Showing papers in "Ethnobotany Research and Applications in 2014"
TL;DR: Research was conducted in Georgia as part of an ethnobotany research-training course in Georgia after obtaining prior informed consent for interviews and photographs, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in local villages.
Abstract: Research was conducted in July 2013 as part of an ethnobotany research-training course in Georgia (საქართველო). After obtaining prior informed consent for interviews and photographs, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in local villages. Images were taken of the physical environment (soils, water features, and other geographical context elements), biological environment (parts of plants used, whole plants, animals, ecosystems, landscapes), and cultural environment (artifacts, villages, crop fields, and other anthropogenic landscapes, individuals and groups interacting with each other or the researchers, and people conducting daily tasks of life). Most of the photographs were taken opportunistically and only Figures 79-81 were “staged.”
170 citations
TL;DR: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Amaro Wereda, Southern Nations Nationalities and peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia as mentioned in this paper, where a total of 56 plant species were reported by traditional healers of the Korre ethnic groups for their medicinal uses, representing 52 genera and 32 families.
Abstract: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Amaro Wereda, Southern Nations Nationalities and peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia. The objective was to document indigenous knowledge of the people on the use of medicinal plants and investigate plant species that are used as medicines for the treatment of human health problems, document indigenous knowledge for the conservation of biological and cultural diversities and threatening factors of plant species. Vegetation data was collected along with ethnobotanical information from purposefully selected areas of the wereda. A total of 17 traditional healers with most of them aged from 28 to 70 years from different parts of the wereda were purposefully selected and information was collected through the use of questionnaires and personal interviews during field trips in the Korre ethnic group from August to December 2012. Descriptive analysis was made for the data collected. A total of 56 plant species were reported by traditional healers of the Korre ethnic groups for their medicinal uses, representing 52 genera and 32 families. The majority (76.8%) were wild. Of the plants, 21 were herbs (37.5%) and 19 shrubs (34%). Thirty-one human ailments were identified by the traditional healers of the study area. Leaves constituted 33 % of the total uses followed by roots (27 %). Fifty seven percent of the healer remedies were applied through oral tract while 23% were applied on the skin. The Korre plants were the ones with the highest fidelity level (FL) values, an indication of their high healing potential. Priority should, therefore, be given to these plants to test their efficacy and their toxicity. Conservation priority should be given for identified threatened medicinal plants, promoting in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal plants in Korre community of Amaro wereda.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the socioeconomic contribution of bamboo resources and typified their marketing value chain across major bamboo-growing and -marketing regions in Ethiopia, in order to promote its sustainable management.
Abstract: Ethiopia has an estimated one million hectares of natural bamboo forest, the largest in the African continent. Despite the versatile resource base and advanced bamboo utilization at a global scale, its great potential to enhance socio-economic and ecological development remains unrealized in Ethiopia. More importantly, recent observations in the country showed massive bamboo flowering followed by a death that urges management interventions. The objective of this study was to examine the socio-economic contribution of bamboo resources and typify their marketing value chain across major bamboo-growing and -marketing regions in Ethiopia, in order to promote its sustainable management. Structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 345 households to inspect the relative contribution of bamboo income to household economy. Participatory rural appraisal, key informant interviews, group discussions, market assessment, and field observations were made to understand the bamboo marketing system, actors involved, price trends, and factors affecting the bamboo value chain. Results show that crop and livestock production, forest management, and off-farm activities are major sources of income for respondent households. Fifty-three percent of the respondents reported bamboo income. Though it significantly varies across the study localities (p < 0.005), bamboo income contributed up to 11% of the annual cash income of the households, the lowest (3.4%) at Masha and the largest (38%) at Banja and Bahir Dar Zuria Districts. Positive and significant correlation was observed among cash incomes from bamboo, crop, petty trade, and other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Producer farmers, village level traders, town and city wholesalers, small- and medium-scale bamboo processing and marketing firms, and town and city consumers are identified as major actors in the bamboo value chain. Fifty-five percent of the respondents indicated presence of poor horizontal and vertical linkage among actors. Access to market is difficult for a majority (88%) of the producers, and hence they sell bamboo culms and other product forms locally, mainly in roadside markets. Despite the inefficient value chains, 85% of the respondents indicated an increasing trend of demand for bamboo products. Market assessment for bamboo culms showed a price elasticity of demand, which is the change in quantity divided by change in price, up to 1.21 in 2008/2009 and 1.47 in 2009/2010. Nevertheless, bamboo utilization in Ethiopia is basically rudimentary, and bamboo product import exceeds export, in contrast to the resource base of the country. It is also noteworthy that the resource base is declining alarmingly in spite of the little interventions in place. An important policy and development lesson include enhancing further research for technology innovation, upgrading and integrating the bamboo value chain, and promoting sustainable management of the resource base.
