Medicinal plants used by tribal population of Coochbehar district,West Bengal,India–an ethnobotanical survey

ObjectiveTo explore traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of different tribes of Coochbehar district of West Bengal, India, and its present status.MethodsWith the help of standardized questionnaires, traditional healers and resource persons were interviewed on medicinal use of local flora in all the tribal villages of Coochbehar district during July, 2007 to December, 2009 and some of the places were revisited for this purpose again during July to December of 2012.ResultsA total of 46 plant species belonging to 42 genera and 27 families were reported to be used for treating 33 various physical ailments. In terms of the number of medicinal plant species, Fabaceae (5 species) and Euphorbiaceae (4 species) are dominant families. Among different plant parts used for the preparation of medicine, leaves were most frequently used for the treatment of diseases.ConclusionsIn all tribal villages we found the use of medicinal plants, particularly to treat common physical problems like smaller injuries, stomachache and abdominal disorder. However, non-availability of such plants in close vicinity is imposing restriction on using medicinal plants. Further research on these species may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules in one hand and also it may open up a new horizon of sustainable development.     

Ethnobotanical survey of folklore plants used in treatment of snakebite in Paschim Medinipur district,West Bengal

ObjectiveTo investigate and collect information from traditional health healers/tribal communities on the use of medicinal plants for treatment of snakebite.MethodsThe ethno-medicinal study was conducted in 8 villages of the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal in 2012-2013 through questionnaire and personal interviews. Following the method of Martin, information about medicinal plants used in snake bite, precise plant parts used, methods of treatment and administration was enquired from the tribal communities (Santhals, Mundas, Lodhas, Bhumijs, Oraon Kherias) of the region.ResultsThe present study enumerates 20 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 16 families used by the tribal communities and medicinal healers of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal in treatment of snakebite. Each plant species has been listed alphabetically according to its botanical name, family, vernacular name, part(s) used, mode of preparation/administration.ConclusionsThe importance of traditional medicinal system among the tribal communities of Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal has been highlighted in the present study.     

Ethnomedicinal plants used in the treatment of skin diseases in Hyderabad Karnataka region,Karnataka, India

Objective

To document traditional medicinal plants knowledge used in treating skin diseases at Hyderabad Karnataka Region.

Methods

The information on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of skin diseases was gathered from traditional herbal healers and other villagers through interviews.

Results

A total of 60 plants species belonging to 57 genera and 34 families were found useful and herewith described them along with the method of drug preparation, mode of administration, probable dosage and duration of treatment. Several new findings on the traditional rural practices were reported.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that the Hyderabad Karnataka rural people is primarily dependent on medicinal plants for treating skin diseases.     

Potential of Malawi's medicinal plants in Covid-19 disease management: A review

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered an international pandemic that has led to significant public health problems. To date, limited evidence exists to suggest that drugs are effective against the disease. As possible treatments are being investigated, herbal medicines have shown potential for producing novel antiviral agents for the COVID-19 disease.AimThis review explored the potential of Malawi''s traditional medicinal plants for the management of COVID-19.MethodsThe authors searched on PubMed and Google scholar for medicinal plants that are used in Malawi and published in openly available peer reviewed journals. Plants linked with antiviral treatment, anti-COVID-19 activity or COVID-19 symptoms management were targeted. These included activity against pneumonia, inflammation, cough, difficulty in breathing, pain/aches, fever, diarrhoea, rheumatism, fatigue, asthma, immunocompromised and cardiovascular diseases.Results11 studies were found with 306 plant species. 127 plant species had at least one COVID-19 related pharmacological activity. Of these plant species, the number of herbal entities used for each indication was: pain/aches (87), fever (2), pneumonia (9), breathing/asthma problems (5), coughing (11), diarrhoea (1), immunosuppression (8), blood issues (10), fatigue (2), heart problems (11), inflammation (8), rheumatism (10) and viral diseases (12). Thirty (30) species were used for more than one disease and Azedarachta indica topped the list (6 of the 13 COVID-19 related diseases). The majority of the species had phytochemicals known to have antiviral activity or mechanisms of actions linked to COVID-19 and consequent diseases'' treatment pathways.ConclusionMedicinal plants are a promising source of compounds that can be used for drug development of COVID-19 related diseases. This review highlights potential targets for the World Health Organization and other research entities to explore in order to assist in controlling the pandemic.     

Ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of cuts and wounds by Kuruma tribes,Wayanadu districts of Kerala,India

ObjectiveTo study the ethnomedicinal uses by the Kuruma tribals for discovering new drugs to cure cuts and wounds so as to provid the data scientifically evaluated.MethodsA survey was conducted during May 2008–September 2009 to collect information on medicinal plants used by the Kuruma tribes and queries were made on the various species of plants used regularly and occasionally to cure cuts and wounds.ResultsThe present study includes information on 34 plant species belonging to 32 genera and 25 families used by Kuruma tribe of Wayanad district of Kerala for the treatment of cuts and wounds.ConclusionsThe present study of the knowledge on the folklore uses of the medicinal plants used by Kuruma tribes leads to effective utilization of herbal medicines in the future.     

A study on traditional medicinal plants of Uthapuram,Madurai District,Tamilnadu, South India

Objective

To record the medicinal plants of Uthapuram Village, Madurai district, Tamilnadu, South India for the first time and the usage of these medicinal plants to remediate the diseases among the peoples.

Methods

Explorative field trips were made to the village for about twelve months from April 2012 to May 2013 to survey the medicinal plants and collect the information from the villagers.

Results

From this study 52 species of valuable medicinal plants belonging to 36 families were recorded and their ethnomedicinal values were collected from the village peoples.

Conclusion

This study focuses the importance, utilization and conservation of the medicinal plants among the people.     

中药川乌多成分同时检测及药动学评价研究进展

<正>川乌为毛茛科植物乌头(Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.)的干燥母根,有大毒,具有祛风除湿、温经止痛之功效,常用于风寒湿痹、关节疼痛、心腹冷痛等疾病的治疗[1]。川乌化学成分复杂,主要含有生物碱类成分,其中,二萜生物碱是川乌的特征有效成分,具有抗炎、镇痛、镇静、心血管及中枢神经等方面的作用[2-7]。近年来,对二萜生物碱的国内外研究报道较多,现主要从多种二萜生物碱成分的同时检测、药动学研究进展等方面对其作一综述。1二萜生物碱类化学成分川乌中二萜生物碱具有显著的生理活性。根据     

Ethnobotanical inventory and medicinal uses of some important woody plant species of Kotli,Azad Kashmir,Pakistan

To document ethnobotanical informations of useful woody plant species in the region of Kotli, Azad Kashmir.MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Kotli. Data were collected by interview and semi structured questionnaire from selected local informants and traditional practitioners as well as by field assessment.ResultsThe present study documented the etnobotanical uses of 33 woody plant species. Most of the species have been used for dual purpose. Only 5 species are used for one purpose. Study revealed all species have medicinal value, among which 21 were used as fuel wood species, 16 as fodder species, 4 as timber wood species, 12 as edible fruit species, 6 as fence or hedge plant, 7 as ornamental species and 12 species had other uses.ConclusionsMedicinal plants are still widely used for health care by locals of Kotli. Some species of woodlands seem to be vulnerable to overcollection and deforestation. As the young generation is diverted toward allelopathic medicines, ethnobotanical knowledges of important medicinal plants are restricted to the old people only. It is suggested to close the forest of district Kotli for next two to three decades for the conservation of plant biodiversity.     

