Comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of.

Ficus religiosa L. (F. religiosa) or sacred fig is a large perennial tree belonging to the family Moraceae or mulberry family. Though the tree has pan-tropical distribution but originally it is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina region. Popularly the tree is named "Pepal or bodhi tree". Traditionally, it is practiced for the treatment of asthma, nose bleeding, heart disorders, diabetes, wound healing, ear problems, constipation, hyperlipidemia, gonorrhea, ulcers and infectious disorders. Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of numerous bioactives including tannins, phenols, saponins, sugars, alkaloids, methionine, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, separated amino acids, essential and volatile oils and steroids etc., which are probably responsible for its diverse pharmacological actions. The present work is an attempt to compile up-to-date comprehensive information on F. religiosa that covers its taxonomy, ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry, pharmacological attributes and clinical trials. Keeping in mind the various health attributes of F. religiosa, future research can be aimed at in-depth elucidation of the structure-function relationship and multifactorial signalings pathways.

Effective extraction of Xuetongsu and its role in preventing RA synovial hyperplasia by targeting synovial cell migration and apoptosis.

Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb) Craib also named Xuetong in Tujia ethnomedicine in China, has been traditionally employed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Our preceding investigations have elucidated that Xuetongsu (XTS), a triterpenoid compound predominant in Xuetong, showed excellent anti-RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS) proliferation effect. However, XTS belongs to the trace components of the Xuetong plant, which poses certain limitations to the research. In this study, we designed a method that enhanced the extraction yield of XTS and explored the mechanism of its inhibition of RAFLS cell proliferation and migration in the treatment of RA. The results displayed that XTS reduced RAFLS cell proliferation, with an IC50 value of 4.68 ± 0.65 µM. A series of experimental techniques were utilized to show that XTS induce apoptosis in RAFLS cells at concentrations ranging from 4.5 to 18 µM, including wound healing assay, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis. Moreover, XTS at dosages of 0.42-0.84 mg/kg markedly attenuated paw swelling and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic rats, primarily through the inhibition of RAFLS migration and promotion of RAFLS apoptosis via High mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1)/Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)/MMP-13 signaling pathway and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway, respectively.

A critical review on the active anti-viral metabolites of bioprospecting traditionally used plant species from semi-arid regions of the subcontinent.

Plants are crucial medicinal resources, with 80 % of people relying on them for primary healthcare. The search for natural antiviral compounds is increasing, especially in semi-arid ecosystems where abiotic stress promotes the production of beneficial secondary metabolites. This review highlights semi-arid plants with the potential as functional foods to combat viral diseases and other illnesses. Literature was searched in databases like ScienceDirect to gather information on novel compounds from stress-tolerant semi-arid plant species. These compounds have potential uses in treating viral infections and other health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The review screened 61 semi-arid plants known for their antiviral metabolites. Eight plants were identified with novel antiviral compounds. Key metabolites include agathisflavone, pectic arabinogalactan, azadirachtin, aloin, aloe-emodin, aloesaponarin I, allicin, terpenoids, chlorogenic acids, curcumin, chromones, ß-sitosterol, lupeol, oleuropein, carissol, ß-amyrin, and ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Stress-tolerant semi-arid plants are significant sources of metabolites for treating infectious diseases and boosting immune systems. Further research on these metabolites in animal models is needed to verify their efficacy for treating human diseases during endemic and pandemic outbreaks, such as COVID-19.

