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Objectives: Engelhardia roxburghiana Wall is a plant of the Juglandaceae family, and its leaves is the main part used as a medicine. It is used to relieve heat and pain, gasification, and dampness. The purpose of this review is to provide a systematic review about the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of this plant. Key findings: Many compounds have been isolated and identified from the plant, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, quinones, essential oils, and other types of chemical constituents. Extensive pharmacological activities of the extracts or compounds of E. roxburghiana Wall in vivo and in vitro were mainly confirmed, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. Summary: In this paper, the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of E. roxburghiana Wall were reviewed. In the future, E. roxburghiana Wall needs further study, such as paying more attention to quality control and the utilization on agriculture. In addition, discussing the medicinal components of decoction as well as the toxicity will also contribute to the progress of clinical trial studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ethnomedicine is the study of medicinal plants and their traditional uses in treating a variety of illnesses. Research on ethnomedicine and ethnobotany has great potential to grow and produce new medications. Because medicinal plants include a variety of biologically active compounds, documenting ethnomedicinal information is crucial to the discovery of novel molecules based on traditional knowledge. Need of the study: The plant Porana paniculata Roxb. has Ethno-medicinal properties. Traditional healers in the state of Chhattisgarh use its root paste topically to treat wounds and cure bone fractures. Only a single paper has been published on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Its ability to cure wounds has not been the subject of any scientific research. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the wound-healing activity of the extract of the root of P.paniculata Roxb. in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: An experimental study will be conducted at Datta Meghe College of Pharmacy and Research, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India from June 2024 to Dec 2024. The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) will verify the authenticity of P.paniculata Roxb. roots that will be obtained from Chhattisgarh in Grishma (mid-April to mid-June) or Shishira Ritu (mid-December to mid-February). Wistar albino rats, scientific-grade chemicals, and gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms will all be purchased from reliable sources. The preparation of an extract ointment will be employed to evaluate the activity of wound healing, in Wistar albino rats utilising an excision wound model. The antimicrobial activity will be evaluated using an Agar well diffusion technique. Data obtained will be analysed using One-way ANOVA and a p-value less than 0.05 will be considered as significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the ethnobotanical information, phytochemical content, and pharmacological activities of Adonidia merrillii. Ethnobotanical studies of A. merrillii in several countries such as the Philippines, Nigeria, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia revealed that this palm is known as an ornamental plant and is also utilized for medicinal purposes such as diarrhea, toothache, psychostimulant, and treat malnourished. Furthermore, A. merrillii holds cultural significance, often being incorporated into ceremonial practices. Previous studies reported various phytoconstituents detected in fruit pericarp, leaf, kernel seed oil, and flower. The phytoconstituents are flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, phenolics, and others. Fruit pericarp and seed extract have potential against various cancer cells. The fruit pericarp methanol extract is adequate against pathogenic bacteria due to its fatty acid content in different mechanisms. Flavonoids in seed extract are used as antidiarrheal agents, and the flavonoid effectivity increases when they are combined with lactic acid probiotic bacteria. Antioxidant activity was reported obtained from the fruit and pericarp extracts. Based on ethnobotanical studies and scientific research, A. merrillii has great potential and can be developed as a medicine in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While interest in early modern herbaria has so far mainly concentrated on the dried plants stored in them, this paper addresses another of their qualities – their role as manuscripts. In the 1670s, the German botanist Paul Hermann (1646–95) spent several years in Ceylon (today Sri Lanka) as a medical officer in the service of the Dutch East India Company. During his stay he put together four herbaria, two of which contain a wealth of handwritten notes by himself and several later owners. First, it will be shown that these notes provide information on the linguistic skills and interests of those who collected plants in an overseas trading settlement. Hermann's botanical practice demanded and, at the same time, generated knowledge of Sinhalese (an Indo-Aryan language that is spoken by the largest ethnic group on the island) and its script. In his herbarium, observations on the semantics, morphology, and pronunciation of Sinhalese are inextricably intertwined with those of botanical nature. Second, on the basis of these voluminous notes, the character of early modern herbaria as manuscripts will be highlighted. And third, Hermann's herbaria will be integrated into an investigation of scribal practices and publication strategies of eighteenth-century botany. Along with field notes, letters, manuscripts, illustrations, and printed books, herbaria were knots in the textual–visual mesh of early modern botany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following paper will focus its attention on Guayascate, a village located in the north of the Córdoba Province (Argentina), which currently symbolizes a significant point of archaeological and historical interest for having been a post on the Royal Road at the time of the entry of the Spanish colony into that region. With the Spanish settler's arrival, many changes arose, including the entry of new food species that influenced the socio-cultural and economic dynamics of the population. Food consumption is a dimension of analysis that allows us to visualize changes and continuities in cultural practices in a socioeconomic, environmental, and historical changing context. For this reason, it was proposed to analyze the entry of new Hispanic edible plant species, deepening the perception of the current inhabitants about the historical value of this village and the widespread understanding associated with the diverse species. In order to acquire data, we conducted 14 open and semi-structured interviews at three different moments: first a free listing, then a recognition of species and practices associated with them based on a photographic sampler, on third place series of open questions to delve into the perception of this knowledge, and their historical assessment. For a more in-depth analysis of the historical ethnobotany approach, two essential elements are a review of archaeological records and historical archives to configure an analysis of continuity over time of the distinguishable species. In sum, it is concluded that, although there are affected pre-Hispanic identities and the native species in their majority are not represented in current culinary practices, the knowledge persists in the collective memory and is submerged in combinations and resignifications network together with the knowledge associated to the introduced plants, thus showing new possibilities of cultural identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotany genomics is gaining popularity, and there is a renewed interest in traditional medicine around the world. Ethnobotany genomics is proving useful not only for the conservation of biodiversity and agricultural productivity but also for drug discovery. In terms of traditional medicine and biodiversity, India is one of the world's richest countries. However, as industrialisation, population pressures, migrations, and urbanisation have increased, socio-environmental changes have become more dynamic and complex. This has raised concerns about sustainable production and consumption, as well as governance. As a result, the current paper is an attempt to map the emerging innovation system in Indian ethnobotany genomics. The paper examines the actors', agencies', and institutions' responses to the emerging innovation system's requirements. Finally, this paper provides new insights into the opportunities and challenges of developing Indian ethnobotany genomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper presents a