Pharmacological Efficacy of Tamarix aphylla: A Comprehensive Review

Tamarix aphylla is a well-known species of the genus Tamarix. T. aphylla (Tamaricaceae) is a perennial tree in Asia, the Middle East, and Central Africa. It is used as a carminative diuretic in tuberculosis, leprosy, and hepatitis. Various pharmacological properties have been shown by T. aphylla, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticholinesterase, and wound-healing activity. However, T. aphylla has not received much attention for its secondary metabolites and bioactive constituents. Research has shown that this plant has hidden potential that needs to be explored. This review aims to cover botanical classification, geographical distribution, taxonomy, ethnobotanical uses, and the phytochemical compounds found in T. aphylla. The toxicology and pharmacological effects of T. aphylla are also discussed. We examined various scholarly resources to gather information on T. aphylla, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, PubMed, and Web of Science. The finding of this work validates a connection between T. aphylla in conventional medicine and its antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antifungal, anticholinesterase, and other biological effects. T. aphylla’s entire plant (such as bark, leaves, fruits) and root extracts have been used to treat hypertension, stomach discomfort, hair loss, cough and asthma, abscesses, wounds, rheumatism, jaundice, fever, tuberculosis, and gum and tooth infection. The phytochemical screening revealed that noticeably all extracts were devoid of alkaloids, followed by the presence of tannins. In addition, different parts have revealed the existence of steroids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and byproducts of gallic acid and ellagic acid. T. aphylla has shown many valuable activities against different diseases and supports its traditional uses. Therefore, high-quality preclinical research and well-designated clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of this plant in humans.

Ethno-botanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps)

This document focuses on the ethnobotanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps). A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified in the wraps collected from the study area. These plants are used in the treatment of ailments such as hypertension, typhoid, malaria, boost fertility in females, post-partum (immediately after birth), treatment of diabetes, treatment of arthritis, and induce weight loss. Annonaceae family constituted 9.68% of the total plant family, followed by Acanthaceae, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae with 6.45% each. Among the plant species, Cnestis ferruginea (Connaraceae) occurred in five wraps. This is followed by Alternanthera bettzickiana (Amaranthaceae), Craterispermum cerinanthum (Rubiaceae), and Napoleona imparalis (Lecythidaceae) found in four wraps while Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae), Barteria nigritana (Passifloraceae), Nephrolepis exaltata (Nephrolepidaceae), Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Poaceae), Palisota hirsuta (Commelinaceae), Scleria naumanniana (Cyperaceae), and Sida rhomboidea (Malvaceae) are in three ailments each. These plant species and families with high occurrence are the most effectively used plant groups in the study for the treatment of these diseases.

Exploration of Phytochemistry and Ethnobotanical Uses of Cedrus deodara: A Review

Cedrus deodara is one of the most useful tree species. Almost every part of the plant has good properties. Cedrus deodara has been an important tree due to its Ethnobotanical uses, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. From last decade, there has been a great progress in the medicinal perspectives of Deodara. Deodara has its utility in folklore medicines. Phytochemistry studies showed the presence of various useful compounds in the Deodara tree. Also, the oil of Cedrus deodara has a characteristic fragrance. C. deodara is also having traditional and ethnobotanical uses. Since Vedic period, various parts of this plant are being used for medicinal purposes.It is also believed that various respiratory diseases can be just cured by just sitting under this tree. In present, Deodara is seen as an important tree in point of view of research. It has its applications in Timber too [1]. This paper is focussed on the traditional and medicinal aspects of Cedrus deodara.

Plants for Making Tibetan Traditional Wooden Bowls and Related Traditional Knowledge in the Gyirong Valley, Tibet, China

Background: The wooden bowl is an important symbol of the Tibetan cultures, yet, in China, little has been documented regarding the raw materials used to make these items as well as their cultural significance in Tibet. This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of plants used to make wooden bowls to understand their sustainability, cultural significance, and current status of related traditional knowledge in Gyirong Town, which is one of the most famous places for wooden bowl making.Materials and methods: Between 2019 and 2021, key informant interviews, semi-stuctured interviews, and participatory observations were used to conduct ethnobotanical field surveys in Gyirong Valley. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. In this study, we utilised a use-report (UR) and relative frequency citation (RFC) to evaluate the value and importance of the species used to make the wooden bowls..Results: Our results show that 16 different plants are used during the wooden bowl making process, of which nine are used as raw materials, three for dyeing, and four for varnishing. Although communities rely heavily on these plants, good management and collection methods were observed. We also recorded the use of Fallopia denticulata as a red dye and four species of Impatiens as wood lacquers for the first time.Conclusion: We found no significant difference in the knowledge of the traditional use of plants among people of different ages and genders in Gyirong; traditional knowledge is widespread among family members and among different villages. The government and local people are committed to the protection and development of traditional knowledge related to wooden bowls, and this knowledge maintains a healthy degree of vitality. This research can provide insights into the vitality of traditional handicrafts that are facing challenges and promote their protection.

