Herbal Science Research - ethnobotany

Medicinal plants used by the villagers of a Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia.

Site Editor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:48:15 -0700

Medicinal plants used by the villagers of a Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Sep 19; Roosita K, Kusharto CM, Sekiyama M, Fachrurozi Y, Ohtsuka R

AIM OF THE STUDY: Based on the authors' fieldwork in a Sundanese village, Indonesia, this paper aimed to elucidate the roles of herbal medicine in treatment of illnesses and to report medicinal plants and their uses, comparing with those mentioned in the encyclopedic book series of Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interview survey was conducted for all of the 19 herbalist healers about their therapies for the past 1-month period, and the medicinal plants used were botanically identified. For 70 non-healer households, treatments for all members' illness episodes in the past 1-month period were asked. RESULTS: Medicinal plants were used in two-thirds of illness cases, either through the villagers' self-treatment (60.9%) or by the healers (6.5%). The healers made 96 therapies for illnesses (classified into 23 categories), using 117 plant species. There were 257 types of illness-plant pairs, and only 114 of them (44.4%) were judged conformed to those mentioned in the PROSEA. CONCLUSION: Sundanese villagers have depended heavily on herbal medicine, and high proportion of non-conformed illness-plant pairs suggests necessity of further studies about Sundanese medicinal plants, particularly their pharmacological effects.

Ethnobotanical tattooing of the gingiva: literature review and report of a case.

Site Editor — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:13:52 -0700

Ethnobotanical tattooing of the gingiva: literature review and report of a case.: J Am Dent Assoc. 2007 Aug;138(8):1097-101 Authors: Brooks JK, Reynolds MA

BACKGROUND: Traditional gingival tattooing, practiced in Ethiopia and occasionally in other African and Middle Eastern nations, is performed for esthetic appeal or superstition, and it occasionally may be used as a homeopathic remedy for dental diseases. The authors provide a literature review and case report of this oral custom. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old woman from Ethiopia reported that she had undergone tattooing of the maxillary gingiva six years previously for analgesic management of undisclosed oral disease. The gingiva was pierced with a needle, tipped with lantern soot and resin from the plant Datura stramonium (an herb that possesses potent anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity). However, the patient admitted that this procedure had provided no reduction in the pain. Clinical examination was significant for a pronounced blue pigmentation of the maxillary gingiva, generalized mild periodontitis and several carious lesions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners should ascertain whether gingival tattooing had been performed when patients manifest unusual oral pigmentation and be aware of its use in folk medicine for various oral conditions.

PMID: 17670877 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Medicinal plants of the caatinga (semi-arid) vegetation of NE Brazil: A quantitative approach.

Site Editor — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:35:21 -0700

Medicinal plants of the caatinga (semi-arid) vegetation of NE Brazil: A quantitative approach.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Aug 19; Authors: de Albuquerque UP, de Medeiros PM, de Almeida AL, Monteiro JM, de Freitas Lins Neto EM, de Melo JG, Dos Santos JP

The caatinga (semi-arid vegetation) is a Brazilian biome with a significant but poorly studied biodiversity closely associated with a diverse cultural heritage. The present work focused on analyzing published information available concerning medicinal plants used by traditional communities. We sought to contribute to future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations by documenting the therapeutic uses of native caatinga plants within the aims of modern ethnopharmacological research. Twenty-one published works cited a total of 389 plant species used by indigenous and rural communities in northeastern Brazil for medicinal purposes. The relative importance index (RI) of each species in these inventories was calculated, and information concerning the plant's local status (spontaneous or cultivated), distribution, and habit was recorded. Of the 275 spontaneous (non-cultivated) species cited, 15.3% were endemic to the caatinga. A statistical relationship was verified between the relative importance of the species and their endemic status (p<0.05). Herbaceous plants were more numerous (169) than trees (90) or shrubs and sub-shrubs (130) at a statistically significant level (p<0.05). A survey of published information on the phytochemical and pharmacological status of the plants demonstrating the highest RI supported the veracity of their attributed folk uses.

PMID: 17900836 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Plant folk medicines for gastrointestinal disorders among the main tribes of Sonora, Mexico.

