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Molina-Venegas R, Verano R. The quest for Homer's moly: exploring the potential of an early ethnobotanical complex. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:11. [PMID: 38245738 PMCID: PMC10799392 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The Homeric plant moly is a mysterious herb mentioned in Book 10 of the Odyssey. In the early 1980s, a pharmacological thesis to identify the plant was put forward for the first time, regarding the snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis L.) as candidate species. The proposal was inspired by the snowdrop's acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-inhibiting properties and its alleged morphological reminiscence to other plants called moly by ancient Greek herbalists. Here, we draw from a compilation of literature from various disciplines, together with an understanding of the Homeric epic as a repository of information based on oral traditions, to (i) show that the assimilation of Homer's moly to Galanthus nivalis is, at the very least, questionable and (ii) frame and support a new synthesis of the pharmacological thesis. We suggest that the uncertainty that revolves around the identity of Homer's moly can be tied to an unnamed phylogenetic clade of closely related Mediterranean native species with AChE-inhibiting properties. Further, we speculate that Homer's moly might represent an early record of an ethnobotanical complex, a sort of cultural taxon resulting from the cognitive crossbreeding of closely related taxonomic species that could have been interchangeably used due to their rough resemblance and common AChE-inhibiting properties. Such cultural taxon would have referred to the phytonym moly by the centuries-old oral traditions that ultimately crystallized in the poem. We also venture that sea daffodils (Pancratium spp.) could have greatly contributed to shaping the botanical archetype in the myth as we know it today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Molina-Venegas
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- Biodiversity and Global Change Research Center (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rodrigo Verano
- Department of Classical Philology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Rivera D, Verde A, Fajardo Rodríguez J, Ríos S, Alcaraz F, Cárceles C, Ortíz J, Valdés A, Ruíz-Gallardo JR, García-Flores A, Palazón JA, Obón C. Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Ethnopharmacology in the Main Transhumance Areas of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:866132. [PMID: 35591874 PMCID: PMC9113055 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.866132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we document the practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnopharmacology in the context of traditional transhumance routes that cross Castilla La Mancha from north to south. Transhumance is a type of grazing system that allows advantage to be taken of winter pastures (wintering places) and summer pastures by seasonal movement, twice a year, of cattle and their shepherds. Our study is based on over 200 interviews (from 1994 to 2021) conducted in 86 localities along eight major transhumance routes “cañadas reales” and 25 other minor transhumance routes, and involved 210 informants, 89 single and 121 groups, and 562 individuals, of which the majority were men. Sixty-three recorded pathologies and their treatments are discussed. Two hundred and two species and substances, belonging to 92 different families, have been recorded from the interviews, of which most are plants. Amid the toxic plant species, the most cited in the interviews are Erophaca baetica (L.) Boiss., Lupinus angustifolius L., and Oenanthe crocata L. Some of the species reported as toxic were reservoirs of pathogens or markers for dangerous areas. One of the fields most widely covered in our study is that of prevention, protection, and control of endo- and ectoparasites. This control is carried out mainly by means of aromatic plants. As a polyvalent species, Daphne gnidium L. is outstanding, and it contributes one-tenth of the records of our study. Among the species of fundamentally therapeutic use, Cistus ladanifer L. stands out by far. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) based on the repertories of ingredients, separates the routes whose most important sections run through siliceous terrain with its characteristic flora, especially in the provinces of Ciudad Real and Toledo, from the routes that run through the limestone terrain of Albacete and Cuenca, and link the Eastern Mancha and the “Serranía de Cuenca” with Andalusia and the Spanish Levant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rivera
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Diego Rivera
| | - Alonso Verde
- Grupo de Investigación en Botánica, Etnobiología y Educación, Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica, Instituto Botánico, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - José Fajardo Rodríguez
- Grupo de Investigación en Botánica, Etnobiología y Educación, Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica, Instituto Botánico, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Segundo Ríos
- Biological Research Station-Botanical Garden of Torretes, Institute of Biodiversity CIBIO, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Alcaraz
- Grupo de Investigación en Botánica, Etnobiología y Educación, Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica, Instituto Botánico, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Carlos Cárceles
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juana Ortíz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Arturo Valdés
- Grupo de Investigación en Botánica, Etnobiología y Educación, Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica, Instituto Botánico, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jose Reyes Ruíz-Gallardo
- Grupo de Investigación en Botánica, Etnobiología y Educación, Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica, Instituto Botánico, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Aida García-Flores
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Palazón
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Concepción Obón
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO), Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela (EPSO), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Orihuela, Spain
