An ethnobotanical study on wild plants used by Tibetan people in Gyirong Valley, Tibet, China

Traditional medicinal knowledge of Sherpa people: Assessment in Xizang, China

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The people of the Pan-Himalayan region are among the most isolated and economically disadvantaged populations worldwide. The Sherpa people, located along the China and Nepal border, rely largely on the natural environment to access essential healthcare services. The region's ongoing economic and social developments threaten indigenous medicinal practices and biodiversity. However, there has been limited comprehensive investigation and documentation of traditional medicine and its associated knowledge in this region.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aims are to document the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Sherpa community, assess the conservation status of medicinal plants, and explore the historical factors that have influenced their traditional medicine practices.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 78 Sherpa people were conducted in Chenthang Town, Xizang, China. Use reports (URs) was used to determine the most frequently mentioned medicinal plants or a specific ailment or disease category. The International Classification of Primary Care-2nd edition (ICPC-2) was used to transform the original records into an internationally unified classification.

RESULTS

A total of 51 plant species, one fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H.Sung, J.M.Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora), two lichens (Flavopunctelia soredica (Nyl.) Hale and Parmotrema cetratum (Ach.) Hale), and four minerals were documented, resulting in 824 URs. Ranunculaceae had the most species (5 spp.). The most commonly used method for preparing medicinal substances was decoction (23 species, 40%). Oral application was the preferred route of administration for 81% (41 medicinal substances). Forty-four ailments across 14 ICPC-2 disease categories were documented. Respiratory (320 URs) and digestive (122 URs) categories are among the most common diseases. The top-five ailments were influenza (18 substances; URs = 227), injury blood/lymph/spleen other (11 substances; URs = 66), cough (10 substances; URs = 62), headache (7 substances; URs = 63), and abdominal pain/cramps general (6 substances; URs = 37). The most frequently reported medicinal substances were Panax pseudoginseng Wall. (URs = 128) and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong (URs = 79). Two special therapies (hot spring therapy and dietary therapy) were described. In-depth ethnographic information on the livelihood and exchange history of Sherpa people were documented. A total of 25 species were sold, of which four species were listed as VU in the IUCN Red List (2023-1), six species were listed as VU, four species were NT, and one species was EN in the China Biodiversity Red list 2021.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of the 58 traditional medicine substances and two special therapies (hot spring therapy and dietary therapy) used by the Sherpa people in Chenthang. Sherpa's medicinal knowledge has been shaped by historical interactions and contemporary trade practices. To better protect the biocultural diversity of the Himalayan region, priority should be given to the rapid assessment of medicinal plants, knowledge, and use status in this area.

Biological features and quality comprehensive analysis of twelve germplasm resources of the genus Allium from Tibet

Introduction

Allium is important vegetables and seasonings in China, Tibet is rich in unique resources of the genus Allium, but lacks development and utilization.

Methods

We compared the biological features and comprehensively evaluating the quality of twelve germplasm resources of the genus Allium collected from Tibet.

Results

The results revealed that nine germplasm resources were bolting and bloom normally except for SC015, SC019, and SC048, all twelve germplasm resources were able to vegetative growth. The individual differences in moisture, soluble sugar, and protein content among the twelve germplasm resources were relatively small, with pyruvic acid content ranging from 0.11 to 1.12 mg/g and a large variation coefficient. A total of 8 categories and 97 volatile compounds were detected in twelve germplasm resources, the majority possessed the highest proportions of aldehydes and organosulfur compounds, but there were certain differences between the different Allium species. Additionally, 11 to 16 types of free amino acids were present in all germplasm resources, proline exhibited the highest content. The total content of essential and non-essential amino acids in SC009 was the highest. Carbon (C) accounted for the largest proportion of all elements, and the contents of other mineral elements varied greatly among the different plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combined with biological performance and comprehensive evaluation of quality, SC009 is the excellent germplasm resource suitable for growth and capable of reproduction with good quality. These results improved the exploitation and utilization of the genus Allium in Tibet, as well as provided germplasm resources for high-quality breeding of the genus Allium.

An ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants used by the Tibetan in the Rongjia River Valley, Tibet, China

BACKGROUND

Wild edible plants (WEPs) play a crucial role in communities with limited communication with the outside world, where unstable factors, such as poor food supply and insufficient access to timely nutritional supplementation, are common, as in the Himalayan region. To document the traditional knowledge of WEPs and explore their significance for communities with minimal global economic exchange, an ethnobotanical study was conducted in the town of Rongjia, which lies in a narrow valley near Mount Everest, Tibet, China.

