An update review on monoterpene indole alkaloids and biological activities of Tabernaemontana species occurring in Brazil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Tabernaemontana genus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of which 30 species are found in Brazil. Some Tabernaemontana species are used by Brazilian indigenous people and other communities, or are listed in the Yanomami Pharmacopeia. Ethnopharmacological data include use(s) for muscle problems, depressed sternum, back pain, abscess, indigestion, eye irritation, earache, itching, vaginal discharge, as an aid for older people who are slow and forgetful, mosquito and snake bites, infection by the human botfly larvae, calmative, and fever. Obviously, many of these uses are attributed to the alkaloids found in Tabernaemontana species.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim is to gather information on Tabernaemontana species occurring in Brazil, as sources of monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs). In addition, we aim to collect reported experimental demonstrations of their biological activity, which may provide the foundation for further studies, including phytochemistry, the development of medicinal agents, and validation of phytopreparations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Brazilian Flora 2020 database was used as source for Tabernamontana species occurring in Brazil. The literature review on these species was collected from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Scifinder. The keywords included names and synonyms of Tabernaemontana species found in Brazil, which were validated by the Word Flora Online Plant List.

RESULTS

A literature survey covering the time frame from 1960 until June 2023 resulted in 121 MIAs, including 48 not yet reported in the last review published in 2016. Some alkaloid extracts, fractions, and isolated alkaloids present evidenced biological activity, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiviral, and against snake venoms, among others. Notably, ethnopharmacological based information has been the basis of some reports on Tabernaemontana species.

CONCLUSIONS

Our literature survey shows that Tabernaemontana species present bioactive MIAs, such as voacamine and affinisine, demonstrating significant cytotoxicity activity against several tumoral cell lines. Those compounds can be considered promising candidates in the search for new anticancer drugs. However, the Amazonian plant biome is increasingly damaged, which may lead to the extinction of biological diversity. This threat may also affect Tabernaemontana species, which have scarcely been investigated regarding the potential of their phytochemicals for the development of new drugs.

Targeting chemokine-receptor mediated molecular signaling by ethnopharmacological approaches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Infection and inflammation are critical to global human health status and the goal of current pharmacological interventions intends formulating medications/preventives as a measure to deal with this situation. Chemokines and their cognate receptors are major regulatory molecules in many of these ailments. Natural products have been a keen source to the drug development industry, every year contributing significantly to the growing list of FDA approved drugs. A multiverse of natural resource is employed as a part of curative regimen in folk/traditional/ethnomedicine which can be employed to discover, repurpose, and design potent medications for the diseases of clinical concern.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to systematically document the ethnopharmacologically active agents targeting the infectious-inflammatory diseases through the chemokine-receptor nexus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Articles related to chemokine/receptor modulating ethnopharmacological anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious natural sources, bioactive compounds, and formulations have been examined with special emphasis on women related diseases. The available literature has been thoroughly scrutinized for the application of traditional medicines in chemokine associated experimental methods, their regulatory outcomes, and pertinence to women's health wherever applicable. Moreover, the potential traditional regimens under clinical trials have been critically assessed.

RESULTS

A systematic and comprehensive review on the chemokine-receptor targeting ethnopharmaceutics from the available literature has been provided. The article discusses the implication of traditional medicine in the chemokine system dynamics in diverse infectious-inflammatory disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, allergic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neuroinflammation, and cancer. On this note, critical evaluation of the available data surfaced multiple diseases prevalent in women such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, cervical cancer and urinary tract infection. Currently there is no available literature highlighting chemokine-receptor targeting using traditional medicinal approach from women's health perspective. Moreover, despite being potent in vitro and in vivo setups there remains a gap in clinical translation of these formulations, which needs to be strategically and scientifically addressed to pave the way for their successful industrial translation.

CONCLUSIONS

The review provides an optimistic global perspective towards the applicability of ethnopharmacology in chemokine-receptor regulated infectious and inflammatory diseases with special emphasis on ailments prevalent in women, consecutively addressing their current status of clinical translation and future directions.

Traditional ethnobotanical knowledge and ethnomedicinal use of plants in the Tropical Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Introduction

A wide range of floral resources are used in Ethiopia for primary healthcare. Unfortunately, due to inadequate documentation and the fact that they were verbally passed down from one generation to the next, these indigenous medicinal practices are being forgotten. The study's goal was to identify and record indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge of plant usage in the Abala Abaya District of Wolaita, Ethiopia.

Methods

The collection of ethnobotanical data used a cross-sectional research design involving focus group discussions and semistructured questionnaires between January 2021 and April 2022. From each selected kebele (ward; smallest administrative unit), 50 informants (a total of 200) were selected as representative sample using a systematic random sampling technique.

Results

More than 50 different human and animal illnesses have been documented to be treated by seventy-two species of plants grouped in thirty-two families. The most abundant families were Poaceae and Asteraceae (8 taxa in each). The two most often used plant parts were leaf (29%) and herbs (54%), respectively. Oral administration was the most typical mode of delivery (75%). For treating stomachache in the category of gastrointestinal illnesses, Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel got the greatest fidelity level scores (FL = 100%).

Conclusions

In Abala Abaya District, there is broad access to traditional medicinal plants that can treat ailments in both humans and animals. This study, therefore, might be a baseline piece of information for further botanical related studies in the region. Plants with the highest FL values are highly recommended for novel drug discovery.

Nutritive value, biological properties, health benefits and applications of Tetrapleura tetraptera: An updated comprehensive review

Due to the health benefits that medicinal plants present, they are applied in traditional healthcare in developing and developed countries alike. Tetrapleura tetraptera, a flowering plant mostly found in the western part of Africa has an essential chemical composition that gives it nutritive value and medicinal capacities. This review aims to highlight the nutritional attributes, biological properties, health benefits, and applications of T. tetraptera. The fruit of the plant has been revealed to possess about 58.48-63. 86% carbohydrates, 251.22-288.62 mg/g potassium, 182.11-200.02 mg/g calcium, 322.00-342.00 mg/g manganese, and 0.02-4.69 mg/g vitamins. Also, active phytochemical compounds including phenols (3.51 ± 0.03 mgGAE/g), flavonoids (0.87 ± 0.03 mgQE/g), saponins (4.27 ± 0.03 mgDE/g), tannins (23.87 ± 0.44 mg/100 g), and alkaloids (5.03 ± 0.15% w/w) have been discovered in the fruit of T. tetraptera. The plant's abundant phytochemicals account for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-parasitic, and anti-proliferative activities. These biological properties in turn translate to health benefits including lower blood pressure, enhanced immune system, malaria treatment, diabetes and hypertension management, and cancer prevention. The health-promoting assets of T. tetraptera underscore its applications in beverage production, food preservation and flavoring, feed supplementation, and pharmaceutical formulations. The data gathered in this piece is crucial for industrial food processing and the creation of potent pharmaceutical products and functional foods with superior health attributes.

Chemical composition, antifungal, and anti-virulence action of the stem bark of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) against Candida spp

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a fruit and medicinal species used for treating infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. However, its mechanism of action against microbes is still not fully understood. Infections in the genitourinary system caused by Candida spp. are associated with its fungal resistance and pathogenicity. New plant-derived compounds are an alternative to fight these Candida infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa. This research investigated the chemical composition of sulfuric ether (EEHS) and methanolic (MEHS) extracts, their drug-modifying action on fluconazole, and their anti-virulence action on the morphological transition of Candida species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extracts (EEHS and MEHS) of the stem bark of H. speciosa were chemically characterized via qualitative phytochemical screening and by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF). The extracts were evaluated regarding their antifungal effects and fluconazole-modifying activity against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis using the broth microdilution method. Additionally, the study evaluated the inhibition of fungal virulence in Candida species through morphological transition assays.

RESULTS

The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, aurones, catechins, chalcones, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, leucoanthocyanidins, tannins (condensed and pyrogallic), and xanthones in both extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa. The UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF analysis identified the same compounds in both extracts, predominating phenolic compounds. Some compounds were first time recorded in this species: gluconic acid, cinchonain IIb, cinchonain Ib isomer, and lariciresinol hexoside isomers. Most of the intrinsic antifungal activity was observed for the MEHS against C. krusei (IC50: 58.41 μg/mL). At subinhibitory concentrations (MC/8), the EEHS enhanced the action of fluconazole against all Candida strains. The MEHS exhibited greater efficacy than fluconazole inhibiting C. krusei growth. The EEHS completely inhibited hyphae appearance and reduced pseudohyphae formation in C. albicans.

CONCLUSION

The stem bark of H. speciosa is a rich source of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic. Phenolic compounds can have important roles in fighting infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, such as candidiasis. The extracts of H. speciosa improved the action of the drug fluconazole against Candida species, inhibited hyphae appearance, and reduced pseudohyphae formation. The results of this study can support the development of new therapeutics against resistant strains of Candida.

Sonchus oleraceus L.: ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects

Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) is a cosmopolitan species native to Europe commonly known as lettuce, sowthistle, chicory, or fake dandelion, considered a weed. However, for many years in various cultures around the world, it has been used as food and medicinal plant. The aim of this integrative review is to document the ethnomedical, phytochemical, and pharmacological information of this species. Forty-one papers document the use of S. oleraceus to heal of a wide variety of diseases. However, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, inflammation, infections, hepatitis, wounds, and to consume it as food are the most common uses. On the other hand, only 11 items highlight that the main groups of secondary metabolites in this species are flavonoids and terpene lactones. Finally, 45 items reveal that antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and cytotoxic were the most studied pharmacological activities. In vitro and in vivo studies of extracts and components isolated from different parts of S. oleraceus have provided a concrete overview of the pharmacological properties of this species that supports its ethnomedical uses in cultures from different parts of the world. The reports of this species have focused solely on the study of the complete plant, leaves, and aerial parts, so it is necessary to study other parts of this species to search for bioactive compounds. No clinical studies were found, which creates an opportunity to expand scientific knowledge of this species.

Ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal research into medicinal plants in the Mt Stara Planina region (south-eastern Serbia, Western Balkans)

BACKGROUND

Ethnobotanical research in Southeast Europe-one of the most important European hotspots for biocultural diversity-is significant for the acquisition of Traditional Ecological Knowledge related to plants as well as for encouraging the development of local environments. The current ethnobotanical research was conducted in the region of Mt Stara Planina (south-eastern Serbia), which is characterised by rich phytodiversity with a large number of endemic and relict plant species. The aim of the study was to document the diversity of uses of medicinal plants and of traditional knowledge on their therapeutic uses.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical data was collected through both open and semi-structured interviews with locals. Fifty-one inhabitants were interviewed (26 men and 25 women), aged 30-91, and data was analysed by means of use reports, citation frequency, use values (UV), and the informant consensus factor (ICF).

RESULTS

The study identified 136 vascular medicinal plant taxa and one lichen species belonging to 53 families and 116 genera. Lamiaceae (19), Rosaceae (18), and Asteraceae (17) had the highest species diversity. The plant parts most commonly used to make a variety of herbal preparations were the aerial parts (54 citations), leaves (35 citations), fruits (20 citations), flowers (18 citations), and roots (16 citations), while the most common forms of preparation were teas (60.78%), consumption of fresh tubers, leaves, roots, and fructus (6.86%), compresses (5.88%), juices (5.39%), decoctions (3.92%), 'travarica' brandy (3.92%), and syrups (2.45%). Of the recorded species, 102 were administered orally, 17 topically, and 18 both orally and topically. The plants with a maximum use value (UV = 1) were Allium sativum, Allium ursinum, Gentiana asclepiadea, Gentiana cruciata, Gentiana lutea, Hypericum perforatum, Thymus serpyllum and Urtica dioica. The highest ICF value (ICF = 0.95) was recorded in the categories of Skin and Blood, Blood Forming Organs, and Immune Mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that medicinal plants in the research area are an extremely important natural resource for the local population as they are an important component of their health culture and provide a better standard of living.

Ethnomedicinal evaluation of medicinal plants used for therapies by men and women in rural and urban communities in Makkah district

For the first time, differences in ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants between men and women, as well as tribal and urban populations in the Makkah district, are investigated. The current research aims to provide responses to the following questions: (1) According to tribal and urban cultures, which medicinal plants are used by Saudis in Makkah? (2) In view of demographic differences, how much do male and female use medicinal plants? (3) Are the plants utilized by male and female considerably various? And, (4), how do men and women learn about therapeutic plants? Methods: Ethnomedicinal study was carried out in Makkah and its adjacent villages from September 2022 to January 2023. To document local medicinal plants, individuals used free-listing, semi-structured interviews, and an online survey form. In all, 59 male and 62 female were questioned face-to-face, and 239 participants completed the questionnaire, with 110 men and 129 women responding. Results: A total of 92 local folks for medicinal plants have been recorded, covering 88 different plant species belong to 36 families. Men cited 69 plants (34 families), whereas women referenced 64. (33 plant families). Males and females know in comparable ways, although they employ different medicinal herbs to remedy a variety of diseases. Conclusions: The use of medicinal plants by Saudis in Makkah is dependent on gendered social roles and experiences, as well as population structure. Education and urbanization exert a greater impact on the preference for biomedical or traditional medicinal usage.

Ayurveda research: Emerging trends and mapping to sustainable development goals

Ayurveda is India's prominent traditional medical system. The World Health Organization has stated the need for more evidence and data from conventional medicine methods to inform policymakers, regulatory bodies, healthcare stakeholders, and the public about its safe, effective, and equitable use. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the emerging trends in Ayurveda research, mapping research to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and examining the impact of COVID-19. Using bibliometric methods, the researchers analyzed a total of 11,773 publications between 1993 and 2022 to understand the temporal evolution of publications, open-access publications, patterns of author collaboration, top-performing countries, and co-citation networks. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies networks of concentrated studies on Ayurveda research themes relating to the four clusters, Alternative and Traditional Medicine, Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities, Analytical Techniques and Herbal Standardization, and Herbal Medicines and Immunomodulation, reflecting the diverse research areas within Ayurveda. The last cluster included research related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, suggesting research on herbal approaches to immune modulation in the context of COVID-19. The most prominent SDG among these research themes was Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), emphasizing the potential of natural products and traditional medicine in promoting holistic health and combating antibiotic resistance.

Medicinal plants of the upper Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda - a cultural crossroads

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.

Biotechnological approaches for in vitro propagation, conservation and secondary metabolites production in Bulbophyllum, an endangered orchid genus: a review

Bulbophyllum represents the largest genus in the family Orchidaceae. The orchid species of this genus are widely used in the traditional medicine systems in different Asian countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Studies on the secondary metabolites of Bulbophyllum have revealed the presence of important phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Some species of Bulbophyllum are reported to be of horticultural importance for their unique flowers. Habitat destruction and unsustainable utilization of different species of Bulbophyllum have led to a decline in the natural populations. The present review provides insights into the phytochemistry and ethnomedicinal uses of different species of Bulbophyllum, and highlights the biotechnological approaches developed for its conservation and sustainable utilization. Overall, the details provided in the present review can potentially be used for genome editing and biotechnological advances to develop plants with improved traits, which will be essential for the judicious utilization of the Bulbophyllum species so as to conserve and save the populations in the wild.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects of the ethanolic leaves extract of Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet using in vitro assays

Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet belongs to the Malvaceae family and is a perennial shrub commonly known as Indian mallow, which is distributed in tropical regions and many different areas in Saudi Arabia. A. hirtum is an economically and a medicinally useful plant in different zones of the world for healing various diseases. The current research explores the in vitro antioxidant characteristics and cytotoxic and genotoxic potential effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of A. hirtum (LEAH). Mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal aberration (CA) tests were performed in Allium cepa, and MTT assays were performed using human dermal fibroblast, adult (HDFa) and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines. The comet assay was used to assess the genotoxic effect of LEAH. The antioxidant activity of LEAH was evaluated by DPPH and superoxide anion free radical scavenging assays. The results revealed that the cytotoxic effects of LEAH on Allium cepa were significantly changed in an inverse relationship with MI (general average for 3 times 0.275) and a direct relationship with MNs and CAs against concentration and treatment time, for highest concentration 1.351 mg/ml were 0.74 and 1.81 respectively. In addition, the MTT test revealed a dose-dependent cytotoxic impact, with the % cell viability decreasing as the concentration of LEAH increased, the lowest % cell viability (19.54) and highest inhibition (80.46) were obtained with 4.40 mg/ml of LEAH. In general, the results indicated that A. hirtum has a damaging effect at high doses; however, a cell safe effect, and a strong antioxidant and DNA protective effect at carefully calculated doses was observed. This provides credibility to justify its general therapeutic activity. Moreover, future studies should identify bioactive molecules and their molecular mechanisms responsible for potential therapies.

Ethnoveterinary practises of medicinal plants used for the treatment of different cattle diseases: A case study in East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya, North East India

Introduction

For generations, the inhabitants of Meghalaya have relied on medicinal plants to maintain the health of their livestock and treat various illnesses that may afflict their animals. Due to the lack of survey for use and documentation, these plants have never been undertaken. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the diversity, utilization, and phytochemical profile of these plants and quantitatively analyse the data to identify important medicinal plants. By doing so, we can better understand the potential of these plants for developing novel drugs.

Methods

Frequent field trips were made for the collection of ethnoveterinary data of medicinal plants from local animal-keepers, traditional healers (THs) and inhabitants of different age groups. This information was gathered through semi-structured interviews, individual discussions, direct field-use observation, and questionnaires. A total of 52 informants (35 females and 17 males) were interviewed from seven rural villages and the information obtained from them were quantitatively analysed using the informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, for each documented plant, available published literature was extensively surveyed to identify the presence of bioactive chemical compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects.

Results

During the present study, a total 96 plants, distributed into 87 genera and 43 families were identified and recorded for their use in ethnoveterinary practices against more than 25 diseases. Out of the recorded plant species, the Fabaceae family was found to be the most dominant with seven species, followed by Poaceae and Lamiaceae with six species each, and Moraceae with five species. The leaves (50.00%) and seeds (12.50%) were the most frequently used plant parts, while the paste (30 species) was the common mode of application. Aegle marmelos Correa exhibited a fidelity level (FL) of 100% for indigestion, while Tagetes erecta L. had a fidelity level of 94.11% for wound treatment, making them the most promising candidates for further study. The highest FIC value of 1.00 was recorded for the treatment of neurological disorder (1.00), followed by foot and mouth disease (FIC 0.91), which depicted that some species were frequently utilized to treat multiple livestock ailments.

Conclusion

The study presents trustworthy information about medicinal plants and their associated indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge. It has been scientifically proven that these plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for their therapeutic properties. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost due to factors like socioeconomic changes, environmental and technological alterations, and lack of interest from younger generations. Therefore, it is essential to document this empirical folklore knowledge systematically and take measures to protect and conserve it.

An ethnobotanical survey on phytomedicines based on traditional knowledge in the Barpeta district, Assam, India

BACKGROUND

Traditional knowledge (TK) is the culture as well as the identity of the majority of the ethnic communities. This knowledge is diminishing with time and with the advancement of synthetic medicines. The medicinal plants are equally effective with fewer side effects when compared to allopathic treatments for humans as well as livestock.