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Belhouala K, Benarba B. Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Algeria: A Multiregional Ethnobotanical Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:760492. [PMID: 34912221 PMCID: PMC8666619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.760492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicine is the cornerstone that boosts scientific research to explore new therapeutic approaches. The study aimed to assess the traditional knowledge and use of medicinal plants to treat various ailments by Algerian traditional healers. Forty traditional healers were face-to-face interviewed in three different Algerian areas (West, Kabylia, and Sahara). The data collected were analyzed using quantitative indices such as fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (FIC). A total of 167 species belonging to 70 families were recorded. Lamiaceae (13%), Asteraceae (13%), Apiaceae (7%), and Rosaceae and Fabaceae (5% each) were the most cited families. The survey revealed that leaves were the most used parts of the plants (29%). Furthermore, decoction (35%), raw (24%), and infusion (19%) were the common modes for the remedies’ preparation. Here, 15% of the total species were newly reported as medicinal plants. Besides, it was reported for the first time a total of 47 new therapeutic uses for 20 known plant species. Of 17 ailments categories, cancer was presented by 44 species, showing the highest FIC of 0.46. Marrubium vulgare L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Zingiber officinale Roscoe., and Juniperus phoenicea L. recorded the maximum fidelity value of 100%. Therefore, our study reveals strong ethnomedicinal knowledge shared by local populations living in the three regions studied. The medicinal species with a high FL could be promising candidates for identifying new bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadidja Belhouala
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Mascara, Algeria
| | - Bachir Benarba
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Mascara, Algeria
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Kriplani P, Guarve K. Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Potential of Helenalin. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 15:132-142. [PMID: 32614752 DOI: 10.2174/1574892815666200702142601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arnica montana, containing helenalin as its principal active constituent, is the most widely used plant to treat various ailments. Recent studies indicate that Arnica and helenalin provide significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and most important, anti-cancer properties. OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study is to overview the recent patents of Arnica and its principal constituent helenalin, including new methods of isolation, and their use in the prevention of cancer and other ailments. METHODS Current prose and patents emphasizing the anti-cancer potential of helenalin and Arnica, incorporated as anti-inflammary agents in anti-cancer preparations, have been identified and reviewed with particular emphasis on their scientific impact and novelty. RESULTS Helenalin has shown its anti-cancer potential to treat multiple types of tumors, both in vitro and in vivo. It has also portrayed synergistic effects when given in combination with other anti- cancer drugs or natural compounds. New purification/isolation techniques are also developing with novel helenalin formulations and its synthetic derivatives have been developed to increase its solubility and bioavailability. CONCLUSION The promising anti-cancer potential of helenalin in various preclinical studies may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus clinical trials validating its tumor suppressing and chemopreventive activities, particularly in conjunction with standard therapies, are immediately required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Kriplani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar 135001, Haryana, India
| | - Kumar Guarve
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar 135001, Haryana, India
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Fakchich J, Elachouri M. An overview on ethnobotanico-pharmacological studies carried out in Morocco, from 1991 to 2015: Systematic review (part 1). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113200. [PMID: 32750461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The full bibliometric records of data retrieved from ethnobotanical field studies carried out in Morocco (1991-2015) was quali-quantitatively analysed. Despite the importance of traditional medicinal uses in Morocco, any comments about the methodologies and approaches adopted by reviewed studies have been undertaken. Include more data about the importance of traditional medicinal uses in Morocco. AIM OF THE STUDY Three key points were targeted in this review: (i) to contribute to original compilation of medicinal plants traditionally used by people at whole Morocco, by gathering and documenting the current status of these ancestral medical practices, (ii) to provide a novel insight into the relationship between local and biomedical disease concepts in Moroccan society, taking into account health-related beliefs, and their influences on medicinal plant uses, (iii) to figurout the weaknesses and the strengths of the conceptual approches and methods adopted by researchers in ethnobotanical field works. MATERIALS AND METHODS With the help of a computerized database querying, we conducted an extensive literature search respecting our integration criteria. We performed this bibliographic research by using the following search engines available over the Web: Google Scholar, PUBMED, Sciencedirect, Current Content Connect, SCOPUS, SPRINGER LINK, GLOBAL PLANTS, Cochrane Library and SCIRUS. The scientific names listed in the present paper have been validated according to the "The Plant List" and the African Plants Database in order to standardize ethnobotanical data on an international level. For the analysis of data gathered, quali-quantitative analyses have been performed. RESULTS A total of 905 medicinal plant species belonging to 116 families and 726 genera have been selected from 63 published articles. The dominant families were ASTERACEAE (111 species) followed by the FABACEAE (77 species), LAMIACEAE (75 species) and APIACEAE (46 species). The plant species listed are used to cure several public ailments. The digestive ailments represented the most important category (494 species) followed by dermatological diseases (407 species), diabetes (315 species) and urinary diseases (277 species). We assigned the importance of the plant species by several measures (including Frequency Cited (FC), Number of Uses (NU), Number of Respondents (NR) and Index of Performance (IP). The ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) calculated was important in all categories of diseases averaging 47%. CONCLUSION The results obtained, which cover the whole country, delineate the profile of rich wealth of indigenous knowledge on traditional uses of medicinal plants heald by Moroccan society. The total number of 905 plant species listed in this paper, are currently being utilized as medicines and the number is expected to grow as infrastructure allows greater access to unexplored parts of the country. Furthermore, the know how, regarding the plants used, is consistent because the ICF has recorded important values for most diseases treated. Furthermore, in the present paper, we suggested, for authors, some useful recommendations for ethnobotanical field works such as the respect of ethnobotanical standards including checklist of plants with international data base, the deposited voucher specimens, sampling and collection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Fakchich
- Laboratory of Physiology, Genetics, and Ethnopharmacology, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Mostafa Elachouri
- Laboratory of Physiology, Genetics, and Ethnopharmacology, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco.