51 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the ethnobotanical importance and traditional process of haria preparation and found that the pH decreased during the course of fermentation with increased titratable acidity of 1.42%.
Abstract: Haria is a rice-based fermented beverage that is popular among tribal and low income people in lateritic West Bengal and East-Central India. The principal ingredient of this beverage is low grade boiled rice ( Oryza sativa L.), which is mixed with a traditional starter, called bakhar, and fermented within a heat-sterilized earthen pot for 3-4 days. The main aim of this study was to investigate the ethnobotanical importance and traditional process of haria preparation. The method adopted for this study was based on interactive questionnaires and laboratory experiments. It was found that the pH decreased during the course of fermentation with increased titratable acidity of 1.42%. The alcohol content was 2-3% (v/v) in the consumable beverages. This documentation will be useful for further exploitation of haria as a health drink.
41 citations
TL;DR: It was evident from the 32 plant families collected that the majority are used in treating malaria, pneumonia, stomachache, and tonic related diseases, and it is recommended that follow up studies pertaining to these plants be carried out for validation of their efficacy by in vitro and in vivo studies.
Abstract: The role played by traditional medicine based on the use of medicinal plants for health purposes is significant both in growing and developed economies. Although the use of medicinal plants is already considerably documented across the globe, their increased use has only been noted in the recent past. In the African context, however, the dosage of such plants together with their pharmacological observations is yet to be well documented. In this paper, an attempt is made at documenting such knowledge with respect to traditional medicine among the Ogiek for future generations and to serve as a repository for further scientific studies on traditional medicine. The study was carried out involving the Ogiek community who live in the Mau forests in the central Rift Valley of Kenya where they still depend largely on hunting and gathering. A total of 20 traditional healers aged between 50 and 70 years were interviewed by use of a questionnaire. It was evident from the 32 plant families collected that the majority are used in treating malaria (21.88%), pneumonia (21.88%), stomachache (21.88%), and tonic related diseases (21.88%). Other remedies used fewer plant families. It is therefore recommended that follow up studies pertaining to these plants be carried out for validation of their efficacy by in vitro and in vivo studies. It is also recommended that further studies on hygienic administration of these drugs be carried out. Conservation of the endangered plant species involving conventional methods should be encouraged. There should be clear policies regarding traditional medical practices in Kenya and elsewhere in East Africa.
31 citations
TL;DR: The present study tested the ecological apparency hypothesis in a Brazilian rural community using the use value to test the information gained through three types of calculations (UVchange, UVgeneral, UVpotential) and found positive correlations were found.
Abstract: The present study tested the ecological apparency hypothesis in a Brazilian rural community. It used the use value to test the information gained through three types of calculations (UVchange, UVgeneral, UVpotential). A vegetation inventory was performed in two areas near Capivara, Paraiba, Brazil, and 112 informants were interviewed. For the hypothesis test, the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to correlate the phytosociological (vegetation) and ethnobotanical data (use value). The study recorded 25 useful species in the first site and 20 in the second site. Positive correlations were found in the first site, between the UVg to basal area and dominance, and between the UVc and basal area, dominance, and importance value. In the second site, between the UVg and both basal area and dominance and between UVc and basal area, density, and dominance. Apparency explained the local importance of useful plants in construction, technology, and fuel, but was not explanative of medicine. Also, important responses were observed for the different use values.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors catalogued rural women's knowledge of a wide range of plant uses in south-central Ethiopia, conducted through picture identification of 337 local plants and found that the most prevalent use noted (nearly 70%) was human medicine.
Abstract: Women’s local ecological knowledge (LEK) is noted by many scholars to be unique and important for local conservation and development planning. Although LEK integration is inherent to ethnobotanical research, in Ethiopia, the knowledge-gender link has not been fully explored, and few studies focus on women’s distinct plant knowledge. We catalogued rural women’s knowledge of a wide range of plant uses in south-central Ethiopia, conducted through picture identification of 337 local plants. Fifty-seven plant species were identified, constituting 38 families, with the top five families being Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Pteridaceae. An array of uses were identified ranging from food, livestock and wildlife forage, to honey production and cosmetics. The most prevalent use noted (nearly 70%) was human medicine. This study reveals the important contribution of rural women’s plant knowledge in the Bale Mountains, and the potential benefits of including this gender-distinct understanding of local flora in community-based conservation planning.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the knowledge of camel forage of Sahrawi nomads and refugees of Western Sahara was analyzed through cultural consensus analysis and developed an explanation for intra-cultural variation based on changing processes of knowledge transmission.