OBJECTIVE

The main focus of this study is to document the use of plants for the treatment of human ailments by traditional healers in the Barpeta district of Assam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was conducted to gather information on phytomedicines from among the 30 local practitioners or traditional healers in the Barpeta district of Assam state through face-to-face interviews and discussions. The data obtained from the study was compiled through the UR (Use report). The data was analyzed by Fic (informant consensus factor) and RFC (relative frequency of citation). The botanical name of the plants was verified using https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list.

RESULTS

A total of 50 plant species having medicinal benefits belonging to 48 genera and 30 families were recorded. The leaves were the most used parts used in treatment accounting for 74% of the total and were usually used by extracting the juice. Besides, the most common disease treated using herbal medicines includes that of the GIT (gastrointestinal tract). The GIT disease category showed the highest Fic index which is 0.25. The plant species Syzygium cumini showed the highest RFC index of 0.50.

CONCLUSIONS

The common people of the Barpeta district of Assam are found to be familiar with the practice of traditional medicines. This knowledge has mostly been passed down to generations from their ancestors who acquired it through trial and error methods. These medicinal plants are used in crude form. Therefore, the plants must be thoroughly analyzed and tested to identify the active principles involved in their mechanism of action which can be used in drug development.

Ethyl palmitate, an anti-chikungunya virus principle from Sauropus androgynus, a medicinal plant used to alleviate fever in ethnomedicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sauropus androgynus is a medicinal shrub used for the treatment of fever in ethnomedical traditions in various Southeast Asian countries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to identify antiviral principles from S. androgynus against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a major mosquito-borne pathogen that re-emerged in the last decade, and to unravel their mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydroalcoholic extract of S. androgynus leaves was screened for anti-CHIKV activity using cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay. The extract was subjected to activity guided isolation and the resultant pure molecule was characterized by GC-MS, Co-GC and Co-HPTLC. The isolated molecule was further evaluated for its effect by plaque reduction assay, Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. In silico docking with CHIKV envelope proteins and molecular dynamics simulation (MD) analyses were used to elucidate its possible mechanism of action.

RESULTS

S. androgynus hydroalcoholic extract showed promising anti-CHIKV activity and its active component, obtained by activity guided isolation, was identified as ethyl palmitate (EP), a fatty acid ester. At 1 μg/mL, EP led to 100% inhibition of CPE and a significant 3 log₁₀ reduction in CHIKV replication in Vero cells at 48 h post-infection. EP was highly potent with an EC₅₀ of 0.0019 μg/mL (0.0068 μM) and a very high selectivity index. EP treatment significantly reduced viral protein expression, and time of addition studies revealed that it acts at the stage of viral entry. A strong binding to the viral envelope protein E1 homotrimer during entry, thus preventing viral fusion, was identified as a possible mechanism by which EP imparts its antiviral effect.

CONCLUSIONS

S. androgynus contains EP as a potent antiviral principle against CHIKV. This justifies the use of the plant against febrile infections, possibly caused by viruses, in various ethnomedical systems. Our results also prompt more studies on fatty acids and their derivatives against viral diseases.

Diversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Shui people in Southwest China

BACKGROUND

The Shui are a small Chinese sociolinguistic group living in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, south of Guizhou Province. The Shui people have accumulated and developed rich traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a significant role in their healthcare. Traditional ethnic herbal medicines, like Shui ethnomedicine, have become an important resource of rural development in Guizhou Province. However, not much research has been conducted to document the medicinal plants traditionally used by the Shui people. This study's aims are (1) to record the current use of medicinal plants in Sandu County and associated traditional knowledge, including the medicinal plant species used and the types of diseases treated by local healers and any unique aspects of their preparations; (2) to analyze the most important medicinal plant species using relative frequency of citation (RFC); and (3) to provide useful information and data for possible future development and application of ethnomedicine and promote the conservation and preservation of Shui traditional medicinal knowledge.

METHODS

Field surveys were conducted between July 2015 and August 2022 in Sandu County. A total of 15 local healers as key informants were interviewed. An additional 132 informants from villages and local markets were also interviewed through semistructured interviews and focal group discussions. Local Shui healers were followed during their collection of medicinal plants in the fields and recorded the medicinal plants' names, uses, and parts used. An ANOVA was used to evaluate the number of medicinal plants recognized by local healers across age-groups and townships, and relative frequencies of citation values were determined for the recorded medicinal plants.

RESULTS

In this study, data collected from 15 Shui healers and 132 other informants were analyzed. The healers used fresh or dried parts of 505 plant species as medicine to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. These plants belong to 405 genera from 156 families, with Fabaceae being the highest represented plant family. The Jiuqian township had the highest distribution of per capita healers (pch); only one local healer was in Zhonghe. Of the 15 local healers, only two were younger than 40 years of age. There is a major concern that traditional medicinal knowledge may be lost if there are not sufficient trainees or suitable successors. Among the common medicinal plants, most are herbaceous and the Shui typically use the whole plant in their medicines. There are 85 different recorded diseases treated by Shui medicinal plants, and among them, rheumatism and bone fractures have the largest number of species used. Three medicinal plant species, Isodon amethystoides, Asarum insigne, and Acorus tatarinowii, are the most commonly used ethnomedicines by the Shui people.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that Shui people have extensive knowledge of a diverse range of medicinal plants, many of which had not been systematically recorded before the current study. Further research on the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Shui medicinal plants will be useful for developing functional foods or pharmaceutical products, particularly those of Isodon amethystoides, Asarum insigne, and Acorus tatarinowii. Additionally, as a result of rapid economic growth, fewer young people in Shui communities pursue traditional medicinal studies. Only 15 traditional Shui healers remain in the county, and only two of them are below the age of 40 years. Therefore, to conserve Shui's traditional medicinal knowledge, initiatives and policies are required to regenerate, strengthen, and promote Shui medicinal knowledge.

Alzheimer's Disease: A Role of Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis and Evidences from African Ethnomedicinal Knowledge

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological ailment that primarily affects the elderly and necessitates an efficient treatment regimen backed up by extensive care. Despite advancement in the in vivo imaging techniques focussing on early diagnosis of reliable biomarkers using novel MRI and PET scans, AD remains largely unexplained and effective preventative and treatment strategies are still lacking. Consequently, research groups are constantly attempting to improve its early detection, using both invasive and non-invasive techniques with established core markers like Aβ and Tau (t-tau and p-tau) proteins. Unfortunately, African American and other black races are facing an increasing burden of closely associated risk factors, and only a few attempts have been made to find effective complementary and alternative therapies for AD cure and management. A greater epidemiology and natural product research are required to deal with the concurrent rise of dementia among quickly ageing African population, which so far have largely been ignored in addition to a disparity in the AD risk factors. We have tried to bring attention to the issue by reviewing up on this predisposition while generating a perspective on how race may affect AD risk and expression. This article also puts emphasis on finding new research leads from African phytodiversity while presenting several of the important species along with their biological agents found helpful in dementia related symptoms.

Ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants used by Cashinahua (Huni Kuin) herbalists in Purus Province, Peruvian Amazon

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.

Garcinia oligantha: A comprehensive overview of ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Garcinia oligantha Merr. is an ethnomedicine plant mainly distributed in Guangdong and Hainan, China. It has the effects of heat-clearing and detoxicating, which has been used by local ethnic minorities to treat a variety of diseases, including inflammation, internal heat, toothache and scald.

THE AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes and discusses the progress of the chemical compounds and biological activities of G. oligantha that have been studied in recent years to provide the direction for the prospective research and applications of G. oligantha.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant literature about G. oligantha was accessible from ancient Chinese medical books and records, theses, as well as major scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Baidu Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

RESULTS

To date, more than 150 chemical compounds were isolated from this plant, including xanthones, volatile oil, fatty acid, benzofurane derivative and biphenyl compounds. Xanthones are the main bioactive compounds that exhibit diverse biological effects, such as antitumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, neuroprotective, antimalarial and antibacterial effects, which are consistent with its traditional uses as a folk medicine. Modern pharmacological studies show that these compounds participate in a variety of signaling pathways underlying different pathophysiologies, making them a valuable medicinal resource.

CONCLUSION

G. oligantha is an ethnomedicine with a long history. However, due to regional and cultural constraints, the popularisation and use of ethnomedicine are still limited. Modern pharmacological and chemical research suggest that G. oligantha contains a variety of bioactive compounds and showed diverse biological functions, which is worthy of comprehensive and in-depth research. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progress in studies on G. oligantha, looking forward to promote further research and sustainable development of folk medicinal plants.

A review on Torilis japonica: ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and biological features

The present study was aimed at comprehensive overviewing a phytochemically and biologically important species namely Torilis japonica (Apiaceae family). Treatment of dysentery, fever, haemorrhoids, spasm, uterine tumors, lymphadenitis, rheumatism, impotence, infertility, women's diseases, and chronic diarrhea are reported as the main folk medicinal applications of the T. japonica fruits. So far, the plant is phytochemically characterized for its diverse terpene derivatives, predominantly sesquiterpenes. The plant's fruit is a rich source of torlin, a guaiane-type sesquiterpene, possessing various potent bioactivities. To date, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, skin photoaging activities of the plant extracts and its constituents have been evaluated. Further investigation of the plant, specifically bioassay-guided isolation and identification of its major bioactive constituents can lead to discover potential phytopharmaceutical candidates.

Senna occidentalis (L.) Link root extract inhibits Plasmodium growth in vitro and in mice

BACKGROUND

Senna occidentalis (L.) Link has been used worldwide in traditional treatment of many diseases and conditions including snakebite. In Kenya, a decoction from the plant roots taken orally, is used as a cure for malaria. Several studies have demonstrated that extracts from the plant possess antiplasmodial activity, in vitro. However, the safety and curative potency of the plant root against established malaria infection is yet to be scientifically validated, in vivo. On the other hand, there are reports on variation in bioactivity of extracts obtained from this plant species, depending on the plant part used and place of origin among other factors. In this study, we demonstrated the antiplasmodial activity of Senna occidentalis roots extract in vitro, and in mice.