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Gras A, Hidalgo O, D’Ambrosio U, Parada M, Garnatje T, Vallès J. The Role of Botanical Families in Medicinal Ethnobotany: A Phylogenetic Perspective. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10010163. [PMID: 33467763 PMCID: PMC7830233 DOI: 10.3390/plants10010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggesting that medicinal plants are not chosen at random are becoming more common. The goal of this work is to shed light on the role of botanical families in ethnobotany, depicting in a molecular phylogenetic frame the relationships between families and medicinal uses of vascular plants in several Catalan-speaking territories. The simple quantitative analyses for ailments categories and the construction of families and disorders matrix were carried out in this study. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the over- and underused families in the medicinal flora. Phylogenetically informed analyses were carried out to identify lineages in which there is an overrepresentation of families in a given category of use, i.e., hot nodes. The ethnobotanicity index, at a specific level, was calculated and also adapted to the family level. Two diversity indices to measure the richness of reported taxa within each family were calculated. A total of 47,630 use reports were analysed. These uses are grouped in 120 botanical families. The ethnobotanicity index for this area is 14.44% and the ethnobotanicity index at the family level is 68.21%. The most-reported families are Lamiaceae and Asteraceae and the most reported troubles are disorders of the digestive and nutritional system. Based on the meta-analytic results, indicating hot nodes of useful plants at the phylogenetic level, specific ethnopharmacological research may be suggested, including a phytochemical approach of particularly interesting taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airy Gras
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s.n., Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (O.H.); (T.G.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (J.V.)
| | - Oriane Hidalgo
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s.n., Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (O.H.); (T.G.)
| | - Ugo D’Ambrosio
- Mediterranean Ethnobiology Programme Director, Global Diversity Foundation, 37 St. Margarets Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2TU, UK;
| | - Montse Parada
- Laboratori de Botànica (UB)—Unitat associada al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat—IRBio, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Teresa Garnatje
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Passeig del Migdia s.n., Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (O.H.); (T.G.)
| | - Joan Vallès
- Laboratori de Botànica (UB)—Unitat associada al CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat—IRBio, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;
- Secció de Ciències Biològiques, Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Carrer del Carme 47, 08001 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (J.V.)
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Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghel US. Novel Herbal Topical Patch Containing Curcumin and Arnica montana for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2020; 16:43-60. [PMID: 30767746 DOI: 10.2174/1573397115666190214164407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) ranks fifth among all forms of disability affecting 10% of the world population. Current treatments available are associated with multiple side effects and do not slow down the progression of the disease. Moreover, no such effective treatment is available to date in various systems of medicine to treat osteoarthritis. Curcumin and Arnica have shown evident clinical advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to design, optimize and characterize novel herbal transdermal patches of curcumin and Arnica montana using factorial design. METHODS A multiple factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and jojoba oil on elongation and drug release. Transdermal patches were evaluated by FTIR, DSC, FESEM, ex vivo drug permeation, anti osteoarthritic activity and analgesic activity. RESULTS Independent variables exhibited a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of the prepared formulations. The higher values of drug release and elongation were observed with the higher concentration of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and jojoba oil. Anti osteoarthritic activity was assessed by complete Freund's adjuvant arthritis model; using rats and analgesic activity by Eddy's hot plate method, using mice. Combination patch exhibited good anti osteoarthritic and analgesic activity as compare to individual drug patches. CONCLUSION The design results revealed that the combination patch exhibited good physicochemical, anti osteoarthritic and analgesic activity for the treatment of osteoarthritis in animals. More plants and their combinations should be explored to get reliable, safe and effective formulations that can compete with synthetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Kriplani
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamunanagar 135001, Haryana, India.,Department of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (RIC), l.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar 144603, Punjab, India
| | - Kumar Guarve
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamunanagar 135001, Haryana, India
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Leonti M, Casu L, de Oliveira Martins DT, Rodrigues E, Benítez G. Ecological Theories and Major Hypotheses in Ethnobotany: Their Relevance for Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy in the Context of Historical Data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s43450-020-00074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Rivera D, Verde A, Fajardo J, Obón C, Consuegra V, García-Botía J, Ríos S, Alcaraz F, Valdés A, Moral AD, Laguna E. Ethnopharmacology in the Upper Guadiana River area (Castile-La Mancha, Spain). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 241:111968. [PMID: 31129307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Determining traditional remedies for human pathologies is relevant, when compared with the standard materia medica of the pharmacopoeias and dietary supplement databases, because we can assess the species and uses that have been previously studied and target understudied species for further pharmacological investigation. BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to systematically record and analyze medicinal uses of natural resources (Plantae, Animalia, Fungi and minerals), mostly local, in the territories adjoining the upper Guadiana River and its tributaries. We were particularly interested in recording resources and pathologies linked to wetland areas, especially in the National Parks Las Tablas de Daimiel and Cabañeros. Wetlands are interesting because they present a double face in relation with human health: Wetlands furnish hydration, safe water, nutrition, and medicinal resources; are places from which people derive their livelihood. However wetlands are also sites of exposure to pollution or toxicants, and infectious diseases; and sites of physical hazards. We wanted to identify procedures for preparation of medicinal formulae and routes of administration. We also intended to detect whether a geographical pattern exists or not in our records in relation to the use of local resources. METHODS We used semi-structured interviews with one-to-one