Site Editor — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:12:26 -0700

Plant folk medicines for gastrointestinal disorders among the main tribes of Sonora, Mexico.: Fitoterapia. 2007 Aug 9; Moreno-Salazar SF, Robles-Zepeda RE, Johnson DE

This paper describes the herbal remedies used by ethnic groups from Sonora, Mexico, for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Twelve types of these illnesses are cured using 85 different species which belong to 38 families. Thirty nine spp. are used to treat diarrhea, 28 for stomach-ache, 12 for constipation, 9 for intestinal parasites, 6 for indigestion, 3 for stomach or intestinal cancer, 3 for stomach inflammation and only 1 to treat gastrointestinal sicknesses, ulcers, gastritis, colitis and colic. Regarding the use of species of plant per ethnic group the following was observed: Mayo 47; Seri, 27; Yaqui, 13; Guarijio, 12, Pima, 5 and Papago, 3. The plants are used by two or more tribes, for the same or different illness but always related to the gastrointestinal system.

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:20:18 -0700

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.:

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.

Fitoterapia. 2007 May 24;

Authors: Steenkamp V, Fernandes AC, van Rensburg CE

Crude methanol and water extracts of 36 plants, employed in the treatment of diseases of probable bacterial etiology by the Venda people, were screened for antibacterial activity. Combretum molle, Peltophorum africanum, Piper capense, Terminalia sericea and Zanthoxylum davyi were the most active and presented MIC values </=1.00 mg/ml.

PMID: 17582701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:17:53 -0700

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.:

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May 4;111(2):303-7

Authors: Njoroge GN, Bussmann RW

Skin health is increasingly becoming an important aspect of primary health care among many communities particularly because of the increased challenge of HIV-AIDS, skin conditions being among the common opportunistic diseases in immuno-compromised individuals. This study investigated the use of traditional remedies in managing various skin conditions in the Central Province of Kenya. Fifty-seven plant species in 31 families were identified as regularly utilized. Of these plants 27 species had a frequency of three and above. Some of the highly utilized plant species include: Croton megalocarpus Hutch., Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby, Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., Croton macrostachyus Del. and Aloe secundifolia Engl. In the majority of the cases the sap or occasionally the latex was applied directly on the affected areas. In other cases the plant parts were heated and used as poultice. Only in few conditions were the plant parts boiled and the extract used for washing affected areas, probably acting as antiseptic. This study found that 14 skin conditions were commonly managed using herbal preparations. Of these conditions nine (9) had informant consensus of 0.5 and above, with the highest consensus found in management of swellings and skin sores. Soils were also cited as an important non-plant resource for management of skin conditions especially those associated with measles. Since most skin conditions are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, the medicinal plants and other resources reported in this study form a justifiable basis for antimicrobial trials, pharmacological and phytochemical analysis, with promising results.

PMID: 17207950 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Study of the anticancer potential of Yemeni plants used in folk medicine.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:48:39 -0700

Study of the anticancer potential of Yemeni plants used in folk medicine.: Pharmazie. 2007 Apr;62(4):305-7 Authors: Mothana RA, Grünert R, Lindequist U, Bednarski PJ

The present work evaluated the anticancer activity of methanol extracts from 24 plants used in Yemeni traditional medicine. To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic potency of the investigated extracts, an established microtiter plate assay based on cellular staining with crystal violet was used with 5 human cancer cell lines: two lung cancer (A-427 and LCLC-103H), two urinary bladder carcinoma (5637 and RT-112) and one breast cancer (MCF-7) line. The methanolic extracts of Dendrosicyos socotrana, Withanina aduensis, Withania riebeckii, Dracena cinnabari and Buxus hildebrandtii exhibited the highest toxicity on all tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 0.29 and 5.54 microg/ml. The extracts of Jatropha unicostata and Punica protopunica showed a moderate potency on the most tumor cell lines.

