Ethnobotany and diversity of medicinal plants used by the Buyi in eastern Yunnan, China

The Buyi are a socio-linguistic group in Yunnan Province of southwest China that have a long history of using medicinal plants as part of their indigenous medical system.Given the limited written documentation of the Buyi indigenous medical system,the objective of this paper is to document the medicinal plants of the Buyi and associated traditional knowledge and transmission.Field research was conducted in four villages in Lubuge Township of Luoping County in Yunnan Province using ethnobotanical methodologies including participatory observation,semi-structured interviews,key informant interviews,and focus group discussions to elicit information on medicinal plants.In total,120 informants(including 15 key informants who are healers)were interviewed.This study found that a total of 121 medicinal plant species belonging to 64 families are used by the Buyi including by local healers to treat different diseases.Among the medicinal plants recorded in this study,56 species(46%)have not previously been documented in the scientific literature as having medicinal value,highlighting the pressing need for ethnobotanical documentation in indigenous communities.The most frequently used medicinal part was the leaf(24.9%of documented plants),and the most common preparation method was decoction(62.8%of medicinal).Medicinal plants were mainly used to treat rheumatism(12.4%of plants),trauma and injuries(9.6%).The documented plants are also used for other non-medicinal purposes including food,fodder,fencing,and ornamental.In addition,35 of the medicinal plants are considered poisonous and are used by local Buyi healers for medicine.The traditional Buyi beliefs and practices associated with the documented medicinal plants likely contributes to their conservation in the environments and around Buyi communities.This study further highlights that ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Buyi is at risk of disappearing due to increased introduction and use of modern medicine in Buyi communities,livelihood changes,rapid modernization,and urbanization.Research,policy,and community programs are urgently needed to conserve the biocultural diversity associated with the Buyi medical system including ethnobotanical knowledge towards supporting both environmental and human wellbeing.

Ethnobotany, Pharmacology and Phytochemical Investigations of the Seeds of <i>Pentaclethra macrophylla</i>Benth (Mimosaceae)

Phytochemical investigation of the seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla led to the isolation of a mixture of two new aromatic monoterpene glycosides, pentamacrophylloside A (1a) and pentamacrophylloside B (1b), together with six known secondary metabolites: Comososide (2), secopentaclethroside (3), caffeoylputrescine (4), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), 2-hydroxymethyl-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)phenol (6), and sucrose (7). Their structures were elucidated mainly by extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry and by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds. The extracts and compounds 3 and 4 were screened for their antimicrobial activity. The n-BuOH fraction showed a weak effect against three microbial strains: Candida albicans (MIC: 256 μg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis (MIC: 512 μg/mL), and Proteus mirabilis (MIC: 512 μg/mL) while no significant inhibition was observed for pure compounds when compared to ketoconazole and ciprofloxacin used as references. Furthermore, the ethnobotany and pharmacology of this plant are reviewed, and the chemophenetic significance of the isolation of the above secondary metabolites is discussed. This is the first report on the isolation of aromatic monoterpenoids from a plant of the genus Pentaclethra.

Ecological Analysis of Leontice L. Species Distributed in the Navoi Region, Kyzyl-Kum Desert (Uzbekistan)

Leontice L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Berberidaceae family. Our research was conducted in Navoi region. The article presents an ecological analysis of Leontice L. species in the Navoi region. The genus Leontice grows mainly in mountainous areas and some are distributed in arid climates. According to the information that 2 species have been identified in Navoi region, these species are plants with flavanoids healing properties. Leontice species have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times in ethnobotany. The presence of this species was discovered during the research and Leontice has identified numerous unique compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with potential medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral effects. According to ecological analysis, the Leontice genus thrives on stony, gravelly, and fine-grained mountain slopes and ridges, foothills, mountains, rocks, colorful rock outcrops, rocky slopes, and sandy, clay, and gravel deserts.

Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.-a review on its ethnobotany,pharmacognosy and pharmacological profile

Different parts of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.(Apocynaceae)(W.tinctoria),have been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda,Siddha and Unani for the treatment of jaundice,malaria,psoriasis and many other ailments.The present review has been primed to describe the existing data on the information on the traditional uses,botany,pharmacognosy,phytochemical constituents,pharmacological activities and toxicology of W.tinctoria.The information was gathered via electronic search(using Google Scholar,NOPR,Pubmed,Elsevier,Medline Plus and Web of Science)and library search for the books on traditional medicine as well as the articles published in peer-reviewed journals.The plant is rich in compounds containing alkaloids,saponins,indoxy yielding O-glycoside(s),phenolics,flavonoids,isatin tryptanthrin,anthranillate,rutin,β-isatin,tryptophan,indigotin,indirubin,wrightial and sterols.The vast number of literature found in database revealed that the extracts of different parts of W.tinctoria showed significant pharmacological actions.Clinical studies indicated a broad range of applications in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases.We suggest that there is a need for further investigations to isolate active principles that confer pharmacological action.Therefore,identification of such active compound is useful for producing safer drugs in the treatments of various ailments.

Botanical drugs for bruises used in the Xiangxi region of China, a place rich in martial culture

Background:Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture,located in Hunan Province,China,is a culturally rich region with a diverse population.The locals have a deep martial arts history and possess a wealth of traditional knowledge for treating bruises.Methods:In order to investigate this topic,we conducted ethnobotanical studies by visiting local medicinal markets and conducting interviews.Results:We identified 43 botanical drugs used for treating bruises,categorized into four types:sprains,contusions,strains,and bone injuries.The local people typically prefer to mash these botanical drugs freshly or make medicinal wine for external use.Treatment often involves a combination of drugs to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis,with medications to dispel rheumatism,clear heat,and detoxify,tailored to the humid climate and high precipitation in mountainous areas.Based on the fidelity level values,the local plant resources with high acceptance,utilization,or potential value in the treatment of bruises included Sargentodoxa cuneata,Lycopodium japonicum,Dioscorea cirrhosa,Panax japonicus,Achyranthes bidentata,Lysimachia heterogenea and so on.Conclusion:Herbal medicine and related knowledge for treating bruises are diverse and rich in the Xiangxi region.However,the local traditional medicinal knowledge faces challenges regarding inheritance due to regional modernization.Therefore,it is crucial to protect and further study this knowledge in the future.

Evaluation of the Insecticidal Activity of Powders of Ageratum conyzoide L. Leaves and Roots of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen on the Germination Rate of Cowpea Infected with Callosobruchus maculatus

Cowpea is a vegetable that contributes to food security in Guinea. Despite its importance, more than 30% of its production is lost between harvesting, storage and consumption. The main cowpea pest is Callosobruchus maculatus. The commonly used control strategy is essentially based on chemicals whose use is toxic, expensive and restrictive. In the search for alternatives to chemical control, this work was undertaken to evaluate the insecticidal potential of Ageratum conyzoid leaf powders and Securidaca longepedunculata roots. Powder toxicity and insecticidal efficacy tests were performed separately on groups of 20 Callosobruchus maculatus using 3 doses of Ageratum conyzoid leaf powders and Securidaca longepedunculata roots in jars each containing 100 g cowpea. The mortality of Callosobruchus maculatus and the impact of powders were noted respectively for 96 h and 4 months after infestation. The germination capacity of the treated seeds was assessed at the start of the study. Doses of 1 and 8 g of Ageratum conyzoides leaf powders and Securidaca longepedunculata roots were applied respectively to every 100 g of cowpea and led to 100% mortality of Callosobruchus maculatus. At these same doses, more than half of the treated seeds were attacked during the 4 months of storage. Germination tests have shown that powders of Ageratum conyzoides leaves and roots of Securidaca longepedunculata have no negative effect on the germination power of cowpea seeds. Therefore, they could be considered as excellent bio-insecticides that socio-professional strata (farmers and warehouse workers) can use in the fight against cowpea insects intended for storage.

