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Background: The field of traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills, and practices that are deeply rooted in the theories, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures. The research aimed to identify traditional medicinal plants used in Guraferda District and assess the threats they face. Method: A total of 96 individuals, 80 males and 16 females, were interviewed to gather ethnobotanical data. Statistical tests like independent t tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 to compare informant groups. Result: The study found 81 medicinal plant species in the district from 71 genera and 38 families, with Asteraceae and Solanaceae families having the most species. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for medicine. Significant differences in plant knowledge were observed across genders, age groups, education levels, and experiences. The highest ICF value was for Dermal and Cutaneous ailments, and Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich and Bidens pilosa L. had the highest fidelity levels. Conclusion: The study highlighted the importance of traditional medicinal plants in treating ailments but noted threats like overharvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the availability of these plants for future generations. Further research is needed to explore their potential for modern medicine and develop sustainable use strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The field of traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills, and practices that are deeply rooted in the theories, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures. The research aimed to identify traditional medicinal plants used in Guraferda District and assess the threats they face. Method A total of 96 individuals, 80 males and 16 females, were interviewed to gather ethnobotanical data. Statistical tests like independent t tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 to compare informant groups. Result The study found 81 medicinal plant species in the district from 71 genera and 38 families, with Asteraceae and Solanaceae families having the most species. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for medicine. Significant differences in plant knowledge were observed across genders, age groups, education levels, and experiences. The highest ICF value was for Dermal and Cutaneous ailments, and Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich and Bidens pilosa L. had the highest fidelity levels. Conclusion The study highlighted the importance of traditional medicinal plants in treating ailments but noted threats like overharvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the availability of these plants for future generations. Further research is needed to explore their potential for modern medicine and develop sustainable use strategies.

Generally, orchids highly depend on specific fungi for seed germination and subsequent seedling development in nature. For medicinal orchids, obtaining compatible fungi is prerequisite for imitation of wild cultivation and conservation. In this study, the two important traditional Chinese medicinal orchids, Pleione bulbocodioides and Bletilla striata, were studied to screen out effective fungi for seed germination and seedling development. P. bulbocodioides seeds germinated and formed protocorms in all fungal and control treatments, but seedlings only developed in fungal Serendipita officinale (SO) and S. indica (SI) treatments and nutrient-rich medium MS treatment. At 90 days after incubation, the percentages of seedlings were 34.83 ± 3.4% and 27.59 ± 3.5% in SO and SI treatments, which were significantly higher than the MS treatment (18.39 ± 2.0%; all P < 0.05). At this stage, most seedlings in SO and SI treatments bore two leaves (Stage 5), and pelotons inside the basal cells of seedlings were clearly observed. For B. striata, seeds germinated up to seedlings with or without fungus, but seedlings developed rapidly in SI treatment. At 90 days after incubation, the percentage of seedlings in SI treatment reached 77.90 ± 4.1%, but was significantly lower than the nutrient-poor medium OMA treatment (85.18 ± 3.7%; P < 0.01), however, the seedlings in SI treatment were stronger than the seedlings in OMA treatment. The results suggested that P. bulbocodioides rely on compatible fungi for seeds germinated up to seedlings, and fungus SO could effectively promote seed germination and support seedling development; while B. striata can germinate up to seedling without any fungus, but compatible fungus S. indica can greatly speed up seed germination and promote seedling development. We suggest that S. officinale and S. indica fungi can be used in conservation practices or imitation of wild cultivation of these two important medicinal orchids, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study identified the main bioactive constituents extracted from a mixture containing four plant extracts. Four Saudi Traditional Medicinal plant extracts containing Psiadia arabica Jaub, Tamarix articulata, Terminalia arjuna and Rhazya stricta were identified using GC-Mass. Materials and Methods: The samples Psiadia arabica Jaub, Tamarix articulata, Terminalia arjuna and Rhazya stricta were collected from various regions of Saudi Arabia. The air-dried parts of each plant were powdered and soaked in methanol for 24 hr, except Psiadia arabica Jaub in chloroform. After that, it was obtaining the concentration plant extract through a rotary evaporator. The mixture of plant extracts was analyzed by GC-MS spectrometry. Results: The most abundant compounds identified including heneicosane (7.3%), tetradecane 4,11-dimethyl-(7.11%), Phytol (1.5%), dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-(1.9%) and hexadecane (1.1%), while the lowest concentrations were observed for 10-methylnonadecane, n-hexadecane, tridecane, 2-methyl-, Naphthalene, 