METHODS

Methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane and water extracts of S. occidentalis root were tested for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, strain 3D7. Cytotoxicity of the most active solvent extracts was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the curative potency in Plasmodium berghei infected mice evaluated by Rane's test.

RESULTS

All of the solvent extracts tested in this study inhibited the propagation of P. falciparum, strain 3D7, in vitro, with polar extracts being more active than non-polar ones. Methanolic extracts had the highest activity (IC50 = 1.76) while hexane extract displayed the lowest activity (IC50 = 18.47). At the tested concentrations, methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited high selectivity index against P. falciparum strain 3D7 (SI > 10) in the cytotoxicity assay. Further, the extracts significantly suppressed the propagation of P. berghei parasites (P < 0.05) in vivo and increased the survival time of the infected mice (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Senna occidentalis (L.) Link root extract inhibits the propagation of malaria parasites in vitro and in BALB/c mice.

Morbidity survey of the history of snakebites in different communities in the alto Juruá, western Brazilian Amazon

The Alto Juruá region has a rich diversity of venomous snakes, and snakebites represent an important cause of morbidity. The present study was carried out in five communities in the Alto Juruá region, and aimed to evaluate the history of snakebites in terms of which snakes were involved and what was the victims' conduct in relation to first aid and prevention. Between 2017 and 2019, semi-structured interviews were applied to 260 residents, 56 (21.53%) of whom had a history of snakebites. The profile of the victims is 73.2% male, a resident of rural areas who develops activities mainly in agriculture and extractivism and who has a low level of education. Just over half of the snakebites occurred during the rainy season (52.8%) and the majority during the day (77%). Bothrops bites were the most frequently reported (90.3%) and B. atrox was the most mentioned snake (jararaca and surucucu) for being responsible for snakebites (80.8%). Approximately 87.5% of the bites occurred to the lower limbs, and 48.2% of the victims were barefoot at the time of the bite. Inadequate first-aid procedures were reported, such as using tourniquets and consuming the drink known as "Específico Pessoa", not drinking water, and treatment with traditional therapy (phytotherapics, zootherapeutics and faith healers), as well as not seeking hospital care. Thus, the need to facilitate access to hospital units in these communities and health education (prevention and first aid) are essential in order to minimize this situation.

Bioactive compounds, pharmacological actions and pharmacokinetics of Cupressus sempervirens

The roles of plants and its products in all forms of life cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal products from plant are phytochemicals, drugs, food supplements, beauty products, etc. In ethnomedicine, leaves, fruits, stem, bark, root and fluids from plants are used in the cure, management and prevention of several diseases. Cupressus sempervirens, sometimes called Italian or Mediterranean cypress, is found in subtropical Asia, North America and eastern Mediterranean region. Pharmacological investigations of Cupressus sempervirens showed biological properties such as aromatherapeutic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic or anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiperspirant, diuretic and antispasmodic. Chemical analysis of Cupressus sempervirens gives phytochemicals like monoterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoid glycosides and bioflavonoids. The current review highlights interactions, conventional uses and biological actions of Cupressus sempervirens plant and plant products.

Evidence for Health-Promoting Properties of Lepidium sativum L.: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Lepidium sativum L. is a common herb distributed worldwide, used as a food ingredient and therapeutic agent in traditional medicine for treating health-related disorders. L. sativum and its extracts have been described to possess numerous biological activities including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, anticancer, and numerous health-promoting effects in in vivo and in vitro studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings describing important biological functions and therapeutic effects of L. sativum in various cell lines and animal models. In this review, the English-language articles were gathered from electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar with no time limit applied to any database. The search terms used in this review include, "Lepidium sativum L." and/or "chemical composition", "health benefits", "antimicrobial", "antioxidant", "anticancer", "diuretic", "nephro-protection", "antidiarrheal", "antidiabetic", "anti-asthmatic", "neuroprotection", "metabolic", "bone fracture", and "reproductive performance". Additional and eligible studies were collected from reference lists of appropriate articles. The information presented will be helpful to attract more interest toward medicinal plants by defining and developing novel clinical applications and new drug formulations in the future. Pre-clinical studies showed that L. sativum possesses potent health-promoting effects involving various molecular mechanisms. Taken all together, data suggested that identified herbal plants such as L. sativum, can be exploited as nutritional and therapeutic agents to combat various ailments. Despite much research in this field, further comprehensive in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the biological and therapeutic activities of L. sativum.

Herbal remedies used by traditional healers to treat haemorrhoids in Tabora region, Tanzania

CONTEXT

Haemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in humans. In Tanzania, particularly in the Tabora region, medicinal plants (MPs) are used by traditional healers (THs) to treat haemorrhoids, but no study has explicitly attempted to compile these treatments.

OBJECTIVE

This study documents MPs used by THs of the Tabora region in Tanzania to treat haemorrhoids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather ethnobotanical data from 44 THs on MPs used to treat haemorrhoids, parts used, preparation methods and administration routes. The collected ethnobotanical data were analysed by computing percentage frequencies and relative frequency citations.

RESULTS

Twenty-six MPs belonging to 19 families and 25 genera, used to manage haemorrhoids, were documented. Fabaceae was the dominant family (four species), whereas shrubs constituted a high proportion (38.46%) of the MPs, and the root was the most (30.3%) utilized plant part. Decoction (38.5%) and topical application (53.8%) were the most preferred preparation and administration techniques. Most MP materials (76.9%) were sourced from the wild. Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asphodelaceae) (68%), followed by Allium sativum L. (Alliaceae) (66%) and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) (66%) were the most utilized MPs. Among the recorded MPs, 12 are reported for the first time for the treatment of haemorrhoids. The recorded MPs are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties that aid in managing inflammation associated with bowel diseases, including haemorrhoids.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has documented valuable MPs used to manage haemorrhoids and provides a basis for further studies to discover efficient and affordable anti-haemorrhoid drugs.

Therapeutic roles of plants for 15 hypothesised causal bases of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressive and ultimately fatal, with current drugs failing to reverse and cure it. This study aimed to find plant species which may provide therapeutic bioactivities targeted to causal agents proposed to be driving AD. A novel toolkit methodology was employed, whereby clinical symptoms were translated into categories recognized in ethnomedicine. These categories were applied to find plant species with therapeutic effects, mined from ethnomedical surveys. Survey locations were mapped to assess how this data is at risk. Bioactivities were found of therapeutic relevance to 15 hypothesised causal bases for AD. 107 species with an ethnological report of memory improvement demonstrated therapeutic activity for all these 15 causal bases. The majority of the surveys were found to reside within biodiversity hotspots (centres of high biodiversity under threat), with loss of traditional knowledge the most common threat. Our findings suggest that the documented plants provide a large resource of AD therapeutic potential. In demonstrating bioactivities targeted to these causal bases, such plants may have the capacity to reduce or reverse AD, with promise as drug leads to target multiple AD hallmarks. However, there is a need to preserve ethnomedical knowledge, and the habitats on which this knowledge depends.

Ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in Himachal Pradesh, India in Western Himalaya

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants are considered as a healthcare resource and widely used by rural people in their traditional medicine system for curing neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases refer to incurable and debilitating conditions that result in progressive degeneration/death of nerve cells or neurons in the human brain. This review is mainly focused on the usage of different ethnomedicinal plants in the treatment of different neurodegenerative diseases in Himachal Pradesh. Study reveals total of 73 ethnomedicinal plants, which are used for treating different neurological disorders in different areas of Himachal Pradesh. The data is compiled from the different sources that described the detailed information of plants in tabular form and highlights the significance of different phytochemicals on neuroprotective function. The present study also provides the scientific data and clinical (in-vivo and in-vitro) studies in support of ethnomedicinal use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to provide information of ethnomedicinal plants which are used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in Himachal Pradesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on the use of ethnomedicinal plants to treat various neurological disorders has been gathered from a variety of sources, including various types of literature, books, and relevant publications in Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, Scopus, and Pub Med, among others. The collected data is tabulated, including the botanical names of plants, mode of use and the disease for which it is used for curing, etc. RESULTS: There are 73 ethnomedicinal plants that are used to cure various neurological disorders, with the most plants being used to treat epilepsy problem in Himachal Pradesh.

CONCLUSION

Numerous phytochemicals and extracts from diverse plants were found to have a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidant activity is known to exist in a variety of herbal plants. The most common bioactive antioxidant chemicals having their significant impacts include flavonoids, flavones, coumarins, lignans, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanins, and isocatechins.

A review of the ethnomedicinal uses, chemistry, and pharmacological properties of the genus Acanthus (Acanthaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Acanthus genus belongs to the Acanthaceae family, and its species are distributed in all continents, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Several traditional applications are referred to, but few scientific studies validate them. Despite this, studies in animal models corroborate some of its uses in folk medicine, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive, which encourages the research on plants of this genus.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To our knowledge, this document is the first comprehensive review study that provides information on the geographic distribution, botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of some Acanthus species to understand the correlation between traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological activities, providing perspectives for future studies.

