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Yao R, Gao J, Heinrich M, Yu S, Xue T, Zhang B, Wei X, Qi Y, Gao W. Medicinal plants used by minority ethnic groups in China: Taxonomic diversity and conservation needs. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118573. [PMID: 38996945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Indigenous communities have long relied on medicinal plants (MPs) for primary healthcare. The ethnomedicinal knowledge are different among ethnic groups since the local flora and people's health beliefs generally vary among biocultural backgrounds. China with its diverse biocultural environment is rich in culturally important plant species including MPs. They are also essential in the context of conservation of plant resources and the related traditional medical knowledge, requiring an integrated perspective on these MPs. AIM OF THE STUDY Focusing on the MPs used by the minority ethnic groups, this study assesses the diversity of MPs in China used in local indigenous traditions, as well as their conservation needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MPs used by the 18 selected minority ethnic groups were extracted from an ethnic MP dictionary. After standardizing, the names then were compiled as an inventory. Next, following statistics were computed: the number of species in each order and family, species used by each ethnic group, species documented in the national herbal resource dataset, species adopted in drug standards, and species at different levels of conservation lists. The overall similarity of the MPs used by the ethnic groups included was achieved using a cluster and principal component analysis. RESULTS In total 5886 vascular plant species are reported as medicines in the 18 ethnic groups, which belong to 1657 genera and 243 families. It is found that 3195 species are used exclusively by one ethnic group, indicating their cultural salience and potential restrictedness in ecological terms. Moreover, 1159 species are included in national/regional drug standards, indicating their importance in the national medical flora. However, only 3541 species of them are documented in the national herbal resource dataset, and 761 species are at different levels of threatened status, highlighting the conservation needs of Chinese MPs and the related traditional medical knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Using a quantitative approach, for the first time the present study reveals the high level of taxonomic diversity of MPs used by minority ethnic groups of China. However, of these species, 40% are still not inventoried in the national herbal resource dataset, and more than half are used exclusively by one ethnic group, and around 13% are included in the conservation lists of different levels. These together urge the conservation of MP resources and related traditional medical knowledge. Additionally, we recommend fostering the cross-cultural communication the regional ethnomedicinal knowledge, for the purpose of maximizing the benefits of regional plants to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Yao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiejing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China; School of Life Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, WC1N1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Shengxiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tiantian Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bengang Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xueping Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yaodong Qi
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Addi YW, Ren ZX, Rutherford S, Ding XY, Guo CA, Zhang X, Zhang S, Liao H, Wang Y. Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, SW China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117683. [PMID: 38184026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Yi people in the Xiaoliangshan region in southwest China have a unique practice of combining ritual treatment and traditional medicine to care for patients. Despite increasing urbanization in the area, they have managed to preserve their distinctive lifestyle and extensive knowledge of traditional medicinal plants, setting them apart from other regions. However, there is a lack of systematic documentation on the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan. AIM OF THE STUDY This research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Yi people and explore their therapeutic usages. 2. Evaluate and analyze the main types of diseases with a high incidence in the local area and identify the types of medicinal plants used to treat these diseases. 3. Explore the underlying geographical and human factors influencing both disease prevalence and medicinal plant usage. METHODS Ethnobotanical research methods were used to record and analyze the medicinal plants used by the Yi in Xiaoliangshan. Experts identified all plant specimens collected during ethnobotanical field surveys. The types of diseases treated by medicinal plants were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care -2nd. RESULTS A total of 125 medicinal plants were recorded after interviewing 193 participants. Of the medicinal plants identified, those with over 100 use reports were Paris polyphylla (202 use reports), Taxillus sutchuenensis (183), Artemisia indica (149), and Papaver somniferum (113). A total of 14 disease categories were recorded, with those related to the following categories having higher Informant Consensus factor values (ICF ≥0.85): Pregnancy, Childbearing, Family Planning, General and Unspecified, Urological, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Skin. The highest quantity of medicinal plants is utilized to improve specific diseases and health problems, namely those related to Digestion, Skin, and Musculoskeletal. Fewer plant species were utilized for diseases or health issues associated with Eyes, Psychological, or Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning. The use reports from the informants also revealed how some medicinal plants are used to treat a variety of diseases or health issues. For instance, Malva pusilla is used for inducing abortion, treating postpartum hemorrhage, and joint sprains; Artemisia indica is used for treating malaria; Argentina lineata is used to remedy tuberculosis and malaria. Taxillus sutchuenensis is used for dealing with cold, pneumonia, and other ailments. CONCLUSIONS The Yi people in Xiaoliangshan have a rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Decoction and wine brewing are the most common processing methods used for these plants, which are utilized to treat a wide range of diseases. The characteristics of the medicinal use of the Yi people reflects the alpine mountainous environment in which they live, and their medical practices are closely related to traditional healing culture. This study enhances our understanding of the Yi traditional medicine via documentation and offers a valuable reference for future research and the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Won Addi
- School of Geographical Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Southwest University Center for Targeted Poverty Alleviation and Regional Development Assessment, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Zong-Xin Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Susan Rutherford
- Center of Sustainable Environmental and Ecosystem Research, Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, 325060, China; Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience, Australian Institute of Botanic Science, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, The Dorothy and George Jennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, NJ, 07083, US.