An ethnobotanical study of forage plants in Zhuxi County in the Qinba mountainous area of central China

In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the selection of forage plant species for pig farming by local people.This study aimed to identify the forage plants used for pig feeding and to catalog indigenous knowledge regarding their use.During 2016 and 2017,ethnobotanical surveys and inventories were conducted in Zhuxi County,Hubei Province,China.Data were collected using semi-structured interviews,key informant reports,free listings,guided field walks,and participatory observations with 77 households in 16 villages in 13 towns/townships.The obtained data were analyzed using a relative frequency citation(RFC)index.Overall,145 wild forage plants from 91 genera and 31 families were recorded.The most cited families were Asteraceae,Polygonaceae,Urticaceae,Amaranthaceae,Fabaceae,Cruciferae,Caryophyllaceae,and Lamiaceae.Whole plants(75.9%)and tender leaves(12.4%)were the most frequently used parts of the plants.Most of the forage plants were herbaceous(88.9%).Almost all forage plants could be collected throughout the year(62.7%).Raw and cooked were the two main preparation methods.The most frequently cited species were Taraxacum mongolicum,Bidens pilosa,Sonchus oleraceus,Pilea verrucosa,and Pilea pumila var.obtusifolia.A total of 14 species were identified as the top forage plants in Zhuxi County based on their RFC values(RFC value greater than 0.5).Local people possess rich traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of forage plants for pig feeding.However,the maintenance of this traditional knowledge may be seriously threatened by changes in pig feeding modes and the lack of successors.Appropriate strategies and action plans have been suggested for the conservation of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and the sustainable use of forage species resources.These include 1)taking targeted measures to protect forage resources and associated traditional knowledge;2)strengthening research on the forage plants with the highest RFC values for nutritional value,digestibility,other functions,and ecological status;and 3)enhancing the identification of poisonous forage plants.

Paederia foetida- a promising ethno-medicinal tribal plant of northeastern India

The northeastern region of India constitutes one of the biodi- versity hotspots of the world. The ethnic groups inhabiting this region practice their distinctive traditional knowledge systems using biodiver- sity for food, shelter and healthcare. Among the less-studied plants, Paederia foetida has been used by various ethnic tribes as food and medicine. Many of its therapeutic properties relate to the gastrointestinal system and suggest its potential utility for gastrointestinal ailments. This is a review of the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic properties of P. foetida compiled from various reports. P. foetida is promising as a remedy for life-style related conditions, especially treat- ment of ulcers. Its utility highlights the need for proper evaluation of tribal plants as medicines and the species could be considered for devel- opment of new drugs.

Ethnobotanical inventory and folk uses of indigenous plants from Pir Nasoora National Park,Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Objective:To document the medicinal and other folk uses of native plants of the area with a view to preserve the ethnobotanical knowledge associated with this area.Methods:The fieldwork was conducted during a period of one year.Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews with indigenous tribal people and traditional health practitioners residing in the study area.Results:The present study documented ethnobotanical uses of 104 plant species belonged to93 genera and 51 families.Results revealed that most of the documented species were used medicinally(78 spp..44.07%).Leaves were found to be the most frequently used part(69 spp..42.86%) for the preparation of indigenous recipes and for fodder.Conclusions:The current research contributes significantly to the ethnobotanical knowledge.and depicts a strong human-plant interaction.There is an urgent need to further document indigenous uses of plants for future domestication.