RESULTS

In traditional medicine, Acanthus species are mainly used for diseases of respiratory, nervous and reproductive system, gastrointestinal and urinary tract, and skin illness. The most used species are A. montanus, A. ilicifolius, and A. ebracteatus. Chemical compounds (125) from different chemical classes were isolated and identified in seven species, mainly from A. ilicifolius, about 80, followed by A. ebracteatus and A. montanus, appearing with a slightly lower number with fewer phytochemical profile studies. Isolated phytoconstituents have been mainly alkaloids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, and phenylethanoids. In addition, aliphatic glycosides, flavonoids, lignan glycosides, megastigmane derivatives, triterpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, alcohols, hydroxybenzoic acids, simple phenols were also cited. Scientific studies from Acanthus species extracts and their phytoconstituents support their ethnomedical uses. Antimicrobial activity that is the most studied, followed by the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, underlie many Acanthus species activities. A. dioscoridis, A. ebracteatus, A. hirsutus, A. ilicifolius, A. mollis, A. montanus, and A. polystachyus have studies on these activities, A. ilicifolius being the one with the most publications. Most studies were essentially performed in vitro. However, the anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties have been studied in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Acanthus species have remarkable phytoconstituents with different biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, and leishmanicidal, supporting traditional uses of some species. However, many others remain unexplored. Future studies should focus on these species, especially pharmacological properties, toxicity, and action mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive report on Acanthus genus plants, evidencing their therapeutic potential and prospects for discovering new safe and effective drugs from Acanthus species.

A socio-ecological critique on India's local health traditions amidst rising incidence of global pandemics

Introduction

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed inadequacy to deal with such health emergencies. The state of healthcare facilities in India is shambolic, which is further exacerbated by the exclusivity of modern health systems. The authors argue for vertical and horizontal expansion of the existing system to include traditional medicine systems, in favor of an urgently needed holistic and more inclusive healthcare system.

Methods

Secondary data were collected from free online resources, including preprints, reprints and databases, J-gate Plus, PubMed and Web of Science, using keywords such as, “folk medicine”, “folk medicine AND India”, “traditional Indian medicines”, “indigenous Indian medicines AND India”, “Indian ethnomedicines”, “Indian AND folk AND medicine”, “indigenous Indian medicine”.

Results and conclusions

Insufficiently robust public healthcare infrastructure, lack of enough qualified health professionals, and poor use of its traditional medicinal systems, are limiting the access of basic healthcare facilities to a large section of the Indian population. Despite vehement opposition and criticism from modern health system practitioners, indigenous and local healing traditions do offer benefits and share a common global goal of health and healing. The objectives of Universal Health Coverage and Health for All as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without their involvement, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged regions of the country. Even a sub-optimal utilization of its biological and human resources and related traditional knowledge can not only profoundly change the health, but also the economic landscape of India. Here, we have nuanced the constrains posed by the emerging health challenges, status and prospects of the great and little traditions of the Indian System of Medicines in fulfilling the urgent healthcare needs of the country. The authors based their arguments on the available evidence, rather than emotive ideas or, as a fan of Indian traditional medicines, and suggest for the purposeful inclusion of traditional health systems and practitioners more actively in India’s health care delivery systems. The country must not squander the opportunities offered by its traditional medicinal systems.

Assessment of antimalarial medicinal plants used in Nigerian ethnomedicine reveals antimalarial potential of Cucurbita pepo leaf extract

Medicinal plants are often used to treat malaria in different parts of Nigeria and exploiting these can unravel new therapeutic leads. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial potential of selected plants used to treat malaria in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. Leaves of three different plants (Cucurbita pepo, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Pennisetum purpureum) were collected for screening and two extracts viz., 70%v/v ethanol and dichloromethane/methanol (1:1 v/v), were prepared for each. An acute toxicity test was done in mice and cytotoxicity was assessed using human hepatoma cell line (HUH). The extracts were screened against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (Pf3D7) in vitro, and chloroquine-resistant P. berghei ANKA in vivo using a 4 day-suppressive test in mice. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract was further tested for hemolytic effect on human erythrocytes and in established infection in mice. Parameters assessed were post-treatment parasitemia, hematological indices, organ (brain, kidney, liver, and spleen) weights, and survival. The extracts were non-cytotoxic up to a test dose of 100 μg/ml and 2000 mg/kg fed - mice did not show acute or delayed toxicity. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract (CpE) displayed excellent in vitro antiplasmodial activity with IC₅₀ of 3.05 μg/ml. At an oral dose of 500 mg/kg, mice were observed to display significant (p < 0.01) ∼51% suppression of parasitemia. The extract did not produce any significant hemolytic effect up to a test concentration of 1 mg/ml. In established infection, a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) protected mice from anemia caused by low hematocrit. The extract produced significant (p < 0.05) elevation in red blood cells and platelet counts, and an increase in hemoglobin was evident at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Further, CpE in a dose-dependent manner, reversed liver and spleen weight increase seen in untreated, infected mice. These findings show C. pepo as a potential candidate for further studies to identify its bioactive principle(s) and possible mechanism(s) of antimalarial action.

Ethnomedical applications and conservation status of Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae plants in Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND

This review highlights the folklore, ethnomedicinal uses and conservation status of Caesalpinioideae in Uttar Pradesh (India).

AIMS

It aims at compiling available data of traditional medicine, biological activity, phytochemical information and assessing the regional red list status of Caesalpinioideae in Uttar Pradesh. The information provided would help in formulating new drugs and medicines and addressing global conservation issues of such medicinally exploited species.

METHODS

The current study included an extensive and systematic review of available literature, the study of previous collections of herbarium specimens, random interviews with locals and tribals, field surveys, and GeoCAT tool-based assessment during 2016-2020. The study reports that the majority of species of Caesalpinioideae are used for curing digestive problems (about 20 species) and skin diseases (19 species).

RESULT

Almost all the species have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These pharmacological activities can be attributed to the presence of various types of anthraquinones in plants.

CONCLUSION

The regional conservation status reveals that eight species qualified for the status of regionally threatened category while two species fall under near threatened category.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Yao people in Gongcheng County, Guangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County (Gongcheng) is typical for the Yao people in northeastern Guangxi, southern China. The Yao people have a long history of using medicinal plants. In this study, we used ethnobotanical methods to collect traditional knowledge regarding herbal medicines in Gongcheng. Our study provides fundamental data for developing and applying local ethnic medicines and their protection.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical data were collected from 103 villages in nine townships from 2014 to 2018 in Gongcheng. A total of 352 informants (279 male and 73 female) were interviewed through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and guided field walks. All the informants were local inhabitants aged between 28 and 101 years of age, of which 40 key informants were selected based on the recommendations of knowledgeable elders and local medical institutions. The informant consensus factor (ICF) was used to evaluate the degree and importance of differences in medicinal plant species and calculated the relative frequencies of citation (RFC) for the recorded medicinal plants.

RESULTS

Data from 352 local healers were collected for the study. The Guanyin and Sanjiang townships had the highest distribution of per capita healers (Pch), while the Gongcheng, Lianhua, and Ping'an townships were relatively lower. Of the 352 local healers, more than half were older than 60 years of age and therefore faced the problem of suitable successors and potential loss of traditional medicinal knowledge. There are 12 types of diseases treated by local healers in the study area, and most of the types had a high ICF value. The highest ICF (0.80) was reported for digestive system disease, followed by urinary system disease (0.78) and nervous system disease (0.77). Traumatic injury and orthopedics, digestive system, and rheumatic disease are the most common ailments. The RFC value calculated in 33 medicinal plant species (with an FC of more than 5) ranged from 0.024 to 0.056. The higher RFC values included Kadsura longipedunculata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Plantago asiatica, etc. The most commonly used medicinal method was decoction; plasters, creams, and some form of moxibustion and cupping skills were locally practiced, but only rarely. The local healers used 306 medicinal plant species (116 families and 255 genera). Herbal plants were most commonly used among these, with whole plants and roots being favored.

CONCLUSION

The Yao people are highly skilled at using medicinal plants to treat various diseases in Gongcheng. Their treatment methods are varied, convenient, and efficient. Due to the impact of urbanization and economic development, knowledge of traditional medicine is under threat, with declining numbers of local healers and a lack of suitable successors. In order to protect and inherit Yao's traditional medicinal knowledge, it is necessary to educate young healers and to protect biodiversity.

Green pharmacy at the tips of your toes: medicinal plants used by Setos and Russians of Pechorsky District, Pskov Oblast (NW Russia)

BACKGROUND

While the hybridization of ecological knowledge has attracted substantial attention from researchers, the coexistence of local and allopathic medicinal traditions in literate societies widely exposed to centralized schooling and medical services has not yet been investigated. To this end, we studied the current and remembered local ethnomedical practices of Setos and neighboring Russians at the border with Estonia.

METHODS

During 2018-2019, we carried out 62 semi-structured interviews in the Pechorsky District of Pskov Oblast, NW Russia. For cross-border comparison, we utilized the data from 71 interviews carried out at the same time among Setos in Estonia. The Jaccard Similarity Index and qualitative comparison were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The study participants mentioned 819 uses of 112 taxa belonging to 54 families. More than two-thirds of the uses (565) were quoted by 36 Russian interviewees, while the remaining third (254) were quoted by 26 Seto interviewees, with the top 3 in both groups being Viburnum opulus, Rubus idaeus, and Plantago major. The Seto intraethnic similarity index was lower (0.43) than the interethnic similarity in Estonia (0.52) and comparable to the interethnic similarity in Russia (0.43). Setos in Russia and local Russians rely more on wild plants (86% and 80% of medicinal plants, respectively), while Setos in Estonia and Estonians show less preference to them (63% and 61%, respectively). Nevertheless, Setos tend to source wild plants available in their gardens (33% of plants for Setos in Estonia and 38% in Russia), while Russians prefer to source them in the wild (38%).

CONCLUSIONS

The preference of both groups in Russia for wild plants over cultivated and purchased plants was inspired by the overall plant literacy, access to nature, and one-to-many knowledge transfer favoring wild plants. Setos in Russia reported a narrower and more homogenous set of plants transferred vertically. However, due to atomization and the erosion of horizontal connections, there are singular plant uses among Setos that overlap with the local Russian set of medicinal plants and differ qualitatively from that of Setos in Estonia.