Xuetongsu ameliorates synovial inflammatory hyperplasia in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Synovial inflammatory hyperplasia is the key pathological process that leads to further joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progress. Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb) Craib, also called Xuetong in Chinese Tujia ethnomedicine, is utilized for its medicinal properties, including promoting blood circulation, dispelling "wind evil", and relieving "damp evil". It has been used in the treatment of arthralgia and RA, within Tujia ethnomedicinal practices. Xuetongsu (XTS), the main component of Xuetong, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (RAFLS) cells. However, the molecular mechanism of XTS in RA treatment requires further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY: To observe the therapeutic effect of XTS on synovial inflammatory hyperplasia in rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on its underlying molecular mechanisms involving the janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/transducer/activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and molecular docking were used to find the main targets of XTS treatment for RA. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAFLS and RAW264.7 cells in vitro models, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of JAK2, STAT3, and NF-κB signaling pathways, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were analyzed through western blotting test. A hemolysis assay was used to certify the biosecurity of XTS. A model of adjuvant arthritis (AIA) was established in 40 male rats, and different doses of XTS were administered, followed by an automatic blood routine, ELISA assay, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and radiological analysis of the effect of no XTS on blood cytokines, histological changes, and improvement of posterior paw bone destruction in AIA rats. The protein levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, or Western blot. Finally, H&E staining was used to detect the damage of XTS on the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of AIA rats. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that XTS effectively inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAFLS and RAW264.7 cells by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, XTS administration in the AIA rats model significantly ameliorated paw swelling. Histological analysis revealed that XTS also suppressed the inflammatory response in paw tissue by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Importantly, during the treatment, XTS exhibited excellent safety profiles, as it did not induce any abnormalities in blood routine parameters or cause organ damage in the rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight XTS as a promising natural agent for inhibiting synovial hyperplasia in RA. XTS holds great potential as an unprecedented natural agent for developing novel therapeutic strategies to target synovial hyperplasia in RA.

Giving a voice to "the silent killer": a knowledge, attitude and practice study of diabetes among French Guiana's Parikweneh people.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the French overseas department of French Guiana, South America, nearly doubles that in its European counterpart, Metropolitan France. This region is demographically diverse and includes several populations of Indigenous Peoples. Although such populations are at particular risk of developing T2D across the Americas, very little is known about their health status in French Guiana, and accurate numbers of diabetic patients do not exist. METHODS: In light of a potential public health crisis, an ethnomedicinal study of diabetes experienced by Indigenous Parikweneh was conducted to provide better insight into the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to this quickly emerging disease in French Guiana. Altogether, 75 interviews were conducted with community members and Elders, as well as healthcare professionals and administrators providing services to the Parikweneh population of Macouria and Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock. RESULTS: Interviews suggest a high incidence of T2D in this population, with cases that have risen quickly since the mid-twentieth century. Parikweneh participants linked the development of the illness to dietary changes, notably through the introduction of new and sweet foods. Recognizing the complexity of diabetes and its symptoms, diabetic patients highlighted the importance of biomedical treatments and follow-ups, though they frequently alternated or used them concomitantly with Parikweneh medicines. With the help of biomedical tools (i.e. glucometer), local medicinal practices mirrored biomedical approaches through dietary adaptation and the use of medicinal animals and plants for glycaemic control and the treatment of complications from the disease. CONCLUSION: Parikweneh are appropriating T2D into their knowledge system and adapting their health system in response to this relatively new health concern. A greater understanding of local practices and perceptions relating to T2D among medical staff may therefore be beneficial for meeting patients' needs, providing greater autonomy in their health path, and improving treatment outcomes.

Efficacy of medicinal plants and their derived biomolecules against Plasmodium falciparum.

Many apicomplexan pathogens pose significant threats to humans and domestic animals, with the lack of effective drugs and drug resistance representing major challenges in disease management. To address this, the search for new and potent antimalarial drugs is crucial. Plant-based formulations offer a promising alternative for such drug development. Here, we evaluated the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of nine plant extracts, traditionally used to treat fever-like symptoms in Bangladesh. We assessed the antimalarial activity of plant extracts by using the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 growth inhibition assay, an invasion assay, and a cytotoxicity assay. Of the nine plants studied, ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Ficus hispida, Streblus asper, and Boerhavia repens exhibited high antiplasmodial activity, with IC50 values of 9.31, 4.13, 9.63 µg/ml (ethanolic) and 15.12, 6.63, 7.58 µg/ml (methanolic), respectively, and minimal toxicity (cell viability >80%). Clerodendrum viscosum displayed antiplasmodial effects with IC50 values of 28.90 µg/ml (ethanolic) and 30.57 µg/ml (methanolic). Adhatoda vasica, Mussaenda corymbosa, and Amaranthus spinosus ethanolic extracts showed antimalarial effects with IC50 values of 61.78 µg/ml, 66.31 µg/ml, and 64.14 µg/ml, respectively. However, methanolic extracts of A. vasica and A. spinosus had IC50 values >100 µg/ml. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts of A. vasica, A. spinosus, F. hispida, S. asper, and B. repens significantly reduced parasitemia by inhibiting invasion into erythrocytes. This study highlights the robust antimalarial activity and low cytotoxicity of leaf extracts of F. hispida, S. asper, and B. repens, indicating the presence of antimalarial compounds that warrant further investigation.