Ethnobotanical profiling of the medicinal flora of Kotli,Azad Jammu and Kashmir,Pakistan:Empirical reflections on multinomial logit specifications

Objective:To report the indigenous people's uses of plants from a multidimensional perspective in a remote area where strong ethnobotanical cultural practices prevail. Methods:An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the field during 2014-2016. Ethnobotanical data were gathered from 182 informants through oral interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. The distribution of plants was explored using both descriptive and graphical methods. Further,a Multinomial Logit Specification was applied to find out the probability of the occurrence of diverse utilization of plants in multipurpose domains. Results:The study identified 202 plant species distributed among 71 families and 156 genera. Ethnobotanical data indicate that there are more medicinal(36.96%) uses of plants as compared to all other use categories. The output from the Multinomial Logit Specifications(MLS) model reveals that perennial and non-woody plants are exploited more for medicinal and food uses than annual and woody plants. In the context of ethnomedicinal uses,aerial plant parts particularly leaves are more extensively used for the preparation of herbal recipes as compared to underground parts. Conclusions:The results of the study emphasize the need to create awareness among the local communities about the conservation status of plant species in order to maintain a sustainable resource of plant-derived materials into the future. The novel econometric approach employed in this study adds a new insightful methodology to the existing body of literature in the field of ethnobotany. We strongly recommend conservation measures,alongside phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the useful plant species identified in this study in order to ensure their sustainable and effective utilization.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Güce district,north-eastern Turkey

This study aims to identify medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diseases by local people living in Güce district,north-eastern Turkey.The study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 using a two-part semi-structured,open-ended questionnaire with 165 local people.Data were analysed using use-report,frequency of citation,and informant consensus factor.Informants identified 128 vascular medicinal plant taxa belonging to 54 families and 106 genera.The most common plant taxa belong to Rosaceae(16 taxa/12.5%),Asteraceae(12 taxa/9.4%),and Lamiaceae(9 taxa/7%)families.The most frequently used preparation method reported was decoction(39.8%);the most commonly utilized plant parts were leaves(40.3%).Statistical analysis reveals that women in Güce district(df?163,p?0.043<0.05)possess the most traditional knowledge.The highest frequency of citation(61)and use report(92)were recorded for Tilia rubra subsp.caucasica,and the highest informant consensus factors were cited for respiratory system disorders(0.86),digestive system disorders(0.73),and skin disorders(0.71).This study reported nine plant taxa as medicinal plants for the first time,and documented a total of 293 new therapeutic uses.However,the study indicates that the transfer of traditional knowledge to future generations is limited(F?3.355,p?0.020).Action should be taken as soon as possible to preserve existing traditional knowledge and to ensure its transfer to future generations.

Local Knowledge on Plants and Domestic Remedies in the Mountain Villages of Peshkopia(Eastern Albania)

Ethnobotanical studies in the Balkans are crucial for fostering sustainable rural development in the region and also for investigating the dynamics of change of Traditional Ecological Knowledge(TEK),which has broad-sweeping implications for future biodiversity conservation efforts.A survey of local botanical and medical knowledge and practices was conducted in four mountainous villages of the Peshkopia region in northeast Albania,near the Macedonian border.Snowball sampling techniques were employed to recruit 32 informants for participation in semi-structured interviews regarding the use of the local flora for food,medicinal,veterinary and ritual purposes.The uses of 84 botanical taxa were recorded as well as a number of other folk remedies for the treatment of both humans and livestock.Comparison of the collected data with another ethnobotanical field study recently conducted among Albanians living on the Macedonian side of Mount Korab shows a remarkable divergence in medicinal plant uses,thus confirming the crucial role played by the history of the last century in transforming TEK.Most noteworthy,as a legacy of the Communist period,a relevant number of wild medicinal taxa are still gathered only for trade rather than personal/familial use.This may lead to unsustainable exploitation of certain taxa(i.e.Orchis and Gentiana spp.) and presents some important conservation challenges.Appropriate development and environmental educational frameworks should aim to reconnect local people to the perception of limitation and renewability of botanical resources.