Zootherapy as a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover: a mixed-methods study of the use of animal products in medicinal and cultural practices in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Understanding how and why people interact with animals is important for the prevention and control of zoonoses. To date, studies have primarily focused on the most visible forms of human-animal contact (e.g., hunting and consumption), thereby blinding One Health researchers and practitioners to the broader range of human-animal interactions that can serve as cryptic sources of zoonotic diseases. Zootherapy, the use of animal products for traditional medicine and cultural practices, is widespread and can generate opportunities for human exposure to zoonoses. Existing research examining zootherapies omits details necessary to adequately assess potential zoonotic risks.

METHODS

We used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field notes to examine the use of zootherapy in nine villages engaged in wildlife hunting, consumption, and trade in Cross River State, Nigeria. We analyzed medicinal and cultural practices involving animals from a zoonotic disease perspective, by including details of animal use that may generate pathways for zoonotic transmission. We also examined the sociodemographic, cultural, and environmental contexts of zootherapeutic practices that can further shape the nature and frequency of human-animal interactions.

RESULTS

Within our study population, people reported using 44 different animal species for zootherapeutic practices, including taxonomic groups considered to be "high risk" for zoonoses and threatened with extinction. Variation in use of animal parts, preparation norms, and administration practices generated a highly diverse set of zootherapeutic practices (n = 292) and potential zoonotic exposure risks. Use of zootherapy was patterned by demographic and environmental contexts, with zootherapy more commonly practiced by hunting households (OR = 2.47, p < 0.01), and prescriptions that were gender and age specific (e.g., maternal and pediatric care) or highly seasonal (e.g., associated with annual festivals and seasonal illnesses). Specific practices were informed by species availability and theories of healing (i.e., "like cures like" and sympathetic healing and magic) that further shaped the nature of human-animal interactions via zootherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidemiological investigations of zoonoses and public health interventions that aim to reduce zoonotic exposures should explicitly consider zootherapy as a potential pathway for disease transmission and consider the sociocultural and environmental contexts of their use in health messaging and interventions.

Valorization of coffee leaves as a potential agri-food resource: bio-active compounds, applications and future prospective

This article intends to summarize all the up-to-date information on coffee leaves, rendering it to be used as a potential agri-food resource in the growing functional foods and pharma industries. Coffee leaves have been processed for herbal tea and ethno-medicine since centuries in the parts of the world where coffee is grown traditionally. Currently, interest in the valorisation of coffee leaves for its application in the food industry is proliferating and the research related to it is scanty and, therefore, worthwhile to congregate. The current review compromises the botanical description, chemical composition, bio-actives and ethnomedicinal properties of coffee leaves. It encompasses the existing pharmacological studies on coffee leaves including the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities to pave path for future research. Furthermore, applications and patents associated with coffee leaves in different fields such as therapeutic agents, beverages, packaging material, tobacco substitute etc. have been summarized. The investigation reveals that, despite of many patents on coffee leaves only few products could reach the worldwide market; also in spite of coffee leaves having a rich ethno-medicinal use the study on its pharmacological activities are scarce which creates a huge scope to carry out in-vitro and in-vivo research on its various bio-activities. Future insights reflecting the supplementary research regarding the sensory attributes, changes in phytochemical composition, flavour development and product formulations which is vital are also discussed. In conclusion, this review addresses the breach and specifies the requirements to convert the existing knowledge into commercialized food products with functional properties. Thus, coffee leaves being a copious resource of bio-actives serve as a potential agri-food resource and a promising future in the emerging functional food and nutraceutical industry.

Dysphania schraderiana (Schult.) Mosyakin & Clemants - An overlooked medicinal and ritual plant used in Poland

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The paper discusses the traditional ritual, medicinal and insect repellent use of Dysphania schraderiana in Poland, a plant with little ethnobotanical and phytochemical data. Our research suggests that its properties should be further studied comparing it with the related D. botrys and D. ambrosioides.

AIM OF THE WORK

D. schraderiana is an aromatic and medicinal annual herb related to D. ambrosioides and D. botrys and practically absent from historical accounts of plant uses in Europe. The aim of this work is to characterise the current use of D. schraderiana in south east Poland on the background of historical Dysphania species use in Europe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data on D. schraderiana was collected in 2020, based on interviews with 42 people in rural areas of south-eastern Poland where the species is used today. A range of textual sources were searched including old medicinal herbals, pharmaceutical handbooks, ethnobotanical publications and culinary databases regarding all the uses of Dysphania species in Europe.

RESULTS

In the study area D. schraderiana occurs in the whole spectrum of cultivation stages - from being intentionally cultivated to completely wild. The plant is used mainly as an apotropaic and insect repellent, blessed during Catholic church holidays (mainly Assumption Day), and sometimes used as incense in churches (and blessed on Epiphany Day). D. schraderiana rarely occurs in European historical sources, except sometimes classed as a false, inferior form of D. botrys, which has been known for centuries as a moth repellent and treatment for respiratory illness. We hypothesise that the plant was not easily distinguished from D. botrys and their uses strongly overlapped. For some unknown reason the use of D. botrys died out, whereas a relatively large semi-feral population of D. schraderiana exists in south-eastern Poland where it has remained a culturally important plant.

CONCLUSIONS

D. schraderiana is a rare case of a non-native plant traditionally used within an area of Europe but previously nearly overlooked in European ethnobotanical literature. Historical uses of Dysphania spp. in other areas of Poland and former Poland (now western Ukraine) suggest that the genus was used more widely in regions beyond the one studied. However, a very compact distribution of use suggests that D. schraderiana may have been brought to SE Poland from a single source outside the study area. Its common name, and use as a holy incense plant, is associated it with the well-known biblical tree resin obtained from Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.

Medicinal plants used against hepatic disorders in Bangladesh: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver disease is a major cause of illness and death worldwide which accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide, 1 million due to complications of cirrhosis and 1 million due to viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. That's why it is seeking the researchers' attention to find out the effective treatment strategies. Phytochemicals from natural resources are the main leads for the development of noble hepatoprotective drugs. The majority of the natural sources whose active compounds are currently employed actually have an ethnomedical use. Ethnopharmacological research is essential for the development of these bioactive compounds. These studies not only provide scientific evidence on medicinal plants utilized for particular therapeutic purposes, but they also ensure cultural heritage preservation. Plenty of experimental studies have been well-documented that the ethnomedicinal plants are of therapeutics' interest for the advanced pharmacological intervention in terms of hepatic disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study summarizes the processes of hepatotoxicity induced by various toxins and explores identified hepatoprotective plants and their phytoconstituents, which can guide the extraction of novel phytochemical constituents from plants to treat liver injury. This review aimed to summarize the hepatoprotective activity of Bangladeshi medicinal plants where the bioactive compounds may be leads for the drug discovery in future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature searches in electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, SpringerLink, PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Scopus, BanglaJOL, and so on, were performed using the keywords 'Bangladesh', 'ethnomedicinal plants', 'Hepatoprotective agents' as for primary searches, and secondary search terms were used as follows, either alone or in combination: traditional medicine, medicinal plants, folk medicine, liver, hepatitis, therapeutic uses, and anti-inflammatory. Besides, several books, including the book entitled "Medicinal plants of Bangladesh: chemical constituents and uses" authored by Abdul Ghani, were carefully considered, which contained pharmacological properties and phytoconstituents of many medicinal plants growing and traditionally available in Bangladesh. Among them, the most promising plant species with their latest therapeutic effects against hepatic disorders were deeply considered in this review.

RESULTS

The results of this study revealed that in most cases, therapy using plant extracts stabilized altered hepatic biochemical markers induced by hepatotoxins. Initially, we investigated 32 plant species for hepatoprotective activity, however after extensive literature searching; we observed that 20 plants offer good pharmacological evidence of hepatoprotective function. Consequently, most bioactive compounds derived from the herbs including berberine, thymoquinone, andrographolide, ursolic acid, luteolin, naringenin, genistein, quercetin, troxerutin, morin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, chlorogenic acid, emodin, curcumin, resveratrol, capsaicin, ellagic acid, etc. are appeared to be effective against hepatic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Flavonoids, phenolic acids, monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, chromenes, capsaicinoids, curcuminoids, and anthraquinones are among the phytoconstituents were appraised to have hepatoprotective activities. All the actions displayed by these ethnomedicinal plants could make them serve as leads in the formulation of drugs with higher efficacy to treat hepatic disorders.

Protective effects of Dialium guineense pulp on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in albino rats

The numerous challenges and detrimental effects connected with the treatment of peptic ulcers in the world today calls for alternative attention. Ethnomedicinally, Dialium guineense pulp (DAGP) has numerous pharmacological activities. This study investigated the anti-ulcer activities of Dialium guineense pulp on gastric mucosa injury induced with aspirin in albino Wistar rats. DAGP extract was orally administered at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw (mg per kg of the body weight) per day for 3 or 7 days followed by 400 mg/kg bw oral aspirin administration. Ulcer indices were determined, followed by a biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzymes using gastric mucosal tissue from the stomach. Student's t-test was used to compare significant differences among groups of animals at P ≤ 0.05. The results showed that Dialium guineense pulp caused a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the ulcer index in aspirin induced rats. This decrease in ulcer index is dose dependent and 1000 mg/kg bw per day caused the highest decrease in 7 days. The results showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in lipid peroxidation and a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in antioxidant enzymes activities in the aspirin-induced ulcerated rats. Oral administration of DAGP increased antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased injury in the gastric mucosa in ulcer induced rats. Therefore, this study showed that DAGP exhibited anti-ulcer potential and that the gastrointestinal protection may be through the scavenging action of free radicals by its constituent antioxidants. Thus, Dialium guineense pulp has ameliorative medicinal potential for the curing of gastric disorders.

