Showing papers in "Ethnobotanical Leaflets in 2010"

Ethnomedicinal Survey for Important Plants of Jalalpur Jattan, District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Jalalpur Jattan District Gujrat, Punjab-Pakistan for documentation of important flora and information from local community about their medicinal uses. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional uses was collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. Plants with their correct nomenclature were arranged by family name, vernacular name, part use, ethnomedicinal remedies and ethnomedicinal uses. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on The Flora of Pakistan. A total of 88 plants species were identified by taxonomic description and locally by ethnomedicinal knowledge of people existing in the region. Plant specimens collected, identified, preserved and mounted were deposited in the department of botany, University of Gujrat, Pakistan for future references.

Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Syzygium aromaticum and Allium sativum Against Food Associated Bacteria and Fungi

Abstract: The successful control of food spoilage microorganisms require the use of indigenous antimicrobials in foods including certain botanical compounds that have been historically used for flavour enhancement as well as preservation. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Allium sativum (garlic) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative food associated bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. polymyxa, B. sphaericus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and molds (Penicillium oxalicum, Aspergillus flavus, A. luchuensis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Scopulariopsis sp. and Mucor sp.) assayed by agar well diffusion method and poisoned food technique, respectively. Clove extract showed better antimicrobial activity than the garlic extract. The zone of inhibition in clove ethanolic extract against all the food associated bacteria was in the range of 25mm to 32mm and in molds the percent mycelial growth inhibition ranged from 70% to 100%. The growth inhibition zone in garlic ethanolic extract against bacteria was in the range of 20mm to 31mm and in molds the percent mycelial growth inhibition ranged between 20% and 50%. The clove ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against E. coli whereas garlic ethanolic extract showed maximum activity against B. subtilis. Both the extracts exhibited maximum percent mycelial growth inhibition against R. stolonifer. However garlic extract was not effective against P. oxalicum. The MIC values of clove ethanolic extract for different bacterial isolates ranged from 5.0mg/ml to 20mg/ml and 10 mg/ml to 20mg/ml against molds. The MIC values of garlic ethanolic extract for different bacterial and fungal isolates ranged from 10 mg/ml to 20mg/ml. The value of MBC and MFC equaled the MIC. Based on this finding, it may be suggested that these extracts may be used as natural antimicrobial additives to reclaim the shelf-life of foods.

Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Mizoram, India: Implication of Traditional Knowledge in Health Care System

Abstract: Socially, folk medicines, mainly based on plants, enjoy a respectable position today, especially in the developing countries, where modern health service is limited. Safe, effective and inexpensive indigenous remedies are gaining popularity among the people of both urban and rural society of India. A floristic survey of ethnomedicinal plants occurring in the tribal area of Mizoram was conducted over the period of last five years to assess the potentiality of plant resources for modern treatments. The information provided in this paper on medicinal uses of plants is based on the exhaustive interviews with local physicians practising indigenous system of medicine, village headmen, priests and various tribal folks/groups of Mizoram. In this paper, 159 ethnomedicianl plant species belonging to 134 genera and 56 families recorded from tropical forests, home gardens, roadsides and University Campus of Mizoram have been described. A categorical list of plant species along with their local name, scientific name, distribution status, habit, plant part/s used and the mode of administration reported for effective control of different diseases linked with humans.

Phytochemical Screening of Methanolic Extract and Antibacterial Activity of Active Principles of Hepatoprotective Herb, Eclipta alba

Abstract: Aerial parts of Eclipta alba are used traditionally for the treatment of several diseases of liver, skin and stomach. Methanolic extract and active principle compound of a well known Indian hepatoprotective herb, Eclipta alba was tested for in vitro antimicrobial studies. It was evaluated using zone of inhibition studies and minimum inhibitory concentration. The extract exhibited activity against all six strains studied. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, coumestans, saponins and alkaloids etc. Ethylacetate fraction and further pure isolated wedelolactone showed enhanced antimicrobial activity. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were most susceptible. Shigella flexneri was the most resistant bacterial strain. These results suggest coumestans/wedelolactone as a promising antimicrobial agent.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Flower Extracts of Cassia auriculata L.