Folk nomenclature of plants in Cistanche deserticola-associated community in South Gobi, Mongolia

Cistanche deserticola is an important medicinal plant in Mongolia.Despite its significant role in local healing systems,little traditional knowledge had been reported.The present study investigated folk names of C.deserticola and other species of the same community in Umnugobi Province,South Gobi region of Mongolia,based on ethnobotanical approaches.The high correspondence between folk names and scientific names of plant species occurring in Cistanche-associated community shows the scientific meaning of folk nomenclature and classification in Mongolia.The Mongolian and folk names of plants were formed on the basis of observations and understanding of wild plants including their morphology,phenology and traditional uses as well.Results from this study will support the conservation of C.deserticola itself,a rare and endangered plant species listed in the Monglian Red Data Book.Our documentation of folk nomenclature based on 96 plant species in the Cistanche community,as a part of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity,will be very helpful for making strategy of plant biodiversity conservation in Mongolia.

A Bioactivity Versus Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants from Nigeria, West Africa

Traditional medicinal practices play a key role in health care systems in countries with developing economies.The aim of this survey was to validate the use of traditional medicine within local Nigerian communities.In this review,we examine the ethnobotanical uses of selected plant species from the Nigerian flora and attempt to correlate the activities of the isolated bioactive principles with known uses of the plant species in African traditional medicine.Thirty-three(33)plant species were identified and about 100 out of the 120 compounds identified with these plants matched with the ethnobotanical uses of the plants.

Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Though considered an agricultural country,the Philippines is the world’s largest importer of rice.The persistent problem of insufficient rice supply,however,has been exacerbated by economic crises and natural calamities.Yet,for the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province,the Philippines,the rich agrobiodiversity and wild edible plants are vital for food security and resilience since the mountainous terrain in this province presents a challenge for rice cultivation.To gain insight from the indigenous edible plant knowledge of the Higaonon tribe,we conducted an ethnobotanical research to document the diversity,utilization,and biocultural refugia of both cultivated and wild edible plants.A total of 76 edible plant species belonging to 62 genera and 36 botanical families were documented.The most represented botanical families included the Fabaceae,Solanaceae,and Zingiberaceae.In terms of dietary usage,3 species were categorized as cereals;8 species were white roots,tubers,and plantains;3 species were vitamin A-rich vegetables and tubers;16 species were green leafy vegetables;12 species were categorized as other vegetables;2 species were vitamin A-rich fruits;27 species were classified as other fruits;7 species were legumes,nuts,and seeds;and 8 species were used as spices,condiments,and beverages.Using the statistical software R with ethnobotanyR package,we further calculated the ethnobotanical indices(use-report(UR),use-value(UV),number of use(NU),and fidelity level(FL))from 1254 URs in all 9 food use-categories.The species with the highest UV and UR were from a variety of nutrient-rich edible plants such as Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.,Musa species,Colocasia esculenta(L.)Schott,Zea mays L.,and Manihot esculenta Crantz.The extensive utilization of root and tuber crops along with corn and plantain that contain a higher amount of energy and protein,carbohydrates,minerals,and vitamins were shown to be an important nutrient-rich alternatives to rice.Whilst males appeared to be more knowledgeable of edible plant species collected from the forests and communal areas,there were no significant differences between males and females in terms of knowledge of edible plants collected from homegardens,riverbanks,and farms.The various food collection sites of the Higaonon tribe may be considered as food biocultural refugia given their socio-ecological function in food security,biodiversity conservation,and preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Ethnobotanics of Certain Medicinal Plants of Bukhara Region (Uzbekistan)

The article presents data on the ethnobotanical characteristics of 12 species of medicinal and food plants in the Bukhara region, where the climatic conditions are specific, hot and dry. These plants were used by the local population in ancient times and now as food and natural remedies. As a result of the study, data on the use of medicinal plants in food were collected on the basis of surveys of rural residents, housewives and elderly people of the city of Bukhara and the region. It is worth noting that due to the demand of the modern era, the study of the nutritional and therapeutic aspects of medicinal plants that grow naturally, their scientific and practical significance, determines the possibility of their use in folk medicine.