Traditional Medicinal Plant Knowledge and Use by Local Healers in Sekoru District, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:34:32 -0700

Traditional Medicinal Plant Knowledge and Use by Local Healers in Sekoru District, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jun 4;3(1):24 Authors: Yineger H, Yewhalaw D

ABSTRACT: The knowledge and use of medicinal plant species by traditional healers was investigated in Sekoru District, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia from December 2005 to November 2006. Traditional healers of the study area were selected randomly and interviewed with the help of translators to gather information on the knowledge and use of medicinal plants used as a remedy for human ailments in the study area. In the current study, it was reported that 27 plant species belonging to 27 genera and 18 families were commonly used to treat various human ailments. Most of these species (85.71%) were wild and harvested mainly for their leaves (64.52%). The most cited ethnomedicinal plant species was Alysicarpus quartinianus A. Rich., whose roots and leaves were reported by traditional healers to be crushed in fresh and applied as a lotion on the lesions of patients of Abiato (Shererit). No significant correlation was observed between the age of traditional healers and the number of species reported and the indigenous knowledge transfer was found to be similar. More than one medicinal plant species were used more frequently than the use of a single species for remedy preparations. Plant parts used for remedy preparations showed significant difference with medicinal plant species abundance in the study area.

First comprehensive contribution to medical ethnobotany of Western Pyrenees.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:26:52 -0700

First comprehensive contribution to medical ethnobotany of Western Pyrenees.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jun 6;3(1):26 Authors: Akerreta S, Cavero RY, Calvo MI

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: An ethnobotanical and medical study was carried out in the Navarre Pyrenees, an area known both for its high biological diversity and its cultural significance. As well as the compilation of an ethnopharmacological catalogue, a quantitative ethnobotanical comparison has been carried out in relation to the outcomes from other studies about the Pyrenees. A review of all drugs used in the area has also been carried out, through a study of the monographs published by the institutions and organizations responsible for the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants (WHO, ESCOP, and the E Commission of the German Department of Health) in order to ascertain the extent to which the Navarre Pyrenees ethnopharmacology has been officially evaluated. METHODS: Fieldwork was carried out over two years, from November 2004 to December 2006. During that time we interviewed 88 local people in 40 villages. Information was collected using semi-structured ethnobotanical interviews and the data was analyzed using quantitave indexes: Ethnobotonicity Index, Shannon-Wieners Diversity, Equitability and The Informant Consensus Factor. The official review has been performed using the official monographs published by the WHO, ESCOP and the E Commission of the German Department of Health. RESULTS: The ethnobotanical and medical catalogue of the Navarre Pyrenees Area comprises 92 species, of which 39 have been mentioned by at least three interviewees. The quantitative ethnobotany results show lower values than those found in other studies about the Pyrenees; and 57.6% of the Pyrenees medical ethnobotany described does not figure in documents published by the above mentioned institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a reduction in the ethnobotanical and medical knowledge in the area of study, when compared to other studies carried out in the Pyrenees. Nevertheless, the use of several species that may be regarded as possible sources for pharmacological studies is reported here such as the bark of Sambucus nigra, the roots of Fragaria vesca, or the leaves of Scrophularia nodosa. These species are not currently approved by the WHO, ESCOP and the E Commission of the German Department of Health, institutions that, apart from encouraging the greater use of plants for medicinal purposes, may help in the design of development plans for these rural areas by validating their traditional medicine.

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) [...]

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:21:43 -0700

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal): a comparative study.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jun 7;3(1):27 Authors: Pardo-de-Santayana M, Tardio J, Blanco E, Carvalho AM, Lastra JJ, San Miguel E, Morales R

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: We compare traditional knowledge and use of wild edible plants in six rural regions of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula as follows: Campoo, Picos de Europa, Pilona, Sanabria and Caurel in Spain and Parque Natural de Montesinho in Portugal. METHODS: Data on the use of 97 species were collected through informed consent semi-structured interviews with local informants. A semi-quantitative approach was used to document the relative importance of each species and to indicate differences in selection criteria for consuming wild food species in the regions studied. RESULTS: The most significant species include many wild berries and nuts (e.g. Castanea sativa, Rubus ulmifolius, Fragaria vesca) and the most popular species in each food-category (e.g. fruits or herbs used to prepare liqueurs such as Prunus spinosa, vegetables such as Rumex acetosa, condiments such as Origanum vulgare, or plants used to prepare herbal teas such as Chamaemelum nobile). The most important species in the study area as a whole are consumed at five or all six of the survey sites. CONCLUSIONS: Social, economic and cultural factors, such as poor communications, fads and direct contact with nature in everyday life should be taken into account in determining why some wild foods and traditional vegetables have been consumed, but others not. They may be even more important than biological factors such as richness and abundance of wild edible flora. Although most are no longer consumed, demand is growing for those regarded as local specialties that reflect regional identity.

