Ethnobotanical survey on herbal remedies for the management of type 2 diabetes in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Morocco faces a substantial public health challenge due to diabetes mellitus, affecting 12.4% of adults in 2023. The Moroccan population makes extensive use of phytotherapy and traditional medicine to address the difficulties this chronic condition poses. The aim of this study is to document the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for managing type 2 diabetes in the provinces of the Casablanca-Settat region. METHODS: The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. A study was conducted between August 1st and September 30th, 2023, and 244 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were invited to take part in the research, all of whom used at least one medicinal plant to manage type 2 diabetes, by visiting primary healthcare facilities in Morocco. The analysis included the use of Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) to scrutinize the data. RESULTS: A total of 47 plant species belonging to 25 families were documented. Notably, the Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae families were frequently mentioned in the context of treating type 2 diabetes in Morocco. Prominent among the cited plant species were Sesamum indicum L., Lepidium sativum L., followed by Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Seeds emerged as the plant part most commonly mentioned, with infusion being the prevailing preparation method and oral consumption being the most frequently depicted method of administration. CONCLUSION: This research underscores the practicality of incorporating traditional medicine into the healthcare framework of the Casablanca-Settat region. The findings not only offer valuable documentation but also have a vital function in safeguarding knowledge regarding the utilization of medicinal plants in this locality. Moreover, they provide opportunities to delve deeper into the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of these plants.

Saving the local tradition: ethnobotanical survey on the use of plants in Bologna district (Italy).

BACKGROUND: Traditional knowledge about plants is unfortunately subjected to a progressive loss, mainly due to globalization and depopulation of the rural areas. This work enhances the ethnobotanical knowledge from Northern Italy, specifically Bologna district, and contributes to preserving Italy's plant-based traditional knowledge and to valorize local resources also in view of an ecological transition. METHODS: The study was conducted between 2010 and 2016 in Bologna district encompassing 22 municipalities, which were grouped into three areas: hill, mountain, and plain. In total, 1172 key informants were interviewed, ranging in age from 50 to 85 years, and having strong links with traditional activities in the area. RESULTS: The final inventory included 374 taxa belonging to 91 families. Among these, 251 were wild native, 40 wild alien, 74 cultivated and 6 were products bought from the market. Hill, mountain, and plain provided information on 278, 213, and 110 taxa, respectively. The most cited families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. The information was systematized in 12 use categories (UC): medicinal (MED), food, cosmetic, domestic, superstitious-magical-religious (SMR), agropastoral, craft, repellent-insecticide, veterinary, toxic, games, other uses and information. The most relevant UC were in turn divided into subcategories. A descriptive table with all the results was also created. MED was the most relevant UC (310 taxa), and among the 17 MED subcategories, the most significant ones were: gastroenteric (160 taxa), respiratory (133 taxa), and dermatologic (122 taxa). Food was also relevant (197 taxa, and 16 subcategories), and the widest food subcategory was nutraceutical (98 taxa). In cosmetic, the most relevant subcategory was skin treatment (37 taxa). Within SMR, the majority of the plants were cited to heal a disease in a ritual or superstitious way (15 taxa), while for agropastoral, the majority of the taxa (29) were cited as feed. CONCLUSIONS: The data collected has highlighted a significant traditional use of plants in Bologna district. Some plants or uses emerged for the first time from an ethnobotanical study carried out in Italy. The inclusion of a large number of municipalities and informants enabled the collection of a wide spectrum of data, encompassing various uses, anecdotes, and historical curiosities, which are crucial to preserve from being forgotten.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by indigenous and local communities of Dugda District, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants have been used by the people of Dugda District in the primary health care system to treat various livestock ailments for generations, particularly, in underserved rural areas. However, these ethnoveterinary practices and medicinal plants are dwindling without proper documentation, due to undergoing socio-cultural and environmental changes. Hence, this study aimed at inventory and analysis of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and the associated indigenous and local knowledge used in the treatment of livestock health problems in Dugda District. METHODS: Data were collected from 378 local inhabitants through semi-structured interviews, 18 focus group discussions with 6 to 8 participants in each couple with participant field observations. Informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL) and relative importance value (RI) were used to evaluate the agreement of informants on ethnoveterinary practices, healing potential of medicinal plants and the most multipurpose species. Using standard taxonomic procedures, voucher specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the National Herbarium of Addis Ababa University. RESULTS: In total, 64 medicinal plants of ethnoveterinary uses, belonging to 33 families were reported to treat 37 livestock health problems. Anthrax, inappetence and diarrhoea were said to be the most prevalent veterinary health problems treated by traditional medicinal plants. Family Fabaceae was the most widely reported (7 spp.), followed by Apocynaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae (5 spp. each). Herbs were the dominant life forms (21spp.), followed by shrubs (20 spp.). The most commonly sought plant parts were leaves (55.25%), followed by roots (23.44%). The principal method of preparation was pounding remedial parts (46.85%) and mixing with cold water. The main route of administration was via oral application (72.67%), drenching diseased livestock. Withania somnifera and Kedrostis foetidissima were the most cited medicinal plants with 53 and 43 use reports (URs), respectively. ICF showed that respiratory diseases scored the highest value (0.94), while most of the reported medicinal plants were gastrointestinal agents. RI value analysis revealed that Croton macrostachyus had highest diversity of uses, followed by K. foetidissima and W. somnifera. Ethnoveterinary uses of some medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra, Calpurnia aurea, Cyphostemma cyphopetalum and Verbascum sinaiticum as prophylaxis against rabies were a new input for ethnoveterinary database. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the people of the Dugda District are endowed with rich ethnoveterinary knowledge and medicinal plants. However, ethnoveterinary knowledge associated with medicinal plant species significantly differ (P < 0.05) between general and key informants, young and matured age groups and informants' educational level. This infers the impact of mode of ethnoveterinary knowledge transfer, literacy, modern education and globalization on ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plant species. And also most of the medicinal plants are found in wild habitats with nearly no conservation attention. Therefore, it is imperative to implement participatory conservation actions for medicinal plants in collaboration with traditional institutions (Gada system). The disparity of ethnoveterinary knowledge could be also minimized through awareness creation among local communities about the knowledge and its revitalization. Furthermore, medicinal plants, which are widely utilized and multipurpose, should be screened for their phytochemicals, pharmacological and toxicological activities to confirm ethnoveterinary uses and for future development of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Mile, Yunnan, China.