informants or groups, from 1998 to 2018. Raw data were introduced in a Firebird database and analyzed. To identify ingredients and pathologies we consulted local floras and epidemiological literature. Finally, we compared documented pathologies, remedies and ingredients in the historical context of medicinal uses of natural resources in Castile-La Mancha and especially in Ciudad Real. RESULTS 126 pathologies and 220 species furnishing ingredients have been recorded from the interviews. In total, 188 are plants and 20 animals. The most commonly used species include Malva sylvestris, Phlomis lychnitis, Genista tridentata and Thymus mastichina. Most records refer to flowers, or fruits, of locally available plant species, classified as Mediterranean, European or widespread that belong to the Lamiaceae, Compositae or Leguminosae. Ingredients which are collected in open shrublands, known as "garrigue", and dry grasslands furnish a relevant proportion of records while the imported ingredients remain marginal. The contribution of wetlands, riverine habitats and irrigated fields and gardens as a source of medicinal resources is 36% of the records. It is relatively high considering its limited presence in terms of total extension within the study area. The most frequently reported diseases are respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and infectious or parasitic. CONCLUSIONS Along the Guadiana River in the Ciudad Real province exists a wide and deep knowledge of traditional remedies for the treatment of common pathologies, based fundamentally on the use of local flora, fauna and mineral resources. The uses and ingredients documented are useful for further pharmacological investigation to improve health care for a wide range of pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rivera
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Alonso Verde
- Grupo de Investigación en Etnobiología, Flora y Vegetación del Sureste Ibérico. Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica. Instituto Botánico, UCLM, Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida de la Mancha s/n, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
| | - José Fajardo
- Grupo de Investigación en Etnobiología, Flora y Vegetación del Sureste Ibérico. Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica. Instituto Botánico, UCLM, Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida de la Mancha s/n, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
| | - Concepción Obón
- Dpto. Biología Aplicada, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra. Beniel Km 3.2, 03312, Orihuela, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Vicente Consuegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Etnobiología, Flora y Vegetación del Sureste Ibérico. Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica. Instituto Botánico, UCLM, Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida de la Mancha s/n, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
| | - José García-Botía
- Grupo de Investigación en Etnobiología, Flora y Vegetación del Sureste Ibérico. Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica. Instituto Botánico, UCLM, Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida de la Mancha s/n, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
| | - Segundo Ríos
- CIBIO - Instituto Universitario de Investigación, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Francisco Alcaraz
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Campus de Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Arturo Valdés
- Grupo de Investigación en Etnobiología, Flora y Vegetación del Sureste Ibérico. Laboratorio de Sistemática y Etnobotánica. Instituto Botánico, UCLM, Jardín Botánico de Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida de la Mancha s/n, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
| | - Alejandro Del Moral
- Centro de Interpretación del Agua y los Humedales Manchegos. Ayuntamiento de Daimiel. Parque de El Carmen s/n, 13250, Daimiel, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Emilio Laguna
- Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria d'Agricultura, Medi Ambient, Canvi Climàtic i Desenvolupament Rural, Servei de Vida Silvestre /Centre per a la Investigació i Experimentació Forestal, Avda. Comarques del País Valencià 114, 46930, Quart de Poblet, València, Spain.
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Athayde AED, Richetti E, Wolff J, Lusa MG, Biavatti MW. “Arnicas” from Brazil: comparative analysis among ten species. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Garayev E, Di Giorgio C, Herbette G, Mabrouki F, Chiffolleau P, Roux D, Sallanon H, Ollivier E, Elias R, Baghdikian B. Bioassay-guided isolation and UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS quantification of potential anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds from flowers of Inula montana L. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 226:176-184. [PMID: 30102993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Flowers of Inula montana L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as "Arnica de Provence", are used in the traditional medicine of Provence in France with the same indication as Arnica montana, for the relief of bruises, as an anti-inflammatory agent. AIMS OF THE STUDY The aim of our study is to evaluate its anti-inflammatory properties and to justify its traditional uses. Its potential valorization is evaluated in order to propose Inula montana as an alternative to Arnica montana. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bio-guided fractionation of ethanolic extract allowed the isolation of compounds responsible of the inhibition of NO production. The fractionation was realized using chromatographic techniques and structure elucidation was conducted by ESI-MS and NMR spectral data. Anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extract, different fractions and isolated pure compounds was studied in vitro on immortalized mouse macrophages RAW 264.7. An analytical UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method was developed for the identification of these compounds in the herbal drug. This UHPLC-DAD method was validated and was used to compare the phenolic profile and content in plant material from the two collection sites: Bonnieux and Merindol. RESULTS Eleven compounds were identified by UHPLC-MS. Chlorogenic acid (1), Luteolin (2), Nepetin (3), 3,5-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (4), 1,5-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (5), Nepitrin (6), Hispiduloside (7) and Jaceosid (8) were isolated and identified by NMR. Compounds 9, 10 and 11 were confirmed to be 6-Hydroxykaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether, Hispidulin and Chrysosplenol C, respectively by comparing retention times and MS/MS data with those of the authentic substances. Six compounds: 1 and 4-8 are reported for the first time in Inula montana L. Compounds 2-8 showed promising anti-inflammatory activity with the release of NO with IC50 value < 7 µM. The UHPLC-DAD method of quantification of three major bioactive compounds (1, 3 and 5) was validated. CONCLUSION Flowers extracts and isolated compounds present promising anti-inflammatory activity which provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of Inula montana and may be proposed in the same indications as Arnica montana. The developed and validated simple, accurate and rapid UHPLC method can be used for the quality control of the herbal drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnur Garayev
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FAC PHARM, Marseille, France.