Abstract: Since plants are used as therapeutic agents, the present study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antibacterial activities of flower extracts of Cassia auriculata. Studies on the antibacterial activity of ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of dry flower and ethanol, methanol and acetone extracts of fresh flower of Cassia auriculata was conducted using agar disc diffusion method. The microorganisms used include Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae and Shigella dysentrae. The maximum activity was observed against all organisms except Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged between 12.5mg/mL and 75mg/mL depending on microorganism and various extract. Presence of phytochemicals such as terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponin, cardiac glycosides and steroids were observed. Cassia auriculata was observed to have antibacterial activity and can be used for medicinal purposes.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Rarely Known Species, Morinda citrifolia L.

Abstract: Morinda Citrifolia is one of the most important traditional Polynesian medicinal plants. This small evergreen tree is native from South Eastern Asia to Australia and now it has a Pantropical distribution. It has antifungal, antibacterial, antiinflammatory and antiviral activities. Morinda citrifolia L. was studied for its antimicrobial activity. The leaves of this plant were dried, powdered and different extracts were prepared using different solvents like benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. Four organisms, namely E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, were used for investigation. The activity of each solvent extract was checked on each organism by disc diffusion method and then the zone size of each was measured. The results of our antimicrobial assay revealed that plant extracts showed inhibitory activity against the tested organisms.

Screening for Antibacterial Activity of Andrographis paniculata Used in Malaysian Folkloric Medicine: A Possible Alternative for the Treatment of Skin Infections

Abstract: In this study non-polar (dichloromethane) and polar (MeOH & aqueous) extracts of A. paniculata (whole plant) were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against 12 skin disease causing bacterial strains (7 gram positive strains; Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus anthracis, Micrococcus luteus, Enterococcus faecalis) and 5 gram negative strains; Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) using the disc diffusion method at three concentrations; 1000, 500, and 250 µg/disc respectively in order to ascertain its folkloric claim to treat skin infections. The extracts showed significant antibacterial activities against both the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains tested. Highest significant antibacterial activity was exerted by the MeOH extract against E. faecalis at 1000 µg/disc (24.00 ± 0.00 mm) and the least activity by the DCM extract against N. meningitis at 250 µg/disc (6.00 ± 0.00mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged between 150 µg /mL and 300 µg /mL depending on microorganism and various extracts. Presence of phytochemicals such as terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, amino acids and steroids were observed. These results candidly suggest the presence of promising antibacterial substances in the polar as well as non-polar extracts which could be potential phytomedicine for the treatment of skin infections caused by pathogenic bacterial strains. These findings explicitly support its traditional claims and form a strong basis for further efforts to explore A.� paniculata’s antibacterial potential to treat skin frailties efficaciously. Our results confer the utility of this plant extracts in developing a novel broad spectrum antimicrobial agent.

Traditional Phytotherapy for Snake bites by Tribes of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India

Abstract: Chitradurga is one of the central districts of Karnataka state and is flanked by Davangere, Tumkur, Chikmagalur and Bellary districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhrapradesh with much racial and socio-cultural diversity resulting in a cultural mosaic. Bedas, Besthas, Gollas, idigas, Kurubas and tribes such as Lambanis, Hakki-pikki, Jenukurubas, and Fruligas are the communities who are intimately associated with the local forests. The district at its extreme limits is situated between longitudinal parallels of 76 0 01’ and 77 0 01’ east of Greeniwich and latitudinal parallels of 13 0 34’ and 15 0 02’ north of equator. The geographical area of the district is 8388 square kilometers. The terrain is not uniform

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Emblica officinalis Against Dental Caries Pathogens