BACKGROUND: The Yi people are a sociolinguistic group living in Mile City, which is their typical settlement in southeastern Yunnan, China. Over the long history of using medicinal plants, the Yi people have accumulated and developed a wealth of traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a vital role in their health care. However, only a few studies have been performed to systematically document the medicinal plants commonly used by the Yi people. This study provides fundamental data for the development and application of ethnomedicine as well as supports the conservation of the traditional medical knowledge of the Yi people. METHODS: This study was conducted from May 2020 to August 2022 and involved five townships in Mile. Information regarding medicinal plants was obtained through semistructured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observation. The collected voucher specimens were identified using the botanical taxonomy method and deposited in the herbarium. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using informant consensus factor, relative frequency of citation, and fidelity level. RESULTS: In total, 114 informants distributed in five townships of Mile were interviewed. The Yi people used 267 medicinal plant species belonging to 232 genera and 104 families to treat various diseases. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae were the most commonly used plant families by the Yi people. In addition, herbs were most commonly used by the Yi people. Whole plants and roots were the preferred medicinal parts. Decoctions were the most common method of herbal medicine preparation. There are 49 different recorded diseases treated by Yi medicinal plants, and among them, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, traumatic injury, fractures, and digestive system diseases have the largest number of species used. A quantitative analysis demonstrated that plants such as Zingiber officinale, Lycopodium japonicum, Aconitum carmichaelii, Panax notoginseng, Cyathula officinalis, and Leonurus japonicus played crucial roles in disease prevention and treatment. CONCLUSION: Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is closely associated with the social culture of the local Yi people. The medicinal plants used for health care in the study area were diverse. Local healers were skilled at using medicinal plants to treat various diseases. Their treatment methods were convenient and unique, exhibiting distinctive regional characteristics. However, the inheritance of their traditional medicinal knowledge and protection of wild medicinal plant resources are facing serious challenges, including the decreasing number of local healers, aging of healers, lack of successors, and excessive harvesting of medicinal plant resources. This ethnobotanical survey provides a useful reference for the sustainable utilization and protection of medicinal plant resources in Mile and the inheritance of traditional medicinal knowledge of the Yi people.

An ethnobotanical study of wild edible fruits in miombo woodlands of Tabora region in Western Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Wild edible fruits found in Tanzania's miombo woods are an indispensable source of food and medicine. Unfortunately, with the rapid expansion of human activities and urbanisation in the Tabora rural, Uyui and Sikonge districts of Western Tanzania, some wild fruits are disappearing due to the loss of plant diversity. The objectives of this study wereL: to document the knowledge related to wild edible fruits; to quantify the use and cultural significance, and to determine their threats. METHODS: The ethnobotanical study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023 involving 244 local informants. The study used field visits, the collection of plant parts, and semi-structured interviews with locals for its data collection. Descriptive statistics and correlation test were used to analyse the knowledge related to wild fruits. Frequency citation (f) and use reports (UR) were computed to understand the diversity and cultural significance (CI). RESULTS: The study documented 27 wild edible fruit species used for food and medicine. The life form constituted deciduous shrubs or trees (64%), shrub trees (21%) and evergreen or deciduous trees (15%). About (56%) of wild edible fruits were collected from June to August after the rainy season, (33%) were harvested between December and May during the rainy season, and (11%) were gathered from September and November before the rainy season. Household size and sex of the respondents were significantly correlated to the knowledge of wild edible fruits. Higher utilisation frequency (f) was recorded for Vitex mombassae Vatke (f = 0.84), Strychnos spinosa Lam. (f = 0.82), Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr. (f = 0.56), Phyllogeiton discolor (Klotzsch) Herzog. (f = 0.45), Vangueria infausta Burchell (f = 0.45), Tamarindus indica L. (f = 0.38), Parinari curatellifolia (f = 0.25), Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. (f = 0.22) and Microcos conocarpa Burret (f = 0.22) fruits species. Additionally, Phyllogeiton discolor (Klotzsch) Herzog. (UR = 56), Vitex mombassae Vatke (UR = 56), Tamarindus indica L. (UR = 37), Strychnos spinosa Lam. (UR = 14) and Friesodielsia obovata (Benth.) Verdc. (UR = 11), have higher use reports (UR) and considered culturally important. Wild fruits were used to cure diabetes, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and respiratory infections ailments. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Multiple uses as well as the related knowledge of wild fruits have been documented. Friesodielsia obovata, Grewia flavescens Juss and Thespesia garckeana F.Hoffm. are the medicinal fruit species reported for the first time. Harvesting of wood plants, charcoal activities, crop cultivation, grazing expansion, and environmental change, have had an impact on the diversity of wild edible fruit plants. Over the past three decades, the use of wild fruits has been impacted by the loss of plant diversity due to decline of cultural norms on the forests management. Given the variety of uses for wild fruits, promoting markets for native fruits, sensitising the locals about the cultural importance and innovation on processing techniques are necessary to spur conservation efforts.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local Gamo people in Boreda Abaya District, Gamo Zone, southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have been used for centuries and are still relied upon by over 80% of the Ethiopian population. The people of Gamo, southern Ethiopia, have a rich cultural and traditional lifestyle with a long history of using plant resources for various uses including traditional herbal medicine. However, their traditional knowledge of traditional medicinal plants in Boreda Abaya District has not been explored Ethnobotanically yet, despite preserving diverse indigenous traditional medicinal plants. Hence, the study aimed to document and analyze traditional medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge and practices used by local people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative ethnobotanical data were collected via semi-structured interviews, face-to-face conversations, group discussions, and guided field trips between September 2022 and February 2023. In total, 92 informants participated, of which 25 were key informants. Quantitative data indices (informant consensus factor-ICF-and use report-Ur) were computed by MS Excel spreadsheet software. Scientific names of medicinal plants were checked via World Flora Online. RESULTS: In the present study, we recorded 188 traditional medicinal plant species belonging to 163 genera and 73 plant families. Lamiaceae (16 species), Asteraceae (16 species), Fabaceae (11 species), and Euphorbiaceae (8 species) contributed highest number of species and were found to be predominant family in the area. Leaves and seeds were most frequently used plant parts, and pounding (46%) was the main method to prepare remedies. The sudden sickness disease category scored the highest consensus (ICF: 0.35), followed by blood and circulatory-related disease categories (ICF: 0.33). The highest number of plant taxa (61 species) used to treat dermal disease has a 71-use report score, while fewer plant taxa (21 species) were utilized to treat genitourinary system-related disease category, having 25 use reports. Ocimum lamiifolium (Ur:56) and Moringa stenopetala (Ur:51) are widely used species and received highest use report value. CONCLUSION: Gamo people possess extensive traditional knowledge of ethnomedicine. The region's vegetation hosts diverse medicinal species, but deforestation, agriculture, and droughts threaten them. Local conservation practices require scientific support, prioritizing species having higher use reports (Ur), and in-depth investigations of promising species for drug development are essential.

