Traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines used by Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to document and preserve the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China, providing valuable insights for modern pharmacological research and the development of these traditional remedies.

METHODS

Our methodology encompassed a blend of literature review, community interviews, and participatory observation to delve into the traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines among the Gelao community. We employed quantitative ethnological and ecological assessment techniques to evaluate the significance of these practices. Informed consent was secured before conducting interviews, with a focus on ascertaining the types of medicines familiar to the informants, including their local names, sources, methods of preparation, application techniques, diseases treated, frequency of use, and safety considerations.

RESULTS

Our research cataloged 55 varieties of animal-derived medicines utilized by the Gelao people. Out of these, 34 originate from wild animals, mainly encompassing small insects, reptiles, and aquatic species; the remaining 21 are derived from domesticated animals, largely involving their tissues, organs, and various physiological or pathological by-products. These medicines are primarily applied in treating pediatric ailments (13 types), internal disorders (11 types), gynecological issues (3 types), dermatological problems (7 types), ENT conditions (3 types), trauma-related injuries (5 types), joint and bone ailments (5 types), infections (2 types), dental issues (2 types), and urolithiasis (1 type), with three types being used for other miscellaneous conditions. Commonly utilized medicines, such as honey, Blaps beetle, chicken gallstones, and snake-based products, are preferred for their availability, edibility, and safety within the Gelao communities.

CONCLUSION

The Gelao community's traditional medicines represent a rich diversity of animal sources, showcasing extensive expertise and knowledge in their processing and clinical applications. This wealth of traditional knowledge offers novel perspectives for the contemporary pharmacological study and development of these remedies. Additionally, our research plays a crucial role in aiding the preservation and continuation of this invaluable cultural heritage.

Fabrication of porous adsorbents from eco-friendly aqueous foam for high-efficient removal of cationic dyes and sustainable utilization assessment

Porous materials applied in environmental remediation have received researchers' extensive attention recently, but the related green and convenient preparation method is rarely reported. Here, we recommended a green and convenient strategy for the fabrication of porous material via aqueous foam templates, which was synergistically stabilized by Codonopsis pilosula (CP) and clay minerals of attapulgite (APT). The characterization results revealed that the APT was modified by organic molecules leached from CP and anchored at the air-water interface, which improved the foam stability significantly. The novel porous material of polyacrylamide/Codonopsis pilosula/attapulgite (PAM/CP/APT) templated from the aqueous foam via a polymerization reaction had excellent adsorption capacity for the cationic dyes methyl violet (MV) and methylene blue (MB), and the adsorption capacity can reach 755.85 mg/g and 557.64 mg/g, respectively. More importantly, the adsorption capacity of spent adsorbent material was still over 200 mg/g after being recycled five times through a simple carbonization process, and then it was added to the plant pot, the total biomass was increased by about 86.42%. This study provided a green and sustainable pathway for the preparation, application and subsequent processing of porous materials.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): a multidisciplinary review of its cultural, ecological, and nutraceutical significance

This comprehensive review systematically examines the multifarious aspects of Nelumbo nucifera, elucidating its ecological, nutritional, medicinal, and biomimetic significance. Renowned both culturally and scientifically, Nelumbo nucifera manifests remarkable adaptability, characterized by its extensive distribution across varied climatic regions, underpinned by its robust rhizome system and prolific reproductive strategies. Ecologically, this species plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, primarily through biofiltration, thereby enhancing habitat biodiversity. The rhizomes and seeds of Nelumbo nucifera are nutritionally significant, being rich sources of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, and have found extensive culinary applications. From a medicinal perspective, diverse constituents of Nelumbo nucifera exhibit therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Recent advancements in preservation technology and culinary innovation have further underscored its role in the food industry, highlighting its nutritional versatility. In biomimetics, the unique "lotus effect" is leveraged for the development of self-cleaning materials. Additionally, the transformation of Nelumbo nucifera into biochar is being explored for its potential in sustainable environmental practices. This review emphasizes the critical need for targeted conservation strategies to protect Nelumbo nucifera against the threats posed by climate change and habitat loss, advocating for its sustainable utilization as a species of significant value.