Abstract: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Emblica officinalis fruit extracts were studied against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The acetone, ethanol, methanol, hot water and cold water extracts of S.mukorossi exhibited antimicrobial activity against one of the tested microorganisms i.e. S.cerevisiae. All the five extracts of E.officinalis showed inhibitory activity against S.mutans while the acetonic, hot and cold aqueous extracts showed inhibitory activity against S.aureus also. The largest zone of inhibition was obtained with the acetonic extract of S.mukorossi against S.cerevisiae (29.65mm) and hot water extract of E.officinalis against S.aureus (40.32mm). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were also determined against the selected microorganisms showing zones of inhibition ≥8mm. This study depicts that the fruits of Sapindus mukorossi and Emblica officinalis possess very good antifungal and antibacterial activities respectively and can be used as a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents used to cure dental caries.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Folklore Plants for the Treatment of Jaundice and Snakebites in Vellore Districts of Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect information from local people about the use of medicinal plants in Vellore district. Local people use certain folklore medicinal plants for the treatment of Jaundice and Snakebite. The Knowledge about the medicinal plants has been transmitted orally from generation. The investigations revealed that there are about 22 species of plants to treat Jaundice and Snakebite. Jaundice and Snakebite are the common problems among the local people. The study indicates that the local inhabitants rely on medicinal plants for treatment.

Ethnobotanical Studies on Plant Resources of Tahsil Multai, District Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract: The present investigation was carried out in Tahsil Multai, a region dominated by the Korku and Gond tribes. A large number of traditional herbal healers exist belonging to the tribal community and are utilizing local plants in ethno-medicinal practices prevalent in the area and resulted in the documentation of 47 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families and 45 genera. The study thus underlines the potentials of the ethnobotanical research and the need for the documentation of traditional ecological knowledge pertaining to the medicinal plant utilization for the greater benefit of mankind in different regions.

Preliminary Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of the leaves of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redhead

Abstract: Piliostigma thionningii (Schumach) Milne-Redhead leaves from Idu Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Nigeria, were collected and qualitatively analyzed for identification of phytochemical constituents. The results showed the presence of bioactive constituents of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, balsams, volatile oil, and terpenes. Phlobatannins, resins, alkaloids, anthraquinones and sterols were not detected. The proximate analysis of the leaves revealed a composition of 9.90% moisture content, 4.62% total ash value, 11.28% alcohol soluble extractive value, 2.50% water soluble extractive value and 0.91% acid insoluble ash value. More research work is recommended on the plant leaves for isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds that may be active against malaria parasites and other diseases.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Analysis of Commelina benghalensis L.

Abstract: Phytochemical and pharmacognostic analysis and thin layer chromatography were carried out on the herb, Commelina benghalensis L. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phlobatannins, carbohydrates, tannins, glycosides, volatile oils, resins, balsams, flavonoids and saponins, while terpenes, sterols, anthorquinones and phenols were absent. The pharmacognostic analysis revealed moisture content of 11.60 %, ash value of 6.24%, water soluble extractive value of 22.45 %, alcohol soluble extractive value of 5.99% and acid insoluble ash of 1.21%. The thin layer chromatography development revealed three spots for hexane extract, six spots for ethyl acetate and five spots for methanol.

Some Antipyretic Ethno-medicinal Plants of Manipuri Community of Barak Valley, Assam, India

Abstract: This ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect the information on the use of some antipyretic activity plants used by Manipuri community of Barak valley, Assam. A total of 26 nos. of antipyretic plant species belonging to 20 families and 23 genera have been recorded through structured questionnaires in consultations with the community practitioners. For curing fever the use of aboveground plant parts was higher (65.38%) than the underground plant parts (15.38%). Of the aboveground plant parts, leaf was used in the majority of cases (13 species), followed by whole plant part (5 species), fruit (1 species), bark (1 species), flower (2 species), root (2 species ), and rhizome (2 species ), were also found to be in use by the Manipuri community of Barak valley, Assam having antipyretic activity plants. The present paper implies the potential of the traditional knowledge for the mankind.Some of the interesting plants are Canna indica L., and Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L) P.Beauv.

Ethnomedicinal Use of Pteridophyte from Kolli Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: The study enumerates the Pteridophytes widely used by the local people and tribes in the treatment of various diseases in Kolli hills of Namakkal district. They grow in terrestrial, epiphytic and lithophytic habitat. The present study deals with the ethnomedicinal uses of available Pteridophytes plants which are prevalent in study area, along with botanical name, family, habitat, plant part used and mode of uses.

