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.     

An ethnobotanical study of plants used for the treatment of livestock diseases in Tikamgarh District of Bundelkhand,Central India

ObjectiveTo explore and document the information regarding usage of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants utilized by rural farmers and traditional herbal healers for livestock healthcare in Tikamgarh District of Bundelkhnad, Central India.MethodsThe remote villages of Tikamgarh district were regularly visited from July 2011 to June 2012. Following the methods of Jain and Goel (1995) information regarding the usage of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants was collected.ResultsA total of 41 plant species in 39 genera and 25 families were used traditionally with various plant parts and their combinations for the treatment of more than 36 diseases in the studied area. Trees (17 species) were found to be the most used Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants followed by herbs (15 species), shrubs (6 species) and grasses (3) in descending order. The most common diseases cough, diarrhoea and fever were treated by 04 ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species.ConclusionsThe present study recommended that the crop and medicinal plant genetic resources cannot be conserved and protected without conserving/managing of the agro-ecosystem or natural habitat of medicinal plants and the socio-cultural organization of the local people. The same may be applied to protect indigenous knowledge, related to the use of medicinal and other wild plants. Introduction of medicinal plants in degraded government and common lands could be another option for promoting the rural economy together with environmental conservation, but has not received attention in the land rehabilitation programs in this region.     

Care-seeking behaviour of suspected snakebite cases admitted in a medical college of West Bengal: A pathway analysis

BackgroundSnakebite is a time decisive medical emergency requiring contact with health facility at the earliest. Many snakebite victims yet seek care from traditional healers (THs) or village quacks (VQs) before reaching an appropriate facility, which leads to adverse consequences. This study was conducted to assess care-seeking behaviour and pathways followed in reaching appropriate facilities among suspected snakebite cases and to identify associated factors.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical college in West Bengal. All suspected snakebite cases admitted during a reference period of two months were studied. Study subjects and/or accompanying persons were interviewed for care-seeking behaviours and pathways followed.ResultsAmong the 393 study participants, most were ≤30 years of age, men, agricultural workers, of lower middle and lower socioeconomic class and only 69.5% had formal schooling. The commonest place of occurrence was the agricultural field (40.7%), and the commonest biting site was the lower extremity (77.6%). Only half of participants (55.2%) used immediate correct measures at the biting site. Incorrect practices included tourniquet application (29.5%), use of herbal preparation (7.1%), blade shaving at site (2.8%) etc. As first care-seeking points, 15% and 24.9% of cases visited THs and VQs, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed that unfavourable pathway was followed by 39.9% participants. Two unfavourable points were consulted by 3.8% of participants. The care-seeking pathway was significantly associated with religion, caste, education and socioeconomic class.ConclusionsFindings of this study highlight the urgent need for behaviour change interventions addressing the myths and misconceptions of people regarding snakebite.     

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.     

Identification of medicinal plants effective in infectious diseases in Urmia,northwest of Iran

Objective: To identify the medicinal plants effective in infectious diseases.Methods: Initially, we obtained a list of herbalists and traditional healers from Food and Drug Deputy. Direct observations and interviews as well as collection of herbarium specimens of indigenous medicinal plants effective in infectious diseases of urinary tract,reproductive, digestive, respiratory and skin systems were performed. This study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews; the questionnaires were distributed among traditional healers and simultaneous interviews were also run. The plants were herbariumized, herbarium specimens were authenticated, and their species were determined by using reliable flora and other sources. Finally, the data were input into Excel2010 and analyses were performed.Results: Out of the studied plants, 35 native medicinal plants belonging to 17 families were effective in the treatment of various diseases and infections. In this study, the Lamiaceae family had the highest frequency of plants for the treatment of infections.Traditional healers of Urmia in 24% of cases used the leaves of medicinal herb to treat patients. In 68% of cases, they prescribed medicinal herbs in the boiled forms. Most medicinal herbs showed therapeutic effect on the digestive system.Conclusions: Traditional medicinal sources, valuable knowledge of traditional healers in Urmia, the scientific investigation of the effects of the herbs offered in this study and their effects in traditional medicine may provide a good source for new drugs in modern medicine.     

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.     

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.     

