Active anti-inflammatory compounds were identified and quantified by the HILIC method.

Vulnerability assessment of high-valued medicinal plants in Langtang National Park, Central Nepal

Langtang National Park (LNP, Nepal) is a unique habitat for a number of highly valuable medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The medicinal plants have intense local utilisation as well as high trade demand. Due to increased collection pressure on available resources and unsustainable harvesting methods, many wild medicinal herbs have become vulnerable. In this study, an attempt has been made to identify high-valued medicinal plants of LNP and evaluate their potential endangerment by using a method called rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA). It was found that the vulnerability of medicinal plants was due to high utilisation of plant parts, habitat specificity, life forms, high trade demand, excessive local utilisation and unsustainable harvesting practices. Of the 51 species of MAPs prioritised by the Conservation Assessment and Management Planning (CAMP) workshop for the prioritisation of threatened medicinal plants in the Himalayas, 20 species were identified as high-valued medicinal plants in LNP. Aconitum spicatum, Nardostachys grandiflora and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora were identified as the most vulnerable species followed by Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Swertia chirayita, Delphinium himalayai, Rheum nobile and Asparagus racemosus.

Floral Biology of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.: A Critically Endangered Alpine Medicinal Plant of Himalaya, India

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. is a critically endangered wild medicinal herb of alpine Himalaya and cultivation is recommended owing to its large demand in the herbal market and to ensure the conservation of wild habitats. Therefore, observations on floral biology, pollen germination, pollination, and fruit and seed setting after implying different breeding systems were carried out for its successful domestication and improvement in cultivation practices. The study reveals that the plants grown in hothouse conditions showed considerable variation in the production of flowers and seeds. Flowering occurs from the second week of September to late October, with 20 days of peak flowering. Anthers dehisced longitudinally between 7:30 and 11:00 AM, strongly dependent on higher temperature. The pollen grains per anther varied between 2000 and 6000, which means an average of 80,000 pollen grains per flower. Nectar production begins at anther dehiscence and coincides with maximum stigmatic receptivity. Bees were observed as pollinators. Pollen germination and pollen tube elongation were maximum in 5% sucrose. Controlled pollination revealed that this species is self-incompatible, although few fruits developed from selfing. Such fruits were smaller than the fruits produced by open pollinated and from hand-crossed flowers and most aborted early in development.

Kuth (Saussurea lappa) cultivation in the cold desert environment of the Lahaul valley, northwestern Himalaya, India: arising threats and need to revive socio-economic values

Surveys were conducted in the cold desert environment of the Lahaul valley in the northwestern Himalaya for assessing the past and present status of Kuth (Saussurea lappa) cultivation. The findings reveal that this age-old practice now is in bottleneck. Main factors responsible for this setback to the species were the lengthy cultivation cycle, small land holdings, and even fluctuating and relatively low market prices. Owing to these constraints farmers have now started replacing cultivation of this threatened herb with pea (Pisum sativum L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and hop (Humulus lupulus L.). These crops obtained popularity due to comparatively more economic returns as well as their easy adaptability to the short growth season of the cold desert environment. Kuth cultivation in this region is among the interesting examples of domesticating wild medicinal herb by some innovative farmers during the 1920s. However, in the recent past farmers have been less interested to continue this practice due to its larger cultivation cycle, more profits with cash crops like pea and potato, and permit formalities at the time of export from the valley. In addition to being the oldest cash crop in the cold desert environment, Kuth is an endangered medicinal herb that has to be conserved on a priority basis. This study attempts to find out potential measures such as regular revision of market rates, development of existing uncultivable land under medicinal plant cultivation and strengthening the marketing network through establishment of federations of farmers at village level to revive cultivation of this important species.