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China

Objective To document the knowledge and the use of indigenous medicinal plants by traditional healers in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Data were collected from 112 randomly-selected interviewees using semi- structured interviews in wild herbal plant collected from 2007 to 2010. The data from the interviewees were analyzed with two quantitative tools. With the informant consensus factor, the information homology was evaluated and with the fidelity level the most important species from the categories were found. Results One hundred and fifty-two species belonging to 112 genera in 48 families with medicinal values were recorded. The reported medicinal plants species were used to treat 63 kinds of diseases. And the medicinal plants in this district possessed significant potentials for their pharmacological activities in the context of ethnopharmacological knowledge, especially in the treatments of gastrointestinal, dermatological, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion In this work, 152 medicinal plants with their ethnopharmacological information are reported. This study demonstrates that many species play an important role in healing practices among inhabitants from Baotou. More ethnopharmacological information of Mongolian medicinal plants should be gathered and documented in further studies, which is a fundamental step toward developing efficacious natural drugs for various diseases.     

DNA条形码序列对9种蒿属药用植物的鉴定

目的 采用DNA条形码序列对9种常见的蒿属药用植物进行鉴定,为常见蒿属药用植物的鉴定提供分子依据。方法 对9种常见蒿属药用植物的4条候选DNA条形码序列（ITS2、rbcL、matK、psbA-trnH）进行PCR扩增和测序,比较各序列的扩增和测序效率,应用BLAST1、Distance方法来评估各序列的鉴定效率。此外,基于MEGA5分析9种常见蒿属药用植物ITS2序列种间K2P遗传距离并构建NJ树。结果 除matK外,其余3条片段的PCR扩增和测序效率均为100%,ITS2序列对9种蒿属药用植物的物种水平鉴定成功率最高,为100%,而psbA-trnH、rbcL、matK、matK＋rbcL的鉴定成功率（BLAST1法）分别为83.3%、66.7%、54.5%、75%。通过ITS2序列的种间K2P遗传距离及NJ树均能将不同物种全部区分。结论 ITS2序列可以作为鉴定蒿属药用植物的潜在条形码。     

In-vitro antimicrobial activity screening of some ethnoveterinary medicinal plants traditionally used against mastitis,wound and gastrointestinal tract complication in Tigray Region,Ethiopia

Objective

To screen the antibacterial activity of nine ethnoveterinary plants traditionally used for the treatment of mastitis, wound and gastrointestinal complications.

Methods

Hydroalcoholic exctracts of medicinal plants namely, Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) L. (Family Asparagaceae), Ficus caria (F. caria) (Family Moraceae), Malvi parviflora (M. parviflora) (Family Malvaceae), Vernonia species (V. species) (local name Alakit, Family Asteraceae), Solanum hastifolium (S. hastifolium) (Family Solanaceae), Calpurinia aurea (C. aurea) (Ait) Benth (Family Fabaceae), Nicotiana tabacum (N. tabacum) L. (Family Solanaceae), Ziziphus spina-christi (Z. spina-christi) (Family Rhamnaceae), Croton macrostachys (C. macrostachys) (Family Euphorbiaceae), were screened against clinical bacterial isolates of veterinary importance from October 2007 to April 2009. The antibacterial activity was tested using disc diffusion at two concentrations (200 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL) and broth dilution methods using 70% methanol macerated leaf extracts.

Results

With the exception of S. hastifolium all plant extracts exhibited antibacterial activity. Among the medicinal plants tested C. aurea, C. macrostachyus, A. aspera, N. tabacum and vernonia species (Alakit) showed the most promising antimicrobial properties.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that many of the tested plants have antibacterial activity and supports the traditional usage of the plants for mastitis, wound and gastrointestinal complications treatment. Further studies into their toxicity and phytochemistry is advocated.     

云南省药用种子植物的药用功效和药用部位统计分析

目的：对云南省药用种子植物的资源状况进行深入了解,并为保护和合理利用提供基础资料。方法：根据相关文献资料并结合野外调查,建立云南野生药用种子植物资源数据库。结果：该数据库共收集药用种子植物220个科,1416属,4203种。其中草本2209种、灌木801种、乔木716种、藤本379种,并从药用功效和药用部位进行了统计分析。结论：经统计分析发现,云南药用种子植物资源丰富,药用种类在各科中的分布是不均衡的,即与全国的分布特点相似,又具有自身特点;药用功效类型多样,范围广泛,较多地受到少数民族用药传统的影响;从药用部位上看,以传统利用方式为主,破坏了药用植物资源的生物多样性。     