comparative inventory of medicinal plant taxa and their uses by smallholder farming communities of four cultures in the Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda, situated in the eastern Sudanian savanna parkland ecotype of sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the study was to document the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants by the Lango, Acholi, Teso (Atesot) and Ethur (jo Abwor), in an historical moment before civil conflict and mass displacement of the respondent communities disrupted the inter-generational transmission of traditional technical knowledge within the study area. Methods: Following community consultations in four districts of northern Uganda during 1999–2000, interviews were conducted with holders of specialist knowledge on plants used as medicine on basis of a plant specimen allocated a voucher number and identified by the national herbarium. Use reports reflecting specific medicinal applications were compiled in aggregate to obtain a Relative Importance Index ranking. The commonality of medicinal taxa cited between each cultural interface was assessed by the Jaccard Index of Similarity, and the similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon using Rahman's Similarity Index. Results: The data collected from 112 respondents comprise 280 medicinal use reports describing 263 applications for 62 medical conditions, citing 108 taxa from 44 botanical families of which Fabaceae comprised 20% of all use reports. No earlier mention could be found to corroborate 72 use reports (27% of the total), representing medicinal indications as yet undocumented, and potentially worthy of investigation. The RI values ranged between 15 and 94%, with 13 taxa having RI values above 50%. The JI ratios indicate the highest degree of similarity in the plant taxa used as medicine (21%) between the Lango and Teso cultures who share a common origin; however, Rahman's Similarity Index indicates the highest similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon between the Lango and Acholi, who share a common language group through cultural assimilation over time. Conclusions: As a comparative study, the results imply that cultural exchange and assimilation may be a greater driver of inter-cultural similarity of ethnopharmacological use of a given taxon, as compared to shared historical origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens genus comprises several species important for agriculture and food industries, ethnobotany, and research in pharmacology, phytochemistry, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences. In this paper, a systematic review of ethnobotanical uses, bioactivities discovered, and research applications reported for Impatiens plants and their major bioactive constituents are presented aiming to provide an integrative comprehension of relevance of the genus in the mentioned fields and to give guidance for the further research of unexplored or poorly investigated species of this genus. Through this review, an update on this expanding area of research is also provided. According to revisited information, most of bioactive compounds are phenolics, phytosterols, triterpenoids, and peptides. There is a wide spectrum of applications investigated for Impatiens plants extracts and their bioactive metabolites, however, in most cases, they are related to their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-anaphylactic, and antioxidant properties. Further efforts are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Impatiens plants extracts and bioactive compounds to get a complete perspective of their potential applications. Most plants from Impatiens genus with ethnobotanical interests have been poorly studied, therefore, more research of them will be useful to validate their use, to verify their safety and to isolate their main bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Cashinahua people (also known as Huni Kuin) of the Curanja River, as well as describe and compare their uses with pharmacological and phytochemical records from previously published studies. The ethnic has been studied to a limited extent from an ethnobotanical perspective. The study area is located in the Ucayali region, eastern Central Amazon, where ancestral knowledge is preserved due to the limited accessibility of the region. Between November 2010 and June 2015, a total of 11 months were spent on the survey, which included a short-term visit to complete voucher specimen collection and taxonomic identification. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 Cashinahua traditional healers and 10 midwives. Vernacular names, ethnomedicinal uses, plant parts used and forms of preparation and administration were recorded. Ethnopharmacological, pharmacological and phytochemical uses were checked through survey of the previously published papers indexed on Web of Science databases between 2018 and 2022. We obtained data on 467 plant taxa, among which we highlighted 79 species unreported or rarely cited for medicinal use or phytochemical analysis. These species were spread over 60 genera and 42 botanical families, with Acanthaceae being the most represented. Leaves were used the most frequently (93.56%). Among the 79 species, the most reported therapeutic activities involved pregnancy and birth disorders (13.84%), followed by poisonings, infections and infestations. The predominant application form was external (87%). Our study indicates that there are locally valuable species that have not yet been studied for their medical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medicinal plants are still used in developing countries, including the Philippines, to treat common diseases in the community. Anemia is a common disease encountered in the community. It is characterized by a lower-than-normal level of red blood cell count. This systematic review identified the medicinal plants used for anemia treatment in the Philippines. Methods: The study was conducted based on the PRISMA flow diagram, starting with a data search on electronic databases. The collected studies were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The necessary information was extracted from the eligible research papers, and the studies' quality was assessed through a developed quality assessment tool. Results: A total of 20 ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants used for anemia treatment were obtained from different provinces within the 12 regions of the Philippines. Most ethnobotanical studies were conducted in Region X (Northern Mindanao), CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), and Region XIII (CARAGA), Philippines. The most common plant family is Convovulaceae, with nine records (21.95%), followed by Cucurbitaceae, with six records (14.63%), and Moringaceae, with five records (12.2%). The most common plant part used was the leaves. Others involved mixing different plant parts, with fruits and leaves being the most common combination. The most common route of administration utilized was drinking the decoction, followed by eating the plant. Most medicinal plants used to treat anemia in the Philippines had records of toxicologic (four species, 15.38%) or teratogenic (one species, 3.85%) properties. Eight plant species were reported as nontoxic (30.77%). In addition, ten plant species (38.46%) had no data on toxicity or teratogenicity. Conclusion: There were only 20 ethnobotanical studies that documented the use of plants in treating anemia in the Philippines. This study listed several medicinal plants used in treating anemia in the Philippines. However, pharmacological and toxicological studies are still needed to determine their safety and efficacy in treating anemia in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 5979 perinatal use reports from Sub-Saharan Africa compiled from 410 publications. • Congruence among four statistics supports non-random use of plant families. • Widely-reported perinatal species reviewed for pharmacological evidence. • Documentation of traditional knowledge mediates potential health-system conflicts. Sub-Saharan Africa has rich ethnobotanical heritage of public health relevance within pluralistic systems of perinatal care. Compiling of reported medicinal plant use during pregnancy and postpartum from historical and contemporary sources allowed for analyses directed at i) identification of the most important taxa in relation to key functional purposes, ii) establishing patterns of use, and iii) testing the hypothesis that perinatal plant use is non-random. Data from 410 publications generated 5979 use reports related to 2122 species from 181 plant families, with 53% of reports published from 2005 to 2020. New species continue to be added at a constant rate. With 86% (67/78) of perinatal-focused papers published since 2005, purposeful research contributes to an increase in overall data availability. For analysis, reports were categorized as