Ethnomedicinal Plants and Herbal Preparations Used by Rural Communities in Tehsil Hajira (Poonch District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan).

The present study emphasizes the importance of documenting ethnomedicinal plants and herbal practices of the local rural communities of Tehsil Hajira (Pakistan). The aim was to document, explore and quantify the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using various quantitative indices. The results showed that 144 medicinal plant species from 70 families and 128 genera play an important role in herbal preparations. The most common type of preparation was powder (19.0%), followed by paste (16.7%), aqueous extract (15.7%), decoction (14.7%) and juice (11.0%). Fragaria nubicola (0.94) and Viola canescens (0.93) had the highest relative frequency of mention (RFC), while Berberis lycium (1.22) and Fragaria nubicola (1.18) had the highest use value (UV). Geranium wallichianum (85.5), Ligustrum lucidum (83) and Indigofera heterantha (71.5) were the most important species in the study area with the highest relative importance (RI) value. The diseases treated were categorized into 17 classes, with diseases of the digestive system and liver having the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value, followed by diseases of the oropharynx and musculoskeletal system. Important plants mentioned for the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are Zanthoxylum alatum, Berberis lycium, Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Rubus ellipticus and Viola canescens. New applications of rarely documented plants from this area are: Oxalis corniculata paste of the whole plant to treat vitiligo, Carthamus tinctorius flowers to treat chicken pox, Dioscorea deltoidea tuber powder to treat productive cough, Inula cappa root decoction to treat miscarriage, Habenaria digitata tuber juice for the treatment of fever, Viola canescens leaves and flowers for the treatment of sore throat and Achillea millefolium root and leaf juice for the treatment of pneumonia. These plants may contain interesting biochemical compounds and should be subjected to further pharmacological studies to develop new drugs. Traditional medicinal knowledge in the area under study is mainly limited to the elderly, traditional healers and midwives. Therefore, resource conservation strategies and future pharmacological studies are strongly recommended.

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.

Antibacterial and anti-coronavirus investigation of selected Senegalese plant species according to an ethnobotanical survey.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Senegal, upper and lower respiratory tract infections constitute a real health problem. To manage these disorders, most people rely on the use of local medicinal plants. This is particularly the case for species belonging to the botanical families, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Rubiaceae, which are widely used to treat various respiratory problems such as colds, flu, rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis, angina, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and also pneumonia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to identify medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of infectious diseases, in particular those of the respiratory tract. On the basis of these ethnopharmacological uses, this study made it possible to highlight the antibacterial, antiviral and cytotoxic activities of selected plant species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Senegal among informants, including herbalists, traditional healers, and households, using medicinal plants in the management of infectious diseases, with a focus on respiratory tract infections. The most cited plant species were evaluated in vitro on a panel of 18 human pathogenic bacteria may be involved in respiratory infections and against the human coronavirus HCoV-229E in Huh-7 cells. The antiviral activity of the most active extracts against HCoV-229E was also evaluated on COVID-19 causing agent, SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-81 cells. In parallel, cytotoxic activities were evaluated on Huh-7 cells. RESULTS: A total of 127 informants, including 100 men (78.74%) and 27 women (21.26%) participated in this study. The ethnobotanical survey led to the inventory of 41 plant species belonging to 19 botanical families used by herbalists and/or traditional healers and some households to treat infectious diseases, with a specific focus on upper respiratory tract disorders. Among the 41 plant species, the most frequently mentioned in the survey were Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (95.2%), Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC. (93.9%) and Eucalyptus spp. (82.8%). Combretaceae (30.2%) represented the most cited botanical family with six species, followed by Fabaceae (29.3%, 12 species). A total of 33 crude methanolic extracts of the 24 plant species selected for their number of citations were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Guiera senegalensis, Combretum glutinosum, Vachellia nilotica subsp. tomentosa (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., and Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr., showed antibacterial activities. The most active plants against HCoV-229E were: Ficus sycomorus L., Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., and Spermacoce verticillata L. One of these plants, Mitragyna inermis, was also active against SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: This work confirmed the anti-infective properties of plant species traditionally used in Senegal. Overall, the most frequently cited plant species showed the best antibacterial activities. Moreover, some of the selected plant species could be considered as a potential source for the management of coronavirus infections. This new scientific data justified the use of these plants in the management of some infectious pathologies, especially those of the respiratory tract.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal tree species used in the treatment of diseases by forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana.