1,2,4a,5,6,8a-hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)- and Dodecane, 2,6,11-trimethyl-. One of the main constituents noticed in the combination of four plants was heneicosane, which exhibits a strong antimicrobial effect. In addition, phytol showed multiple effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, ant nociceptive, anxiolytic, metabolism-modulating and immune-modulating. Conclusion: These functional molecules identified are known to have different biological activities as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative and antidiabetic. Further studies needed to investigate the mechanism of action through signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lelna people of Zuru, Kebbi State, North-western Nigeria, predominantly prefer the use of medicinal plants as viable treatments against different ailments, including trypanosomiasis, as the area is endowed with viable medicinal plants, despite a gradual decrease in the traditional knowledge of usage. This study seeks to document medicinal plants used for the treatment of trypanosomiasis among lelna people. A survey was conducted from October 2021 to January 2022 among the lelna tribes. Information was collected from 104 respondents using the purposive sampling technique and interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The survey documented 34 medicinal plant species belonging to 31 genera and 20 families. The highest fidelity level and relative frequency of citation of commonly mentioned plants were observed for Rogeria adenophylla J. Gay and Ricinus communis Linn. Fabaceae family, represented by 8 species, appears to be the most commonly utilized family. The most frequently cited species were wild-derived trees or shrubs and most herbal remedies were mainly prepared by decoction (45%) and administered orally (100%). Leaves (39%) and stem bark (16%) accounted for the highest proportion of the biological parts of plants used in remedy preparation. Parasitic diseases presented the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.68) among the cited species. This study has documented potential traditional medicinal plant species for treating trypanosomiasis in Zuru, Kebbi State. Pharmacological studies to identify the active principles of the cited species are required to validate their uses and unveil new potential trypanoside agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey for microfungi associated with traditional medicinal plants in Guangdong Province, China, an interesting species in the Tetraplosphaeriaceae was isolated from the dead stem of Wurfbainia villosa (Zingiberaceae). The new collection is characterised by brown to dark brown, cylindrical to ovate, four-columned conidia, mostly with four straight or slightly flexuous, smooth, and long apical appendages. The phylogenetic analysis of the combined dataset of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit nuclear rDNA (LSU), the partial translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), and β-tubulin (tub2) further indicated that the new collection forms a distinct branch in Tetraploa and clusters as a sister taxon with T. dwibahubeeja. Thus, we introduce a new species, Tetraploa wurfbainiae, based on distinct morphology and multi-locus phylogeny, accompanied by a description, illustration, and morphological comparison with related taxa. This is the first report of Tetraploa species on the medicinal plant W. villosa. This study enhances our understanding of the fungal species associated with the medicinal plant W. villosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discusses the use of traditional medicinal plants from an ethnopedagogical perspective, focusing on a case study in the Sundanese community. The research aims to understand the traditional healing practices involving the use of medicinal plants among the Sundanese people and how the ethnopedagogical approach can be used to uncover local knowledge and strengthen these cultural practices. The research methodology employed is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation study. The research sample was purposively selected, involving community leaders or traditional healing experts with extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices in the Sundanese community. The results show that the use of traditional medicinal plants remains an integral part of the Sundanese healthcare system. These plants are used to treat various diseases and health disorders, serving as symbols of local wisdom and cultural identity. The ethnopedagogical approach facilitates the sustainable transfer of knowledge from generation to generation and raises awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the context of traditional medicine.

Maintaining health is a crucial aspect of human life, and one traditional method to boost the immune system is through the use of medicinal plants. The practice of using medicinal plants has been passed down through generations, but in the present era, there is a decline in interest, particularly among the younger generation due to a lack of knowledge about the benefits of medicinal plants. This research aims to develop an interactive learning media introducing traditional medicinal plants, named "Herba Wisdom," as a solution to educate the younger generation on harnessing the benefits of medicinal plants. In an effort to create innovative learning media, this study will implement the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method. MDLC serves as a structured framework in the development of learning media, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the development process. The development will be carried out using Construct 2, a practical, fast, and efficient platform for creating interactive multimedia. The research employs black-box testing to assess program functionality, resulting in a program that operates effectively and provides a high level of user satisfaction.