i) uterotonic (n = 2596), ii) prenatal (n = 1778, 555 specifically for preventing miscarriage or delaying the onset of labor), iii) lactation and postpartum recovery (n = 1194, 812 as galactagogues), or iv) newborn and infant health (n = 1018). Most frequently reported species per category are discussed in relation to published pharmacological data. Based on congruence among linear regression, negative binomial regression, Bayesian, and Imprecise Dirichlet Model statistics, non-random use includes preference for i) latex-producing families during lactation and postpartum, ii) families differentiating tocolytic and general pregnancy application, and iii) Crassulaceae species for infant umbilicus healing. Significant underuse of the Rubiaceae throughout the perinatal, and for the Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae during pregnancy and parturition specifically, suggests avoidance. Traditional plant knowledge remains relevant to the health and social well-being of Sub-Saharan African populations. Within pluralistic systems, documentation of traditional practices can contribute to complementary approaches and the mediation of potential conflicts with conventional healthcare. Refinement of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for documenting perinatal knowledge, beliefs, and practices can further understanding of the congruence among sociocultural, ecological, molecular, behavioral, and health aspects of women's perinatal use of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica (commonly known as gotu kola, the Chinese name is Jixuecao) has a long history of application and is widely used in many countries. Ethnobotanical fieldwork with Buyi villagers in Guizhou Province, China revealed that Centella asiatica is one of the most frequently consumed herbal teas. This paper reports on the nutritional value of Centella asiatica and some preparation methods for a new complex health care tea that we developed with it. The main objective of this short case study is to reflect on the social and ethical implications of developing a commercial tea product based on traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the La Plata Basin, indigenous populations used canoes for colonizing islands, moving people, fishing, transporting loads, and warfare. According to sixteenth century chronicles, dugout canoes were large, up to 24 m in length, and had a capacity for 40 people. In this paper, four dugout canoes recovered in La Plata River, and in the Paraná Delta, are studied. Their context of discovery, dimensions, radiocarbon dating, and the wood taxonomic identification are presented. Canoes were vital for the riverine populations that inhabited the study area since at least two thousand years ago but constitute a rare record given the low likelihood of preservation. The studied canoes measure between 10–8 m in length and 0.9–0.7 m beam. Two of the canoes were dated between 1509–1647 and 1414–1465 cal AD, 1σ. The diagnostic characters identified in the wood link all the samples to Enterolobium contortisiliquum. The use for centuries of the same species in different areas shows the importance of the type of raw material selected and reflects a shared knowledge of the properties of the dry wood: light and porous that contributes to buoyancy, easy to work, and with mechanical resistance. This, in addition to the size of the tree, up to 30 m high and 2.5 m in diameter, has favored its preference for the manufacture of hulls. These watercrafts constitute a unique cultural heritage on the pre-Hispanic naval engineering of the skilled navigators of the La Plata Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiopteris esculenta is one of the most important wild substitute plant for staple food in Dulong's communities(the least populated ethnic group in Yunnan Province, China)for centuries. The Dulong people collect the underground parts of A. esculenta to extract flour and make it into food. In order to study and record the traditional knowledge of Angiopteris esculenta, ethnobotanical methods were employed to investigate and document the traditional knowledge about A. esculenta, and approaches of food science were used to reveal the basic components, morphology, physicochemical properties, and gelatinization characteristics of A. esculenta flour in the present paper. The results were as follows:(1) A. esculenta was a multipurpose plant in the traditional livelihood of Dulong people. Local people employed this plant for edible, medicinal, ornamental purpose and woody purposes. Quantitative analysis showed that the relative frequency of citation(RFC)of the edibleness was much higher than that of other uses, indicating that it was mainly used as staple food.(2)The traditional uses of fern flour extracted from the underground part of A. esculenta imply rationality. There was high starch content in the flour, and the total starch content was 86.2%, and A. esculenta flour contained various mineral elements necessary for human body.(3)The flour had good physicochemical properties, among which the retrogradation and freeze-thaw stability were strong, which could be used in the production and process of frozen food and starch products. The regeneration value and attenuation value of starch were much lower than that of common starch, which indicated that it had good stability of hot paste and cold paste, and not easy to regenerate, thus imply the good processability in food industry. In conclusion, A. esculenta flour has a good potential for utilization and further development. It is expected to play a positive role for increasing local residents' income and for rural revitalization in remote areas, through the approaches of artificial cultivation. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent processing and utilization of A. esculenta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural resources in the highland region of Jujuy province, Argentina, is highly represented in various activities and practices. In this context, plant species have great relevance and roles in vernacular architectures and evidence a whole cultural conception, ways of connecting with the environment and exploitation logics. This paper aims at reflecting upon public policies related to the conservation of plant species in the Quebrada and Jujuy Puna. To achieve this, the role of plants in local constructive culture was characterized and state policies that have regulated these resources over time were reviewed. The ethnobotany classic methodology was used, with an intensive field work and ethnographic approach. Results show that the articulation of local and state criteria are the two necessary elements to guarantee the conservation of natural resources and the continuity of practices associated with them. It is necessary to reformulate the current regulations, which are restrictive and marginalizing of local traditions, and issue new regulations that control sustainable use respecting and promoting the traditional practices that characterize the region, in particular those related to the constructive culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Onosma belongs to the Boraginaceae family and contains over 230 species. The present review sheds light on the ethnopharmacology, phytoconstituents, bioactivity, and toxicology of the Onosma species from previous investigations. Furthermore, the paper also highlights the unresolved issues for the future investigations. The review included previous studies of the genus Onosma available from Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science. Until now, more than 200 chemical compounds have been detected from the genus Onosma, including naphthoquinone (33), flavonoids (30), hydrocarbon (23), phenolic (22), ester (17), alkaloids (20), aromatics (12), carboxylic acid (11), fatty acids (9), terpenoids (10), while the most important ones are rosmarinic, ferulic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric acids, and apigenin. The Onosma species are reported as traditional medicine for wound healing, heart disease, and kidney disorders, while the pharmacological investigations revealed that the extracts and the phytochemicals of Onosma species have different therapeutic properties including antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions. The summarized knowledge in this review provides valuable ideas for the current and future drug discovery and a motivation for further investigation on the genus Onosma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional knowledge is of real danger to be lost in modern society. This research is a part of an ethnobotanical survey aimed on documentation of current status of folk medicine in Central and Northeastern Bulgaria. Semi-structured interviews with local knowledgeable persons were provided. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices consisting of Fidelity level (FL) and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated as indicatives of local importance of species and prevalent uses of species. The respondents reported 15 category uses: to treat 12 health disorders, for prophylaxis/immune stimulation, other health connected conditions and plants included in the diet as food/spices. The highest number of plants was used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (65.9%), cardiovascular problems (53.4%) and urinary system problems (46.6%). It should be noted that many herbal medicines are related to disease prevention (52.3%). Maximum FL value (100%) of Hypericum perforatum for digestive and nervous system disorders and Thymus sp. for respiratory system diseases was calculated. Numerous species and specific applications were listed in the paper, contributing to the base ethnobotanical data. Specific use categories indicate most spread health disorders and proved treatments in the studied regions. Results also reflect the growing interest in disease prevention (immune stimulation) and a healthy diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotany was worked to incorporate plant concentrates as well as investigations of green growth, lichens, and parasites. It is firmly connected with the science of scientific classification, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, environment, and preservation. So as to feature the therapeutic utilization of plants and there pharmacological angles, this article audits various ethnobotany messages and papers, and furthermore clarifies the extent of ethnobotany. It incorporates a concise survey of ethnobotany in India, onpast, present and future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi are very abundant and ubiquitous organisms in nature, playing an important role in the balance of ecosystems. It is estimated that there are 1.5 million species worldwide, of which 60% are microscopic fungi. This work was focused on the taxonomic and ethnobotanical characterization of macromycetes, which, since pre-Hispanic times, have had various uses, such as human consumption, medicinal, ceremonial, among others. Random samplings were carried out in the months of June, July and August of 2022, in three localities of Ahuacatlán, Puebla, obtaining 63 specimens: 33 in Agua Fría (Akatipek), 17 in Pochalca (Xopanapa) and 13 in Zitlala (Koyoltipek). Specimens were collected in Kraft paper bags, labeled and transported in a basket to the CIBA-IPN Mycology Laboratory for their study. Until current date, 51 different species have been identified using taxonomic keys and 12 specimens are yet to be determined. In addition, a survey was carried out among the locals regarding the use of mushrooms, finding that of the total number of species, only 3 have edible use. We conclude that it is necessary to continue with the study of the specimens to have a better understanding of their diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the growth in overall publication output in ethnobotany as well as provide a systematic examination of the history of ethnobotanical publications using reference publication year spectroscopy (RPYS). The study is based on 5201 papers published between 1974 and 2019 covering 290 006 non‐distinct cited references (CRs), indexed in science citation index‐expanded (SCI‐Expanded) of web of science (WoS). The regression analysis indicated a compound annual growth rate of approximately 11% globally in ethnobotanical publications and the volume of publications doubles every approximately six years. The reference publication period was divided into four sub‐periods in which a total of 31 peaks are clearly identifiable, including five peaks from the first period (earliest to 1800), ten from the second (1801–1900), nine from the third (1901–1950) and seven from the last period (1951–2000). A total 44 publications were found to have been especially influential and landmark. Out of them, 31 (70%) were books and 11 (25%) were articles. Out of the 11 articles, 5 (45%) were published in the same journal (Economic Botany). The first period had the lowest number of publications (5), including classic books like the Spanish translation of Dioscorides' Materia Medica and Carolus Linnaeus' Systema naturæ. Interestingly, about 30% of the studies that laid the foundation of ethnobotany and are discussed in this paper come from South Africa, pointing to the contribution of the African Continent to the foundation of the field of ethnobotany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an historical review of ethnobotanical notes about wild and cultivated edible plants collected through texts from the end of the 18th century (1796) to the first decades of the 20th century (1930) in the area of Albania under European Turkey, which included parts of today North Macedonia and Kosovo. Albania is an Eastern European country, which has been little studied from historical ethnobotany point of view. For this reason, this paper is focused on foreign authors' works containing data on the use of plants for economic, medicinal, food purposes, and discussing mythological, religious and magical explanations for them. The study is not intended to be an exhaustive review of all materials on this subject, but includes the texts known to us that contain ethnobotanical knowledge. Further scientific research can be carried out in other studies on historical ethnobotany not only by foreign authors but also by Albanians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are in a time of Indigenous cultural-political resurgence in Canada (Coulthard, 2014; Manuel, 2017; Simpson, 2017; Talaga, 2018). Increasingly, Indigenous Peoples are finding renewed strength, pride, and grounding through cultural practice and the reestablishment of connection to the land. Included in this resurgence are the relationships between people and plants. When we practise our ancestral relationships with our plant relatives, we heal and strengthen ourselves. The depth of connection to place, to ancestors, and to our own mindful presence is amplified when we partake in millennia-old practices of plant cultivation, stewardship, and the integration of plant foods and medicines into our bodies. This time of resurgence emerges from generations of Indigenous Peoples suffering devastating violence, losses, and trauma as a result of colonization. In this paper I address the role that rebuilding Indigenous plant relationships plays in addressing colonial impacts on Indigenous health and in supporting Indigenous cultural and political resurgence. I also put forth Indigenized models for understanding colonial impacts on health and discuss culturally rooted conceptualizations of health that address these impacts from an Indigenous point of view. Finally, I propose a set of guidelines to consider for conducting respectful ethnobotanical research within Indigenous communities. This paper is borne out of a desire for deeper critical engagement with the intersections between colonial history, intergenerational trauma, and Indigenous plant knowledge. Furthermore, this paper acknowledges the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples in the face of historical injustice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Garcinia genus is a rich depository of bioactive compounds. • Phytochemistry and pharmacology of lesser-known Garcinia species are discussed. • Toxicity profile of Garcinia species are examined. The tropical plants of Garcinia (Clusiaceae family) have been extensively used in folk medicine apart from its limited use in the preparation of certain dishes. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and updated report on the diverse range of phytochemicals, the traditional uses, the nutritional values, the major pharmacological attributes, and the toxicological findings of ten Garcinia plants of south-east Asia. This was achieved by compiling data from various scientific journals, and books available on electronic databases viz. Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and others, published within the time period of 2010-2020. A myriad of natural products are found in Garcinia sp. The major classes of biomolecules reported to be present in these plants include organic acids, xanthones, benzophenones, flavonoids, phloroglucinols, fatty acids, and terpenoids. The chemical structures of the phytoconstituents presented in this review are drawn using ChemDraw Professional 16.0. Additionally, the important pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities along with the toxicological studies of the Garcinia sp., are discussed. Although a good amount of research has been conducted on Garcinia sp., however some of these species still remain unattended and are becoming endemic. Therefore, this comprehensive review sheds light on the phyto-pharmacological profile of ten known Garcinia sp. to pave a path towards explorating of their traditional uses, isolating new molecules, encouraging in-depth preclinical and clinical research to understand the mechanism of action, thereby help in the development of new drug candidates with lesser side-effects. In addition, measures must be taken to enhance the conservation of endangered Garcinia sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the valorization of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants in the Mexican academic-scientific milieu, focusing on its institutionalization at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Thus, considering that the proposal of a thesis is an instrument of knowledge mobilization, the tasks carried out in this regard at the UNAM during the 1900s-2010s were identified and characterized, eliciting additional data through documentation research and interviews with key actors. The research found that during the 1970s the interest on the study of medicinal plants abruptly broke into the academic-scientific space of the UNAM, maintaining a growing trend up to these days, gradually forming itself as a valid object of study, opening new lines of research and shaping a new field of knowledge: medical ethnobotany. However, this new field emerges within other fields, from which it begins to be approached and materialized, still circulating in a somewhat veiled existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of traditional medicine have long been recognized by the World Health Organization. However, as formal education, urbanization, and deforestation increases; the use of traditional medicine has decreased. Within this phenomenon, this paper discusses the continued importance of preventive health practices among the Purko Maasai. Using nurturing as an explanatory framework, qualitative data is analyzed to understand the cultural importance of specific traditional medicine with the goal of building the body with 'engolon' (strength). Results address the importance of nurturing children by administering traditional medicine in order to build the body's immune system. Our data show an interesting gender divide in which both genders play a critical nurturing role, however at different timeframes in the child's life. Findings demonstrate concern with changing frequency of herbal medicine given to children, however there is resiliency within some nurturing components of using preventative traditional medicine to build up children's immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocultural heritage preservation relies on ethnobotanical knowledge and the paleoethnobotanical data used in (re)constructing histories of human–biota interactions. Biocultural heritage, defined as the knowledge and practices of Indigenous and local peoples and their biological relatives, is often guarded information, meant for specific audiences and withheld from other social circles. As such, these forms of heritage and knowledge must also be included in the ongoing data sovereignty discussions and movement. In this paper we share the process and design decisions behind creating an online database for ethnobotanical knowledge and associated paleoethnobotanical data, using a content management system designed to foreground Indigenous and local perspectives. Our main purpose is to suggest that the Mukurtu content management system, originally designed for physical items of cultural importance, be considered as a potential tool for digitizing and ethically circulating biocultural heritage, including paleoethnobotanical resources. With this database, we aim to create access to biocultural heritage and paleoethnobotanical considerations for a variety of audiences while also respecting the protected and sensitive natures of Indigenous and local knowledges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a methodological overview and preliminary synthesis of multi-site ethnographic data on botanical practices related to indigenous textiles in Southern Mindanao. Focusing on information derived from fieldwork among Bagobo and T'boli specialists in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, we describe indigenous textile practices related to plant use, drawing on field and herbarium specimens with comparative information from other textile-producing groups in the region. The use of abaca (Musa textilis) thread alongside principal dye plants (Morinda citrifolia L. and Diospyros nitida) create the characteristic textile patterns that have long been associated with Mindanao material culture. We also describe the use of contemporary sources that extend plant-based repertoires and discuss the role of indigenous specialists and collaborators in multi-site research. In presenting both method and data patterning, this paper seeks to delineate how traditional botanical knowledge facilitates a range of contemporary aesthetic goals among Mindanao's indigenous communities. In addition, this article adds to our understanding of how material culture, or the making of culturally meaningful things by historically marginalized peoples, continues to shape knowledge systems and organize individual and collective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the new interdisciplinary research done on Leonhard Rauwolf's herbarium with plants from the Middle East, which was later owned by Emperor Rudolf II. Using various sources, it examines how the herbarium came into the imperial collections, Early Modern methods of botanical research as described by Rauwolf in his printed travelogue, and how the illustrations for the printed book were produced from the specimens in the herbarium. The appendix (available in the online version) presents the new corrected botanical identification of the c. 200 plants in the fourth volume of Rauwolf's herbarium, and a correct transcription of the Early Modern Latin and vernacular names Rauwolf collected for these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizanthes is a holoparasitic plant of the Rafflesiaceae, and, just like Rafflesia, its host is Tetrastigma (Vitaceae). Unlike Rafflesia, very little research has been conducted on Rhizanthes other than a few studies focusing on its taxonomy and anatomy, and limited studies on its propagation, despite some ethnomedicinal uses in several regions of Indonesia. Wild populations of Rhizanthes are declining due to deforestation and overharvesting by locals. Artificial pollination and possible seed spread, which are similar to Rafflesia, may be useful for future propagation-based studies, which are generally very difficult and challenging for members of the Rafflesiaceae. This paper emphasizes the cultural and ethnomedicinal importance of Rhizanthes and seeks to define a conservation road-map that incorporates a scientifically-based approach to research while also seeking a four-pronged approach to the conservation of Rhizanthes: 1) conventional and biotechnology-based conservation; 2) germplasm multiplication and preservation; 3) reintroduction into the wild and conservation of wild populations; 4) policy-based protective measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religious ceremonies and practices have long influenced human perceptions and uses of nature. Plants in particular play a prominent role in rituals and socio-religious practices and provide the cultural and historical depth of these relationships. Understanding human-floral relations is often fundamental to the cause of meaningful wildlife conservation. This research aims to investigate the cultivated and wild plant species used for rituals and religious purposes among the Moroccans, and to further understand the symbolism of these rituals. Intensive fieldwork was carried out between January 2016 and January 2020 in different parts of Morocco by an investigation approach, applying different tools such as semi-structured interviews, individual interviews, field observations, participation in the ritual activities, and published papers. The scientific name of plant species was identified using standard and relevant literature. The results revealed the Moroccan people possessed a sound knowledge of the ritual plants and the great diversity of plants used in many Morocco rituals and religious ceremonies. From the results, we identified a total of 112 plant species used for rituals and socio-religious ceremonies. These rituals and religious purposes plant species were classified into 21 categories. The most frequently mentioned families were Apiaceae (10 species), followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae. This study demonstrates that many plant species play an important role in rituals and socio-religious ceremonies in Morocco. However, further research is recommended for an in-depth understanding of the role of the links between traditional uses of plant resources and the conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant worship is an ancient and rudimentary form to respect nature and life. In order to understand the influence between the unique national folk plantworship and biodiversity conservation in Baise, Guangxi, ethnobotany investigation methods were utilized