海南特有维管植物的药用资源

目的:研究海南特有维管植物的药用资源,以开发海南天然药物。方法:对海南特有维管植物进行资料研究和资源调查,以分析其药用价值。结果:海南共有特有维管植物101科620种,重点论述了33种特有药用植物的生境分布、特点及其药用价值。结论:海南特有维管种类药用植物具有丰富的生物多样性和重要的药用价值,应给予积极保护和利用。     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of hydromethanolic extracts of some medicinal species from South Algeria

BackgroundPhytochemicals are found in abundance at different levels in many medicinal plants. It is important to measure the total phenolic compounds correctly in such medicinal plants, the better to assess their antioxidant capacity.MethodsOur study sought to evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of three Algerian medicinal plants: Echium pycnanthum Pomel, Haloxylon articulatum Boiss, and Solenostemma oleifolium Bull. & Bruce. We employed six different testing methods to help ascertain whether these compounds have an antioxidant capacity, including total antioxidant capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid⁺, β-carotene, reducing, and chelating assays.ResultsOur study showed that these medicinal plants exhibited significantly different total polyphenol contents varying from 27.3 ± 2.1 mg to 120.3 ± 5.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight. The phenolic content in H. articulatum was superior to those in E. pycnanthum and S. oleifolium. The same tendency was observed for the relative amounts of flavonoids and condensed tannins in the three medicinal plants. The antioxidant activities varied greatly among the different plants used in this study. Indeed, H. articulatum shoots exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, with the lowest IC₅₀ (6.3 ± 0.25 μg/mL) and EC₅₀ (0.21 ± 0.01 mg/mL) values for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and iron reducing tests, respectively. In addition, the superiority of this plant was more marked as compared to positive controls. Strong and positive correlations were found between phenolic classes and antioxidant activities with a correlation coefficient reaching R ≥ 0.99.ConclusionThis investigation confirmed that several medicinal herbs from South Algeria possess high in vitro antioxidant potency. Overall, our results can be considered very promising in the continuing effort to utilize plant species successfully for medicinal purposes in humans, providing further justification for the hypothesis that phenolic compounds in these plants can provide substantial antioxidant activity.     

Antioxidant activity and phenol and flavonoid contents of eight medicinal plants from Western Nepal

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoids contents of selected medicinal plants form the Western region of Nepal.MethodsThe antioxidant activity of selected medicinal plants were determined by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity; total ferric ion reducing ability through spectroscopic analysis. The content of total phenols was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, whereas Aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for flavonoid determination.ResultsExtracts of Syzygium Operculatus (87%), Astilbe Rivularis (83%) and Mallotus Philippnensis (88%) showed significant free radical scavenging activity with effective concentration (EC₅₀) close to that of ascorbic acid. Syzygium Operculatus (96%), Astilbe Rivularis (97%) and Mallotus Philippnensis (97%) had potent reducing power in concentration dependent fashion. Those plant extract with higher free radical scavenging and ferric reducing effect also showed the greater content of both phenols and flavonoids, suggesting the correlation between polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Those plant extracts which showed better antioxidant activity assays, also demonstrated higher total phenol and flavonoid contents. These three plants showed the presence of higher amount of phenols and flavonoids.ConclusionThis study may provide the scientific basis for the traditional use of those plants and may provide valuable idea for further research.     