Medicinal plants meet modern biodiversity science.

Plants have been an essential source of human medicine for millennia. In this review, we argue that a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to the study of medicinal plants that combines methods and insights from three key disciplines - evolutionary ecology, molecular biology/biochemistry, and ethnopharmacology - is poised to facilitate new breakthroughs in science, including pharmacological discoveries and rapid advancements in human health and well-being. Such interdisciplinary research leverages data and methods spanning space, time, and species associated with medicinal plant species evolution, ecology, genomics, and metabolomic trait diversity, all of which build heavily on traditional Indigenous knowledge. Such an interdisciplinary approach contrasts sharply with most well-funded and successful medicinal plant research during the last half-century, which, despite notable advancements, has greatly oversimplified the dynamic relationships between plants and humans, kept hidden the larger human narratives about these relationships, and overlooked potentially important research and discoveries into life-saving medicines. We suggest that medicinal plants and people should be viewed as partners whose relationship involves a complicated and poorly explored set of (socio-)ecological interactions including not only domestication but also commensalisms and mutualisms. In short, medicinal plant species are not just chemical factories for extraction and exploitation. Rather, they may be symbiotic partners that have shaped modern societies, improved human health, and extended human lifespans.

Ethnobotanical study on ritual plants used by Hani people in Yunnan, China.

BACKGROUND: The Hani people, who reside in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, rely on rice terrace farming as their primary livelihood. They utilize plants in various traditional ritual practices. The Hani people have categorized the value of plants based on their natural attributes and have refined the ways of using different plants in specific rituals through practical observations and experiences derived from their agricultural culture. Although the plants used in these rituals hold significant cultural value, they have yet to be studied from the perspective of ethnobotany. This study aims to approach the ritual plants using ethnobotanical methods. METHODS: Ethnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in 10 villages in Yuanyang County between 2021 and 2023. Data were collected from the local Hani people through semi-structured interviews and participatory observations and 41 informants were interviewed during the field investigations. The frequency of citation (FC) and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were utilized to evaluate the relative importance of ritual plants among the local communities. RESULTS: A total of 36 plant species, belonging to 18 families and 34 genera, were recorded as being used in 11 ritual practices by the Hani people. Rosaceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae were found to have the highest number of species. Most of the ritual plants used by the Hani people were collected from the wild. FC and RFC analysis showed that the preferred plants for Hani rituals were Rhus chinensis Mill, Oryza sativa L., Phyllostachys sulphurea (Carr.) A. et C. Riv. and Musa basjoo Siebold & Zucc. ex Iinuma. The 11 rituals are all centered around the performance of people, crops and livestock. The Hani people use plants in different rituals mainly based on their biological attributes. CONCLUSIONS: Many rituals of the Hani people are closely related to their production and livelihood, and the plants used in these rituals are deeply rooted in Hani's traditional ecological knowledge and beliefs. The Hani people's reverence for nature, respect for life, gratitude towards ancestors, and seeking blessings and disaster prevention for their families, crops, and livestock are all reflected in these rituals and their utilization of ritual plants. The Hani people showcase their agricultural culture in the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces through plant-based ritual performances. Studying ritual plants in the core area of the Hani Rice Terraces is of great significance for protecting the Hani Terrace farming culture. In the future, it is essential to pay more attention to the role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.

Exploring the benefits of wild plants in dietary nutrition: investigating perspectives, choices, health impacts and sustainable practices.