Demand for medicinal plant remedies is rising globally, while indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants is declining rapidly. The preservation of indigenous knowledge is critical in discovering and developing innovative drugs. The ongoing discussions on providing nature-based solutions to contemporary issues make it urgent to document indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees, especially in areas with limited or no studies such as our study area. Our study aimed to understand the use of medicinal trees among the communities fringing the Asukese and Amama Shelterbelt Forest Reserves. We administered structured questionnaires and interviewed 88 respondents who were selected using snowball and simple random techniques. The ethnobotanical survey data were processed and evaluated using parameters such as Indigenous Knowledge Index (IKI), Relative Citation Frequency (RCF), Species Use Value (SUV), Family Use Value (FUV), and Plant Part Value (PPV). We found that ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal trees was higher in respondents who were widowed or had larger number of dependants. We found that the local communities used diverse medicinal trees (70 species belonging to 33 families) to treat 83 ailments. Azadirachta indica had the highest RCF (8.9) and SUV (23.4). The other top four species according to the SUV were Alstonia boonei (SUV = 11.1), Khaya senegalensis (SUV = 10.7), Moringa oleifera (SUV = 10.3) and Cocos nucifera (SUV = 10.2). The most-well represented and valuable families were Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae and Malvaceae. Medicinal trees had alternative uses such as food, fodder, fuelwood, and construction material. Indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees was transmitted to younger generations predominantly by parents. The results show that the most known botanical families and species with the most useful parts were the most useful plant families and species. Thus, the selection of medicinal trees was driven by their traits. Furthermore, results indicate that species diversity is critical to the healthcare needs of local communities and that their conservation and sustainable use and the preservation of indigenous knowledge are crucial to ensuring good health and the general well-being of local communities of all ages.

Ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants used in the Qampaya District, Bolivia / Inventario etnobotánico de plantas medicinales usadas en el Distrito Qampaya, Bolivia

Herbal medicine therapy is traditionally practiced by indigenous healers in Bolivia for hundreds years. Due to the great geographical and ecological diversity, there are thousands of native plants, which are utilized against diverse types of diseases. Nowadays, there is a worldwide problem connected with possible loss of ethnobotany knowledge because of the lack of the interest of young people. In present study, survey focused on medicinal plants used by rural people in Qampaya District, Potosí Department, Bolivia has been done. The data were collected from 60 respondents by semi-structured interviews. The results showed that 60 plant species belonging to 30 families are known as curative plants in this area. The mostly named families were Asteraceae (14 species) followed by Lamiaceae (7 species) and Brassicaceae (4 species). Predominant health problems treated by these plants are urological problems and gastro-intestinal disorders. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves and the preparation is mostly done as infusion. Even though the knowledge of using medical plants plays important role in life of Bolivian rural people, which use plants as medicines against various types of diseases, this study showed that 25 percent of respondents didn’t know any medicinal plants. On the other hand 40 percent of asked people have known 6 or more medicinal plant species.

La terapia de la medicina herbolaria es practicada, tradicionalmente, por los curanderos indígenas en Bolivia, desde hace cientos de años. Gracias a la gran diversidad geográfica y ecológica, hay miles de plantas nativas, que se utilizan para el tratamiento de diferentes tipos de enfermedades. Hoy en día, hay un problema mundial relacionado con la posible pérdida del conocimiento etnobotánico, esto debido a la falta de interés de las nuevas generaciones. El presente estudio descriptivo, mediante una encuesta, fue enfocado a las plantas medicinales utilizadas por la población rural del Distrito Qampaya, Departamento de Potosí, Bolivia. Los datos se obtuvieron de 60 informantes mediante una encuesta semiestructurada. Los resultados mostraron que 60 especies de plantas medicinales. pertenecientes a 30 familias botánicas, son conocidas en el área de intervención. Las familias botánicas, más importantes de uso medicinal son Asteraceae (14 especies), seguido de Lamiaceae (7 especies) y Brassicaceae (4 especies). Los problemas predominantes de salud, tratados con estas especies, son los urológicos y trastornos gastrointestinales. La parte de la planta más utilizada son las hojas y la forma más común de uso es en infusión. A pesar de que el conocimiento sobre la utilización de las plantas medicinales, juega un papel importante en la vida de la población rural de Bolivia, quienes utilizan las plantas medicinales para el tratamiento de diversos tipos de enfermedades, este estudio mostró que el 25 por ciento de los encuestados no tienen conocimiento sobre la utilidad medicinal de ninguna especie vegetal. Por otro lado, el 40 por ciento de los informantes conocen 6 o más especies de plantas medicinales.