Mechanistic insights into the leaching and environmental safety of arsenic in ceramsite prepared from fly ash

Utilizing fly ash to prepare ceramsite is a promising way to immobilize heavy metals and recycle industrial solid waste. However, traditional preparation method of fly ash ceramsite has the disadvantages of large ignition loss. Therefore, the present study applied the pressure molding method to enhance solid content and improve the strength of ceramsite. The optimal preparation conditions of ceramsite were suggested as preheating at 450 °C for 25 min followed by sintering at 1050 °C for 30 min. Under such conditions, ceramsite with high compressive strength of 10.8 Mpa, bulk density of 878 kg m-3, and 1-h water absorption of 18.5% was fabricated, in compliance with Chinese standard (GB/T 1743.1-2010). The arsenic leaching concentration from the resulting product was considerably lower than Chinese standard (GB 5085.3-2007). Moreover, arsenic volatilization during ceramsite calcination was insignificant, and the vast majority of arsenic remained in resulting ceramsite. A geochemical speciation model developed for the multiple component system in ceramsite suggested that FeAsO4, Ca5(OH) (AsO4)3, and hydrous ferric oxide adsorption are the primary mechanisms retaining arsenic in ceramsite. Additionally, based on density functional theory calculations and biotoxicity test, the binding site of arsenic atom on mineral components and the environmental safety of ceramsite was determined and evaluated.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional forage plants in the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone: conservation and sustainable utilization for animal husbandry

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to safeguard the ethnobotanical knowledge pertaining to traditional forage plants within the ethnically diverse Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone. It seeks to establish a foundation for the sustainable utilization of these traditional resources for animal husbandry.

METHODS

A combination of literature research, village interviews, participatory observation, and ethnobotanical quantitative evaluation methods was employed to investigate and study the traditional knowledge of wild forage plants used by local residents in the study area.

RESULTS

Local residents provided information on 73 forage plants, which were identified as 116 distinct wild forage plant species. These plants belong to 22 families and play an active role in the lives of the local inhabitants. Notably, the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae are prominent, comprising the most abundant and widely utilized wild forage plants. Bing Cao (collectively referring to plants of the Agropyron, Leymus, and Psammochloa), Suo Cao (collectively referring to plants of the genus Stipa), and Ku Cai (encompassing Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A.Mey. and Ixeris polycephala Cass.) emerge as the most representative and vital wild forage plants for animal husbandry. Additionally, plants within the Astragalus (referred to collectively as NiaoZi by local residents) in the Fabaceae family, as well as plants from the Amaranthaceae family, exhibit notable significance.

CONCLUSION

Animal husbandry assumes a pivotal role in the local agricultural economy, and the 116 wild forage plants investigated hold substantial importance in its development. Among these, 59 and 103 plant resources display high developmental potential, making them prospective candidates for high-quality cultivated forage grasses. Additionally, extensive grazing practices have resulted in significant ecological degradation within this already fragile ecosystem. The cultivation of forage grasses and the practice of pen-based animal husbandry may emerge as crucial strategies for sustainable development in this area.

Chemical stabilization of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: a review

Sufficient attention should be attached to the large amount of fly ash containing high levels of toxic heavy metals generated after municipal solid waste incineration. Because heavy metals could be leached out of the fly ash under specific conditions, it is necessary to stabilize the heavy metals in fly ash before landfill disposal. Processing technologies of incineration fly ash include solidification/stabilization technology, thermal treatments, and separation processes. This study reviewed the current treatment technologies of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash, with the main focus on the treatment of heavy metals in fly ash with chemical stabilization. Chemical stabilization processes involve chemical precipitation of heavy metal and chelation of heavy metals. In multiple studies, chemical stabilization technology has shown practical feasibility in terms of technology, economy, and effect. In addition, the combination of two or more stabilization agents broadens the general applicability of the agents to heavy metals and reduces the cost. The application of joint processing technology realizes the remove of soluble salt from fly ash. To minimize pollutants while increase their usable value, effective use of waste and co-disposal of several kinds of wastes have gradually become the research hotspots. New developments in chemical stabilization are progressively moving towards the sustainable direction of harmlessness and resource utilization of MSWI fly ash.

Conventional use and sustainable valorization of spent egg-laying hens as functional foods and biomaterials: A review

Spent hen are egg-laying hens reaching the end of their laying cycles; billions of spent hens are produced globally each year. Differences in people's attitudes towards spent hen as foods lead to their different fates among countries. While spent hens are consumed as raw or processed meat products in Asian countries such as China, India, Korea, and Thailand, they are treated as a byproduct or waste, not a food product, in the western society; they are instead disposed by burial, incineration, composting (as fertilizers), or rendering into animal feed and pet food, which either create little market value or cause animal welfare and environmental concerns. Despite being a waste, spent hen is a rich source of animal proteins and lipids, which are suitable starting materials for developing valorized products. This review discussed the conventional uses of spent hens, including food, animal feed, pet food, and compost, and the emerging uses, including biomaterials and functional food ingredients. These recent advances enable more sustainable utilization of spent hen, contributing to alternative solutions to its disposal while yielding residual value to the egg industry. Future research will continue to focus on the conversion of spent hen biomass into value-added products.