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

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The 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 STUDY: A 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 METHODS: To 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). RESULTS: Among 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. CONCLUSION: The 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.

Chemical composition, antibacterial potential, and toxicity of the extracts from the stem bark of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hancornia speciosa is a medicinal plant popularly used to treat different medical issues, including infectious diseases. Exploring the therapeutic potentialities of the extracts from medicinal plants combined with conventional antibiotic drugs is a promising horizon, especially considering the rising microbial resistance. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of the ethereal (EEHS) and methanolic (MEHS) extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa, and also evaluate their antibacterial and drug-modifying activity, and toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extracts were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity was evaluated against strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the serial microdilution method, obtaining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The toxicity assay was carried out using the Drosophila melanogaster model. RESULTS: Thirty compounds were identified in the extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa, with triterpenoids being predominant in both extracts. Additionally, fatty alcohols, carbohydrates, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and phytosterols were identified in both extracts. EEHS and MEHS extracts had considerable phenol contents (346.4 and 340.0 mg GAE/g, respectively). Flavonoids were detected in a lower proportion (7.6 and 6.9 mg QE/g, respectively). H. speciosa extracts did not display intrinsic antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains evaluated, however, they were capable of modifying the activity of gentamicin, erythromycin, and norfloxacin. EEHS increased the efficacy of norfloxacin against E. coli and S. aureus, reducing MIC values by 50%. MEHS potentiated the action of gentamicin against all bacterial strains, especially against E. coli. The extracts did not display toxicity at clinically relevant concentrations against D. melanogaster. CONCLUSION: The stem bark of H. speciosa was considered a rich source of bioactive compounds. Our findings evidenced the therapeutic potential of H. speciosa extracts for the development of new pharmaceutical therapeutics against bacteria. Although the extracts did not exhibit intrinsic antibacterial activity, they enhanced the efficacy of commercial antibiotic drugs and were non-toxic at clinically relevant concentrations. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of these extracts, ensuring their safety and efficacy.

Medicinal plants used by minority ethnic groups in China: Taxonomic diversity and conservation needs.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Indigenous communities have long relied on medicinal plants (MPs) for primary healthcare. The ethnomedicinal knowledge are different among ethnic groups since the local flora and people's health beliefs generally vary among biocultural backgrounds. China with its diverse biocultural environment is rich in culturally important plant species including MPs. They are also essential in the context of conservation of plant resources and the related traditional medical knowledge, requiring an integrated perspective on these MPs. AIM OF THE STUDY: Focusing on the MPs used by the minority ethnic groups, this study assesses the diversity of MPs in China used in local indigenous traditions, as well as their conservation needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MPs used by the 18 selected minority ethnic groups were extracted from an ethnic MP dictionary. After standardizing, the names then were compiled as an inventory. Next, following statistics were computed: the number of species in each order and family, species used by each ethnic group, species documented in the national herbal resource dataset, species adopted in drug standards, and species at different levels of conservation lists. The overall similarity of the MPs used by the ethnic groups included was achieved using a cluster and principal component analysis. RESULTS: In total 5886 vascular plant species are reported as medicines in the 18 ethnic groups, which belong to 1657 genera and 243 families. It is found that 3195 species are used exclusively by one ethnic group, indicating their cultural salience and potential restrictedness in ecological terms. Moreover, 1159 species are included in national/regional drug standards, indicating their importance in the national medical flora. However, only 3541 species of them are documented in the national herbal resource dataset, and 761 species are at different levels of threatened status, highlighting the conservation needs of Chinese MPs and the related traditional medical knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Using a quantitative approach, for the first time the present study reveals the high level of taxonomic diversity of MPs used by minority ethnic groups of China. However, of these species, 40% are still not inventoried in the national herbal resource dataset, and more than half are used exclusively by one ethnic group, and around 13% are included in the conservation lists of different levels. These together urge the conservation of MP resources and related traditional medical knowledge. Additionally, we recommend fostering the cross-cultural communication the regional ethnomedicinal knowledge, for the purpose of maximizing the benefits of regional plants to human.