An ethnopharmacological survey of natural remedies used by the Chinese community in Mauritius

ObjectiveTo collect, preserve and document primary ethnopharmacological information on common natural remedies (NRs) used by the Chinese community to treat and/or manage common diseases in Mauritius, a tropical multicultural island in the Indian Ocean.MethodsFace-to-face interviews were carried out with 52 key Chinese informants using a semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, namely, the informant consensus factor (F_IC), the use value, the fidelity level, the index of agreement on remedies and the relative importance were calculated.ResultsPlants (61) and animal species (17), belonging to 43 and 9 families respectively, constituted the exploited flora and fauna by the Chinese community. Based on the F_IC the main categories of plants used were employed against injury and poisons due to external causes (F_IC=0.97), diseases of the respiratory system (F_IC=0.96), diseases of the eye and adnexa (F_IC=0.95), undefined pains or illness (F_IC=0.95), diseases during the postpartum period, diseases of the digestive system and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (F_IC=0.94 each). For zootherapy, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the eye and adnexa, diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases had total consensus (F_IC=1.00).ConclusionsIt was found that the Chinese community of Mauritius still relies, to a great extent, on NRs which need to be preserved and used sustainably. Nonetheless, further research is needed to probe the possible active constituents that could be the basis of an evidence-based investigation to discover new drugs.     

A recent review on phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum (Polygonum minus Huds.)

Medicinal plants and herbal preparations are gaining renowned interest in scientific communities nowadays due to their reliable pharmacological actions and affordability to common people which makes them effective in control of various diseases. Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) locally known as kesum is an aromatic plant commonly used in Malay delicacies. The plant is having potential applications due to its high volatile oil constituents in perfumes and powerful antioxidant activity. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments including dandruff. The research has been carried out by various researchers using different in vitro and in vivo models for biological evaluations to support these claims. This review paper may help upcoming research activities on Polygonum minus by giving up to date information on the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum to a possible extent with relevant data.     

基于ITS序列对独活17个种的分子鉴定

目的 通过对17个种共26个独活样本的ITS序列分析,为国内中药市场上的常见独活的分子鉴定提供依据,并探索其科学分类标准。方法 对26个样本的ITS进行PCR扩增和测序。通过MEGA 5.0软件比较各序列间的差异性,计算K2P遗传距离;采用邻接法构建NJ系统树并应用Network 4.2.0.1软件进行中间连接网法分析构建单倍型网状图。结果 NJ系统树和单倍型网状图显示,26个样本聚集为5大类群,综合分析后将17种独活归为4大类;重齿毛当归Angelica pubescens的ITS序列具有特征碱基片段,可明显区别于其他样本;除牛尾独活类中3个样本不能通过ITS序列鉴定到种以外,其他样本均可以通过ITS序列鉴定到种。结论 ITS序列可为药用独活的鉴定和分类提供有力证据,四带芹类可以作为独活的首选替补品,牛尾独活类其次,九眼独活为最后之选。     

Ethno botanical and Phytophrmacological potential of Abrus precatorius L.: A review

Medicinal plants are being widely used, either as a single drug or in combination in health care delivery system. Medicinal plants can be important source of previously unknown chemical substances with potential therapeutic effects. Abrus precatorius L. is commonly known as Gunja or Jequirity and abundantly found all throughout the plains of India, from Himalaya down to Southern India and Ceylon. This plant is having medicinal potential to cure various diseases. The roots, leaves and seeds of this plant are used for different medicinal purpose. It principally contains flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, abrin and alkaloids. The plant have been reported for neuromuscular effects, neuro-protective, abortifacient, antiepileptic, anti-viral, anti-malarial, antifertility, nephroprotective, immunomodulator, immunostimulatory properties, anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic effect, etc. As this is a potential medicinal plant, present review reveals chemical constituents of leaf, root and seeds of Abrus precatorius. The plant is considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products.     

牯牛降国家自然保护区珍稀濒危药用植物资源调查

目的 调查牯牛降国家自然保护区的珍稀濒危药用植物资源,对资源的保护及永续利用进行探讨。方法 通过查阅文献、走访调查、野外实地调查、标本采集与鉴定,对保护区的珍稀濒危药用植物特色进行整理分析。结果 牯牛降有珍稀濒危药用植物30科58种,其中国家级保护植物18种,其他珍稀药用植物40种。在58种珍稀濒危药用植物中,28种是常用中药材的正品来源,12种是中国特有的第四纪以前孑遗植物。结论 牯牛降国家自然保护区珍稀濒危药用植物种类丰富,需合理利用,并加强环境和资源保护。