BACKGROUND: This ethnobotanical study in Dunyapur, District Lodhran, Pakistan, focuses on traditional medicinal knowledge, exploring 41 plants across 28 families. The research involves 496 informants from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, herbalists, housewives, teachers, and shopkeepers. The prevalence of herbs (68%) aligns with their accessibility and rapid regrowth, shaping the local medicinal landscape. The study investigates socio-demographic features, emphasizing the importance of considering the community's diverse perspectives. METHODS: The research employs quantitative ethnobotanical data analysis, introducing various indices like PPV, FUV, FIV, RFC, UV, and RI. The analysis of plant growth habits underscores the dominance of herbs, and the method of preparation evaluation identifies decoction as the most common (23%). Leaves (27%) are the most utilized plant part, and Resedaceae stands out with the highest FUV (0.38). FIV highlights the ecological and cultural significance of Poaceae, Boraginaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae. RESULTS: The RFC values range from 0.016 to 0.032, with Cucumis melo having the highest value (0.032), indicating its frequent citation and cultural significance. The study reveals specific plants like Melia azedarach, Peganum harmala and Salvadora oleoides with high PR values for skin issues, reflecting their widespread acceptance and effectiveness. Oligomeris linifolia emerges with the highest UV (0.38), emphasizing its greater significance in local traditional practices. Leptadenia pyrotechnica records the highest RI (9.85), underlining its exceptional importance in the community's traditional pharmacopeia. CONCLUSION: The findings offer a holistic understanding of ethnobotanical knowledge in Dunyapur, emphasizing the role of local contexts and ecological factors in shaping traditional plant uses. The study contributes valuable insights into the diverse practices within the community, laying the foundation for sustainable integration of traditional knowledge into broader healthcare frameworks.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by the people of Soro District, Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ethnoveterinary studies are important to maintain the sustainability of livestock health and support people's livelihoods through the provision of food, maintaining livestock health, and other biological resources. This study was carried out in Soro District, southern Ethiopia, to identify, document and analyse plant species with ethnoveterinary uses along with the associated indigenous and local knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Informants were selected using purposive (key informants) and systematic random sampling (general informants) methods. Data on ethnoveterinary plants and their uses were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions with five to seven members in each and participant observation. Informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed to identify the most common livestock ailment categories and the best plant species with ethnoveterinary use, respectively. Preference ranking methods were used to identify the potentially effective ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for the most frequently reported livestock ailments. The use diversity of multipurpose plants with ethnoveterinary importance was analysed using the analytical methods of ethnobotany including priority ranking, comparisons and important indices. The T-test statistic was used to compare knowledge differences among different social groups. RESULTS: A total of 132 plant species in 120 genera and 61 families were reported by informants as having ethnoveterinary uses. The plants are said to be used by the local communities in various ways to treat 50 livestock health problems. Higher number of informants (23.77%) cited Momordica foetida for the treatment of 16 livestock ailments. The highest informant consensus value for this species is associated with its use for treating blackleg in cattle; Nicotiana tabacum was cited for the treatment of 15 livestock ailments mainly recommended for the Lumpy Skin Disease/Ailment of bovines; Croton macrostachyus for treatment of 13 livestock ailments including wooden tongue, FMD in bovines; and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum for nine ailments mainly diarrhoea of all livestock types. Achyranthes aspera is claimed to provide the most effective treatment for Aspiration pneumonia (severe coughing in bovines, sheep and goats) alone, while Croton macrostachyus, Ximenia americana, Allium sativum and Juniperus procera were indicated as potential plant species to treat Lumpy Skin Disease in bovines in the order given. The fidelity level analysis showed that Datura stramonium, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia and Asparagus africanus were potential medicinal plant species to treat the respective ailments of rabies, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and evil eye/spirit. Multipurpose plant species including Prunus africanus, Combretum molle and Afrocarpus falcatus have been highly threatened as indicated by direct matrix ranking mainly due to collection of fuel wood, construction materials and making household utensils, and farm implements rather than for other uses. CONCLUSION: Soro District has rich and diversified livestock herbal medicinal resources, and indigenous knowledge of remedy preparations and applications is transmitted through generation lines. This resource faces anthropogenic threats with deforestation being the leading factor. Consequently, ethnoveterinary medicinal plants continue to decline before adequate and proper scientific documentation and testing are made. There is a dire need for planning and implementation of appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation strategies and to strive towards ensuring the survival and sustainable utilization of such important plant resources of Soro District. This must be supported by further documentation of the associated indigenous knowledge and pharmacological testing of the key promising species including Balanites aegyptiaca (novel species/NS to treat specific ailment), Brugmansia suaveolens (novel species/NS reported first to treat Livestock ailments/LsAs), Euclea divinorum (NS to treat specific ailments), Grevillea robusta (NS), Hagenia abyssinica (NS for the reported specific ailment), Pentanema confertiflorum (NS), Juniperus procera (NS), Maesa lanceolata (NS), Millettia ferruginea (NS for reported specific ailments), Schrebera alata/NS, Securidaca longepedunculata, Spiniluma oxyacantha/NS, Vepris nobilis (novel species reported first to treat LsAs), Zanthoxylum asiaticum /NS and Ximenia americana (NS for specific ailments). This ethnoveterinary study attempted to fill part of the gaps concerning the prevalent livestock health problems and the associated indigenous and local knowledge in the area.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Melit area (North Darfur), Western Sudan.

BACKGROUND: The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State. METHOD: Ethnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level. RESULTS: A total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus. CONCLUSION: This is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

Study on medicinal food plants in the Gaoligongshan Biosphere Reserve, the richest biocultural diversity center in China.