METHODS

This ethnobotanical study was conducted in three villages in the Rongjia River Valley between August 2021 and June 2023. Semi-structured interviews and participatory observations were used to collect information on WEPs. The fieldwork was performed with the assistance of local guides. Voucher specimens were collected from each documented plant species for taxonomic identification. We used the use report (UR) and relative frequency of citations (RFC) to evaluate the comprehensive utilization value of WEPs.

RESULTS

We interviewed 161 informants who provided us with 2499 use reports. We collected 50 WEPs belonging to 28 families and 42 genera used by the Tibetan people in the Rongjia River Valley. WEPs are used in vegetables, fruits, seasonings, healthcare foods, substitute grains, and beverages. Wild vegetables were the most commonly used, followed by wild fruits. Leaves were the most commonly consumed part of the plant. The three most important WEPs ordered by RFC values were Rosa sericea var. glandulosa Osmaston (RFC = 0.76), Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (RFC = 0.75), and Urtica hyperborea Jacquem. ex Wedd. (RFC = 0.71). Other than that, we also document some of WEPs used in the past. Arisaema erubescens Schott, Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino, and Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Lindl.) Hook. f. used to serve as important substitute grains, are no longer in use, however, they remain vivid in the memories of older people.

CONCLUSIONS

WEPs included wild vegetables, fruits, seasonings, healthcare food, and substitute grains for Tibetan people in the Rongjia River Valley. Some WEPs have become important cultural symbols for older people, which can help in understanding the relationship between plants and local people in the past. In addition, WEPs can increase the resilience of local people living in remote areas when facing sudden destabilizing events in future. This is the significance of WEPs for communities with minimal global economic exchange. Therefore, we suggest that future studies focus more on WEPs in communities with limited communication with the world to improve their resilience.

An ethnobotanical study on the medicinal herb practices of the gelao ethnic minority in North Guizhou, China: an exploration of traditional knowledge

Introduction: The Gelao ethnic minority of northern Guizhou, China have long possessed extensive traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs. This ethnobotanical study aimed to document and evaluate wild plants used medicinally by the Gelao people, providing insights into their traditional medicine and knowledge systems. Methods: Field research was conducted in Gelao communities of Daozhen, Wuchuan and Zheng'an counties using interviews, surveys and participatory rural appraisal. Results: Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were utilized to assess the cultural significance of 187 herbs identified. The herbs belonged to 84 families, primarily Compositae, and were mostly roots, rhizomes and whole plants. They were used to treat digestive, respiratory and inflammatory disorders, gynecological diseases, bites and other conditions, mainly through decoctions. 25 highly significant herbs (national plant cultural significance index > 1000) were known to protect health. Some function as food and are considered safe. However, the study revealed issues including a declining number of knowledgeable elders and inadequate hygiene controls. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the Gelao's extensive medicinal plant knowledge and highlight the need for further ethnobotanical research to document and preserve this culturally important tradition. The identified herbs also represent an alternative medicinal resource with potential modern applications pending further investigation of their pharmacology and sustainable use. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into Gelao ethnobotanical knowledge and the potential of indigenous medicine for modern healthcare.

Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is endowed with much plant diversity. The insignificant number of studies on wild edible plants with their ethnobotanical perspectives indicated that this plant diversity comprised only hundreds of wild edible plants used to supplement food sources for the local community under different conditions. There still need to be further investigations throughout the country when compared to the total area and cultural diversity of the country. However, they are seriously under pressure due to different natural and human influences. Therefore, the study was conducted to document underutilized wild edible plants along with their associated indigenous knowledge and explore threats to them in Midakegn District.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, a market survey, score ranking, and focused group discussions were employed for data collection. Statistical analysis of ethnobotanical knowledge mean variation between different informant groups was computed by using one-way ANOVA in the IBM SPSS Statics version 24 package.