Ethnobotanical remarks on Central and Southern Italy.

Site Editor — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:38:58 -0700

Ethnobotanical remarks on Central and Southern Italy.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 May 30; 3(1): 23 Authors: Guarrera PM, Leporatti ML

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The present paper is a brief survey on the ethnobotanical works published by the Authors since 1981, concerning the research carried out in some southern and central Italian regions. Before Roman domination these territories were first inhabited by local people, while the southern areas were colonized by the Greeks. These different cultural contributions left certain traces, both in the toponyms and in the vernacular names of the plants and, more generally, in the culture as a whole. METHODS: Field data were collected through open interviews, mainly of farmers, shepherds and elderly people, born or living in these areas for a long time. Voucher specimens of collected plants are preserved in the respective herbaria of the Authors and in the herbarium of Roma Tre University. Important contributions have been made by several students native to the areas under consideration. A comparative analysis with local specific ethnobotanical literature was carried out. RESULTS: The paper reports several examples concerning human and veterinary popular medicine and in addition some anti-parasitic, nutraceutic, dye and miscellaneous uses are also described. Moreover vernacular names and toponyms are cited. Eight regions of central and southern Italy (particularly Latium, Abruzzo, Marche and Basilicata) were investigated and the data obtained data presented in 32 papers. Most of the species of ethnobotanical interest have been listed in Latium (368 species), Marche (274) and Abruzzo (203). The paper also highlights particularly interesting aspects or uses not previously described in the specific ethnobotanical literature. CONCLUSION: Phyto-therapy in central and southern Italy is nowadays practised by a few elderly people who resort to medicinal plants only for mild complaints (on the contrary food uses are still commonly practised). Nowadays therapeutic uses, unlike in the past, are less closely or not at all linked to ritual aspects. Several plants deserve to be taken into consideration not only from the anthropological or cultural point of view, but also for further phyto-chemical investigation. Our studies, as well as those of other authors, try to provide an original picture of the local ethno-biodiversity.

Traditional Bhutanese medicine (gSo-BA Rig-PA): an integrated part of the formal health care services.

Site Editor — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:16:23 -0700

Traditional Bhutanese medicine (gSo-BA Rig-PA): an integrated part of the formal health care services.: Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2007 Jan; 38(1): 161-7. Authors: Wangchuk P, Wangchuk D, Aagaard-Hansen J

Traditional medicine in Bhutan is known as gSo-ba Rig-pa and is one of the oldest surviving medical traditions in the world. Other medical systems, such as Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Greco-Roman medicine and the country's rich cultures and traditions have greatly influenced the way traditional Bhutanese medicine evolved. However, Buddhist philosophy remains the mainstream of this medical system. gSo-ba Rig-pa's principles are based on the perception the human body is composed of three main elements: rLung ('Air'), mKhris-pa ('Bile') and Bad-kan ('Phlegm'). When these three elements are balanced in the body a person is said to be healthy. The pathophysiology is also different from other medical systems, and the close link to Buddhism is reflected in the spiritual dimensions and the perception that all suffering is caused by ignorance. The treatment of diseases includes behavioral modification, physiotherapy, herbal medicines, minor surgery and spiritual healing. This makes the traditional Bhutanese medicine a unique and holistic health care system. The traditional medicine is an integrated and recognized part of the formal health care services in Bhutan under the auspices of the Ministry of Health. The article highlights three main points which can be learned from the Bhutanese experience: (1) the strong tradition of herbal medicines within gSo-ba Rig-pa forms a unique opportunity to prospect for new leads for development of pharmaceuticals, (2) the availability of the traditional medicine along with biomedicine broadens the health care choices for patients, and (3) the experiences of integrating two conceptually very different health care systems within one ministry contains important managerial lessons to be learned.

Medicinal plants used by the people of Northeast India for curing malaria.