in this paper to investigate the cultural characteristic of plant worship. The effects of folk plant culture on the conservation of biodiversity were discussed from various aspects like nature worship, The effects of unique national folk plant, life etiquette and traditional medicine. The results are as follows: There are rich national folk plant culture connotation and biodiversity in Baise. The national folk plant which have been worshipped in Baise belong to 28 families, 47 genera and 53 species. Among them, Rosaceae and Leguminosae are the most abundant species, which contains 5 species respectively, the following are Mulberry and Gramineae, containing 4 species respectively. Arbor plant is the dominant life forms, accounting for 39 species of 73.58% of the total number of species. There are 11 species of herbage, making up 20.75% of the total number of species. The rest 5.67% are 3 species of shrub. Out of all these species, four of them can be found in the Information System of Rare and Endangered Plants in China within the List of National Level Ⅱ Plants, which are Phoebe bournei, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Erythrophleum fordii, Toonaciliate. In addition, five of them belong to the provincial and municipal(local)level Protected Wild Plants List, namely Machilus thunbergii, Cyclobalanopsis kouangsiensis, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Caesalpinia sappan, Dalbergia hupeana. These plants form various plant communities, which plays an important role in promoting the protection of plant diversity in the Baise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants that are in use in Nayakpod tribal people residing in and around the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary, Mancheryial district, Telangana, India. Ethnomedicinal uses of plant species along with botanical name, vernacular name, family and mode of administration are presented. Most remedies were taken orally, accounting medicinal use. Most of the remedies were reported to have been from trees and climber species. The most widely sought after plant parts in the preparation of remedies in the study area are the leaves and root. High number of medicinal plant species available for the treatment of skin diseases and indigestion. The study emphasizes the potentials of the ethnobotanical research and the need for the documentation of traditional knowledge pertaining to the medicinal plant utilization for the greater benefit of mankind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the uses of forest plant species is important for the conservation and sustainable use of forest ecosystem provisioning services. Based on an extensive literature survey, this paper reviews the uses of 540 rainforest species from the Pastaza region (Ecuador) and builds further the existing knowledge by field research that identified 39 new uses of local rainforest plants. Following a systematic categorization of the known and newly identified uses, it was found that the local plants are predominantly used as materials, medicines and foods (>80% of the sample), while the tree species dominate in various categories of local uses. The information given in this paper may help in building a local strategy for the sustainable use of plants and the conservation of endangered species, as well as in valuing the forest ecosystem provisioning services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, past plant knowledge serves as a case study to highlight the promise and challenges of interdisciplinary data collection and interpretation in cultural evolution. Plants are central to human life and yet, apart from the role of major crops, people–plant relations have been marginal to the study of culture. Archaeological, linguistic, and historical evidence are often limited when it comes to studying the past role of plants. This is the case in the Nordic countries, where extensive collections of various plant use records are absent until the 1700s. Here, we test if relatively recent ethnobotanical data can be used to trace back ancient plant knowledge in the Nordic countries. Phylogenetic inferences of ancestral states are evaluated against historical, linguistic, and archaeobotanical evidence. The exercise allows us to discuss the opportunities and shortcomings of using phylogenetic comparative methods to study past botanical knowledge. We propose a 'triangulation method' that not only combines multiple lines of evidence, but also quantitative and qualitative approaches. This article is part of the theme issue 'Foundations of cultural evolution'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently developed walking ethnography, or go-along method, to study pastoralists in a participatory manner provides data that the usual sit-down interview is unable to realise, not least because it shifts the power dynamic between researcher and researched. The herder's practice takes place outside — a mobile activity that is best understood or learnt in action. This project with Nama pastoralists in the arid regions of the Northern Cape, South Africa, has been walking with herders and learning from them, literally on the hoof. In our interactions, the herders lead us as they follow the animals and as these, in turn, seek out and engage the plants. The method allows us to see herders as the developers of unique knowledge of the ecology, the animals and the management of these resources in a challenging environment. The paper demonstrates the novelty of this method and explores the walking ethnography as a multispecies and multisensorial world that is a sympoietically intertwined cosmos. What emerges is a world that is neither science nor indigenous knowledge but rather an endogenous system that syncretically draws on science, herder knowledge and novel information to make possible the sustained practice of herding in this marginal ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is important place of gum in the human history and Turkish culture. Nowadays, the use and production of gum has been reached a serious industrial size. Chewing gums today have only different flavors but their raw material (dough) remains are same. Raw materials: industrial chewing gums have been supplied from some substances that are petroleum polymer. Their functional properties are poor. Inspired of by traditional methods, the gum production for medical purposes was tested in the laboratory in 2018-2019. Approxımately 100 trying have been done, the results were recorded. The products of 5 trials that have been considered successful were presented to the consumer and the questionnaire form has been filled. Sensory, chemical analysis and microbiological tests have been performed on the products. The results are very gratifying. In addition to this, the paper have a list of Türkiye gum plants. The most important problem in the gum production; raw material does not stick together and its elasticity is weak. As the main criteria of success, it is observed that the adhesion of the granules and its resistance against chewing has been provided. The majority of the surveyors found the products are active. But, those who come from the countryside and say that they have already chewed natural gum are more positive look about that product. The color does not matter much in terms of consumption, but the color of the gums have been liked, although the colorant is not added. Positive results have been obtained from microbiological tests. No microbiological negativity was observed for human health. According to the element analysis results; it is understood that the minerals necessary for human health are rich in the gum products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The chagra is the agroforestry system adapted to the characteristics of the Amazon region. Recently, there has been a reported loss of biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with the chagras. This paper characterizes the cultivators, exploring knowledge and expressed value perception in the context of the Amazonian chagra of an indigenous community; also, this prioritizes species, under the optics of commercial opportunity. Methods: A semi-structured instrument was applied to 14 volunteers, asking about marketing preferences and use values of the species; later, a floristic inventory and prioritization workshop was developed. Results: Sixty-two percent of the participants were 50 years or older at the time of the interview. Open conversations showed that traditional knowledge is a matter of practice; and is maintained mainly by the older "grandfathers". Thirty-eight species, belonging to 28 different families, were reported, showing considerable diversity. Seventy-nine percent of the participants consider the Leticia market and sales to tourists as the main marketing scenarios. Conclusions: The Ziora-Amena community centralizes the handling of chagras in the community's older adults, who transmit their traditional knowledge to new generations through oral tradition. Indicators of preference, use, and abundance highlight the food species. The perception of the trade stakeholder encourages research and development of endemic species, with health properties or ingredients for industry, which represent an opportunity of high added value for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans have favored the presence of Ficus species within anthropogenic landscapes and near human settlements throughout the planet due to a number of beliefs and for practical purposes. An intimate or mutualistic relationship between Ficus spp and human societies has been suggested but explanations about the motivations of these proximities between humans and Ficus remain very fragmentary. The case study presented in this paper, which was conducted in the sacred hills located in the surroundings of an urban area, Antananarivo, capital city of Madagascar, inhabited by the Merina, aims at finding some answers to the following two questions. To what extent are Ficus species integrated into the ecologies of human groups, understood here as interactions between humans (social, political and economic dimensions)? 