Tube length of chironomid larvae as an indicator for dissolved oxygen in water bodies.

Tube-building larvae of non-biting midges, or chironomids, are considered bioindicators of water pollution. The larvae use benthic particles to make their tubes and create a respiratory current with the movement of their bodies inside the tubes. The tube length of the chironomid larvae varies depending on several physicochemical properties of the aquatic medium. Here we study the role of physicochemical parameters on the tube length from different field sites and in the laboratory. It appears that among different physicochemical factors, dissolved oxygen (DO) has a major role in determining the tube length of the larvae. A quantitative relationship between oxygen concentration and the tube length of larvae is presented here. Our study reveals a longer tube in aquatic media with oxygen deficiency and a shorter tube in those with higher oxygen. This result may help to assess the quality of water bodies and, in particular the status of DO.

An evidence based efficacy and safety assessment of the ethnobiologicals against poisonous and non-poisonous bites used by the tribals of three westernmost districts of West Bengal, India: Anti-phospholipase A2 and genotoxic effects.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the ethnobiological wisdom of the tribals of three western districts of West Bengal, India against poisonous and non-poisonous bites and stings, a quantitative approach was adopted. These age-old yet unexplored knowledge can be utilized in finding lead-molecules against poisonous and non-poisonous animal-bites. Further, an evidence-based approach is needed to assess the venom-neutralization ability of plants by experimental studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2008-2009 and 2012-2017, 11 ethnomedicinal surveys were carried out to explore the use of medicinal flora and fauna via conducting open semi-structured interviews with 47 traditional healers (THs) or informants. The retrieved dataset was statistically evaluated using seven quantitative-indexes: use-value (UV), informants'-consensus-factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL), relative-importance (RI), cultural importance-index (CI), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement-index (CAI). Anti-phospholipaseA2 (PLA2) properties of selected plant extracts were also examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the water extract of the plants showing high FL as well as significant PLA2 inhibitory potential were investigated using Allium cepa root tip assay. RESULTS: A total of 41 traditional-formulations (TFs) containing 40 plant species (of 39 genera from 28 families) and 3 animal species were prescribed by the THs. Fabaceae exhibited most number of medicinal plants. Piper nigrum (1.78) and Apis cerana indica and Crossopriza lyoni (both 0.21) exhibited the highest UV among the plants and the animals respectively. Stinging of centipede and dog/cat/hyena bite displayed highest ICF (1.00 each). Among the plants, the maximum RI (0.91) and CI (4.98) values were observed for Aristolochia indica. IAR (1.00) was recorded maximum for Achyranthes aspera, Gloriosa superba, Lycopodium cernuum, Smilax zeylanica and Streblus asper. Maximum CAI value was noted for Piper nigrum (5.5096). Among the animals, Apis cerana indica (0.31) and Crossopriza lyoni (1.52) displayed the highest RI and CI values respectively. Crossopriza lyoni (0.99) and Apis cerana indica (1.3871) exhibited maximum IAR and CAI values respectively. Plants showing higher FL exhibited higher anti-PLA2 activity via selective inhibition of human-group PLA2. In addition, Allium cepa root tip assay has indicated the safety and/or toxicity of the plant parts prescribed by the THs. Root water extracts of Aristolochia indica and Gloriosa superba exhibited significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Three western districts of West Bengal is the natural abode for many tribal and non-tribal communities. A noteworthy correlation was established between the plants used against poisonous-bites and their anti-PLA2 activity. A few plant parts used by the THs also exhibited high toxicity. Such alternative medical practices serve as the only option in these underprivileged and backward areas during medical-exigencies.

Ethnobiological treatments of neurological conditions in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, India.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the contribution of traditional medicine in the primary health care system. WHO also considers neurological disorders as one of the prime concern to the public health. Inadequate and inaccessible health facilities in the rural and underprivileged areas have forced the various tribal and non-tribal communities to use ethno-phyto and ethno-zoo therapeutics against different ailments. Chota Nagpur Plateau, India is one of the richest in India in terms of plant and animal diversity, and houses a number of indigenous communities often practising their own ethnobiological medicines. These undocumented indigenous treasure must be preserved and could be utilized in discovering lead compounds against human ailments including neuroprotective and psychoactive disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of ethnobiological surveys were carried out during 2012-2015 in the three districts of the Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota Nagpur Plateau via conducting open and semi-structured interviews among the traditional medicine men (65:59 males and 6 females aged between 22 and 85 years). This dataset was statistically analysed by calculating seven quantitative indexes such as use value (UV), informants' consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement index (CAI). RESULTS: Sixty five traditional medicine men (TMM) reported 47 traditional formulations involving 58 plant species and 17 animal species used against 13 neurological and psychological disorders and as pro-cognitives. Fabaceae was represented by the highest number of medicinal plant species (9 species) whereas herbs (48%) and roots (28%) represented the most common plant habit and plant part, respectively. Quantitative ethnobiology revealed the frequency and coherence of ethnomedicinal reports. The plant Piper nigrum (1.35) and the animal, Spilostethus hospes (0.50) showed the highest UV. Among the ethnobotanicals, maximum RI value was noted for Hemidesmus indicus (0.91) and IAR was found to be maximum (1.00) for 8 plant species. Among the ethnozoologicals, Spilostethus hospes (0.67) displayed maximum RI value whereas Axis axis (2.32) displayed maximum CAI value. CONCLUSION: TMM possessed knowledge on preparations, dose dependence, administration, safety, possible toxicity and side effects of using traditional formulations. TMM practising age old traditional therapeutics serve as alternative medical option for the underprivileged rural ethnic people in these remote areas of the country.

Tradition in treating taboo: Folkloric medicinal wisdom of the aboriginals of Purulia district, West Bengal, India against sexual, gynaecological and related disorders.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In order to explore the traditional medicine practised by the ethnic communities residing in the topographically and climatically challenged Purulia, an underprivileged district of West Bengal, India, a quantitative ethnobiological approach was adopted to document the folkloric use of ethnomedicinals against different sexual, gynaecological and related ailments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethnobiological surveys were conducted during 2012-2015 by interviewing 82 informants or traditional healers with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey included questions on botanical and non-botanical ingredients and additives mixed with monoherbal and polyherbal formulations, vernacular names of the plants and animals, methods of preparation and administration and restrictions during medications. Additional quantitative indices such as use value, informant׳s consensus factor and fidelity level were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Twenty eight sexual and gynaecological disorders were found to be treated with 18 monoherbal and 31 polyherbal formulations consisting of a total number of 96 plant species from 86 genera and 47 families and four animal species. A variety of additives, either botanicals or non-botanicals were used with the formulations for higher efficacy and taste enhancement. Fabaceae (16 species) was found to be the most common family of medicinal plants whereas herbs (42.7%) and roots (32%) were the most common habit type and plant part used respectively. Use value, informant׳s consensus factor and fidelity level indicate frequency and coherence of citations. CONCLUSION: Age old belief on traditional medicine prevails in the studied area due to its efficacy, inexpensive price and the remoteness of tribal villages from conventional medical centres. Traditional healers had detailed knowledge of preparations, doses, methods of administration, restrictions during medications, safety and efficacy of using folkloric therapeutics against sexual and gynaecological disorders. Possible synergistic interactions among phytochemicals and additives were indicated to explain enhanced therapeutic efficacy of mixed herbal formulations.