Graphical abstract

Evaluation of potent cyanobacteria species for UV-protecting compound synthesis using bicarbonate-based culture system

The present investigation evaluates the potential of three cyanobacteria species Anabaena cylindrica, Nostoc commune and Synechococcus BDUSM-13 for photo-protecting mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) synthesis using bicarbonate-based culture system. Current investigations witnessed noteworthy bicarbonate tolerance of all species (NaHCO3; 0.5, 1 and 2 g L- 1) in terms of their growth rate, chlorophyll content, biomass productivity and carbon fixation ability. Among all strains, Synechococcus BDUSM-13 showed maximum surge in specific growth rate (i.e. 0.72 day-1) at 1 g L-1, productivity (i.e. 0.92 ± 0.06 g day-1 L-1) and chlorophyll content (i.e. 0.09 g L-1) at 2 g day-1 L-1. Synechococcus cells were also has the 0.48 g dw-1 carbon content with highest CO2 fixation rate (i.e. 0.653 g.CO2 mL-1 day-1) at 2 g L-1. Though, they were not able to produce MAAs after long UV-B exposure (i.e. 24 and 48 h). A. cylindrica strain was the most competent species for the bicarbonate-based approach, produced UV-protecting iminomycosporine compound (i.e. shinorine, λ max at 334 ± 2 nm) along with carbon fixation (i.e. 0.49 g CO2 mL-1 day-1) at 2 g L-1 NaHCO3. This suggests the bicarbonate supplementation during cultivation is a promising strategy to increase cellular abundance, biomass productivity and carbon fixation in cyanobacteria. However, UV-B irradiation may cause species-specific differences in the MAAs synthesis to produce UV-protecting compounds.

Utilization of coal fly ash in China: a mini-review on challenges and future directions

The rapid economic development in China places a large demand for energy, and as a result, thermal power plants in China are producing an enormous amount of coal fly ash (CFA) which causes severe environmental pollution. This paper briefly describes the current production and utilization status of CFA in China and identifies the challenges confronting sustainable CFA utilization as the Chinese economy is being transformed. These issues include a regional imbalance in supply and demand, reducing demand in the real estate industry as well as stricter laws for environmental protection. Viable directions for future CFA utilization are proposed, for example, production of CFA-based ceramic tiles, recovery of elemental resources, agricultural melioration, treatment of wastewater and flue gas, and production of high-volume CFA concretes. This paper has some guiding significance for sustainable and cleaner utilization of CFA in China and even worldwide. Graphical abstract.

A state-of-the-art review of biowaste biorefinery

Biorefineries provide a platform for different industries to produce multiple bio-products enhancing the economic value of the system. The production of these biorefineries has led to an increase in the generation of biowaste. To minimize the risk of environmental pollution, numerous studies have focused on a variety of strategies to mitigate these concerns reflected in the vast amount of literature written on this topic. This paper aims to systematically analyze and review the enormous body of scientific literature in the biowaste and biorefinery field for establishing an understanding and providing a direction for future works. A bibliometric analysis is first performed using the CorTexT Manager platform on a corpus of 1488 articles written on the topic of biowaste. Popular and emerging topics are determined using a terms extraction algorithm. A contingency matrix is then created to study the correlation of scientific journals and key topics from this field. Then, the connection and evolution of these terms were analyzed using network mapping, to determine relationships among key terms and analyze notable trends in this research field. Finally, a critical review of articles was presented across three main categories of biowaste management such as mitigation, sustainable utilization, and cleaner disposal from the perspective of the biorefinery concept. Operational and technological challenges are identified for the integration of anaerobic digestion in biorefineries, especially in developing nations. Moreover, logistical challenges in the biorefinery supply-chain are established based on the economics and collection aspect of handling biowaste.

Analysis of sustainable utilization of water resources based on the improved water resources ecological footprint model: A case study of Hubei Province, China

Sustainable utilization of water resources has become a crucial topic worldwide. Study of the water resources ecological footprint (WEF) has important theoretical and practical significance for the management and optimal allocation of water resources. The current WEF model does not consider the differences between regions because it uses uniform equalization and yield factors. In this study, an improved WEF model is proposed by taking into account the regional characteristics of those two factors and provides results reflecting the consumption and supply of water resources more accurately. Taking Hubei Province, China, as an example, this study calculated the WEF per capita, the water resources ecological carrying capacity (WEC) per capita and the water resources ecological pressure index (WEPI) of each city in 2005, 2010 and 2015, and analysed the spatiotemporal patterns of water utilization. The results from the improved model show that the productive capacity of water resources in Hubei Province is gradually increasing and its pattern changed from a circular pattern with a higher edge and a lower centre to a ladder pattern that is higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest. In addition, the WEF and the WEC per capita show overall upward trends. Due to the differences at different urbanization levels and in the proportions of primary and secondary industries, the water resources pressure is greater in the east Hubei than that in the west. The western canyon region exhibits relatively higher sustainability of the utilization of water resources than the Jianghan Plain.