Background: People in Sekela District, like others in Ethiopia, have a long tradition of using medicinal plants to treat human and livestock ailments. However, medicinal plants and their associated indigenous knowledge are currently under threat. Thus, the study was carried out to compile ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal plants in the district. Methods: A total of 352 informants from six study sub-districts (328 general and 24 key informants) were selected randomly and purposefully. Individual interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and market surveys were used to acquire ethnobotanical data using semi structured interview questions. The informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, medicinal use, and Analysis of Variance were used. Results: A total of 121 medicinal plants belonging to 106 genera and 55 families were documented. The Asteraceae family had the most species with 11 (9 %), followed by Lamiaceae with 8 (6.6 %), while leaves were the most utilized part with 56 (37 %). The majority of the remedies were made as a concoction (32, 17 %) and delivered orally (98, 57 %). There was a statistically significant difference in indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants among genders, ages, marital status, educational levels, and occupations (p ˂ 0.05). The dermatological disease categories had the highest ICF (0.92) in human ailments. Conclusion: The study revealed that Sekela District is rich in medicinal plants for treating human and livestock ailments, and has indigenous knowledge to utilize these resources effectively. However, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, and improper harvesting techniques threaten medicinal plants. This signals the need to make significant efforts to raise public awareness about their conservation and sustainable use.

Abstract Background Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, which combines richness in plant resources and cultures of human plant use. The people of Habru District of North Wollo Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) have a long history of use of plant resources for various purposes including in traditional herbal remedy preparation and use. However, the district has not been adequately studied for its ethnobotanical resources and the associated knowledge. This study focused on human medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Habru District. The objective of the study was to document and analyze the plant species used by the local communities to treat human ailments along with the associated traditional knowledge and practices. Methodology The study was carried out in Habru District from June 2021 to December 2022. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions (one at the district level and 12 at the kebele/subdistrict level) and market surveys. A total of 388 informants (250 males and 138 females) were selected from all 13 kebeles within Habru District using systematic random sampling, and 42 key informants were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were applied for data analysis. Results The results provide insights into the medicinal plant diversity within Habru District, where 134 plant species in 110 genera and 54 families were documented, including 2 endemics, highlighting the district’s significance in biodiversity conservation and healthcare delivery. Disease prevalence analysis showed that gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments (ICF = 0.85), febrile diseases (ICF = 0.84), and culture-related conditions exhibit high informant consensus factors. Remedy preparation involves various plant parts, predominantly leaves (47.3%), followed by roots (22.1%), fruits (7.0%), and seeds (5.8%). Freshly harvested plant parts were frequently used (58.2%), while 24.7% involved both dried and fresh parts. Oral application (47.3%) and topical use (31.8%) are the major routes of remedy administration. The marketability of medicinal plants was evident, with 16.4% of the species reported as marketable, including Terminalia brownii Fresen. Myrtus communis L., Ruta chalepensis L., Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., Allium sativum L. and Capsicum annuum L. Multipurpose plants such as Solanum somalense Franchet. (91.3% FL), Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. (88.9% FL), and Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (85.7% FL) exhibited notable healing potentials. Conclusion The current study underscores the intricate relationship between the local community and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and health care and acknowledging the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and ecosystem health. The results contribute to the development of sustainable conservation strategies, healthcare practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge, and highlight the interdependence of human societies and their natural environments. Community-based conservation initiatives with active participation of local communities are desirable for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species and their habitats. Raising public awareness about the sustainable harvesting and utilization of marketed medicinal plants (e.g., Terminalia brownii Fresen.) that are under threat is also important to ensure their availability for future generations and contribution to socioeconomic development.