| | - Xiao-Yong Ding
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Chang-An Guo
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Shuai Zhang
- School of Geographical Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Heping Liao
- School of Geographical Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Southwest University Center for Targeted Poverty Alleviation and Regional Development Assessment, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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Li H, Huang C, Li Y, Wang P, Sun J, Bi Z, Xia S, Xiong Y, Bai X, Huang X. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Mile, Yunnan, China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:22. [PMID: 38395900 PMCID: PMC10893717 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00656-1] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Yi people are a sociolinguistic group living in Mile City, which is their typical settlement in southeastern Yunnan, China. Over the long history of using medicinal plants, the Yi people have accumulated and developed a wealth of traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a vital role in their health care. However, only a few studies have been performed to systematically document the medicinal plants commonly used by the Yi people. This study provides fundamental data for the development and application of ethnomedicine as well as supports the conservation of the traditional medical knowledge of the Yi people. METHODS This study was conducted from May 2020 to August 2022 and involved five townships in Mile. Information regarding medicinal plants was obtained through semistructured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observation. The collected voucher specimens were identified using the botanical taxonomy method and deposited in the herbarium. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using informant consensus factor, relative frequency of citation, and fidelity level. RESULTS In total, 114 informants distributed in five townships of Mile were interviewed. The Yi people used 267 medicinal plant species belonging to 232 genera and 104 families to treat various diseases. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae were the most commonly used plant families by the Yi people. In addition, herbs were most commonly used by the Yi people. Whole plants and roots were the preferred medicinal parts. Decoctions were the most common method of herbal medicine preparation. There are 49 different recorded diseases treated by Yi medicinal plants, and among them, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, traumatic injury, fractures, and digestive system diseases have the largest number of species used. A quantitative analysis demonstrated that plants such as Zingiber officinale, Lycopodium japonicum, Aconitum carmichaelii, Panax notoginseng, Cyathula officinalis, and Leonurus japonicus played crucial roles in disease prevention and treatment. CONCLUSION Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is closely associated with the social culture of the local Yi people. The medicinal plants used for health care in the study area were diverse. Local healers were skilled at using medicinal plants to treat various diseases. Their treatment methods were convenient and unique, exhibiting distinctive regional characteristics. However, the inheritance of their traditional medicinal knowledge and protection of wild medicinal plant resources are facing serious challenges, including the decreasing number of local healers, aging of healers, lack of successors, and excessive harvesting of medicinal plant resources. This ethnobotanical survey provides a useful reference for the sustainable utilization and protection of medicinal plant resources in Mile and the inheritance of traditional medicinal knowledge of the Yi people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Li
- School of Ethnology and History, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Caiwen Huang
- School of Ethnology and History, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Pujing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Jingxian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Zizhen Bi
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Shisheng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China
| | - Yong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China.
| | - Xishan Bai
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China.
| | - Xiangzhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504, China.
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Alotaibi KS, Almalki DA. Hepatoprotective Effect of Moringa Oil on Rats under Fungicide Toxicity. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 513:S53-S59. [PMID: 38379081 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923600367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The present study is designed to evaluate whether pretreatment with moringa would have a protective effect on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis, assessing biochemical and histopathological changes in Wistar male rats. Exposure to TAA induced notable biochemical and histopathological alterations. Liver fibrosis induced by TAA, along with associated biochemical and histological damage, has not been previously investigated in male rats supplemented with moringa oil. The experiment involved forty male rats distributed across four groups, each comprising ten rats. Group 1 served as controls and received intraperitoneal injections of saline solution twice weekly for six weeks. Group 2 rats were injected with 300 mg/kg body weight of TAA (Sigma-Aldrich Corp.) twice weekly for the same duration. Group 3 rats were orally supplemented with moringa oil at 800 mg/kg body weight/day and received intraperitoneal injections of TAA at the same dosage as Group 2 for six weeks. Finally, Group 4 rats were injected with saline solution twice weekly and orally supplemented with moringa oil at 800 mg/kg body weight/day for the same period. At the end of the experiment, we determined body weight and performed liver function analysis. Additionally, we examined the liver histology of the different groups. Results showed that moringa oil treatment protected rat livers from TAA toxicity by improving liver function analysis and preventing liver fibrosis. Moringa oil can be considered a promising agent for protection against TAA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid S Alotaibi
- General Science and English Language Department, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daklallah A Almalki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Arts in Al-Mikhwah, Al-Baha University, Al-Mikhwah, Saudi Arabia.