Abstract: Knowledge about forage is fundamental to the survival of pastoral populations around the world. In this paper, we address the knowledge of camel forage of Sahrawi nomads and refugees of Western Sahara. We analyze the distribution of this knowledge through cultural consensus analysis and develop an explanation for intra-cultural variation based on changing processes of knowledge transmission. In total, 100 plant species were free-listed by informants, with five species (i.e., Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, Nucularia perrinii Batt., Astragalus vogelii (Webb) Bornm., Panicum turgidum Forssk., and Stipagrostis plumosa Munro ex T.Anderson) found to be culturally highly salient. These five represent five local categories of forage that are necessary for camel management in the Western Sahara desert. The Sahrawi listed 25 forage plants that influence the taste and properties of camel milk, demonstrating that cultural values, as much as survival functions, underpin local knowledge systems. Perhaps unsurprisingly, age and nomadic experience are positively correlated with forage knowledge. Forced displacement and sedentarization are hypothesized as causes of progressive non-use of this knowledge and the lack of its transmission to younger generations of refugees. Nonetheless, across the study area, refugees are re-engaging with pastoralism and nomadism, which is leading to a revitalization of forage knowledge and its transmission. This should be regarded as an adaptation pathway for refugees. Para las poblaciones pastorales de todo el mundo, el conocimiento de las plantas forrajeras es fundamental para su supervivencia. En este trabajo se aborda el conocimiento sobre forraje de camellos entre los nomadas y los refugiados saharauis del Sahara Occidental. Se analiza tambien la distribucion de estos conocimientos a traves de un analisis de consenso cultural, y se desarrolla una explicacion para la variacion intra-cultural basada en el cambio de los procesos de transmision de conocimientos entre los refugiados. En total, 100 especies de plantas fueron enumeradas por los informantes, con cinco especies ( Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, Nucularia perrinii Batt., Astragalus vogelii (Webb) Bornm., Panicum turgidum Forssk., and Stipagrostis plumosa Munro ex T.Anderson) culturalmente muy relevantes. Las plantas forrajeras se clasifican en cinco categorias que son necesarias para la gestion de camellos en el desierto del Sahara occidental. Los saharauis reconocen 25 plantas forrajeras que influyen en el sabor y las propiedades de la leche de camella, hecho que muestra como los valores culturales, tanto como las funciones de supervivencia, sustentan los sistemas de conocimientos locales. Tal como era de esperar, la edad y la experiencia nomada estan correlacionadas con el conocimiento de plantas forrajeras. El desplazamiento y la sedentarizacion forzada parecen ser la causa de la progresiva falta de utilizacion y transmision de estos conocimientos a las generaciones mas jovenes de los refugiados. Sin embargo, dentro de un proceso mas amplio de re-pastoralizacion de los refugiados, estos conocimientos estan siendo reactivados y otra vez transmitidos a traves de un proceso de revitalizacion que debe considerarse como una via de adaptacion de los refugiados. وفي هذه الورقة، سوف نتناول المعرفة بأعلاف الإبل بين الصحراويين واللاجئين من الصحراء الغربية. حيث سوف نقوم بتحليل توزيع هذه المعرفة من خلال تحليل الآراء الثقافية، ومن ثم وضع التفسير المناسب للتباين فيما بين تلك الثقافات على أساس التغيرات التي تطرأ على عمليات انتقال المعرفة. وبشكل عام، فقد تم إدراج 100 نبتة من قبل الخبراء في هذا المجال ومنها خمسة أنواع تبين أنها بارزة ثقافيا إلى حد كبير، وهي: Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne، Nucularia perrinii Batt.، Astragalus vogelii (Webb) Bornm.، Panicum turgidum Forssk.، Stipagrostis plumosa Munro ex T.Anderson. هذه الأنواع الخمسة تمثل خمس فئات من الأعلاف المحلية الضرورية لإدارة الإبل في الصحراء الغربية. ولقد ذكر الصحراويون 25 من النباتات العلفية التي تؤثر على طعم وخصائص حليب الإبل، مما يدل على أن القيم الثقافية، بقدر وظائف البقاء على قيد الحياة، هي من دعائم أنظمة المعرفة المحلية. ومما لا يثير الدهشة ربما، فإن السن والخبرة لدى البدو ترتبط بشكل إيجابي ومباشر مع المعرفة الأعلاف. وتفترض الورقة أن التهجير القسري والتوطين هي أسباب تفاقم عدم استخدام هذه المعرفة وعدم انتقالها إلى الأجيال الشابة من اللاجئين. وعلى الرغم من ذلك، فقد تم التحقق ف يالمنطقو قيد الدراسة من أن اللاجئين قد بدأوا بإعادة الانخراط مع الرعي والبداوة، وهو الأمر الذي يقود إلى تنشيط المعرفة بالأعلاف وانتقالها عبر الأجيال. وهو الأمر الذي ينبغي اعتباره بمثابة مسار تكيف للاجئين.