Potential for Pakistani traditional medicinal plants to combat diabetes

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential of medicinal plants used in traditional healing in Pakistan to inhibit the glycation process. This may be useful in combatting diabetes mellitus and its complications.MethodsThe in vitro antiglycation activity of 10 medicinal plants was examined by testing the ability of the extracts to inhibit the methyl-glyoxal-mediated development of fluorescence of bovine serum albumin.ResultsOf the tested plants, Persicaria barbata, Geranium collinum and Berberis lycium showed significant inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products. The inhibitory capacity of these plants was 68.89%, 62.06% and 54.23%, respectively, compared with the positive control (rutin; 86%). All other plants inhibited AGE formation non-significantly.ConclusionsThese findings will be helpful for further research into the use of traditional herbal medicines with antiglycation properties in the treatment of diabetes.     

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.     

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.     

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     

Knowledge,attitude, and practices related to cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis,Southern Iran

ObjectiveTo assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of inhabitants of an endemic area in Fars province toward cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).MethodsThe study was carried out in Lapui district in Fars province, south of Iran, one of the most important foci of CL in this province. Sample size (237 residents) was calculated based on population. House-to-house survey was done to collect the data regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the inhabitants. The head of each household was interviewed by a trained staff to assess his/her KAP related to CL. A semi-structured KAP questionnaire was used for data collection.ResultsMean age of participants was 39 and more than half of the respondents were in the age group of 31-40. Males constituted 172 (72.5%) of subjects. Most of the respondents (84.3%) were literate. The majority of the study population (83%) had heard about Salak (local name for CL) and most of these respondents (91%) were aware that CL is presented with a cutaneous lesion. Nearly two-third of the participants (63.5%) stated the bite of mosquito (not specifically sandflies) for CL transmission. The respondents’ attitude regarding the treatment of CL was not satisfactory since only 48% believed that CL can be treated by medicine. A noticeable proportion of respondents (21%) believed in indigenous medicine for the treatment of CL. A small proportion of respondents (14%) stated that traditional healers are good at treating this disease. More than two-third (69%) of respondents believed that the disease is preventable although most of interviewees did not know about preventive measures.ConclusionsIn this study, insufficient knowledge of community about infection nature, vector, transmission mode and preventive measures of CL, highlights the needs for a health education initiative to enhance the awareness of people about CL. This would improve inhabitants’ contribution in control program of CL in this area.     

新疆阜康市药用植物资源调查初报

目的调查阜康市药用植物资源情况,并提出对该地区药用植物资源合理开发利用的建议。方法采用实地考察、走访和查阅文献资料等方法,明确阜康市药用植物资源的分布状况。结果阜康市共有植物药136种,其中药用菌类1种,药用蕨类2种,药用裸子植物5种,药用被子植物128种。其中较有特色的有阜康阿魏、新疆贝母、雪莲等种类。结论针对药用植物资源变化状况,应采取合理采挖、加强药用植物升值研究、扩大人工种植、积极开展易地保护等措施合理开发利用阜康市药用植物资源。     

Epidemiology of snake bite in the district of Burdwan, West Bengal.

An epidemiological field survey on snake bite was conducted on 26 randomly selected villages with a population of 18,892 in the district of Burdwan, West Bengal to assess the magnitude of the problem in a decade (1980-1989). Total number of snake bite, number of presumably poisonous snake bite and deaths due to snake bite poisoning were 307, 48 and 31 respectively. The death rate among snake bite victims was 10.09%. Males (54.72%) were bitten more than females (45.23%) and highest incidence of snake bite was found in the age group of 21-30 years and during the months of July and August. Majority of the snake bites (53%) were encountered in the lower extremities. Among the snake bite patients 201 (65.47% went to the traditional healers (ozhas) and 68 (22.14%) persons received hospital treatment, while 12 (3.09%) people neither went to the ozhas nor to hospital and 26 (8.46%) persons went to hospital after consulting the ozhas. If the present data are extrapolated for the total population of the district, average number of snake bite and death per year would be 7,857 (0.16%) and 793 (0.016%) respectively. Deaths due to snake bite per 100,000 population varied from 5.28 to 31.75 (average 16.4) over 10 years.     

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.     

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.     

A review on ethnobotany,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Fumaria indica (Fumitory)

Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (Fumariaceae), known as “Fumitory”, is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan. The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine. In traditional systems of medicine, the plant is reputed for its anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, cholagogue, stomachic and sedative activities and is used to purify blood and in liver obstruction in ethnopharmacology. The whole plant is ascribed to possess medicinal virtues in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and is also used in preparation of important Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and polyherbal liver formulations. The review reveals that phytochemical constituents of wide range have been separated from the plants and it possesses important pharmacological activities like smooth muscle relaxant, spasmogenic and spasmolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities. The separation of hepatoprotective and antifungal constituents from this plant was also reported newly. This review highlights the traditional, ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological information available on Fumaria indica, which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.