| | - Carole Di Giorgio
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Laboratoire de Mutagenèse Environnementale, Marseille, France.
| | - Gaëtan Herbette
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, FSCM, Spectropole, Service 511, Campus Saint-Jérome, 13397 Marseille, France.
| | - Fathi Mabrouki
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FAC PHARM, Marseille, France.
| | | | - David Roux
- Avignon Université Qualisud, UMR 95, F-84000 Avignon, France.
| | | | - Evelyne Ollivier
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FAC PHARM, Marseille, France.
| | - Riad Elias
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FAC PHARM, Marseille, France.
| | - Béatrice Baghdikian
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FAC PHARM, Marseille, France.
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Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US. Arnica montana L. – a plant of healing: review. J Pharm Pharmacol 2017; 69:925-945. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Arnica montana is a widely used therapeutic plant used traditionally to treat various ailments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the botany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology along with special emphasis given on pharmacological activity of plant A. montana.
Key findings
The plant extracts have been reported to possess antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunomodulatory activity. A wide range of chemical compounds including sesquiterpene lactones and their short-chain carbonic acid esters, flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils, diterpenes, arnidiol, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, coumarins, phenolic acids, lignans and oligosaccharides, etc., are found in different parts of the plant.
Summary
It has been scrutinized that extensive research has been carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of flowers of the plant. Therefore, investigations should be carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of other parts of the plant for better therapeutic utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Kriplani
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India
- I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Kumar Guarve
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India
| | - Uttam S Baghael
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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Guzmàn DC, Herrera MO, Brizuela NO, Mejía GB, García EH, Olguín HJ, Peraza AV, Ruíz NL, Del Angel DS. Assessment of Mexican Arnica ( Heterotheca inuloides Cass) and Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis) Extracts on Dopamine and Selected Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Stomach and Brain of Salmonella typhimurium Infected rats. Pharmacogn Mag 2017; 13:203-208. [PMID: 28539708 PMCID: PMC5421413 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.204553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of some natural products on dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in brain of infected models are still unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of Mexican arnica/rosemary (MAR) water extract and oseltamivir on both biogenic amines and some oxidative biomarkers in the brain and stomach of young rats under infection condition. METHODS Female Wistar rats (weight 80 g) in the presence of MAR or absence (no-MAR) were treated as follows: group 1, buffer solution (controls); oseltamivir (100 mg/kg), group 2; culture of Salmonella typhimurium (S.Typh) (1 × 106 colony-forming units/rat) group 3; oseltamivir (100 mg/kg) + S.Typh (same dose) group 4. Drug and extracts were administered intraperitoneally every 24 h for 5 days, and S.Typh was given orally on days 1 and 3. On the fifth day, blood was collected to measure glucose and hemoglobin. The brains and stomachs were obtained to measure levels of DA, 5-HIAA, glutathione (GSH), TBARS, H2O2, and total ATPase activity using validated methods. RESULTS DA levels increased in MAR group treated with oseltamivir alone but decreased in no-MAR group treated with oseltamivir plus S.Typh. 5-HIAA, GSH, and H2O2 decreased in this last group, and ATPase activity increased in MAR group treated with oseltamivir plus S.Typh. TBARS (lipid peroxidation) increased in MAR group that received oseltamivir alone. Most of the biomarkers were not altered significantly in the stomach. CONCLUSION MAR extract alters DA and metabolism of 5-HIAA in the brain of young animals infected. Antioxidant capacity may be involved in these effects. SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of Mexican arnica/rosemary water extract and oseltamivir on both biogenic amines and some oxidative biomarkers in the brain and stomach of young rats under infection condition. Results: Mexican arnica and rosemary extract alter dopamine and metabolism of 5-HIAA in the brain of young animals infected. Antioxidant capacity may be involved in these effects. Abbreviations used: AS: Automated system, ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, CNS: Central nervous system, CFU: Colony-forming unit, DA: Dopamine EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 5-HIAA: Äcido 5-hidroxindolacético (serotonina), GABA: γ-aminobutyric acid, GSH: Glutathione, H2O2: Hidrogen peroxide, HCLO4: Perchloric acid, iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase, LPS: Lipopolysaccharides, MAR: Arnica/Rosemary, NaCl: Sodium Chloride, NOGSH: nitrosoglutathione, NOS: Nitric oxide, OPT: Ortho-phtaldialdehyde, Pbs: Phosphate buffered saline, pH: potential of Hydrogen, Pi: Inorganic phosphate, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, RNSs: Reactive nitrogen species Tba: Thiobarbaturic acid, TBARS: Thiobarbituric aid reactive, Tca: Trichloroacetic, Tris-HCL: Tris hydrochloride, TSA: Trypticasein Soya Agar.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Calderón Guzmàn
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Norma Osnaya Brizuela
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Barragàn Mejía
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ernestina Hernàndez García
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, INP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hugo Juàrez Olguín
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, INP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Norma Labra Ruíz
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP), Mexico City, Mexico