Medicinal Orchids of Mexico: A Review.

Some species of the Orchidaceae family are used in Mexican traditional medicine. However, there are no current and critical compilations of the medicinal uses and pharmacological effects of the members of the Orchidaceae family. This review provides a current, critical, and comprehensive analysis of the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological reports, and active compounds isolated from Mexican orchids. A total of 62 Mexican orchids with medicinal potential have been recorded, of which 14 have scientific evidence. The remaining 48 plant species have ethnomedicinal information but have not been validated with scientific studies. These orchids are distributed in 14 states of the Mexican Republic, mainly in the southern region of Mexico. The most common pharmacological activities reported are anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, antinociceptive, antioxidant, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, and hallucinogenic activities. It is necessary to increase the number of pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological studies with medicinal orchids from Mexico because there are scientific studies on only 22.5% of these species. In further studies, it will be possible to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Mexican orchids in clinical trials. In addition, the mechanisms of action by which plant extracts and their active compounds exert medicinal effects remain to be studied. Plant extracts from orchids and their active compounds show promising antinociceptive and spasmolytic effects, respectively.

Ethnomedicinal Usage, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Solanum surattense Burm. f.

Solanum surattense Burm. f. is a significant member of the Solanaceae family, and the Solanum genus is renowned for its traditional medicinal uses and bioactive potential. This systematic review adheres to PRISMA methodology, analyzing scientific publications between 1753 and 2023 from B-on, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, aiming to provide comprehensive and updated information on the distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of S. surattense, highlighting its potential as a source of herbal drugs. Ethnomedicinally, this species is important to treat skin diseases, piles complications, and toothache. The fruit was found to be the most used part of this plant (25%), together with the whole plant (22%) used to treat different ailments, and its decoction was found to be the most preferable mode of herbal drug preparation. A total of 338 metabolites of various chemical classes were isolated from S. surattense, including 137 (40.53%) terpenoids, 56 (16.56%) phenol derivatives, and 52 (15.38%) lipids. Mixtures of different parts of this plant in water-ethanol have shown in vitro and/or in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumoral, hepatoprotective, and larvicidal activities. Among the metabolites, 51 were identified and biologically tested, presenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral as the most reported activities. Clinical trials in humans made with the whole plant extract showed its efficacy as an anti-asthmatic agent. Mostly steroidal alkaloids and triterpenoids, such as solamargine, solanidine, solasodine, solasonine, tomatidine, xanthosaponin A-B, dioscin, lupeol, and stigmasterol are biologically the most active metabolites with high potency that reflects the new and high potential of this species as a novel source of herbal medicines. More experimental studies and a deeper understanding of this plant must be conducted to ensure its use as a source of raw materials for pharmaceutical use.

Secondary metabolites, spectra characterization, and antioxidant correlation analysis of the polar and nonpolar extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Oken.

Oxidative stress-related pathologies have guided the scientific community into delving into natural product-based research on plant-based metabolites. Plant secondary metabolites serve as a valid alternative in managing oxidative stress-related pathologies. In this study, we present the secondary metabolite constituents of the polar extract (PE) and nonpolar extract (NPE) from the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum. These constituents were determined through qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. The functional groups and structures of these metabolites were determined based on FTIR and GC-MS experiments, respectively. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging (FRS) activities were determined using standard methods, including phosphomolybdenum, FRAP, DPPH, HRSA, and reducing power assays, with comparisons made to the ascorbic acid (AA) standard. Through Pearson correlation analysis, we estimated the relationship between antioxidant and FRS activities. The DPPH results revealed IC50s of 380.104 ± 0.001, 16.763 ± 0.001, and 7.684 ± 0.003 µg/ml for NPE, AA, and PE, respectively, indicating a trend of PE > AA > NPE. However, all other experiments showed a trend of AA > PE > NPE in antioxidant and FRS activities. These results showed the potential antioxidant and FRS properties of both PE and NPE. Additionally, the correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between the antioxidant and FRS activities of PE and NPE. The research results suggest high antioxidant and FRS activities of PE and validate the use of B. pinnatum in managing free radical-related pathologies.

A comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacological activities of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter.

Dittrichia viscosa is a perennial herb that has been used for generations in traditional medicine to address a variety of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, microbial disorders, inflammatory conditions, and wound healing. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of existing knowledge on D. viscosa with regards to its botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties. Databases such as Scopus, Wiley-Online, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were used to select relevant articles based on their title and abstract. The reviewed studies found a strong correlation between D. viscosa's traditional uses and its observed biological effects. Pharmacological research has shown that the essential oils and extracts from D. viscosa possess a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. The chemical compounds found in D. viscosa include sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids; some of these compounds, such as tometosin and inuviscolide, have been isolated and displayed promising cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity. The present review suggests that the pharmacological properties of D. viscosa align well with its ethnomedicinal uses. These findings support the traditional use of D. viscosa in treating various illnesses. Additionally, toxicological examinations of D. viscosa extracts and essential oil have demonstrated the plant's safety, which supports the need for comprehensive pharmacological studies, in vivo studies, and clinical trials to evaluate the best doses for optimal medicinal effects. This work underscores the medicinal value of D. viscosa and its potential in developing new pharmacological agents to address major health challenges like antibiotic resistance and cancers.

Medicinal plants and their importance for the conservation of biocultural knowledge in primary school students of the Paniquita Indigenous Community (Rivera, Huila, Colombia) / Plantas medicinales y su importancia para la conservación del conocimiento biocultural en estudiantes de primaria de la Comunidad Indígena Paniquita (Rivera, Huila, Colombia)

Ethnobotany approached through ethnoeducation allows for the preservation of the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. In this way, the ethnobotanical knowledge of primary school students from the Paniquita Indigenous Community was recognized, regarding the cultural knowledge of medicinal plants and their significance in the conservation of the biocultural heritage. This research had a qualitative, ethnographic approach. The sample consisted of ten students who were part of a focus group, ethnobotanical walks, and participatory workshops with drawings since they stimulate students' creative and dynamic thinking and strengthen interculturality. Twenty-one plants were reported, which are used to relieve sore throats, headaches, and stomach aches, as well as to treat diarrhea and fever, to prevent flu, and as a purgative. All the medicinal plants mentioned grow in the community and are either cultivated or wild, which also shows the students' knowledge of the ir territory. These findings reflect the importance of ethno-education and ethnobotany at school and how historical reconstruction processes are generated from these settings, where indigenous ancestral knowledge is made visible.

La etnobotánica abordada desde la etnoeducación permite mantener el legado cultural de los pueblos originarios. De esta manera, se reconoció el conocimiento etnobotáni co de los estudiantes de primaria de la Comunidad Indígena Paniquita, sobre el conocimiento cultural de las plantas medicinales y su importancia para la conservación del patrimonio biocultural. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo y etnográfico. La muestra estuvo conformada por diez estudiantes que formaron parte de un grupo focal, caminatas etnobotánicas y talleres participativos con dibujos, ya que estimulan el pensamiento creativo y dinámico de los estudiantes y fortalecen la interculturalidad. Se reportaron 21 plantas que se utilizan para aliviar dolores de garganta, cabeza y estómago, así como para tratar la diarrea y la fiebre, para prevenir la gripe y como purgante. Todas las plantas medicinales mencionadas crecen en la comunidad y son cultivadas o silvestres, lo que también demuestra el conocimiento que los estudiantes tienen de su territorio. Estos hallazgos reflejan la importancia de la etnoeducación y la etnobotánica en la escuela y cómo se generan procesos de reconstrucción histórica desde estos escenarios, donde se visibiliza el conocimiento ancestral indígena.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Culturally Important Plants and Mushrooms in North-Western Part of Croatia.

