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Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ayurveda, derives from the Sanskrit words Ayus (life) and Veda (knowledge) is the most ancient system of traditional medicine of the world. It has been practiced in Indian peninsula since 5000 BC to offer natural ways to treat diseases and to promote healthcare. Methodology: We reviewed the literature on the history, principles and current status of Ayurveda. The data have been presented systematically including the initiatives from Government of India. Several aspects of administrative management, education, teaching and related aspects for promotion and development of Ayurveda and other Indian systems of traditional medicine have been discussed. Results: This paper reviews on different aspects of development of Ayurveda. Presently, there are 2420 hospitals with about 42271 beds, 15017 dispensaries, 429246 registered practitioners, more than 320 educational institutions, 7699 drug-manufacturing units to promote Ayurveda into the health care delivery system in the country. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is the official document for single Ayurvedic drugs (540 monographs) and different formulations (152 monographs). Several aspects in this regard for development of Ayurveda have been discussed. Conclusion: Considering the widespread use and popularity of Ayurveda worldwide, administrative management and infrastructure facilities, indigenous practices and standards for quality control and it’s evaluation have been highlighted. In India, all such efforts for integration of Ayurveda provide potential role in the health care benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim of the study: This paper aimed to present a quantitative review of information on Mapuche ethnobotany published for Argentina and Chile in the period 1955–2007. Materials and methods: Sixteen ethnobotanical articles were studied quantitatively by utilizing ethnobotanical indices, non-parametric and multivariate tests. Results: A total of 505 medicinal species, 304 native (60%) and 196 exotic (39%) were registered. Ailments were treated with both native and exotic species, although native showed higher values of consensus (between studies) than exotic, and were more frequently used in all cases. The most common ailments were gastro-intestinal pains (26%). Most cures used herbs (56%). Native species were obtained mainly by gathering in forests and ecotones (40%), and exotics by gathering in anthropogenic environments (28%). Our results demonstrate the existence of a common, shared body of knowledge of the medicinal flora at a regional level, integrating ancestral knowledge with foreign knowledge accumulated over time. Finally, reflecting cultural erosion, modern articles cited significantly fewer native plants than older articles; a trend not found with exotic species. Discussion and conclusion: The information offered can be used as a guide for future work on promising species for health care, and as background information for the development of bio-cultural conservation strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of an investigation into the treatment of oral diseases with medicinal plants in the Kadiogo province, Burkina Faso. Although the region is mainly urban, it appears that traditional healers who live there, and the general population, continue to rely on plant products when dealing with a broad range of oral health concerns. Sixty-two relevant species belonging to 29 families were identified, and each was documented with regard to its local name, part used, indication, mode of administration, and the collection and storage procedure used (when those data were available). A number of ideas for research topics emerged from this work, some of which promise to help selection and prescription of improved traditional remedies for oral diseases at the primary health care level in Burkina Faso. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]