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Rodríguez-Chávez JL, Egas V, Linares E, Bye R, Hernández T, Espinosa-García FJ, Delgado G. Mexican Arnica (Heterotheca inuloides Cass. Asteraceae: Astereae): Ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents and biological properties. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 195:39-63. [PMID: 27847336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Heterotheca inuloides Cass. (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases in Mexico in the treatment of rheumatism, topical skin inflammation, muscular pain colic, and other painful conditions associated with inflammatory processes, additionally has been used to treat dental diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. This species has also been used for the treatment of cancer and diabetes. This review provides up-to-date information on the botanical characterization, traditional uses, chemical constituents, as well as the biolological activities of H. inuloides. MATERIAL AND METHODS A literature search was conducted by analyzing the published scientific material. Information related to H. inuloides was collected from various primary information sources, including books, published articles in peer-reviewed journals, monographs, theses and government survey reports. The electronic search of bibliographic information was gathered from accepted scientific databases such as Scienfinder, ISI Web of Science, Scielo, LILACS, Redalyc, Pubmed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar. RESULTS To date, more than 140 compounds have been identified from H. inuloides, including cadinane sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, phytosterols, triterpenes, benzoic acid derivatives, and other types of compounds. Many biological properties associated with H. inuloides. Many studies have shown that the extracts and some compounds isolated from this plant exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and chelating activities, as well as insecticidal and phytotoxic activity. To date, reports on the toxicity of H. inuloides are limited. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive analysis of the literature obtained through the above-mentioned sources confirmed that ethnomedical uses of H. inuloides have been recorded in Mexico to treat rheumatism, pain, and conditions associated with inflammatory processes. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated the activity of certain compounds associated with the traditional use of the plant such as the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the species. The available literature showed that cadinene sesquiterpenes are the major bioactive components of H. inuloides with potential pharmacological activities. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mode of action of the major active constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Rodríguez-Chávez
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Verónica Egas
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edelmira Linares
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Robert Bye
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Tzasna Hernández
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, UBIPRO, FES-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios No. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Francisco J Espinosa-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Guillermo Delgado
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México.
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RAMOS LUANS, CARDOSO PAULAS, FREITAS MICHELED, PAGHAN RENATO, BORGES MARÍLIAS, CITADINI-ZANETTE VANILDE, BARLOW JAMESW, AMARAL PATRÍCIAA, DALBÓ SILVIA. Popular medicinal uses of Calea uniflora Less. (Asteraceae) and its contribution to the study of Brazilian medicinal plants. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2016; 88:2319-2330. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201620160120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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16
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Teixidor-Toneu I, Martin GJ, Ouhammou A, Puri RK, Hawkins JA. An ethnomedicinal survey of a Tashelhit-speaking community in the High Atlas, Morocco. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 188:96-110. [PMID: 27174082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional knowledge about medicinal plants from a poorly studied region, the High Atlas in Morocco, is reported here for the first time; this permits consideration of efficacy and safety of current practises whilst highlighting species previously not known to have traditional medicinal use. AIM OF THE STUDY Our study aims to document local medicinal plant knowledge among Tashelhit speaking communities through ethnobotanical survey, identifying preferred species and new medicinal plant citations and illuminating the relationship between emic and etic ailment classifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnobotanical data were collected using standard methods and with prior informed consent obtained before all interactions, data were characterized using descriptive indices and medicinal plants and healing strategies relevant to local livelihoods were identified. RESULTS 151 vernacular names corresponding to 159 botanical species were found to be used to treat 36 folk ailments grouped in 14 biomedical use categories. Thirty-five (22%) are new medicinal plant records in Morocco, and 26 described as used for the first time anywhere. Fidelity levels (FL) revealed low specificity in plant use, particularly for the most commonly reported plants. Most plants are used in mixtures. Plant use is driven by local concepts of disease, including "hot" and "cold" classification and beliefs in supernatural forces. CONCLUSION Local medicinal plant knowledge is rich in the High Atlas, where local populations still rely on medicinal plants for healthcare. We found experimental evidence of safe and effective use of medicinal plants in the High Atlas; but we highlight the use of eight poisonous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Teixidor-Toneu
- Section of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Harborne Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AS, UK.
| | | | - Ahmed Ouhammou
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Regional Herbarium MARK, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, PO Box 2390, Marrakech 40001, Morocco.
| | - Rajindra K Puri
- Centre for Biocultural Diversity, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK.
| | - Julie A Hawkins
- Section of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Harborne Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AS, UK.