Site Editor — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:12:21 -0700

Medicinal plants used by the people of Northeast India for curing malaria.: Phytother Res. 2007 May 29; Authors: Bora U, Sahu A, Saikia AP, Ryakala VK, Goswami P

The present study showed that the people of the Northeastern region of India use at least 65 plants belonging to 38 families to treat malaria. Different plant parts such as the leaf, root, bark and fruit and in some cases the whole plant were used for making the herbal preparations. All crude preparations were made using water as the medium. The preparations were orally administered either as a plant crude extract, juice and decoction or leaf infusion. Of the 65 plants, 21 were found to be used in the form of a decoction. The hard parts of the herbs such as the root and bark were taken in the form of a decoction. In some cases the ingredients of the herbal preparation also included honey or sugar. The present investigation also indicated that most of the preparations made for curing malaria were derived from single plant sources. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Predictors of betel quid chewing behavior and cessation patterns in Taiwan aborigines.

Site Editor — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:26:20 -0700

Predictors of betel quid chewing behavior and cessation patterns in Taiwan aborigines.: BMC Public Health. 2006;6:271 Authors: Lin CF, Wang JD, Chen PH, Chang SJ, Yang YH, Ko YC

BACKGROUND: Betel quid, chewed by about 600 million people worldwide, is one of the most widely used addictive substances. Cessation factors in betel quid chewers are unknown. The present study explores prevalence and the quit rate of betel quid chewing in Taiwan aborigines. Our goal was to delineate potential predictors of chewing cessation. METHODS: A stratified random community-based survey was designed for the entire aborigines communities in Taiwan. A total of 7144 participants were included between June 2003 and May 2004 in this study. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, such as gender, age, obesity, education years, marital status, ethnicity, and habits of betel quid chewing, smoking and drinking was collected by trained interviewers. RESULTS: The prevalence of betel quid chewers was 46.1%. Betel quid chewing was closely associated with obesity (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.40-1.85). Betel quid chewers were most likely to use alcohol and cigarettes together. Quit rate of betel quid chewers was 7.6%. Betel quid chewers who did not drink alcohol were more likely to quit (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.43-2.50). Alcohol use is a significant factor related to cessation of betel quid chewing, but smoking is not. CONCLUSION: Taiwan aborigines have a high prevalence of betel quid chewers and a low quit rate. Alcohol use is strongly association with betel quid chewing. Efforts to reduce habitual alcohol consumption might be of benefit in cessation of betel quid chewing.

Antioxidant activity relates to plant part, life form and growing condition in some diabetes remedies.

Site Editor — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:16:24 -0700

Antioxidant activity relates to plant part, life form and growing condition in some diabetes remedies.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Apr 24; Authors: McCune LM, Johns T

Selection, collection and preparation of 35 plant species used by traditional healers in the boreal regions of Canada for treatment of the symptoms of diabetes were supported empirically by antioxidant activity of the plants. Because antioxidants fluctuate with growth parameters and environmental factors, these remedies were evaluated in relation to the affect of plant part, life form and growing condition on the level of activity. The parts used here more frequently as medicines were roots and bark. Activity (IC(50)) of the bark extracts used medicinally averaged to 21.38+/-3.84ppm while root extracts used medicinally had an IC(50) of 185.11+/-32.18ppm in a free radical DPPH assay. In contrast the analysis of extracts of overall parts (medicinal or not) in these species found leaves and bark to have the least activity (112.22+/-30.63ppm and 123.02+/-21.13ppm, respectively). The highest activity was found in tree extracts (24.88+/-3.32ppm) as compared to herbs and shrubs, and increased activity was found in plant extracts from growing conditions of decreased water/fertility. The antioxidant activity of these traditional plant remedies have the potential to be partially deduced through environment signals interpreted by the traditional herbalist.

Ethnobotany int the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Site Editor — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:48:14 -0800

Ethnobotany int the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jan 30;3(1):8 Authors: Estrada E, Villarreal JA, Cantu C, Cabral I, Scott L, Yen C

ABSTRACT: An ethnobotanical study in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (CMNP), Nuevo Leon, Mexico was conducted. In spite of the large area (1,773.7 km2), heterogeneous physiography, contrasting plant communities and high species diversity of the CMNP, very little was previously known about its useful plants. Based on 95 interviews with inhabitants of the region who were 35 years or older, we recorded ethnobotanical data of 240 species (comprising 170 genera and 69 botanical families), and 146 different uses. Most of the cited uses (98) were found to be medicinal ones.