Background: Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, which combines richness in plant resources and cultures of human plant use. The people of Habru District of North Wollo Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) have a long history of use of plant resources for various purposes including in traditional herbal remedy preparation and use. However, the district has not been adequately studied for its ethnobotanical resources and the associated knowledge. This study focused on human medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Habru District. The objective of the study was to document and analyze the plant species used by the local communities to treat human ailments along with the associated traditional knowledge and practices. Methodology: The study was carried out in Habru District from June 2021 to December 2022. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions (one at the district level and 12 at the kebele/subdistrict level) and market surveys. A total of 388 informants (250 males and 138 females) were selected from all 13 kebeles within Habru District using systematic random sampling, and 42 key informants were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were applied for data analysis. Results: The results provide insights into the medicinal plant diversity within Habru District, where 134 plant species in 110 genera and 54 families were documented, including 2 endemics, highlighting the district's significance in biodiversity conservation and healthcare delivery. Disease prevalence analysis showed that gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments (ICF = 0.85), febrile diseases (ICF = 0.84), and culture-related conditions exhibit high informant consensus factors. Remedy preparation involves various plant parts, predominantly leaves (47.3%), followed by roots (22.1%), fruits (7.0%), and seeds (5.8%). Freshly harvested plant parts were frequently used (58.2%), while 24.7% involved both dried and fresh parts. Oral application (47.3%) and topical use (31.8%) are the major routes of remedy administration. The marketability of medicinal plants was evident, with 16.4% of the species reported as marketable, including Terminalia brownii Fresen. Myrtus communis L., Ruta chalepensis L., Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., Allium sativum L. and Capsicum annuum L. Multipurpose plants such as Solanum somalense Franchet. (91.3% FL), Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. (88.9% FL), and Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (85.7% FL) exhibited notable healing potentials. Conclusion: The current study underscores the intricate relationship between the local community and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and health care and acknowledging the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and ecosystem health. The results contribute to the development of sustainable conservation strategies, healthcare practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge, and highlight the interdependence of human societies and their natural environments. Community-based conservation initiatives with active participation of local communities are desirable for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species and their habitats. Raising public awareness about the sustainable harvesting and utilization of marketed medicinal plants (e.g., Terminalia brownii Fresen.) that are under threat is also important to ensure their availability for future generations and contribution to socioeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based systems continue to play an essential role in healthcare, and their use by different backgrounds has been extensively documented. Rubia cordifolia L. (Manjistha), Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (Shankapushpi), Piper longum L. (Pippali), Boerhavia diffusa L. (Rakta Punarnava) and Uraria picta (Jacq.) Desv. (Prishniparni) are traditionally used for treating several diseases particularly dysmenorrhea, diuresis, paralysis, jaundice, amenorrhea, skin disorders of many varieties, renal stone and blood detoxification, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, ulcers, high blood pressure, epilepsy, vomiting, diabetes, sun stroke and bleeding, chronic bronchitis, asthma, constipation, gonorrhea and paralysis. The present analysis aimed to provide a general review of the available literature on ethnomedical, status of traditional medicine, phytochemicals and their source of compounds with biological activity, supply and demand in herbal and pharma industries and new cultivation methods for traditional medicinal plants and their necessity in present scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, orchids highly depend on specific fungi for seed germination and subsequent seedling development in nature. For medicinal orchids, obtaining compatible fungi is prerequisite for imitation of wild cultivation and conservation. In this study, the two important traditional Chinese medicinal orchids, Pleione bulbocodioides and Bletilla striata , were studied to screen out effective fungi for seed germination and seedling development. P. bulbocodioides seeds germinated and formed protocorms in all fungal and control treatments, but seedlings only developed in fungal Serendipita officinale (SO) and S. indica (SI) treatments and nutrient-rich medium MS treatment. At 90 days after incubation, the percentages of seedlings were 34.83 ± 3.4% and 27.59 ± 3.5% in SO and SI treatments, which were significantly higher than the MS treatment (18.39 ± 2.0%; all P < 0.05). At this stage, most seedlings in SO and SI treatments bore two leaves (Stage 5), and pelotons inside the basal cells of seedlings were clearly observed. For B. striata , seeds germinated up to seedlings with or without fungus, but seedlings developed rapidly in SI treatment. At 90 days after incubation, the percentage of seedlings in SI treatment reached 77.90 ± 4.1%, but was significantly lower than the nutrient-poor medium OMA treatment (85.18 ± 3.7%; P < 0.01), however, the seedlings in SI treatment were stronger than the seedlings in OMA treatment. The results suggested that P. bulbocodioides rely on compatible fungi for seeds germinated up to seedlings, and fungus SO could effectively promote seed germination and support seedling development; while B. striata can germinate up to seedling without any fungus, but compatible fungus S. indica can greatly speed up seed germination and promote seedling development. We suggest that S. officinale and S. indica fungi can be used in conservation practices or imitation of wild cultivation of these two important medicinal orchids, respectively., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yang, Li and Gao.)