BACKGROUND: Traditional knowledge associated with medicinal food plants (MFPs) plays a vital role in fighting hidden hunger and safeguarding the health of local people. MFPs resources are abundant in the Gaoligongshan area, a biosphere reserve with the richest biocultural diversity in China. Local people of different linguistic groups also have rich traditional botanical knowledge. However, there are still few comprehensive and systematic studies on MFPs there. METHODS: Ethnobotanical investigation including market survey, semi-structured interviews, free listing and key informant interviews was conducted in the Gaoligongshan area, Western Yunnan, Southwest China. A total of 13 local farmers' markets were selected and information about medicinal food plants, including food categories, medicinal and edible parts, modes of consumption, medicinal effects, and distribution were collected. The relative occurrence frequency (RFO) and cultural food significance index (CFSI) were calculated to identify the culturally significant MFPs. RESULTS: A total of 184 species of MFPs, belonging to 83 families, were collected in the Gaoligongshan area, including vegetables (77), medicinal diets (26), fruits (25), spices (18), herbal tea (13), tea substitutes (11), substitutes for staple food (8), nuts (5), oils and fats (4), and dye material (1). The most frequently used families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae, with 11, 10, and 9 species, respectively. The most frequently used plant parts were the stems, followed by fruits and leaves. Based on the evaluation results of the CFSI and RFO indices, 18 species of MFPs with magnificent local cultural importance have been screened out, such as Houttuynia cordata, Eryngium foetidum, Sechium edule, Centella asiatica and Pseudocydonia sinensis. CONCLUSION: These findings have guiding significance for conservation of traditional knowledge associated with MFPs and facilitation of scientific utilization of MFPs to meet local people's needs for a healthy life.

An ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plants used by the Bai people in Yunlong County northwest Yunnan, China.

BACKGROUND: The Bai people in Yunlong County, northwest Yunnan, China, have used medicinal plants and traditional remedies for ethnoveterinary practices. The Bai have mastered ethnoveterinary therapeutic methods in livestock breeding since ancient times. The Bai's traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge is now facing extinction, and their unique ethnoveterinary practices have rarely been recorded. This study documented animal diseases, EMPs, and related traditional knowledge in Yunlong County, China. METHODS: Ethnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in six villages and townships of Yunlong County between 2021 and 2022. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, and keyperson interviews. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, and the informant consensus factor and use reports (URs) were used to evaluate the current ethnoveterinary practices among the local communities. Information on livestock diseases, medicinal plants, and traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge were also obtained. RESULTS: A total of 90 plant species belong to 51 families, 84 genera were recorded as being used as EMPs by the Bai people, and Asteraceae plants are most frequently used. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, including 58 men (85.3%) and 10 women (14.7%). The most commonly used EMPs parts included the roots, whole plants, leaves, and stems, and the common livestock diseases identified in this field investigation included trauma and fracture, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, parasitic diseases, miscellaneous, venomous snake bites, reproductive diseases, infectious diseases, skin disease, and urinary diseases. Most of the EMPs are herbs (77.78%). Courtyard is one of the habitats of medicinal plants in Yunlong County. CONCLUSION: Traditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine is related to the local sociocultural characteristics of the Bai. Plants are used in cultural traditions, which, in turn, nourish the plant culture. Cultural diversity and biodiversity are interdependent. This traditional knowledge is at risk of disappearance because of the increasing extension of Western veterinary medicine, lifestyle changes, and mainstream cultural influences. Therefore, it is important to continue research on ethnoveterinary practices.

Traditional utilization of bamboo in the Central Siwalik region, Nepal.

Bamboo are the fastest growing perennial woody grasses that have versatile applications. Most of the local people inhabiting the riverine area of the Siwalik region of Nepal rely on bamboo products for economic benefits and medicinal uses. Our objective was to identify the diversity of bamboo species, their ethnomedicinal practices, and economic and ecological importance. Data were collected by direct observation, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal, inventory technique, focus group discussions, and a household survey using semi-structured and structured questionnaires. We recorded four genera and nine species of bamboo, of which eight species have been used for agriculture, five for medicine, four for construction, food, fodder, artifacts and religious purpose, three for river embankment, and two for ornamental purpose. As the local people in the study area were deprived of medical facilities, using traditional herbal medicine to cure various diseases was a common practice. The inhabitants responded that they use bamboo-based primary ethnomedicinal care even against snake and scorpion bites. Similarly, they use bamboo young culm for reducing body weight and control diabetes. The value of the informant consensus factor was found to be maximum for the bamboo against snake and scorpion bites (1.0) and minimum for weight loss (0.81). This study concludes that the traditional utilization of all kinds of bamboo in the region is vast despite their less diversity. The recorded bamboo species are used not only for food and fodder but also in preparing artifacts, soil nutrients restoration in the fallow land, construction materials for the rural people, river embankments, and religious and spiritual purposes. Therefore, if grown on a large scale, bamboo can provide sustainable benefits for the local users and ecological aspects. Bambusa tulda and Dendrocalamus strictus have a broad spectrum of pharmacological agents. Considering the multifaceted application of bamboo in the Siwalik area, it is worthwhile to encourage the local people to bamboo plantation, which would contribute to supplement their household requirements and be one of the alternative livelihood options.

Plantas medicinales en la comarca de la Jacetania (Huesca): estudio etnobotánico preliminar / Plantas medicinais na região de Jacetania (Huesca, Espanha): estudo etnobotânico preli-minar / Medicinal plants of the Jacetania region (Hues-ca, Spain): preliminary ethnobotanical study

Los estudios etnobotánicos/etnofarmacológicos de los últimos años se han centrado en recoger y reportar los usos tradicionales de las plantas medicinales empleando índices y valores estadísticos que permiten determinar qué especies son más importantes para una comunidad. En este sentido, la comarca de la Jacetania, en el Pirineo aragonés, es una zona con una alta biodiversidad así como una población rural que todavía emplea remedios tradicionales, tratándose de una zona de gran interés para este tipo de estudios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue recopilar ese conocimiento tradicional sobre plantas medicinales de una forma sistematizada a través de entrevistas semiestructuras a la población rural y un análisis de la información empleando algunos índices etnobotánicos. Tras entrevistar a 20 informantes y recoger información sobre 36 plantas medicinales, las especies más citadas y sus usos más comunes fueron el té de roca (Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC.) y el abrótano hembra (Santolina chamaecyparissus L.) para afecciones digestivas, y el tomillo (Thymus vulgaris L.) y el sauco (Sambucus nigra L.) para afecciones respiratorias y resfriados. A pesar de que no existen monografías de EMA, ESCOP u OMS para las especies, J. glutinosa y S. chamaeecyparissus son plantas muy citadas y con un alto nivel de fidelidad en las patologías para las que se emplean, no solamente en este trabajo sino en otros estudios etnobotánicos de la Península Ibérica