RESULTS

A total of fifty underutilized wild edible plants belonging to 39 genera and 30 families were collected, recorded, and documented. The families Moraceae (four), Fabaceae, Flacourtaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae (each three) represented the highest number of species. It comprised shrubs (44%), trees (36%), herbs (18%), and epiphytes (2%). Fruits (62.3%) were found to be the most frequently used and mostly taken raw, fresh, or dried. These edible resources were consumed to supplement staple foods (67.3%), whereas 25% were used as emergency foods. The majority of species (96%) had multiple uses in addition to their edibility. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) number of underutilized wild edible plants were cited by males than females, by key informants than generals, elders than youngsters, illiterate than literate, and poorer than other wealth class groups of the community. Priority rankings indicate that agricultural expansion, fuel wood harvest, overgrazing, and selective harvesting are the most threatening factors to underutilized wild edible plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Fifty underutilized wild edible plants, along with their associated indigenous knowledge, were recorded. Local people utilize them for supplementing staple food, as emergency food, to get relief, trust, and chew during drought. But they are mainly threatened by different human activities in the study area.

An Ethnobotanical Study of Wild Edible Plants in Tach Gayint District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to carry out an ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological investigation on wild edible plants and their value to households in the Tach Gayint district of South Gondar Zone of northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 175 informants (56 women and 119 males) were interviewed for ethnobotanical data, and 25 of them were key informants. Data collection techniques included semistructured interviews, guided field walks, and focus group discussions. Quantitative analytical tools were employed for ethnobotanical methods including preference ranking and direct matrix ranking techniques to analyse the data. 36 species of wild edible plants have been identified in the study area. Of these plant species, shrubs account for 15 (42%), followed by herbs 13 (36%) and trees 8 (22%). Regarding the edible parts, fruits account for 19 (53%) followed by young shoots, leaves, and flowers, 4 (11%) for each. These plant species are eaten raw (86%) or cooked (14%) and most are collected by younger people for herding cattle. According to the preference ranking analysis, the fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica is the most preferred plant species because its sweet taste. Although Cordia africana, the most commonly used multipurpose wild edible plant species, is mostly exploited due to human activity, activities such as the production of charcoal, the gathering of firewood, the construction of homes, and the use of agricultural tools all played a significant role in the plant's eventual extinction. In the study area, agricultural expansion was the main cause of putting wild edible plants in danger. It is best to cultivate and manage edible plants in a backyard garden and to perform more research on popular edible plant species.

A comparison of traditional plant knowledge between Daman people and Tibetans in Gyirong River Valley, Tibet, China

BACKGROUND

By comparing the differences in plant use between various cultures or regions, we can gain a better understanding of traditional knowledge of plant use among different groups, which may lead to a more objective understanding. Even though the Tibetan and Daman people live in the same ecosystem in Gyirong town, China, their cultural backgrounds and livelihoods differ. Therefore, the objective of this study is to document the traditional knowledge of plant use among the Daman people and compare it with the local Tibetan knowledge of plant use. By doing so, we aim to explore the relationship between plant selection and use and the cultural backgrounds of different groups.

METHODS

During fieldwork, ethnobotanical data were collected using various methods including free listings, key informant interviews, and semi-structured interviews. To quantify the importance of plant species in the Daman people's culture, the culture importance index, informant consensus factor index, and The Index of Agreement on Species consensus (IASc) were used. In addition, we cited previous ethnobotanical survey data from the Tibetan in Gyirong. To more comprehensively compare the differences in plant use between the Daman and Tibetan, this study constructed a knowledge network to compare the knowledge differences between the two groups.

RESULTS

In this study, traditional knowledge was collected from 32 Daman informants, resulting in a total of 68 species belonging to 39 families mentioned by Daman people and 111 species mentioned by Tibetans. Of these, 58 plants were used by both populations. The plants were classified into 3 categories and 28 subcategories, with 22 identical classes in both groups. The majority of use categories showed a high degree of sharing in both groups, and the Tibetan people had more plant use categories than the Daman people. Five plants with IASc value > 0.5 were identified in both groups: Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don, Artemisia japonica Thunb., Juniperus indica Bertol., Gastrodia elata Blume, and Rheum australe D. Don. The analysis of the knowledge network revealed a 66% overlap between the knowledge of the Daman and the knowledge of the Tibetans. Additionally, the plant knowledge of Tibetan people was found to be richer and more complex than that of the Daman people. However, the Daman people possess 30 unique knowledge items.

CONCLUSIONS

From the perspective of plant use, the history of the Daman people's discrete migration on the border between China and Nepal allows them to retain their own knowledge of plant use. The status quo of joining Chinese nationality and settling in Gyirong town allows them to gradually integrate into the local Tibetan society. In summary, despite living in the same ecosystem and biodiversity background, the plant utilization of the Daman people and Tibetans still shows significant differences, which are due to their different cultural backgrounds and social status.