A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of the ethnic medicinal plant Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach in China

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach (syn. Polygonum orientale L.) is a potent medicinal herb widely used in many ethnic groups, such as the Han, Tibetan, Mongolian, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Korean, Dong, Hani, Lisu, Naxi and She people in China. Aims of the review: This article aims to present the research progress on P. orientalis, which is helpful to understand the multi-purpose of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and prompt its medicinal value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on P. orientalis was obtained from published materials, including monographs on medicinal plants, ancient and modern recorded classics, pharmacopoeias and electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, AGRIS, Europe PMC, SCI Finder, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang DATA, J-STAGE, classical treatises of modern pharmaceutical science and Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS).

RESULTS

Clinical applications of traditional medicine of P. orientalis have therapeutic effects for dispelling rheumatism, promoting digestion, aiding diuresis and activating blood circulation. A total of 153 chemical constituents have been identified from P. orientalis, including flavonoids, carboxylic acids, phenolic acids, amino acids, hydrocarbons, chromones, lignans, volatile oils, amides and other components. Its active ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-abortion, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis, as well as protective effects on cerebral ischemia and liver injury. By establishing stable detection methods, the quality standards of P. orientalis medicinal materials have been guaranteed, such as determination of the iconic components, harvesting periods and optimization of specific components extraction processes.

CONCLUSIONS

P. orientalis has different pharmacological activities based on the diversity of chemical constituents. However, the existing reports mainly focus on the extracts, and these studies on its corresponding compounds are not clear enough. The information suggests that P. orientalis has good potential medicinal value, and more attention should be paid to further explore its bioactive components.

Dataset, including a photo-guide, of alien plants sold in traditional medicine markets and healthcare outlets in three South African cities, specifically by traders of Indian, West African, East African, and Chinese origin

This dataset is a an inventory of 475 alien plant taxa (447 identified to species), including a photo-guide to 96 plants, mostly sold as traditional medicines in three South African cities by traders of South African, West African, East African, Indian and Chinese origin (Williams et al., 2021). The dataset also incorporates species documented in a literature survey of alien plants used for traditional medicines in South Africa. The species inventory is a consolidation of the data from two separate investigations of 106 medicinal plant traders: firstly, a study conducted in 2010/2011 of 77 traders in markets and shops in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban (Williams et al., 2021); and secondly, a study conducted in 2017/2018 of plants sold by 29 (im)migrant traders of West African, East African, and Indian origin in Johannesburg, and of alien species listed in a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) catalogue (Burness, 2019). Accompanying each plant photograph in the photo-guide is the following information: species name; common name(s) provided by the survey respondents; invasive alien plant category; introduction status; voucher specimen number(s); nationality of the medicine traders; and, notes on source localities (e.g. imported or collected in southern Africa). Overall, most of the taxa were from the Asteraceae (12%), Fabaceae (9%) and Poaceae (5%). The species are mostly unlisted (76%) with respect to their legal status in South Africa in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004 Alien & Invasive Species (A&IS) regulations. The most frequently recorded species in the various surveys were Glycyrrhiza glabra, Acorus calamus, Angelica sinensis and Zingiber officinale.

Ethnomedicine and neuropsychopharmacology in Mesoamerica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The burden of disease caused by mental and neurological disorders is increasing globally, to a disproportionate degree in Latin America. In contrast to the many psychoactive plants with a use history in Mesoamerican cultures, the translation to the wider population of knowledge around numerous botanicals used contemporarily by indigenous Mesoamerican societies to treat psychological and neurological disorders did not receive the same attention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used the previously published Mesoamerican Medicinal Plant Database to extract species and associated botanical drugs used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system by Mesoamerican cultures in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. With the critical use of published pharmacological literature, the cross-culturally most salient genera are systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

From 2188 plant taxa contained in the database 1324 are used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system. The ethnomedical data was critically confronted with the available biomedical literature for the 58 cross-culturally most salient genera. For a considerable proportion of the frequently used taxa, preclinical data are available, mostly validating ethnomedicinal uses.

CONCLUSION

This quantitative approach facilitates the prioritization of taxa for future pre-clinical, clinical and treatment outcome studies and gives patients, practitioners, and legislators a fundamental framework of evidence, on which to base decisions regarding phytomedicines.

Oral hygiene in Namibia: A case of chewing sticks

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chewing sticks have served as the primary form of dental care for rural communities in resource-poor settings for millennia. They are one of the most important under-researched, non-timber forest products in Namibia. This review provides an overview of plants that are used as chewing sticks in Namibia and highlights pharmacological as well as phytochemical studies conducted on them.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to present a summary of studies that have been done on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, biological activity as well as evidence on the scientific validation and geographical distribution of chewing sticks in Namibia. It also highlights research gaps and provides an impetus for the scientific investigations of these plant species.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature searches using keywords including oral hygiene, chewing sticks, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, antimicrobial, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory activities and toxicity studies, chewing sticks, and distribution in Namibia on various electronic search engines was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 41 plant species identified, Cordia sinensis Lam., Faidherbia albida (Delile) A.Chev. and Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne. are used for both gargling and as mouthwash. The plant families Fabacae, Ebenaceae, and Burseraceae account for 22.0%, 12.2%, and 7.30% of plant species recorded as chewing sticks in Namibia respectively. This study revealed a significant relationship between plant family and scientific validation. Species belonging to Burseraceae, Apocynaceae, Montiniaceae, and Cucurbitaceae families have only been partially validated. The Kunene region, home to the Ovahimba ethnic group, had the highest proportion (87.8%) of chewing sticks species compared to other regions.

CONCLUSION

This review revealed that most of the plants used as chewing sticks in Namibia require an in-depth pharmacological and phytochemical investigation as deduced from the paucity of literature on the therapeutic methods, mechanisms of action, efficacy, toxicity, and clinical relevance of these species.

Caribbean Women's Health and Transnational Ethnobotany

Caribbean Women's Health and Transnational Ethnobotany. Immigrants from the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti are among the top foreign-born communities in New York City (NYC). As people migrate to new countries, they bring their ethnomedical beliefs and practices, and adapt their plant pharmacopoeias. Haiti and the DR share a flora on the island of Hispaniola. In NYC, the flora is limited to what is available in the city. We selected plants for future laboratory research based on ethnobotanical data from two surveys among Dominicans in the DR and NYC, and a Haitian literature review. In both Dominican datasets, gynecological infections were the top women's health condition treated with plants. We identified 10 species for this purpose reported by Dominicans that are also known medicines in Haitian culture, although not yet documented for women's health. Plants for gynecological infections potentially cause dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota, and may increase rather than prevent disease. There is a public health need to assess traditional medicines for their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria, while causing minimal disruption to the vaginal flora. Several species are known antibacterials, but remain to be tested for their efficacy. These results also provide a foundation for a planned ethnobotanical survey among NYC Haitian women.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12231-021-09526-3.

Antimicrobial activity of extracts and fractions of Euphorbia lateriflora (Schum. and Thonn) on microbial isolates of the urinary tract

Euphorbia lateriflora is used in ethnomedicine for treating several conditions, including genital and urinary tract infections (UTI). Although ethnobotanical claims support its use in therapy, there is limited evidence on its effect on UTI, even though UTI remains a public health problem in Nigeria especially due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. We investigated the activity of E. lateriflora extracts and fractions on bacterial and fungal isolates from symptomatic urinary tract infections and vaginosis respectively. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted on dried pulverised leaves. Successive gradient extraction was carried out with the aid of a soxhlet extractor with n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol respectively. Bioactivity guided fractionation was conducted on the ethyl acetate extract using Vacuum Liquid Chromatography. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion was conducted on test isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates to extracts and fractions was done using the agar well diffusion technique. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Biocidal Concentrations (MBC) were determined by agar and broth dilutions respectively. Time-kill assay of the ethyl acetate extract was conducted using the viable count technique. Phytochemicals present include saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The majority of isolates used in this study were multidrug resistant. Extracts and fractions of E. lateriflora produced appreciable zones of inhibition on both antibiotic susceptible and resistant bacteria with MICs of 6.25 mg/mL and MBC ranging from 6.25–50 mg/mL. Bactericidal activity of the ethyl acetate extract was concentration and time dependent with 100% kill at 25 mg/mL after 6 h for E. coli and 2 h for C. albicans. Euphorbia lateriflora contains phytochemicals which possess antimicrobial activity on antibiotic resistant bacteria and has potential in the development of chemotherapeutics for bacterial and fungal infections.

Dibenzyl trisulfide binds to and competitively inhibits the cytochrome P450 1A1 active site without impacting the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

The toxicological manifestation of many pollutants relies upon their binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), and it follows a cascade of reactions culminating in an elevated expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 enzymes. CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 are associated with enhanced carcinogenesis when chronically exposed to certain polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and their inhibition may lead to chemoprevention. We evaluated dibenzyl trisulfide (DTS), expressed in the ethnomedical plant, Petiveria alliacea, for such potential chemoprevention. Using recombinant human CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 bactosomes on a fluorogenic assay, we first demonstrated that DTS moderately inhibited both enzymes with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 1.3 ± 0.3 and 1.7 ± 0.3 μM, respectively. Against CYP1A1, DTS was a reversible, competitive inhibitor with an apparent inhibitory constant (Ki) of 4.55 ± 0.37 μM. In silico molecular modeling showed that DTS binds with an affinity of -39.8 kJ·mol-1, situated inside the binding pocket, approximately 4.3 Å away from the heme group, exhibiting interactions with phenylalanine residue 123 (Phe-123), Phe-224, and Phe-258. Lastly, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to 0.08-0.8 μM DTS from 24 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) with the in vivo ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay, and, at 96 hpf, DTS significantly suppressed EROD CYP1A activity in a dose-dependent manner, with up to 60% suppression in the highest 0.8 μM exposure group. DTS had no impact on gene transcription levels for cyp1a and aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (ahr2). In co-exposure experiments, DTS suppressed CYP1A activity induced by both B[a]P and PCB-126, although these reductions were not significant. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DTS is a direct, reversible, competitive inhibitor of the carcinogen-activating CYP1A enzyme, binding in the active site pocket close to the heme site, and shows potential in chemoprevention.