Estudos etnobotânicos / etnofarmacológicos realizados nos últimos anos têm-se centrado na elaboração de relatórios e registo de usos tradicionais de plantas medicinais, utilizando índices e valores estatísticos para determinar quais espécies são mais importantes para uma comunidade. Neste sentido, a região da Jacetania nos Pirenéus Aragoneses é uma área com uma grande biodiversidade e uma população rural que ainda usa remédios tradicionais, sendo uma área de grande interesse para tais estudos. O objetivo deste estudo é reunir o conhecimento tradicional de plantas medicinais de forma sistemática através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com a população rural e da realização de uma análise de algumas informações usando alguns índices etnobotânicos. Depois de entrevistar 20 informantes e recolher informações sobre 36 plantas medicinais, as espécies mais mencionadas e seus usos mais comuns foram a infusão de Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC. e santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus L.) para transtornos digestivos e o tomilho (Thymus vulgaris L.) e o sabugueiro (Sambucus nigra L.) para problemas respiratórios e resfriados. Embora não existam monografias (EMA, ESCOP, OMS) para Jasonia glutinosa e Santolina chamaeecyparissus, ambas são muito citadas e têm um alto nível de fidelidade nas patologias para as quais são utilizadas, não só neste trabalho, mas noutros estudos etnobotânicos da Península Ibérica

Recent ethnobotanical/ethnopharmacological studies are focused on collecting and reporting traditional uses of medicinal plants using indexes and statistical values that allow determining which species are most important for a community. In this way, the region of Jacetania in the Aragonese Pyrenees is an area with a high biodiversity as well as a rural population that still uses traditional remedies, being an area of great interest for this type of studies. The aim of this work was to collect this traditional knowledge about medicinal plants in a systematized way through semi-structured interviews to the rural population and to analyse the information using some ethnobotanical indexes. After interviewing 20 informants and collecting information on 36 medicinal plants, the most frequently cited species and their most common uses were rock tea (Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC.) and cotton lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus L.) for digestive disorders, and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and elder (Sambucus nigra L.) for respiratory affections and colds. Although there are no EMA, ESCOP or WHO monographs for the species J. glutinosaand S. chamaecyparissus, they are very cited plants, with a high level of fidelity in the pathologies for which they are used, not only in the present work but in other ethnobotanical studies of the Iberian Peninsula

Estudio botánico y farmacéutico de productos con aplicación en cosmética y cuidado de la piel / Botanical and pharmaceutical study of cosmetics and skin care products

Objetivos: revisar productos comerciales con ingredientes vegetales que se emplean en higiene personal y cosmética de uso diario. Reunir, en forma de catálogo, consideraciones botánicas y farmacéuticas de estos extractos. Métodos: se ha realizado un trabajo de campo durante seis meses, visitando las áreas de higiene y cosmética de 4 farmacias y de 3 grandes superficies comerciales de Sevilla. Se anotaron todos los productos en cuya etiqueta aparecía un nombre de planta: Se ha usado la bibliografía necesaria obtenida a través de bases de datos: Web Of Science, Scopus. Resultados y discusión: se encontraron extractos de 129 plantas diferentes, repartidas por todo el mundo vegetal (a excepción de briofitos). De ellas, 116 son plantas con semillas, distribuidas en 59 familias diferentes, siendo las más importantes: Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae y Sapindaceae. El 42% de las plantas son de porte herbáceo, el resto son leñosas y algunos talos. El origen de las mismas se puede relacionar con las áreas agrícolas tradicionalmente cultivadas por el hombre, de las que destacamos la franja mediterránea, Asia central, India, Sureste asiático, China y Japón. Los órganos más empleados en la elaboración de estos productos son: semillas, frutos, flores (seguidos por las hojas). Los metabolitos secundarios más abundantes son: flavonoides (quercetina, kaempferol, hesperidina), vitaminas (C), hidratos de carbono (carragenanos y fuciodanos) y lípidos (ácidos grasos mono y polinsaturados). Los usos principales son: poder antioxidante, aromas y fragancias, nutrientes e hidratantes de la piel, efecto fotoprotector, cuidado del cabello y anticelulítico. Conclusiones: La muestra de vegetales que se ha encontrado, puede ser representativa de las especies botánicas que aparecen en cosmética y productos para la piel, de uso diario en España. También se ha encontrado una base científica que sustenta las propiedades y beneficios de los extractos vegetales en estos productos

Objective: to review commercial products with vegetal ingredients that are used in personal hygiene and cosmetics of daily use. Collect, in the form of a catalog, botanical and pharmaceutical considerations of these extracts. Method: a field work was carried out during six months, visiting the areas of hygiene and cosmetics of four pharmacies and of three large commercial areas of Seville. All the products in which a plant name appeared appeared: used the necessary bibliography obtained through databases: Scopus, Web Of Science. Results and discussion: we found extracts from 129 different plants distributed throughout the plant kingdom (except for bryophytes). Of these, 116 are seed plants, distributed in 59 different families, being the most important: Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Sapindaceae. 42% of the plants are herbaceous, the rest are woody and some thallus. Their origins can be related to the agricultural areas traditionally cultivated by man, such as the Mediterranean, Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The most used organs in the elaboration of these products are: seeds, fruits, flowers (followed by the leaves). The most abundant secondary metabolites are: flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, hesperidin), vitamins (C), carbohydrates (car-rageenans and fuciodans) and lipids (mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids). The main uses are: antioxidant power, aromas and fragrances, nutrients and skin moisturizers, photoprotective effect, hair care and anti-cellulite. Conclusion: The vegetable sample that has been found may be representative of the botanical species that appear in cosmetics and skin products, and everyday products of Spain. A scientific basis has also been found that supports the properties and benefits of plant extracts in these products