2) Do humans introduce Ficus species into new habitats, potentially offering new ecological opportunities? This study builds on initial work conducted in Madagascar in the region of Fianarantsoa in Betsileo rural communities. Results shown in this paper suggest that: 1) the kings of Imerina, the region located in the north-eastern part of the High Plateau of Madagascar, have planted Ficus species abundantly, especially Ficus lutea Vahl and Ficus. polita Vahl, to claim ownership upon new territories of the Imerina and symbolically establish their political hegemony. Marriages with women from non-Merina cultural groups, such as the Sakalava inhabiting the Western Coast, and the use of Ficus species as symbols of power has contributed, with other activities, to the unification process of Madagascar; 2) The ecological distribution of F. lutea has been substantially manipulated by people from Imerina by planting this species quite abundantly in the sacred hills surrounding Antananarivo, an area where this species is at its ecological limit of distribution and also in faraway places such as the Western coast where the tree is not naturally distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saran is situated between 25 -36 degree and 26 to 13 degree North latitude and 84 to 24 and 85 to 15 degree East longitude in the southern part of the Saran division, North Bihar. Saran district has got a very important place in Bihar for ethno- botanical significant biodiversity. Different plants have different properties so; all the plants have a special importance. These are used in cure of a lot of diseases. Local people in this region are basically dependent on medicinal plants for their healthcare. People apply different parts of the plants in different type of diseases. The present paper focuses on the importance and use of medicinal plants in this region. Some important plants and their special uses with botanical names, Parts used and mode of treatment are given in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural materials derived from plants and animals are used for a diverse range of purposes by people, both in the past and in recent times. In this paper, consideration is given to the non-food uses made of plant materials, especially fibre-rich tissues such as leaves and stems, and the various types of fibres that may be obtained from leaves, stems, seeds, and fruits. Following a review of the evidence for the use of plant fibres from Harappan and pre-Harappan sites in Pakistan and of the ethnobotany of some fibre-yielding wild plants in Bannu District, evidence is presented on the present-day use of plant fibres (at village Bharat and as evidenced in traditional artefacts from the bazaar in Bannu City) and in the archaeological record from the early village sites of Sheri Khan Tarakai and Lewan. There are striking similarities between the techniques used both today and in the past to make matting from leaves and basketry from leaves and stems. These traditional crafts, both past and present, represent elements of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the latter being made more tangible by considering modalities of production (i.e., of the chaînes opératoire adopted). Of particular interest are the social processes underlying the cultural transmission of traditional knowledge of the handicrafts considered here, and the impressive persistence of such knowledge over very long spans of time. It is suggested that even small things such as these traditional handicrafts deserve to be recognised as a precious element in a nation's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Rastafari smoking herbs (cannabis) and tobacco is central to spiritual practices, including grounding (the process of initiation into Rastafari) and reasoning (ritual discussions). This paper presents ethnographic research with Rastafari smokers in England. It shows that smoking is considered a 'professional' activity that communicates dedication to the movement, aids in learning different dialects, and facilitates experiences of communication with herbs 'herself'. Through rituals that 'professional' smokers engage in herbs becomes a 'plant teacher', which Tupper [2008. The Globalization of Ayahuasca: Harm Reduction or Benefit Maximization? International Journal of Drug Policy, 19:300] defines as 'a natural divinatory mechanism that can provide esoteric knowledge to adepts skilled in negotiating its remarkable effects'. Appreciation of smoking as a form of multispecies communication between 'professional' smokers and 'plant teachers' recasts the role of agency in anthropological studies of smoking and contributes to our understanding of consciousness and intentionality in both humans and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study is the first quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation of Harighal, an inaccessible and unexplored area of District Bagh Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). The exploration, quantification, and comparison of ethnobotanical knowledge among different rural communities of the study area were mainly focused during field survey. Methodology: In total, 79 informants (49 men and 34 women) were selected randomly to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire. Various quantitative indices, including use value, relative frequency of citation, relative importance, fidelity level, and informant consent factor, were employed to evaluate the gathered information. Furthermore, primary data were also compared with twenty-two papers published from adjoining areas. Result: A total of 150 medicinal plants belonging to 98 genera and 60 families were documented. Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae were the dominant families having 15 species each. Of these, 76 species were indigenous, 74 exotic, 136 were collected in the wild, 10 cultivated, and 4 both wild-collected and cultivated. Herbaceous taxa were the most used life form, and leaves were the most exploited plant part. Decoctions were the most preferred method used in preparation of herbal recipes. Three species viz. Mentha longifolia, Berberis lycium, and Galium aparine had the highest use value (1.05), relative frequency of citation (0.81), and relative importance value (96), respectively. The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) was reported for digestive disorders. Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Zanthoxylum alatum, and Olea ferruginea had 100% fidelity values. The Jaccard index revealed that uses of plants were more similar in two neighboring areas, i.e., Pearl Valley and Toli Peer. Conclusion: Local inhabitants still prioritize herbal medicines as an effective way to treat a wide variety of ailments. Elders and health practitioners of the study area are well aware of indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants, but young people are not much interested in herbal practices. Thus, valuable knowledge about the use of plants is on the verge of decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to make a socioeconomic analysis over rural settlements in the extreme south of Bahia and in Pontal do Paranapanema in São Paulo state. Its emphasis is on cassava agrobiodiversity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen farmers in ten settlements in Bahia and eleven farmers in seven settlements in São Paulo. Those regions socioeconomic levels are among the lowest in their states, with major vulnerability in Bahia. About 60% of farmers's children live in the settlement, two thirds of them work on agricultural activities. Composed mainly by elderly population, settlements in Bahia represent most of cassava diversity, whose production provides to the artisanal flour production flour. The cultural dynamics over the flour