Ethnicity and use of alternative products in psychiatric patients.

Site Editor — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:52:12 -0700

Ethnicity and use of alternative products in psychiatric patients.: Psychosomatics. 2006 Sep-Oct;47(5):408-13 Authors: Ng B, Camacho A, Simmons A, Matthews SC

The use of herbal and natural products for medical purposes is common in all human civilizations, and use in Western societies has grown considerably in recent years. However, differences in usage patterns between different ethnic groups are yet to be delineated. The current study examined the frequency and type of complementary/alternative medications used by a sample of 453 rural psychiatric outpatients of two different ethnic groups. The products were classified as "natural" (herbal products requiring some preparation before consumption) and "processed" (products in "ready-to-use" form). There were significant ethnic differences in usage patterns of the various preparations: Hispanics, relative to Caucasians, were twice as likely to use natural products, whereas Caucasians were more likely than Hispanics to use processed products. The symptoms addressed were predominantly psychiatric, with natural products, and nonpsychiatric, with processed products. These results may increase awareness among healthcare providers regarding the usage frequency of such complementary/alternative medications products and the different usage patterns across ethnic groups.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by Assamese people for various skin ailments and cosmetics.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:22:55 -0700

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by Assamese people for various skin ailments and cosmetics.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 10; Saikia AP, Ryakala VK, Sharma P, Goswami P, Bora U

The present paper deals with the medicinal plants used by the people of Assam for curing different skin ailments and for cosmetics. A total of 85 plants belonging to 49 families have been documented for their therapeutic use against skin diseases and as herbal care. The herbal medicines were prepared from various plant parts of single plant, or multiple plants. The majority of the preparation was made using water as the medium. The mode of application was topical, but in many cases it was also administered orally. In several cases the pure herbal preparations was administered along with milk, ghee, honey, coconut oil, curd, etc. Remedies for 18 skin ailments were documented through this study. About 14 plants are known for their use to cure multiple skin diseases. Among these Curcuma longa and Melia azaderach constitute the major plants. The herbal cosmetic products used by the people of Assam ranges from the enhancement of skin colour, hair care, removal of ugly spots, colouring of nails, palms, and teeth. However, many of the plant preparations used for enhancing beauty were also applied for therapeutic use. Herbal remedies were also available for skin burns, prickly heat and pimples. Information on nine plants used for managing dry skin also emerged from this study.

Screening for antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants used in Colombian folkloric medicine...

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:22:43 -0700

Screening for antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants used in Colombian folkloric medicine: A possible alternative in the treatment of non-nosocomial infections.: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006 Feb 17;6(1):2 Authors: Rojas JJ, Ochoa VJ, Ocampo SA, Munoz JF

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts of Bidens pilosa L. ,Bixa orellana L., Cecropia peltata L., Cinchona officinalis L., Gliricidia sepium H.B. & K, Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don, Justicia secunda Vahl., Piper pulchrum C.DC, P. paniculata L. and Spilanthes americana Hieron were evaluated against five bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus beta hemolitic, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), and one yeast (Candida albicans). These plants are used in Colombian folk medicine to treat infections of microbial origin. METHODS: Plants were collected by farmers and traditional healers. The ethanol, hexane and water extracts were obtained by standard methods. The antimicrobial activity was found by using a modified agar well diffusion method. All microorganisms were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). MIC was determined in the plant extracts that showed some efficacy against the tested microorganisms. Gentamycin sulfate (1.0 ug/ml), clindamycin (0.3 ug/ml) and nystatin (1.0 ug/ml) were used as positive controls. RESULTS: The water extracts of Bidens pilosa L., Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don, and Piper pulchrum C.DC showed a higher activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli than gentamycin sulfate. Similarly, the ethanol extracts of all species were active against Staphylococcus aureus except for Justicia secunda. Furthermore, Bixa orellana L, Justicia secunda Vahl. and Piper pulchrum C.DC presented the lowest MICs against Escherichia coli (0.8, 0.6 and 0.6 ug/ml, respectively) compared to gentamycin sulfate (0.9 ug/ml). Likewise, Justicia secunda and Piper pulchrum C.DC showed an analogous MIC against Candida albicans (0.5 and 0.6 ug/ml, respectively) compared to nystatin (0.6 ug/ml). Bixa orellana L, exhibited a better MIC against Bacillus cereus (0.2 ug/ml) than gentamycin sulfate (0.5 ug/ml). CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro study corroborated the antimicrobial activity of the selected plants used in folkloric medicine. All these plants were effective against three or more of the pathogenic microorganisms. However, they were ineffective against Streptococcus beta hemolytic and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Their medicinal use in infections associated with these two species is not recommended. This study also showed that Bixa orellana L, Justicia secunda Vahl. and Piper pulchrum C.DC could be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents.