Introducción a la etnofarmacología de la Sierra de Albera (Gerona) / Introduçao à etnofarmacologia da Serra de Albera (Girona, Espanha) / Introduction to ethnopharmacology in the Sierra de la Albera (Girona, Spain)

Se ha realizado un studio etnobotánico preliminar en la vertiente sur de la sierra de la Albera, situada al noroeste de Cataluña, y noroeste de la comarca del Alto Ampurdán (Gerona). Esta zona cubre 277 km2 y tiene una población de 12.452 habitantes. Para ello, se ha entrevistado a 18 personas, se han identificado las plantas reportadas y se han analizados los resultados en comparación con los de otros territorios. Se ha recogido la información etnobotánica sobre 155 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 67 familias, con 655 informes de uso de los cuales 7 son de elementos inorgánicos o de origen animal. Las especies más veces citadas han sido: Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Sambucus nigra y Urtica dioica y las familias más citadas han sido las Compuestas y las Labiadas; las enfermedades con más usos reportados han sido las relacionadas con el aparato digestivo (AU)

Foi efectuado um estudo introductorio etnobotánico no sul da Serra de Albera, localizad no noroeste da Catalunha e regiao nordeste do Alto Ampurdán (Girona). A área abrange 277 km2, com uma populaçao de 15.452 habitantes. Foram entrevistadas 18 pessoas, identificaram-se as plantas utilizadas, e compararam-se os resultados com os de outros territórios. Foram recolhidas informaçoes etnobotánicas sobre 155 espécies pertencentes a 67 famílias, com 655 relatórios de uso dos quais 7 correspondem a productos inorgánicos ou animais. As espécies mais citadas foram Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Sambucus nigra e Urtica dioica, sendo as famílias as famílias Compositae e Labiatae as mais citadas; as doenças com mais utilizaçoes relatadas foram as gastrointestinais (AU)

An ethnobotanical introductory study has been conducted in Southern Sierra de la Albera, located in the northwest of Catalonia and northeastern región of Alto Ampurdán (Gerona). The area covers 277 km2 with a population of 12.452 inhabitants. We have interviewed 18 people, identifying the plants reported, and we have compared results with those of other territories. Information on 155 species belonging to 67 botanical families has been collected with 655 use reports of which 7 correspond to inorganic or animal products. The most cited species were Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Sambucus nigra and Urtica dioica with Compositae and Labiatae the most cited families. Gastrointestinal diseases were those with more reported uses (AU)

Actividad anticonvulsivante del extracto metanólico de tallo y raíz deKalanchoe pinnata Lam. en ratones: Comparación con diazepam / Anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract from Kalanchoe pinnata Lam. stems and roots in mice: A comparison to diazepam

Introducción: En México, la medicina tradicional emplea extractos de hojas o de la planta completa de «siempre viva» (Kalanchoe pinnata [K. pinnata] Lam.) para tratar la alferecía amarilla cuando presenta convulsiones. La actividad anticonvulsivante del tallo o de la raíz sigue sin explorarse. Métodos: El extracto metanólico de la raíz (EMR) y el del tallo (EMT) de K. pinnata Lam., fueron evaluados con el modelo de inducción de convulsiones con pentilentetrazol en ratones de la cepa Balb/C, comparado con diazepam. Las fracciones del EMT fueron subsecuentemente evaluadas. Resultados: El EMR incrementó la latencia a las crisis clónico-tónicas de forma inversamente proporcional a la dosis, observándose el mismo patrón sobre los efectos letales del pentilentetrazol. Todas las dosis evaluadas del EMT aumentaron la latencia a las mioclonías y a las crisis clónicas de forma dosis-dependiente e incrementaron la latencia a las crisis clónico-tónicas de manera semejante al diazepam con una protección del 100% contra los efectos letales del pentilentetrazol. El fraccionamiento del EMT redujo su eficacia. Al mezclar las fracciones de cloroformo y acetato de etilo, se recuperó la actividad anticonvulsivante y la protección contra los efectos letales. El análisis fitoquímico preliminar identificó alcaloides y esteroles en el EMR; esteroles y terpenos en el EMT. Conclusión: La actividad anticonvulsivante de EMR de K. pinnata Lam. disminuye aumentando la dosis y en el EMT se presenta de forma dosis-dependiente, conservándose en la mezcla de cloroformo y acetato de etilo. Se sugiere que los metabolitos responsables de estos efectos son esteroles en el EMR; esteroles y terpenos presentes en el EMT

Introduction: In ancient and current traditional medicine in México, extracts from the leaves or whole plant of ‘life leaf’ (Kalanchoe pinnata [K. pinnata]Lam) have been used to treat an entity known locally as ‘yellow epilepsy’ (alferecía amarilla) when it is accompanied by seizures. However, the anticonvulsive activity of its stems and roots remains unexplored. Methods: The anticonvulsant activity of the methanolic root extract (MER) or stem (MES) of K. pinnata Lam. was evaluated in a pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure model in Balb/C mice, and effects were compared to those of diazepam. The stem extract fractions that produced anticonvulsant activity were subsequently evaluated using the pentylenetetrazol -induced seizure model. Results: We observed increased latency of tonic-clonic seizures that was inversely proportional to the dose of MRE, with a similar impact on the lethal effects of pentylenetetrazol. Different doses of the MSE showed a dose-dependent increase in latency to myoclonus, clonus, and tonic-clonic seizures, acting similarly to diazepam and offering 100% protection against the lethal effects of pentylenetetrazol. Fractioning MSE decreased its effectiveness, but when fractions were mixed with fractions of chloroform and ethyl acetate, anticonvulsive activity was restored. The preliminary phytochemical analysis identified alkaloids and sterols in MRE, and sterols and terpenes in MSE. Conclusions: The anticonvulsant activity of K. pinnata Lam. decreases with increased doses of MRE, whereas the effect of MSE is dose-dependent and preserved in the mixture chloroform and ethyl acetate. We suggest that the metabolites responsible for these effects are sterols in MRE, and sterols and terpenes in MSE