Levantamento etnobotânico de plantas utilizadas como anti-hiperlipidêmicas e anorexígenas pela população de Nova Xavantina-MT, Brasil / Ethnobotanical survey of plants used as anti-hyperlipidemic and anorexigenic by the population of Nova Xavantina-MT, Brazil

O presente trabalho verificou a utilização de plantas medicinais encontradas no Cerrado mato-grossense para o tratamento de hiperlipidemias e obesidade. Entrevistas com 180 pessoas acima de 50 anos foram realizadas em Nova Xavantina-MT. O questionário abordou nome popular, parte utilizada, forma de preparo e uso das espécies citadas, além de informações gerais sobre o uso de plantas. As dez plantas mais citadas foram coletadas, identificadas e estudadas por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica. A maioria dos entrevistados (95,6 por cento) declarou utilizar plantas medicinais regularmente, sendo que 71,5 por cento deles herdaram o conhecimento sobre plantas dos pais e avós e 94,20 por cento relataram aconselhar o uso aos mais jovens. Além disso, 93,6 por cento atestaram que as plantas são mais eficazes que os medicamentos de farmácia e 57 por cento consideraram forte o efeito das mesmas, ou seja, sempre resolvem o problema de saúde. Quanto aos efeitos adversos, 95,9 por cento disseram nunca ter sentido após o uso de plantas. Dos entrevistados, 56,7 por cento conheciam ou já haviam utilizado plantas medicinais no tratamento de hiperlipidemias e obesidade, sendo citadas 54 espécies medicinais diferentes pertencentes a 53 gêneros e 38 famílias, com destaque para Fabaceae (13 por cento). As dez plantas mais citadas foram: guatambu (Aspidosperma tomentosum Mart.), quina-do-cerrado (Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil.), ipê-roxo [Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl], embaúba (Cecropia pachystachya Trec.), calunga (Simaba sp.), pata-de-vaca [Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud.], mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomez), batata-de-tiú [Jatropha elliptica (Pohl.) Muell. Arg.], folha-de-carne (Casearia sylvestris Sw.) e manacá (Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil.). A folha foi a parte mais utilizada (46 por cento) e o preparo das plantas ocorre principalmente por meio de infusão citado por 36,5 por cento dos entrevistados. Apesar do uso popular destas plantas no combate as hiperlipidemias e obesidade, há necessidade de estudos fitoquímicos e farmacológicos que comprovem estas atividades, com vistas ao desenvolvimento de um fitoterápico.

This study checked the use of medicinal plants found in the Cerrado mato-grossense for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity. Interviews with 180 people over 50 years were held in Nova Xavantina-MT. The questionnaire addressed popular name, part used, type of preparation and use of the species mentioned, beyond general information about the use of plants. The ten plants most cited were collected, identified and studied through a literature review. Most respondents (95.6 percent) said using medicinal plants regularly, while 71.5 percent of them inherited the knowledge of plants of parents and grandparents and 94.20 percent reported the use to advise youngsters. Furthermore, 93.6 percent attested that the plants are more effective than the drugs from pharmacy and 57 percent considered the strong effect of the same, i.e., they always solved health problems. Regarding adverse effects, 95.9 percent said they have never felt them after the use of plants. Of the respondents, 56.7 percent knew or had used medicinal plants in the treatment of hyperlipidemias and obesity, being cited 54 medicinal species belonging to 53 different genera and 38 families, with emphasis on Fabaceae (13 percent). The ten most cited were: guatambu (Aspidosperma tomentosum Mart.), quina-do-cerrado (Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil.), ipê-roxo [Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl], embaúba (Cecropia pachystachya Trec.), calunga (Simaba sp.), pata-de-vaca [Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud.], mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomez), batata-de-tiú [Jatropha elliptica (Pohl.) Muell. Arg.], folha-de-carne (Casearia sylvestris Sw.) and manacá (Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil.). The leaf was the most used (46 percent) and the preparation of the plants occurs mainly through the infusion cited by 36,5 percent of respondents. Despite the popular use of these plants for treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemia, further chemical and pharmacological studies are required to demonstrate these activities, in order to develop a phytotherapic product.