Utilization potential of fly ash and copper tailings in concrete as partial replacement of cement along with life cycle assessment

Fly ash (FA) and copper tailings (CT) both are, anthropogenic wastes, spread all over the globe due to rapid growth in thermal power plants and progressive increase in the demand of copper. This study examines the feasibility of combined utilization of FA and CT in concrete as a partial replacement of cement by assessing compressive strength, cost, and environmental impact. Morphology and constituent minerals of FA and CT have been identified to understand the utilization potential. Subsequently, the concrete has been designed for 30 MPa target strength as per IS 10262:2009 for different mix proportions of FA and CT. Improvement (up to 8.27% compared to the control mix) in the compressive strength has been observed at combined replacement of 10% FA and 5% CT. The cost of concrete can also be reduced up to 16% without compromising its compressive strength. The environmental impact assessment of the modified concrete mix proportions has also been performed using life cycle assessment (LCA) as per ISO 14040:2006. Effect of all raw materials, electricity, and water consumption have been considered from their cradle to grave approach. One cubic meter concrete has been taken as a functional unit in LCA. Notable reduction has been observed in the chosen midpoint categories up to 38% in climate change, up to 32.6% in human toxicity, up to 33.6% in ozone depletion, up to 31.9% in agriculture land occupation, water depletion up to 34.3%, fossil depletion up to 34.8%, particulate matter up to 35.4%, and metal depletion up to 25.2%.

Seeing the light: Shifting from wild rhizomes to extraction of active ingredients from above-ground parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The dried rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as hemostatic, antitumor, and antimicrobial agents. More than 70 Chinese patent medicines are based on P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis rhizomes. Steroidal saponins are considered as the main active ingredients of these rhizomes. However, wild populations of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis are greatly threatened due to the illegal wild harvest and over-utilization of the rhizomes. In contrast, the renewable above-ground parts (leaves and stems) of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis are usually thrown away as waste material, whether from wild or cultivated material.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to use HPLC analyses of chemical constituents and bioactive assays to assess whether the above-ground parts could be an alternative source of active ingredients to the rhizomes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The saponin components of the rhizomes and above-ground parts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were analyzed by HPLC-UV. The total saponins extracted from the rhizomes and above-ground parts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were evaluated for their hemostatic, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities by using the rabbit blood in vitro based on turbidimetric method, MTT assay method, and a dilution antimicrobial susceptibility test method, respectively.

RESULTS

Four bioactive spirostanol saponins (paris saponins I, II, VI, and VII) were detected in the total saponins from the rhizomes and above-ground parts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, which indicated they should have similar pharmacological properties. The bioactive assays revealed that both the parts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis exhibited the same hemostatic, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial effects.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that based on saponin content in the above-ground parts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and the requirements stipulated in 2015 of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the above-ground parts (especially its leaves) can be an alternative and more sustainable source of active ingredients compared to the rhizomes.

Ethnobotanical magnitude towards sustainable utilization of wild foliage in Arabian Desert

The present investigation was deals with identifying traditional uses of medicinal plants for curing a variety of ailments and degree of religious conservation for retention of ethnobotanical knowledge. The study was carried out in the State of Qatar to document the ethnobotanical uses of 58 medicinally important plant species including identification, botanical name, Arabic name, family, habit, habitat, distribution pattern, and the plant parts used for curing variety of ailments. The documented species belong to 54 plant genera and 30 botanical families. They have been used to cure more than 38 different kinds of human ailments. A majority of ethnobotanical plant species belonging to shrubs (41.38%) followed by perennial herbs (31.04%), annual herbs (18.96%) and trees (8.62%) respectively. The frequency of ethnobotanical plant species were recorded maximum in fabaceae (13.79%), followed by lamiaceae, chenopodiaceae (6.89% each), asteraceae, capparaceae, polygonaceae, boraginaceae, aizooaceae (5.17% each), brassicaceae, asclepiadaceae, convolvulaceae, zygophyllaceae, solanaceae (3.44% each) while, remaining 17 families had one (1.72%) species each. Perception of stakeholders concerning prioritization and categorization of potential native plants and 25 ethnobotanical species were prioritized and ranked on the basis of their multipurpose use value, feasibility climatic conditions and Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) criteria measures i.e. drought resistant, low water requirement, growth performance, survival rate, canopy size, adaptation potential, low maintenance and use value for sustainability and landscaping. The analysis emphasized the potentials of ethnomedicinal research, sustainable utilization, conservation initiatives, and urgent need to document ethnobotanical knowledge for sustainability and scientific validation to prevent their losses.