Compreendendo a relação entre saúde do ambiente e saúde humana em comunidades Quilombolas de Santa Catarina / The forest gives us health: relationships between environmental health and human health in Maroon communities of Santa Catarina

RESUMO Neste artigo investigamos a relação entre a saúde humana e saúde do ambiente em comunidades quilombolas do litoral de Santa Catarina, analisando a situação de saúde destas comunidades, as percepções sobre elementos que influenciam a saúde humana, as plantas medicinais conhecidas e o mapeamento de ambientes que trazem benefícios para a saúde. Foi realizado entrevistas e listagem-livre de plantas medicinais com 184 adultos (63 no Morro do Fortunato, 56 na Santa Cruz e 65 na Aldeia), e uma reunião comunitária para a realização do mapeamento participativo em cada comunidade. As comunidades quilombolas percebem diversas influências na saúde, sendo que os elementos de cuidado com o corpo foram os mais citados. A qualidade da água/ar e recreação/lazer foram os benefícios mais reconhecidos das áreas florestais para a saúde humana. Foram identificadas 152 espécies de plantas medicinais, sendo que as espécies mais citadas são plantas cultivadas e/ou que ocorrem espontaneamente próximo às moradias. O mapeamento de serviços ambientais revela áreas prioritárias para a saúde, que estão localizadas em florestas e próximo aos corpos d’água, ressaltando a importância de conservar estes locais e de construir estratégias para garantir o acesso a eles pelas comunidades.

ABSTRACT In this article we investigate the relationship between human health and environmental health in maroon communities of Santa Catarina, analyzing the health situation of these communities, the perceptions of elements that influence human health, medicinal plants known and mapping environments that bring health benefits. We conducted interviews and free-listing of medicinal plants with 184 adults (63 in Morro do Fortunato, 65 em Santa Cruz and 56 in Aldeia), and a community meeting for the realization of participatory mapping in each community. Maroon communities realize diverse influences on health, and the elements of care with the body were the most cited. The quality of the water/air and recreation/leisure were the most recognized benefits of forests to human health. 152 species of medicinal plants have been identified, and the most cited species are cultivated plants and/or occurring spontaneously near the houses. The mapping of environmental services reveals priority areas for health, which are located in forests and near the water bodies, emphasizing the importance of conserving these places and build strategies to ensure access to them by communities.

Plantas medicinais com ação antiparasitária: conhecimento tradicional na etnia Kantaruré, aldeia Baixa das Pedras, Bahia, Brasil / Medicinal plants with antiparasitic action: traditional knowledge of the Kantaruré ethnic group, Baixa das Pedras village, Bahia, Brazil

RESUMO O uso de espécies vegetais para curar doenças e sintomas remonta ao início da civilização. Em várias culturas produtos botânicos eram empregados para essa finalidade. No Brasil, sob influência das interações culturais entre índios, negros e portugueses, essa relação homem-natureza permitiu a disseminação da sabedoria herdada em relação ao uso e cultivo de diversas espécies vegetais. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento das plantas medicinais indicadas pelos índios da etnia Kantaruré, aldeia Baixa das Pedras com ação antiparasitária. Para a coleta de dados foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com quatorze pessoas, pertencentes a uma população de 150 indígenas, selecionadas pela técnica da bola de neve, reconhecidas pela comunidade como maiores detentores do conhecimento sobre a realidade local e sobre plantas. Os resultados indicam que doze espécies são utilizadas na medicina tradicional local com ação antiparasitária, podendo destacar a caçatinga (Croton argyrophylloides Muell. Arg.), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), hortelã miúdo (Mentha piperita L.) e babosa (Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.) como as mais indicadas. As plantas citadas pertencem à vegetação nativa, sendo que as espécies cultivadas são encontradas principalmente nos quintais, nas proximidades das residências e em locais de cultivo próprio. Os dados levantados nesta pesquisa evidenciam a importância terapêutica, cultural e histórica do uso de espécies botânicas na prevenção e cura de enfermidades. A aldeia estudada depende diretamente dos recursos vegetais para as suas práticas de cura. Os resultados dessa pesquisa podem servir como base para bioprospecção bem como para seleção de espécies da caatinga para estudos futuros visando o seu uso e manejo sustentável.

ABSTRACT The use of plant species to cure diseases and symptoms dates back to the dawn of civilization. In various cultures, botanical products were employed for this purpose. In Brazil, influenced by cultural interactions between native indians, Africans, and the Portuguese, this man-nature relationship allowed the spread of inherited knowledge regarding the use and cultivation of various species of plants. The purpose of this study was to carry out a survey of medicinal plants with antiparasitic action indicated by the Kantaruré indians from the Baixa das Pedras village. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 people belonging to an indigenous population of 150, selected by the snowball technique, recognized by the community as the most knowledgeable on the local situation and plants. The results indicate that 12 species with antiparasitic action are used in traditional local medicine, with emphasis on the caçatinga (Croton argyrophylloides Muell. Arg.), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and babosa (Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.) as the most suitable. These plants belong to the native vegetation, and the cultivated species are found mainly in backyards, near homes, and on cultivation sites. The data from this study demonstrate the therapeutic, cultural, and historical importance of the use of botanical species to prevent and cure diseases. The village studied depends directly on plant resources for their healing practices. The results of this study can serve as a basis for bioprospecting as well as for the selection of caatinga species in future studies toward its use and sustainable management.