The Republic of Croatia is spread in geographical and climatic conditions that support a great diversity of habitats and associated plant taxa, many of which can be used for food or medicine. However, urbanization, loss of natural habitats, as well as changes in people's dependence on the natural resources from the surrounding environment may lead to the loss of valuable knowledge about the use of plants and mushrooms. With the aim of studying and preserving this knowledge in the continental north-western part of Croatia, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken at the two study areas-Valpovo and Durdevac, which included a total of 17 settlements. A total of 103 informants, 65% female and 35% male, aged between 22 and 83 years, participated in an interview using pre-planned questionnaires. The informants reported 131 plants belonging to 55 families and 17 mushroom taxa. The largest number of plants belonged to the families of Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apiaceae. In both areas, the informants cultivate and also gather wild plants, but these practices are better preserved in the area of Durdevac where 109 taxa from 47 families were recorded. In addition to cultivated and gathered plants, informants from the Valpovo area also reported the use of purchased plants. Plants and mushrooms are mostly used as food (21 plant taxa and 17 mushrooms), but plants also serve as medicine (68 taxa), as both food and medicine (35 taxa), feed for cattle (11 taxa), repellent (four taxa), and/or space freshener (two taxa). The most frequently used wild plants are Chamomilla recutita, Mentha x piperita, and Urtica dioica, while Boletus edulis, Agaricus campestris, and Macrolepiota procera are the most often used mushrooms. The results indicate that the local people in the studied north-western part of Croatia still nurture the practice of cultivating and gathering plants and that herbal remedies are considerably important among the informants. The study should be further extended to broaden and preserve valuable ethnobotanical knowledge and encourage the protection of culturally important plants of the studied area.

PlantMedOman: an online database for Oman's medicinal plants.

The Sultanate of Oman has a rich biodiversity, particularly in medicinal plants, and plays a crucial role in traditional healthcare practices. However, the wealth of knowledge about these plants is scattered across various literature, making it challenging for researchers, practitioners, and the public to access comprehensive information. Therefore, the availability of a centralized, user-friendly online database to catalog Oman's medicinal plants is of great importance. PlantMedOman presented here, which currently holds 186 records helps to enhance academic research, support drug discovery studies, promote the conservation of medicinal plants, and foster greater awareness of Oman's ethnomedicinal heritage.

The Composition and Biochemical Properties of Strophantus (Apocynaceae), with a Focus on S. sarmentosus.

The genus Strophantus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants which grows primarily in tropical Africa. The plants are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. S. sarmentosus, in particular, is used for the treatment of, e.g., joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis, wound infections, head lice, diarrhea, snake bite, and eye conditions. Despite its widespread use, dedicated research characterizing its bioactive plant components is scarce. Investigations have focused mainly on its cardenolides because of their cardioactivity and historical use as cardiotonic. There are also studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts. This review summarizes the present knowledge surrounding the biochemical and analytical research on Strophantus, in general, and S. sarmentosus, in particular, and describes the current state of the field based on the available scientific literature.

Medicinal plants used for cutaneous wound healing in Uganda; ethnomedicinal reports and pharmacological evidences.