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Liu S, Huang X, Bin Z, Yu B, Lu Z, Hu R, Long C. Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2023; 19:52. [PMID: 37940945 PMCID: PMC10631048 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00623-2] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fangchenggang is situated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, renowned for its rich biodiversity and ethnically diverse population. The Zhuang people, constituting the largest minority group in the area, possess a wealth of traditional knowledge concerning wild edible plants (WEPs) owing to the region's favorable environment and dietary customs. With the rapid development of urbanization, tourism, and trade, the Zhuang people's food culture, including the consumption of wild edible plants, has become an attractive aspect of urban development. However, there is almost no comprehensive report available on WEPs consumed by the Zhuang people. The objectives of this study were to: (1) conduct a comprehensive ethnobotanical investigation of the WEPs among the Zhuang people in the region; (2) evaluate the cultural food significance index (CFSI) for the local communities; (3) summarize the cultural characteristics of the wild edible plants consumed, providing scientific support for the development of Fangchenggang as a sustainable and attractive tourism destination. METHODS Ethnobotanical investigation including market surveys, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and participatory observations was conducted in Fangchenggang from January 2021 to March 2023. A total of 137 informants were selected using the snowball method. Information about WEPs, including vernacular names, food categories, parts used, mode of consumption, collecting season, and recipes, was collected and recorded. The CFSI (cultural food significance index) was calculated to identify the most culturally significant WEPs. RESULTS A total of 163 species of wild edible plants consumed by the Zhuang people were identified, belonging to 67 families. The main categories of WEPs include wild vegetables (69) and tea substitutes (42). The most commonly consumed parts are fruits (37), followed by whole plants (33) and leaves (21), with herbaceous plants (74) being the most numerous. The availability of wild edible plants remains high throughout the year, with the peak seasons occurring in August and October, and significant abundance also noted in July and November. In the highly significant category (CFSI > 500), a total of 15 plant species were identified, which play a crucial role in the local diet. Additionally, 17 alien species have become part of the local consumption of wild plants, with 7 species listed as invasive alien species. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study documented 163 wild edible plant species and their associated traditional knowledge of the Zhuang people. The research identified culturally significant WEPs and analyzed their multiple uses. The historical development of wild plant consumption in Fangchenggang showed the strong influence of natural and social environments on the Zhuang ethnic group's dietary traditions. The WEPs are characterized by "sour food", "fresh ingredients" and "cold dishes", aligning with their health-oriented philosophy of "homology of medicine and food". Future prospects encompass the cultivation of economically sustainable wild edible plants (WEPs), the preservation of their traits through cross-breeding, ensuring safe consumption through research and safety evaluations, and advocating for the preservation of WEPs' culinary culture to support tourism and sustainable urban development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhao Liu
- School of Ethnology and Sociology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530010, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Beijing, 100081, China
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine (Minzu University of China), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100081, China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xinyi Huang
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530010, China
| | - Zhenjun Bin
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530010, China
| | - Bingning Yu
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530010, China
| | - Zushuang Lu
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530010, China
| | - Renchuan Hu
- Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, Nanning, 530022, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards (Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science), Nanning, 530022, China.
| | - Chunlin Long
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine (Minzu University of China), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100081, China.
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Institute of National Security Studies, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
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Bastidas-Bacca MA, Dayve-Bacca-Descance D, Guerra-Acosta ADS, Perea-Morera E, Díaz-Ariza LA, López-Álvarez D, Osorio-García AM. Ethnobotanical Insights: Qualitative Analysis of Medicinal Plants in Colón Putumayo for Traditional Knowledge Preservation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3390. [PMID: 37836130 PMCID: PMC10574470 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The ancestral knowledge of the community of Colón Putumayo unfolds in several dimensions that allow us to recognise the ethnomedicinal properties of plants. The research focused on systematising ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal knowledge on the use of plants as alternatives for treating illnesses. A cross-sectional study was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires to 100 inhabitants of the community of Colón. We found 38 plant species catalogued in 18 botanical families where 10 species of medicinal plants were prioritised by the community for the treatment of illnesses. The use value (UV) evaluation showed that Chamaemelum nobile equals 0.18 compared to Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia alba with 0.04. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) for the cited medicinal use categories equivalent to 1.00 are for the treatment of six types of ailments, however, the plants can treat 16 types of ailments. The Fidelity Level (LF) found identified that four plants are used for the treatment of one type of ailment while three are used to alleviate several ailments. The local knowledge of the community of Colón Putumayo is linked to the ancestry of the territory, culture, and family farming practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Alejandra Bastidas-Bacca
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Naturales Amazónicos, Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico del Putumayo, Colón 861040, Colombia; (M.A.B.-B.); (A.d.S.G.-A.)