Ethnopharmacology, chemodiversity, and bioactivity of Cephalotaxus medicinal plants

Cephalotaxus is the only genus of Cephalotaxaceae family, and its natural resources are declining due to habitat fragmentation, excessive exploitation and destruction. In many areas of China, folk herbal doctors traditionally use Cephalotaxus plants to treat innominate swollen poison, many of which are cancer. Not only among Han people, but also among minority ethnic groups, Cephalotaxus is used to treat various diseases, e.g., cough, internal bleeding and cancer in Miao medicine, bruises, rheumatism and pain in Yao medicine, and ascariasis, hookworm disease, scrofula in She medicine, etc. Medicinal values of some Cephalotaxus species and compounds are acknowledged officially. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review summarizing the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Cephalotaxus, relevant medicinal phytometabolites and their bioactivities. The research progresses in ethnopharmacology, chemodiversity, and bioactivities of Cephalotaxus medicinal plants are reviewed and commented here. Knowledge gaps are pinpointed and future research directions are suggested. Classic medicinal books, folk medicine books, herbal manuals and ethnomedicinal publications were reviewed for the genus Cephalotaxus (Sanjianshan in Chinese). The relevant data about ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology were collected as comprehensively as possible from online databases including Scopus, NCBI PubMed, Bing Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). "Cephalotaxus", and the respective species name were used as keywords in database search. The obtained articles of the past six decades were collated and analyzed. Four Cephalotaxus species are listed in the official medicinal book in China. They are used as ethnomedicines by many ethnic groups such as Miao, Yao, Dong, She and Han. Inspirations are obtained from traditional applications, and Cephalotaxus phytometabolites are developed into anticancer reagents. Cephalotaxine-type alkaloids, homoerythrina-type alkaloids and homoharringtonine (HHT) are abundant in Cephalotaxus, e.g., C. lanceolata, C. fortunei var. alpina, C. griffithii, and C. hainanensis, etc. New methods of alkaloid analysis and purification are continuously developed and applied. Diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolics, and other components are also identified and isolated in various Cephalotaxus species. Alkaloids such as HHT, terpenoids and other compounds have anticancer activities against multiple types of human cancer. Cephalotaxus extracts and compounds showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, immunomodulatory activity, antimicrobial activity and nematotoxicity, antihyperglycemic effect, and bone effect, etc. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of Cephalotaxus are increasing. We should continue to collect and sort out folk medicinal knowledge of Cephalotaxus and associated organisms, so as to obtain new enlightenment to translate traditional tips into great therapeutic drugs. Transcriptomics, genomics, metabolomics and proteomics studies can contribute massive information for bioactivity and phytochemistry of Cephalotaxus medicinal plants. We should continue to strengthen the application of state-of-the-art technologies in more Cephalotaxus species and for more useful compounds and pharmacological activities.

A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, bioactivities, toxicity studies, and clinical studies on Ficus carica Linn. leaves

The leaves of Ficus carica Linn. (FC) have been widely used for medicine purposes since ancient times, and its decoction is consumed as tea. Many scientific papers have been published in the literature and the researchers across the world are still exploring the health benefits of FC leaves. In this review, we have collected the literature published since 2010 in the databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar and local classic herbal literature. The summary of the chemical constituents in FC leaves, biological activities, toxicity studies, and clinical studies carried out on FC leaves is provided in this review. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of the active constituents in FC leaves are also comprehended. FC leaves are reported to 126 constituents out of which the polyphenolic compounds are predominant. Many scientific studies have proven the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective activities. Many studies have carried out to provide the insights on molecular pathways involved in the biological activities of FC leaves. The toxicity studies have suggested that FC leaves exhibit toxicity only at very high doses. We believe this review serve as a comprehensive resource for those who are interested to understand the scientific evidence that support the medicinal values of FC leaves and also the research gaps to further improve the commercial value and health benefits of FC leaves.

An ethnopharmacological survey and comparative analysis of plants from the Sudhnoti District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

This is the first comprehensive report on the traditional and novel uses of medicinal plants practiced by the indigenous communities of the Sudhnoti district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The area is rich in folklore and indigenous medicinal knowledge due to a unique tribal composition and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to document traditional knowledge of native plant use by the local communities, particularly those used for therapeutic purposes.

METHODS

Field surveys were conducted from September 2015 to March 2017. Interviews with 125 local inhabitants of different tribes, age groups, genders, and occupations were conducted using structured and semi-structured questions along with group discussions. Data gathered on plant uses, local names, and modes of application of each plant species were organized in tables. Ethnobotanical indices such as use value (UV) and cultural significance index (CSI) were used to produce quantitative information on the plant use category, frequency, and cultural preference of species. Reports on therapeutic uses of medicinal plants were compared with previous studies.

RESULTS

In all, 88 plant species from 45 families were reported, out of which 67 (77%) were used in ethnomedical applications. Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae were the dominant families. Berberis lycium was the most valued plant species, followed by Zanthoxylum armatum and Taraxacum officinale. Mentha arvensis had the highest cultural significance, followed by Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, and Zanthoxylum armatum. Leaves were the most preferred plant parts in the preparation of medicine exclusively or mixed with other parts. The most frequently used process of crude preparation of medicinal plants was cooking. Oral intake was the predominant route of administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comparative analysis confirmed that most of the plants documented have uses that match those previously reported for the region and other parts of the world, with the exception of novel medicinal uses for 11 plant species, including Verbascum thapsus for earache, Elaeagnus umbellata for hepatitis, Achillea millefolium for oral care, Dicliptera roxburghiana to prevent sunstroke in cattle, Rumex hastatus for allergy antidote, Pyrus pashia for hepatitis, and Nerium oleander for diabetes.

A narrative review of the ethnomedicinal usage of Cannabis sativa Linnaeus as traditional phytomedicine by folk medicine practitioners of Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

There is a worldwide interest in the use of Cannabis sativa for biomedicine purposes. Cannabis has ethnomedicinal usage as a natural medicine in Bangladesh and cultivated during the British Empire period for revenues.

OBJECTIVE

Folk medicine practitioners (FMPs) from different districts of Bangladesh have been using Cannabis sativa, but until now there have not been any compiled studies particularly regarding this practice. Hence, this review is an effort to retrieve the traditional usage of Cannabis sativa as a phytomedicine from published ethnomedicinal studies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Information was searched by using the search terms "ethnomedicinal Cannabis sativa and Bangladesh"; "Bangladesh cannabaceae and ethnomedicinal survey"; "ganja, bhang and folk medicine Bangladesh"; "tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid and therapeutic, clinical trial"; and "cannabis and pharmacological/biological" and retrieved from ethnobotanical articles available on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. A search of the relevant scientific literature also was conducted to assess the efficacy of the ethnomedicinal usage of Cannabis sativa.

RESULTS

While reviewing over 200 ethnomedicinal plants' survey articles, we found that FMPs of Bangladesh from 12 different districts used Cannabis sativa to treat cited ailments like sleep-associated problems (n=5), neuropsychiatric and CNS problems (n=5), and infections and respiratory problems (n=5) followed by rheumatism, gastrointestinal, gynecological (n=4 each), cancer, sexual, and other ailments including hypertension, headache, itch, increases bile secretion, abortifacient, dandruff, fever, and urinary problems (n=1 each). There are a total of 15 formulations identified from the 11 out of 18 ethnomedicinal plant survey reports. The leaf was the main plant part used (53.8%), followed by root (23%), seed (7.7%) and flower, inflorescence, resin, and all parts 3.8% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sales and cultivation of Cannabis are illegal at present in Bangladesh, but the use of Cannabis sativa as a natural phytomedicine has been practiced traditionally by folk medicine practitioners of Bangladesh for many years and validated through relevant pharmacological justification. Although Cannabis sativa possesses ethnomedicinal properties in the folk medicine of Bangladesh, it is, furthermore, needed to conduct biological research to consolidate pharmacological justification about the prospects and challenges of Cannabis and cannabinoids' use in Bangladesh as safer biomedicine in the future.

Herbal medicine used by the community of Koneba district in Afar Regional State, Northeastern Ethiopia

Background

Pastoral communities of the Afar people in northeastern Ethiopia use medicinal plants for various health problems. However, very limited scientific documents are found addressing ethnomedicinal knowledge of the community.

Objective

This study aimed at documenting herbal medicine and the associated knowledge from Koneba district of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods

Purposive sampling method was used to select study sites and key informants. General informants were selected through simple random sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews and guided field walk were used to collect data while Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL) and Preference Ranking were used to analyze and verify data.

Results

A total of 67 medicinal plant species used to treat humans and livestock ailments were recorded and collected. Thirteen medicinal plant species were mentioned as effective medicine against snake bite (ICF; 0.68) while nine species used to treat malaria, common cold and fever (ICF: 0.67). Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A.Rich.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. was the most preferred species used to combat snakebite, which was prevalent in the area.

Conclusion

Snake bite, malaria, common cold and fever are common health problems in the study area. Efficient use of herbal medicine has minimized the impact of these diseases.