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17
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Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. Am J Ther 2016; 23:e184-97. [DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Martínez-Francés V, Rivera D, Heinrich M, Obón C, Ríos S. An ethnopharmacological and historical analysis of "Dictamnus", a European traditional herbal medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 175:390-406. [PMID: 26387739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE AND BACKGROUND "Dictamnus" was a popular name for a group of medicinal herbaceous plant species of the Rutaceae and Lamiaceae, which since the 4th century have been used for gynaecological problems and other illnesses BCE and still appear in numerous ethnobotanical records. AIMS This research has as four overarching aims: Determining the historical evolution of medical preparations labelled "Dictamnus" and the different factors affecting this long-standing herbal tradition. Deciphering and differentiating those medicinal uses of "Dictamnus" which strictly correspond to Dictamnus (Rutaceae), from those of Origanum dictamnus and other Lamiaceae species. Quantitatively assessing the dependence from herbal books, and pharmaceutical tradition, of modern Dictamnus ethnobotanical records. Determining whether differences between Western and Eastern Europe exist with regards to the Dictamnus albus uses in ethnopharmacology and ethnomedicine. METHODS An exhaustive review of herbals, classical pharmacopoeias, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological literature was conducted. Systematic analysis of uses reported which were standardized according to International Classification of Diseases - 10 and multivariate analysis using factorial, hierarchical and neighbour joining methods was undertaken. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The popular concept "Dictamnus" includes Origanum dictamnus L., Ballota pseudodictamnus (L.) Benth. and B. acetabulosa (L.) Benth. (Lamiaceae), as well as Dictamnus albus L. and D. hispanicus Webb ex Willk. (Rutaceae), with 86 different types of uses. Between 1000 and 1700 CE numerous complex preparations with "Dictamnus" were used in the treatment of 35 different pathologies. On biogeographical grounds the widespread D. albus is a far more likely prototypical "Dictamnus" than the Cretan endemic Origanum dictamnus. However both form integral parts of the "Dictamnus" complex. Evidence exists for a sufficiently long and coherent tradition for D. albus and D. hispanicus, use to treat 47 different categories of diseases. CONCLUSIONS This approach is a model for understanding the cultural history of plants and their role as resources for health care. "Dictamnus" shows how transmission of traditional knowledge about materia medica, over 26 centuries, represents remarkable levels of development and innovation. All this lead us to call attention to D. albus and D. hispanicus which are highly promising as potential herbal drug leads. The next steps of research should be to systematically analyse phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical evidence and to develop safety, pharmacology and toxicology profiles of the traditional preparations.
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MESH Headings
- Dictamnus
- Ethnopharmacology
- Europe
- History, 15th Century
- History, 16th Century
- History, 17th Century
- History, 18th Century
- History, 19th Century
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- History, Ancient
- History, Medieval
- Humans
- Medicine, Traditional/history
- Phytotherapy/history
- Plant Preparations/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- V Martínez-Francés
- Biological Research Station - Botanical Garden of Torretes, Institute of Biodiversity CIBIO, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | - D Rivera
- Department Plant Biology (Botany), Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - M Heinrich
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines/Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - C Obón
- Depto. De Biología Aplicada, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela. Ctra. Beniel, Km 3,2. Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, Spain.
| | - S Ríos
- Biological Research Station - Botanical Garden of Torretes, Institute of Biodiversity CIBIO, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
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Heinrich M, Frei Haller B, Leonti M. A perspective on natural products research and ethnopharmacology in Mexico: the eagle and the serpent on the prickly pear cactus. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2014; 77:678-689. [PMID: 24559070 DOI: 10.1021/np4009927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mexico's extraordinarily rich cultural and floristic diversity has fascinated explorers and researchers ever since the "New World" was discovered for and by Europeans. For many decades, natural product research has been a very active field of research in Mexico, and there also are some ongoing ethnopharmacological research efforts. This review provides an overview and critical appraisal on some key developments in these fields and examples of medicinal plants used by indigenous communities that have become of great local importance in Mexican popular medicine. In this review, the focus is on plants with effects on the CNS, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory processes, and gastrointestinal disorders. While some of the major food plants consumed worldwide originate from southern North America, only very few medicinal plants have become of major global importance. Opuntia species are now used increasingly to manage diabetes and metabolic syndrome and represent an example of a novel medicinal product/supplement. Undoubtedly, narcotic and mind-altering drugs both have received the widest scientific interest and have attracted considerable popular attention. The history of use of the indigenous Mexican Materia Medica in the context of research on local and popular resources specifically with regard to the diverse challenges in the context of studying the world's biodiversity and the development of comparative and semiquantitative ethnobotanical research methods is discussed herein. Natural product and ethnopharmacological research in Mexico seems to have been influenced by the political and societal developments originating from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and subsequent conventions, which have not yet had the desired effect of giving value to these local resources, as they might deserve. Their equitable and sustainable implementation remains a challenge. Natural product research and ethnopharmacology will play a key role in developing an adequate evidence base for such products derived from local and traditional knowledge in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heinrich
- Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, University of London , 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
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Bennett BC, Balick MJ. Does the name really matter? The importance of botanical nomenclature and plant taxonomy in biomedical research. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 152:387-392. [PMID: 24321863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medical research on plant-derived compounds requires a breadth of expertise from field to laboratory and clinical skills. Too often basic botanical skills are evidently lacking, especially with respect to plant taxonomy and botanical nomenclature. Binomial and familial names, synonyms and author citations are often misconstrued. The correct botanical name, linked to a vouchered specimen, is the sine qua non of phytomedical research. Without the unique identifier of a proper binomial, research cannot accurately be linked to the existing literature. Perhaps more significant, is the ambiguity of species determinations that ensues of from poor taxonomic practices. This uncertainty, not surprisingly, obstructs reproducibility of results-the cornerstone of science. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on our combined six decades of experience with medicinal plants, we discuss the problems of inaccurate taxonomy and botanical nomenclature in biomedical research. This problems appear all too frequently in manuscripts and grant applications that we review and they extend to the published literature. We also review the literature on the importance of taxonomy in other disciplines that relate to medicinal plant research. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In most cases, questions regarding orthography, synonymy, author citations, and current family designations of most plant binomials can be resolved using widely-available online databases and other electronic resources. Some complex problems require consultation with a professional plant taxonomist, which also is important for accurate identification of voucher specimens. Researchers should provide the currently accepted binomial and complete author citation, provide relevant synonyms, and employ the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III family name. Taxonomy is a vital adjunct not only to plant-medicine research but to virtually every field of science. CONCLUSIONS Medicinal plant researchers can increase the precision and utility of their investigations by following sound practices with respect to botanical nomenclature. Correct spellings, accepted binomials, author citations, synonyms, and current family designations can readily be found on reliable online databases. When questions arise, researcher should consult plant taxonomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley C Bennett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Michael J Balick
- Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, New York 10458, USA.