production activities in the settlements constitute a key element in the region's agrobiodiversity maintenance. The Pontal's cassava production on the other hand, answers to the demand of industrial starch outside the settlements, which causes the growing of few varieties that answer to the industrial standards. The Bahia settlements' agroecological perspective has been fundamental to its agrobiodiversity enhancement while the industrial agriculture perspective endorsed in São Paulo's region weakens the agricultural diversity as well as its sociocultural structures associated with the agrobiodiversity maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C. arborea belonging to Araliaceae family is used traditionally to cure many alien diseases including gonorrhoeae infection, diarrhea, malaria, and diabetes mellitus. The plant has been examined on the basis of scientific in vitro and in vivo evaluations possessing the major pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antiplasmodial and anticancer properties. Aim of the study: In the present paper, we reported the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from the methanol extract of the stem bark of Cussonia arborea Hochst after a short review of the traditional and pharmacological studies done on this important medicinal plant. Materials and methods: MeOH extract of stem bark of C. arborea was suspended in water and successively extracted with EtOAc and n-BuOH. The EtOAc extract (18 g) was subjected to repeated column chromatography to yield seven (1-7) compounds. Their structures were determined by means of NMR, and published data. Results: The isolated compounds were identified as: protocatechuic acid (1), mixture of 3,23-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (2a) and 3,23-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (2b) in ratio 5/4, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosylolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), β-resorcylic acid (5), mixture of 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (6a) and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (6b) in ration 4/1, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7). Compounds 3, 4, 5, 7, 2b and 6b are herein reported for the first time in this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is one of the rarest medicinal plants used traditionally for the mitigation of various ailments. It is now classified as an endangered species and through this review, an overview regarding the pharmacological benefits of this plant has been put forward. Information on the ethnobotany and phytochemistry along with pharmacological activities was retrieved from the electronic databases for the period from 1962 to 2019. A literature review of articles published in local magazines, conference papers, unpublished materials, and books on traditional and medicinal plants of India was also conducted. There is very little information on C. caesiais in the literature, which revealed its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities along with neuropharmacological, thrombolytic, anthelmintic, antiulcer, and antidepressant properties. The modern pharmacological studies have validated some of the traditional claims and uses. However, many aspects of this perennial herb have not been studied due to its limited availability and authenticity of the species. There is limited availability of the species as it has become an endangered crop due to its overexploitation as traditional medicine since ancient times. Being a critically endangered medicinal plant, conservation strategies using modern breeding techniques strongly warrant further research on in vitro and in vivo biological activities in different assay systems; toxicity, adverse effects, and clinical efficacy of C. caesia are recommended to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper addresses the complex set of issues affecting rice grain preservation at archaeological sites. Through a set of carefully controlled carbonization experiments using wild and domesticated species, we demonstrate that dried, dehusked grains survive intact within a small window of heating conditions and, contrary to previous studies, are not substantially reduced in size by the carbonization process. The rice accessions included in this study are part of an extensive botanical collection from the Ban Chiang region, Thailand, which provides unique ethnobotanical information for traditional rice cultivars, their growing conditions, and specific attributes favored by local farmers. The Ban Chiang rice study provides a new lens for considering the history of rice cultivation in Southeast Asia regarding the chronology, archaeology, and cultural importance of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica and Oryza sativa ssp. indica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Our current knowledge about Moqoit medical ethnobotany is scarce, that is why the aim of this paper seeks to identify the medicinal plants and its therapeutic indications registered in the field among present moqoit people from Chaco province. These data are also compared with the few historical data available, as well as with the medical ethnobotany of Argentinian Gran Chaco criollos people and surrounding areas. M&M: Between 2008 and 2018, a total of 11 (eleven) campaigns were carried out to the Moqoit settlements in Chaco province, where semi-structured interviews were carried out with key collaborators. With these key people, herbarium samples were collected from the plants they have indicated. Results: A total of 381 medicinal applications are registered about 155 botanical taxa. Most of them (28%) are prescribed against digestive disorders and in a lesser extent, against dermatological conditions (15%), as antipyretics (14%) and for the reproductive system (13%). Frequently plants are used against "empacho" (digestive disorder), affections of magical-religious etiology (therapeutic rituals), as refreshing, antitussive and against toothache. Conclusions: The results from the comparisons made show the presence of cultural loans from criollos groups -by location and stock- to Moqoit medical ethnobotany, mostly from the Hispanic-Quichua criollos bio-cultural complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper aims to record the species used for flavouring and making alcoholic drinks, mainly rakija, on the islands of the Adriatic (Croatia). Methods: Our data comes from 295 interviews performed on 36 islands, in both the Dalmatian and Kvarner areas of the Adriatic. Results: Altogether, 114 species are used—46% from wild locations only, 15% both wild and cultivated, 38% only cultivated and two species are imported. The most common local alcohol is wine, made without spices, but grape pomace distillate is often flavoured with single or mixed species. The mix is called travarica. The most commonly used species are Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Myrtus communis L., Salvia officinalis L., Ruta graveolens L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., Ceratonia siliqua L., Juglans regia L., Citrus spp., Ficus carica L., Laurus nobilis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Artemisia absinthium L., Rosa centifolia L., Mentha × piperita L. and M. spicata L. Unfortunately, the widespread phenomenon of distilling Arbutus unedo L. fruits and fermenting Juniperus 'wine' is now extinct. Apart from grapes, the only commonly distilled fruit now is Ficus carica. Conclusions: It is striking that nearly all the plants are either wild or cultivated locally, which, in addition to the fact that the alcohol is made locally, shows the incredible local culinary self-sufficiency of the area. The number of species used is also very impressive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On several occasions we presented the close connection between man and the plant world and the facts that underlie the denomination and connotation in this plan. Ethnobotany is a fertile source of information for (anthropological) linguistic research. Phononymy reveals the concerns, representations and affective subconscious of the people. The plant names have been suggested to humans by the mysterious "codes" present in the morphology, chromatics, smell, taste, constitution of plant species. Other phytonyms have derived from the different properties of the plants, from their ecology, corology and phenology, from the relationships with other living beings. The fact that they were recorded in various writings is a win for both the Romanian ethnobotany, as well as for linguistics and history. Our work demonstrates the Latin origins of the Romanian language and the propagation of Latinity through botanical terminology, a phenomenon of considerable importance that has not yet been revealed. In this paper we analyze the phytonyms from Southern Transylvania and their implications in linguistic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]