The botanical materia medica of the Iatrosophikon-A collection of prescriptions from a monastery in Cyprus.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:17:50 -0700

The botanical materia medica of the Iatrosophikon-A collection of prescriptions from a monastery in Cyprus.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 2; Authors: Lardos A

This article analyses the botanical material that is contained in the Iatrosophikon, a collection of prescriptions from a monastery in Cyprus written down during the island's Ottoman period (1571-1878). A total of 494 herbal prescriptions were detected in the record and 231 plants belonging to 70 different botanical families, as well as 21 various substances of botanical or mixed origin were identified. The distribution of the plants, the plant part used, the use of the material, and the mode of application are discussed. Parallels with other medical writings of the Greek-speaking Ottoman world suggest a local popular as well as a classical Greek and Byzantine influence. The latter is particularly supported by the relationship of the majority of the plants described to plants mentioned by Dioscorides. Additionally the question of what other sources might have contributed to this herbal knowledge is discussed. The results also show that most of the plants described originated from the island itself, only a minority of the botanical material presumably had to be imported. All the mentioned plants of local origin are also cited in modern ethnopharmacological studies on Cyprus, the Iatrosophikon demonstrates their use at a time from which no other written source of comparable detail exists.

Medicinal plants used by Tanzanian traditional healers in the management of Candida infections.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:17:14 -0700

Medicinal plants used by Tanzanian traditional healers in the management of Candida infections.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 1; Authors: Runyoro DK, Ngassapa OD, Matee MI, Joseph CC, Moshi MJ

An ethnomedical survey in Coast, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Tanga regions of Tanzania has resulted in the identification of 36 plant species belonging to 21 plant families that are used traditionally for the treatment of Candida infections. Twenty-one plants constituting 58.3% of all collected plants are used to treat of oral candidiasis (Utando) one of the important signs of HIV/AIDS. The knowledge of traditional healers for the treatment of Candida infections has been highly supported by the literature in that 13 (36.1%) out of the 36 plants identified have been proven to be active against Candida albicans and/or other species of Candida. Also, some of the plants were reported to be active against other species of fungi including Cryptococcus neoformans, one of the important pathogenic fungi in HIV/AIDS. It can be seen that ethnomedical information from traditional healers provides a solid lead towards development of new drugs than random screening. The task that remains is to screen extracts prepared from these plants and perform a bioassay-guided fractionation of the active extracts so as to isolate the active compounds from these plants.

PMID: 16458463 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Kenyan medicinal plants used as antivenin: a comparison of plant usage.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:13:54 -0700

Kenyan medicinal plants used as antivenin: a comparison of plant usage.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2006 Feb 1;2(1):7 Authors: Owuor BO, Kisangau DP

ABSTRACT: The success of snake bite healers is vaguely understood in Kenya, partly due to their unknown materia medica and occult-mystical nature of their practice. A comparison is made of plants used in snake bite treatments by two culturally distinct African groups (the Kamba and Luo). Thirty two plants used for snakebite treatment are documented. The majority of the antidotes are prepared from freshly collected plant material - frequently leaves. Though knowledge of snake bite conditions etiological perceptions of the ethnic groups is similar, field ethnobotanical data suggests that plant species used by the two ethnic groups are independently derived. Antivenin medicinal plants effectively illustrate the cultural context of medicine. Randomness or the use of a variety of species in different families appears to be a feature of traditional snake bite treatments. A high degree of informant consensus for the species was observed. The study indicates rural Kenya inhabitants rely on medicinal plants for healthcare.