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Leonti M, Casu L. Traditional medicines and globalization: current and future perspectives in ethnopharmacology. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:92. [PMID: 23898296 PMCID: PMC3722488 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ethnopharmacological approach toward the understanding and appraisal of traditional and herbal medicines is characterized by the inclusions of the social as well as the natural sciences. Anthropological field-observations describing the local use of nature-derived medicines are the basis for ethnopharmacological enquiries. The multidisciplinary scientific validation of indigenous drugs is of relevance to modern societies at large and helps to sustain local health care practices. Especially with respect to therapies related to aging related, chronic and infectious diseases traditional medicines offer promising alternatives to biomedicine. Bioassays applied in ethnopharmacology represent the molecular characteristics and complexities of the disease or symptoms for which an indigenous drug is used in “traditional” medicine to variable depth and extent. One-dimensional in vitro approaches rarely cope with the complexity of human diseases and ignore the concept of polypharmacological synergies. The recent focus on holistic approaches and systems biology in medicinal plant research represents the trend toward the description and the understanding of complex multi-parameter systems. Ethnopharmacopoeias are non-static cultural constructs shaped by belief and knowledge systems. Intensified globalization and economic liberalism currently accelerates the interchange between local and global pharmacopoeias via international trade, television, the World Wide Web and print media. The increased infiltration of newly generated biomedical knowledge and introduction of “foreign” medicines into local pharmacopoeias leads to syncretic developments and generates a feedback loop. While modern and post-modern cultures and knowledge systems adapt and transform the global impact, they become more relevant for ethnopharmacology. Moreover, what is traditional, alternative or complementary medicine depends on the adopted historic-cultural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
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Jenks AA, Kim SC. Medicinal plant complexes of Salvia subgenus Calosphace: an ethnobotanical study of new world sages. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 146:214-224. [PMID: 23291572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The species of Salvia subgenus Calosphace are used medicinally and ritually in numerous traditions of folk healing among indigenous cultures of North and South America with more than 500 species. These species contain numerous bioactive terpenes and terpenoids, some active at human opioid and GABA receptors, which may contribute to their effectiveness as folk medicines. Medicinal plant complexes contain species which share common names, morphological and/or aromatic properties, and medicinal uses; these complexes are found in traditional systems of medicine. Our research looks for complexes within Calosphace and the secondary metabolites they contain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Several studies have combined molecular phylogenetics and ethnopharmacology to successfully target active medicinal species. In this paper, we have selected a monophyletic clade, Salvia subgenus Calosphace, and performed a literature search to identify medicinal plant complexes within it. We created a database from over 200 references, found using keywords, and herbarium sheets. To identify medicinal plant complexes within the database, all species with shared vernacular names were first grouped. If the species sharing common names had similar medicinal uses and morphological similarity, they were concluded to be a complex. In order to determine the accuracy and validity of this approach, the chia complex was used as control, and we more species than reported by all of the published references combined. After identifying complexes and species within each, we searched the phytochemical literature to identify all reported secondary metabolites for each. RESULTS We identify four previously unidentified complexes. Mirto (5 species) is used extensively in the treatment of the folk illness susto and other illnesses in Mexico, and is characterized by red flowers. Ñucchu (7 species) used as a symbolic element in religious processions and in the treatment of respiratory ailments in Peru and characterized by red flowers. Cantueso (2 species), with blue flowers, is used for respiratory ailments in Mexico, and Manga-paqui (3 species) is used for kidney and liver diseases in Ecuador. For the species of each complex we report all traditional preparations, other vernacular names, and known secondary metabolites. Among these complexes, Mirto and Ñucchu appear to have exceptional levels of cultural significance. CONCLUSIONS Our results support our hypothesis that species within Salvia subgenus Calosphace will assort into complexes of medicinal plants that share common names, appearances, and medicinal uses. We have identified four new complexes within this monophyletic lineage, mirto, ñucchu, cantueso, and manga-paqui.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Jenks
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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