Documentation of Wild Edible Plants of Melghat Forest, Dist. Amravati, Maharashtra State, India

Abstract: An ethnobotanical survey with respect to food plants showed that tribals depend much upon forest products for their various daily needs. Wild edible plants play a significant role in the sustenance of rural life in Melghat. The paper deals with documentation of 42 plant species belonging to 23 families consumed by the tribal and other locals of Melghat area, Dist. Amravati, Maharashtra, India. Plant name, Family, along with their part used, and method of preparation is discussed.

Plants Used Against Gastro-Intestinal Disorders and As Anti Hemorrhagic by Three Tribes of North Tripura District, Tripura, India: A Report

Abstract: The tribals of Tripura depend basically on different herbs for their treatment. The field work documented about nineteen plant species used against stomach disorders and as anti- hemorrhagic by three different tribes, the Halams, Tripuris and Chakmas of North Tripura district of Tripura state, India. Some of these have been known for ages for their medicinal properties, while, others have been recorded for the first time amongst these people. Some of the plants are reported to be in their wild state and others are domesticated.

Antimicrobial Activities of Some Euphorbiaceae Plants Used in the Traditional Medicine of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

Abstract: Nine plant species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family and used in traditional medicine in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method. The stem bark of Maesobotrya dusenii gave the most significant effect followed by its root bark. The inhibitory effect of M. dusenii stem bark extract (37 mm) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa was higher than that of Chloramphenicol (35 mm). However, Alchornea laxiflora leaf extract showed the weakest activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts ranged between 12.5 and 250 µg/mL. The results of the antimicrobial effects validated the use of the plants to treat infections caused by these microorganisms.

Ethnobotanical Documentation of a Few Medicinal Plants in the Agasthiayamalai Region of Tirunelveli District, India

Abstract: An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Agasthiayamalai region of Tirunelveli district was done by collecting information from the experienced medicinal practitioners of Kani tribes. Ten plants were collected, authenticated and information on their medicinal uses along with the parts used and mode of administration is enumerated. The phytochemical constituents present in their extracted materials were identified. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was analysed and zone of inhibition for different bacterial strains is reported.

Ethno-Medicinal Plants in Five Sacred Groves in Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: An ethno-medicinal plant survey was carried out in five sacred groves in Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, for the express purpose of discovering the kinds of herbal remedies used by the local populations. It resulted in about 33 medicinal plants for the treatment of several diseases either in single or in combination with some other ingredients. The information on correct botanical identities with family, local name and traditional practice of 33 plant species belonging to 22 families are discussed here for the treatment of various illnesses.

Traditional Uses of Plants as Cooling Agents by the Tribal and Traditional Communities of Dang Region in Rajasthan, India

Abstract: The Dang region of Rajasthan is rich in biodiversity. Tribal and traditional communities have rich knowledge about ethnobotanical plants of their surroundings. The present paper deals with 36 plant species used as cooling agents during summers.

Ethnobotanical Observations of Euphorbiaceae Species from Vidarbha region, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: An attempt has been made to explore traditional medicinal knowledge of plant materials belonging to various genera of the Euphorbiaceae, readily available in Vidharbha region of Maharasthtra state. Ethnobotanical information were gathered through several visits, group discussions and cross checked with local medicine men. The study identified 7 species to cure skin diseases (such as itches, scabies); 5 species for antiseptic (including antibacterial); 4 species for diarrhoea; 3 species for dysentery, urinary infections, snake-bite and inflammations; 2 species for bone fracture/ dislocation, hair related problems, warts, fish poisons, night blindness, wounds/cuts/ burns, rheumatism, diabetes, jaundice, vomiting and insecticide; 1 species as laxative , viral fever and arthritis. The results are encouraging but thorough scientific scrutiny is absolutely necessary before being put into practice.

Wild Medicinal Plants Used by Local Communities of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in adjoining areas of Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh during the month of April to May 2007. The information related to medicinal species which are used to cure common ailments and diseases were gathered by personal interviews with village headmen, local healers, and shepherds. A total of 33 plants belonging to 24 families are listed in this paper. Details of medicinal plants are described alphabetically with their botanical name, family, local name, part used, disease/ailment and ethno medicinal uses.