Evaluation of clinical trials of the plants, which have ethnobotanical uses for skin disorders in Turkey: a review

Background Ethnobotanical studies investigating a large number of traditional herbs and uses have an important role in the discovery of new drugs. Nowadays, some of these traditional herbs are researched directly in the clinical trials. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the 19 plant species that have been identified in the clinical trials among 300 plant species belonging to 79 families with traditional use for skin problems in Turkey. Main body Natural sources are very important to treat diseases for thousands of years. The ethnopharmacological research of natural products ranges from the collection of biogenic samples such as plants to preclinical and clinical studies with the aim of developing drug templates or new drugs. In the ethnopharmacological approach, it is aimed to reach the result based on the traditional and modern knowledge about natural resources. The biggest advantage of this approach is synthesizing new and old information. After the plant or natural compound is determined, other processes work similarly with conventional drugs. Methods Ethnobotanical papers, thesis and projects in Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) have been sought and results were synthesized. Results Most of the clinical uses of herbs have been seen similar to their traditional uses. On the other hand, there are some plants on which their clinical uses differ from the traditional uses such as Borago officinalis, Calendula officinalis or Euphorbia peplus. When the frequency of traditional uses of herbs are compared, Plantago species, Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata are the most used taxa in Turkey, secondly, Hypericum perforatum comes. However, Plantago species are not of much interest in clinical trials. It is seen that most of the plants in the clinical research are tried for wound healing occuring due to different origins such as cancer, surgery and injury. Side effects were observed only during the application of Allium cepa, Cydonia oblonga and H. perforatum. Conclusions When clinical trials are evaluated in terms of efficacy and overall results, significant differences and effective results are seen in treatment groups given herbs in comparison with placebo or control groups.

A Review on Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Headache in Africa

The use of medicinal plants in the management of diverse ailments is entrenched in the culture of indigenous people in African communities. This review provides a critical appraisal of the ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants for the management of headache in Africa. Research articles published from 2010 (Jan) to 2021 (July) with keywords such as Africa, ethnobotany, headache, medicinal plant and traditional medicine were assessed for eligibility based on sets of pre-defined criteria. A total of 117 plants, representing 56 families, were documented from the 87 eligible studies. Asteraceae (10%), Fabaceae (10%), Lamiaceae (9%) and Mimosaceae (5%) were the most represented plant families. The most popular plant species used in the management of headache were Ocimum gratissimum L. (n = 7), Allium sativum L. (n = 3), Ricinus communis L. (n = 3) and Artemisia afra Jack. ex. Wild (n = 2). The leaves (49%), roots (20%) and bark (12%) were the most common plant parts used. Decoction (40%) and infusion (16%) were the preferred methods of preparation, whereas the oral route (52%) was the most preferred route of administration. The data revealed that medicinal plants continue to play vital roles in the management of headache in African communities. In an attempt to fully explore the benefits from the therapeutic potential of indigenous flora for common ailments, further studies are essential to generate empirical evidence on their efficacies, using appropriate test systems/models. This approach may assist with the ongoing drive towards the integration of African traditional medicine within mainstream healthcare systems.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Flora and Fauna Species in Kainji Lake National Park New-Bussa Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to identify the Ethnobotanical uses of flora and fauna species in Kainji Lake National Park New-Bussa Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. The study objectives were to document knowledge and generate data on identification and uses of Plant species and animal species in Borgu and Zugurma sector of the park. Ethnobotanical surveys based on interviews from the park ranges, plant taxonomist and zoologist staff of the park and Botanical survey was carried out based on sample plots. A stratified random sampling was used to select sample sites within the two sector of the Park, based on flora and fauna sub-classification. A total Ten (10) plots of 100m x 100m strips were demarcated within the two sectors. In each plot a total of four (4) 20m x 20m sub-plots were randomly selected for identification of Flora and Fauna resources in both the two sector of the park. Results from Flora resources shows a total of 45 plants species belonging to 21 families were selected.in both the two sector. Family- Leguminosae and Combretaceace were the dominant family in terms of number of species represented. The species are multipurpose and are exploited to satisfy different subsistence needs. Bark and Leaf are the most commonly used Flora parts for medicinal in KLNP. Results from Fauna resources shows that Family-Bovidea and Felidae are the most dominate in the Mammal species, Family-Pythonidea is dominate in Reptile species, Birth has different family and species. Alestidae and Cyprinidae are the dominates in fish found in KLNP while Family-Mochokidae and Bagridae are the most dominates in the fresh-water fish species in Kainji Lake (Northern Nigeria).