Background: Wounds have become a major health challenge worldwide, presenting marked humanistic and economic burdens such as disabilities and death. Annually, approximately 14 million people suffer from wounds worldwide and 80 % of these occur in developing countries like Uganda. In Uganda, besides many cases of daily wound occurrences, approximately 10 % of surgical procedures become septic wounds and consequently lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, several ethnomedicinal studies have identified plants used for wound treatment in different parts of Uganda and the wound healing activities of some plants have been reported. However, at present, these information remain largely separated without an all-inclusive repository containing ethnomedicinal and pharmacological information of the plants used for wound healing in Uganda, thus retarding appropriate evaluation. Therefore, this review focused on extensively exploring the plants used for treating cutaneous wounds in Uganda, along with associated ethnomedicinal information and their globally reported pharmacological potential. Methods: Electronic data bases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct were searched using key terms for required information contained in English peer reviewed articles, books, and dissertations. Additionally, correlations between selected parameters were determined with coefficient of determination (r2). Results: The literature survey revealed that 165 species belonging to 62 families are traditionally used to treat wounds in Uganda. Most of the species belonged to families of Asteraceae (14 %), Fabaceae (10 %), and Euphorbiaceae (7 %). The commonest plant parts used for wound treatment include leaf (48 %), root (22 %), stembark (11 %), and stem (7 %), which are prepared majorly by poultice (34 %), decoction (13 %), as well as powdering (25 %). Fifty-four (33 %) of the plant species have been investigated for their wound healing activities whereas, one hundred eleven (67 %) have not been scientifically investigated for their wound healing effects. Pearson correlation coefficient between the number of wound healing plant families per part used and percent of each plant part used was 0.97, and between the number of wound healing plant families per method of preparation and percent of each method of preparation was 0.95, showing in both strong positively marked relationships. Conclusion: The preliminarily investigated plants with positive wound healing properties require further evaluation to possible final phases, with comprehensive identification of constituent bioactive agents. Additionally, the wound healing potential of the scientifically uninvestigated plants with claimed healing effects needs examination. Subsequently, information regarding efficacy, safety, bioactive principles, and mechanism of action could prove valuable in future development of wound healing therapies.

Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan.

Although self-medication in non-human animals is often difficult to document systematically due to the difficulty of predicting its occurrence, there is widespread evidence of such behaviors as whole leaf swallowing, bitter pith chewing, and fur rubbing in African great apes, orangutans, white handed gibbons, and several other species of monkeys in Africa, Central and South America and Madagascar. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one report of active wound treatment in non-human animals, namely in chimpanzees. We observed a male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) who sustained a facial wound. Three days after the injury he selectively ripped off leaves of a liana with the common name Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria), chewed on them, and then repeatedly applied the resulting juice onto the facial wound. As a last step, he fully covered the wound with the chewed leaves. Found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this and related liana species are known for their analgesic, antipyretic, and diuretic effects and are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as dysentery, diabetes, and malaria. Previous analyses of plant chemical compounds show the presence of furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids, which are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and other biological activities of relevance to wound healing. This possibly innovative behavior presents the first systematically documented case of active wound treatment with a plant species know to contain biologically active substances by a wild animal and provides new insights into the origins of human wound care.

The maintenance of mexican traditional medicine practices among mexicans in southern Arizona.

Mexicans in the United States have been reported to maintain practices of Mexican traditional medicine at comparably higher rates than most other populations, including other Latino sub-groups. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the pre- and post-migration traditional medicine practices of first-generation immigrants from Mexico living in southern Arizona. Our objective was to assess how migration affected Mexican immigrants' ethnomedical practices and to better understand the mechanisms and motivating factors for the post-migration maintenance of practice. We designed a survey instrument based off prior qualitative data on traditional medicine practices and translated it into Spanish. The survey measured the rates and frequency of six domains of lay healing practices: herbal medicine, healing foods, self-medication with over-the-counter medicine, and three types of specialty healers (curandero/a, and sobador/a, or partero/a), and asked questions about knowledge sources, reasons for maintaining practice post-migration, and to what extent participants believed the remedies were effective. The research team fielded the telephone-based survey from April 2022 to February 2023 to 300 first-generation adult Mexican immigrants residing in southern Arizona. A series of proportions tests were conducted to examine differences in reliance on lay healing pre- and post-migration as well as to assess differences between women's and men's lay practices. The data indicate a general, but moderated decline in lay medical practices post-migration, with the usage of expert healers declining at much higher rates than the three self-care domains. Women tend to use herbal medicine and healing foods at higher rates than men post-migration. This cross-sectional quantitative study confirms prior research indicating that traditional medicine practices are heavily relied upon by Mexican origin people both pre- and post-migration. These findings suggest that public health messaging and medical providers should better address and harness Mexican immigrants' lay medical practices in order to optimize health in this population.