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Domingo-Fernández D, Gadiya Y, Mubeen S, Bollerman TJ, Healy MD, Chanana S, Sadovsky RG, Healey D, Colluru V. Modern drug discovery using ethnobotany: A large-scale cross-cultural analysis of traditional medicine reveals common therapeutic uses. iScience 2023; 26:107729. [PMID: 37701812 PMCID: PMC10494464 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
For millennia, numerous cultures and civilizations have relied on traditional remedies derived from plants to treat a wide range of conditions and ailments. Here, we systematically analyzed ethnobotanical patterns across taxonomically related plants, demonstrating that congeneric medicinal plants are more likely to be used for treating similar indications. Next, we reconstructed the phytochemical space covered by medicinal plants to reveal that (i) taxonomically related medicinal plants cover a similar phytochemical space, and (ii) chemical similarity correlates with similar therapeutic usage. Lastly, we present several case scenarios illustrating how mining this information can be used for drug discovery applications, including: (i) investigating taxonomic hotspots around particular indications, (ii) exploring shared patterns of congeneric plants located in different geographic areas, but which have been used to treat the same indications, and (iii) showing the concordance between ethnobotanical patterns among non-taxonomically related plants and the presence of shared bioactive phytochemicals.
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Cordero S, Abello L, Gálvez F. Rizoma: a new comprehensive database on traditional uses of Chilean native plants. Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e80002. [PMID: 35437394 PMCID: PMC8917114 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e80002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe Rizoma, a new comprehensive online database on traditional uses of Chilean flora. The Rizoma database was built by reviewing multiple data sources on the uses of native plants and integrating phytogeographic and ecological aspects of plant species. This database attempts to safeguard traditional knowledge by making it available and visible to society, providing 1380 use records from 736 vascular plant species native to Chile. In addition, it contributes to a better understanding of the use patterns of Chilean native plants.
The Rizoma database includes 1380 use records from 736 vascular plant species native to Chile, representing 399 genera and 128 families. Each species record provides information on geographic distribution, phytogeographic origin, life form, life span and use category. In addition, the online version includes information on the mode of use of each species, as well as common names and photographs. The database serves as a traditional knowledge repository that contributes to preserving local biological and cultural diversity for future generations.
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Paving New Roads Towards Biodiversity-Based Drug Development in Brazil: Lessons from the Past and Future Perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 31:505-518. [PMID: 34548709 PMCID: PMC8447804 DOI: 10.1007/s43450-021-00181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although Brazil gathers two fundamental features to occupy a leading position on the development of biodiversity-based medicines, the largest flora on earth and a broad tradition on the use of medicinal plants, the number of products derived from the national genetic heritage is so far modest, either as single drugs or as herbal medicines. This article highlights some aspects that may have contributed to the low rates of success and proposes new insights for innovation. We initially approach the use of medicinal plants in Brazil, molded by its ethnic diversity, and the development of the local pharmaceutical industry. A discussion of some governmental initiatives to support plant-based drug development is then presented. Employing the economic concept of “middle-income trap,” we further propose that Brazil is stuck in a “middle-level science trap,” since the increase in the number of scientific publications that launched the country to an intermediate publishing position has not been translated into drug development. Two new approaches to escape from this trap are presented, which may result in innovative drug development. The first is based on the exploitation of the antifragility properties of herbal products aiming to investigate non-canonical pharmacodynamics mechanisms of action, aligned with the concepts of system biology. The second is the manufacture of herbal products based on the circular economy principles, including the use of byproducts for the development of new therapeutical agents. The adoption of these strategies may result in innovative phytomedicines, with global competitiveness.
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Gaoue OG, Moutouama JK, Coe MA, Bond MO, Green E, Sero NB, Bezeng BS, Yessoufou K. Methodological advances for hypothesis-driven ethnobiology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2281-2303. [PMID: 34056816 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ethnobiology as a discipline has evolved increasingly to embrace theory-inspired and hypothesis-driven approaches to study why and how local people choose plants and animals they interact with and use for their livelihood. However, testing complex hypotheses or a network of ethnobiological hypotheses is challenging, particularly for data sets with non-independent observations due to species phylogenetic relatedness or socio-relational links between participants. Further, to account fully for the dynamics of local ecological knowledge, it is important to include the spatially explicit distribution of knowledge, changes in knowledge, and knowledge transmission and use. To promote the use of advanced statistical modelling approaches that address these limitations, we synthesize methodological advances for hypothesis-driven research in ethnobiology while highlighting the need for more figures than tables and more tables than text in ethnobiological literature. We present the ethnobiological motivations for conducting generalized linear mixed-effect modelling, structural equation modelling, phylogenetic generalized least squares, social network analysis, species distribution modelling, and predictive modelling. For each element of the proposed ethnobiologists quantitative toolbox, we present practical applications along with scripts for a widespread implementation. Because these statistical modelling approaches are rarely taught in most ethnobiological programs but are essential for careers in academia or industry, it is critical to promote workshops and short courses focused on these advanced methods. By embracing these quantitative modelling techniques without sacrificing qualitative approaches which provide essential context, ethnobiology will progress further towards an expansive interaction with other disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orou G Gaoue
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 569 Dabney Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996, U.S.A.,Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, APK Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.,Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Parakou, BP 123, Benin
| | - Jacob K Moutouama
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 569 Dabney Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996, U.S.A
| | - Michael A Coe
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, 101, Honolulu, HI, 96822, U.S.A
| | - Matthew O Bond
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, 101, Honolulu, HI, 96822, U.S.A
| | - Elizabeth Green
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 569 Dabney Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996, U.S.A
| | - Nadejda B Sero
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 569 Dabney Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996, U.S.A
| | - Bezeng S Bezeng
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, APK Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Kowiyou Yessoufou
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, APK Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
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