Ethnobotanical and phytopharmacological review of Scindapsus officinalis(“Gajapippali”)

Scindapsus of ficinalis(S. officinalis) holds a reputed position in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It has been ethanobotanically used to treat diarrhea("atisara"), worm infestation("krmiroga"), and as antipyretic. Literature survey on S. officinalis was carried out via electronic search in Pub Med, Sci Finder, Scirus, Google Scholar, Agricola and Web of Science and a library search. Results revealed that a very specific botanical description of the plant is still not available. The plant is mistaken within the hybrids and other plants of genus Scindapsus and family Araceae. Since ethnobotanically the plant is of much importance, chemistry of the plant yet needs to be fully explored. Thus the need of the hour is to comprehend the fragmented information available on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of S. officinalis which could help in the correct identification of the sample and avoid adulteration due to mistaken identity.

Plant studies in the first Himalayan Biosphere Reserve: a review

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve(NDBR) was declared as the first Himalayan Biosphere Reserve owing to its unique biological and cultural wealth. Its core zones, Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park, are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. In spite of lying at a high altitude, interplay of factors such as unique geographical location, climate, topography and wide altitudinal variations have endowed NDBR with a rich and diverse flora. Proportionately high percentage of endemic and near endemic plants makes NDBR a very important protected area from conservation point of view. However, its floristic wealth is facing unprecedented threats in the form of climate change and growing anthropogenic pressure. Hence, a need was felt to assess the directionality, quality and sufficiency of past and ongoing research for the conservation of floral and ethnobotanical wealth of NDBR in the absence of any such previous attempt. Based on an extensive review of more than 150 plant studies on NDBR, this communication provides a detailed account of the current state of knowledge and information gaps on flora, vegetation ecology, rare, endangered, threatened(RET) and endemic plants and ethnobotany. Priority research areas and management measures are discussed for the conservation of its unique floral wealth. Incomplete floral inventorization, lack of biodiversity monitoring, meagre studies on lower plant groups, population status of medicinal plants, habitat assessment of threatened taxa and geo-spatial analysis of alpine vegetation were identified as areas of immediate concern.

Sacred groves of India:repositories of a rich heritage and tools for biodiversity conservation

Sacred groves preserve a rich religious and socio-cultural heritage of Indian biodiversity from primeval times,due to their values.They act as a bridge between man and nature.Groves help to improve soil quality,replenish water resources and are pivotal for biodiversity conservation of plants and animals including rare,endemic,threatened,vulnerable species and ethnobotanical species.Most of India's sacred groves are associated with a deity or a spiritual being,who protects the grove and local people.Vegetation cover of these groves has traditional ethnobotanical value,especially in the field of ethnomedicine,which accounts for the conservation of groves over the years.Numerous plant species from sacred groves are used according to tradition and culture to prevent or cure various health problems.However,modernisation,industrialisation,increased encroachment and misuse of forest resources increasingly threaten sacred groves.These treasures of nature must be conserved by formulating and applying new laws and policies while creating awareness among people about the value of sacred groves.Toward this aim,we review the distribution,ecological and socio-cultural significance of sacred groves of India and strategies to conserve them.

Ethnobotanical profiling and floristic diversity of Bana Valley, Kotli(Azad Jammu and Kashmir), Pakistan

Objective: To document the medicinal and other folk uses of native plants of the Bana Valley of district of Kotli-Azad Jammu Kashmir with a view to preserve the ethnobotanical knowledge of this area and to develop an ethnobotanical inventory of the species diversity.Methods: The fieldwork was conducted during a period of one year. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire and interview of the informants including indigenous people, tribal people, and traditional health practitioners residing in the study area.Results: The present study documented etnobotanical uses of 86 plant species belonging to81 genera and 47 families. This study revealed that most of the species were used medicinally(74 spp; 42.29%). Leaves found to be the most frequently used part(56 spp., 36.13%) for preparation of indigenous recipes and fodder purpose.Conclusions: The current research provides a huge lump of ethnobotanical knowledge and depicts strong human-plant interaction. It is an urgent need to document indigenous uses of plants for future domestication.