| | | | - Adriana del Socorro Guerra-Acosta
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Naturales Amazónicos, Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico del Putumayo, Colón 861040, Colombia; (M.A.B.-B.); (A.d.S.G.-A.)
| | - Erika Perea-Morera
- Grupo de Investigación en Agroecología, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia—Sede Palmira, Palmira 763533, Colombia;
| | - Lucia Ana Díaz-Ariza
- Grupo de Investigación en Agricultura Biológica, Biology Department, Sede Bogotá, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá DC 110231, Colombia;
| | - Diana López-Álvarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Diversidad Biológica, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia—Sede Palmira, Palmira 763533, Colombia;
| | - Ana Milena Osorio-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Agricultura Biológica, Biology Department, Sede Bogotá, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá DC 110231, Colombia;
- Grupo de Investigación en Diversidad Biológica, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia—Sede Palmira, Palmira 763533, Colombia;
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Hu R, Lai K, Luo B, Tang R, Huang R, Ye X. The medicinal plant used in the Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias national nature reserve, a coastal region in southern China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2023; 19:32. [PMID: 37501198 PMCID: PMC10375688 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias national nature reserve, situated in Fangcheng City, Guangxi Province, China, is a coastal region renowned for its exceptional natural environment. Over time, the residents of this area have acquired extensive knowledge regarding medicinal plants, owing to their close association with the abundant flora. Our study aims to document the medicinal plants used by the local community near the Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias national nature reserve. We seek to investigate the unique regional properties, cultural significance, and potential connections between medicinal plants used in surrounding villages and those sold in markets. METHODS During 2019-2021, 96 informants, including 36 key informants, were interviewed in the study area. The snowball sampling method was used to select respondents from medicinal markets and villages. Local therapists were defaulted as key informants. A panel discussion was held on the protection and threat of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. In this study, two quantitative indicators, relative frequency citation (RFC) and informant consensus factor (ICF), were used to analyze the traditional medicinal plants in the study area. RESULTS According to the investigation, a total of 396 species of medicinal plants belonging to 295 genera and 116 families were recorded. From the perspective of Lifeform, herbs accounted for 38.9%, followed by shrubs. Most of the medicinal parts are whole plant (120 species, 25.59%), branches and leaves (116 species, 24.73%), and roots (101 species, 21.54%). Medicinal bath is the most commonly used therapeutic method. Among the 13 therapeutic targets recorded, rheumatic drugs accounted for the highest proportion, followed by muscular system diseases and skin-related diseases, which are closely related to local climate and livelihood. ICF shows that the use of local medicinal plants and related knowledge is very diverse, so local people have more options for treating diseases. Melicope pteleifolia, Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, Lygodium flexuosum, Elephantopus scaber, Artemisia argyi, Plantago asiatica, Centella asiatica, Grangea maderaspatana, and Liquidambar formosana have high RFC, which are closely connected to local people's daily lives and are potentially vital to them. The wild vegetation, mostly around the nature reserve, is the primary source of medicinal materials sold in the urban medicinal market. Urban areas have fewer varieties of medicinal plants compared to villages near protected areas. However, there is consistency in their usage and application. CONCLUSION The medicinal plants used in the villages near the Golden Camellia Nature Reserve are diverse, and the relevant traditional knowledge is relatively well preserved. The collection of medicinal materials by local people is sustainable. This study suggests that the local government should also protect relevant traditional knowledge in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renchuan Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Traditional Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanning, 530022, China
| | - Kedao Lai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Traditional Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanning, 530022, China
| | - Binsheng Luo
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Jiangxi Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lushan, 332900, China
| | - Renjie Tang
- Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias National Nature Reserve Management Center, Fangchenggang, 538021, China
| | - Ruibin Huang
- Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias National Nature Reserve Management Center, Fangchenggang, 538021, China
| | - Xiaoxia Ye
- Bioengineering and Technology Center for Native Medicinal Resources Development, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, China.
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