23 citations
TL;DR: An ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the traditional treatment of infertility in females in three southwestern states of Nigeria was conducted through a structured questionnaire, finding 75 plant species belonging to 41 families of angiosperms to be useful in theTraditional management of infertility.
Abstract: An ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the traditional treatment of infertility in females in three southwestern states of Nigeria (Oyo, Ogun, and Osun) was conducted through a structured questionnaire. Herbalists, herb sellers, and aged couples were interviewed, and their responses were documented. In all, 75 plant species belonging to 41 families of angiosperms were said to be useful in the traditional management of infertility. Some of the recipes, methods of preparation, and administration were also documented.
21 citations
TL;DR: Wild and semi-wild tree fruit species used by the Maale and Ari communities in southern Ethiopia and the conservation status of these resources are studied to preserve the local knowledge and implement conservation strategies that protect the remaining fruit trees.
Abstract: Research Abstract Wild and semi-wild tree fruit species are important re- sources in combating food insecurity and providing sup- plementary diet to rural people. We studied wild and semi- wild fruit species used by the Maale and Ari communities in southern Ethiopia and the conservation status of these resources. We used focus group discussions (n = 18) and individual interviews (n = 144) in three rural kebeles. In total, the two communities used 52 species of wild and semi-wild fruit species which were especially important for their diet in times of food shortage. The most impor- tant species were, for the Maale community, Balanites rotundifolia (Tiegh.) Blatt. and Dobera glabra (Forssk.) Juss. ex Poir. and, for the Ari community, Carissa spina- rum L. and Vitex doniana Sweet. No significant variation in ethnobotanical knowledge regarding fruit species exist- ed among gender and age groups. The main traded fruit species were B. rotundifolia, Ximenia caffra Sond., and Vangueria madagascariensis J.F.Gmel. The major threats reported by informants to the availability of wild and semi- wild fruit species were tree felling and conversion of for- est to agricultural land. In addition to preserving the local knowledge and implementing conservation strategies that protect the remaining fruit trees, maintenance and enrich- ment planting of the most important species are plausible management interventions.
21 citations
TL;DR: The F IC values indicate that there was a high degree of consensus among informants on how to treat injuries, respiratory ailments, circulatory sys- tem ailments, digestive disorders, colds, and fevers, and plants which received high citation frequency may prove useful for pharmacological studies in new drug development projects.
Abstract: Research Abstract Ethnomedicines play an important role in the healthcare practices of the Tharu tribes of Dudhwa National Park. A study was conducted to document their ethnomedicine and identify potential species for phytochemical and phar- macological studies. Fieldwork was conducted over a pe- riod of two years in Dudhwa National Park, utilizing the "transect walk" method of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). The data was analyzed using frequency of cita- tion and informant consensus factor (F IC ). This research details 95 species of medicinal plants and 97 ethnomed- icines used in the treatment of 49 ailments of humans. The ailments are categorized into 14 categories (symp- toms/similarities, etc). The F IC values indicate that there was a high degree of consensus among informants on how to treat injuries, respiratory ailments, circulatory sys- tem ailments, digestive disorders, colds, and fevers. The most useful medicinal species, ranked according to their perceived F IC were: Moringa oleifera Lam. (high blood pressure), Piper longum L. (cough), Nicotiana tabacum L. (dermatitis/skin itching), Cleome viscosa L. (boil), Ceri- scoides turgida (Roxb.) Tirveng. (stomach ulcer), Lawso- nia inermis L. (dysentery), Cissampelos pareira L. (stom- achache), Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (fever, anorexia), Tamilnadia uliginosa (Retz.) Tirveng. & Sas- tre (dysentery), and Tridax procumbens (L.) L. (nocturnal emission). In remedy preparations, the leaves were the most frequently used plant part (33 instances), and most of the preparations were in the form of extraction or juice. Herbs were the most frequently used source of medicine (48%), followed by trees (23%) and shrubs (17%). A total of 34 medicinal claims were new to ethnomedicine of In- dia. Those plants which received high citation frequency may prove useful for pharmacological studies in new drug development projects.
TL;DR: This study aimed to collect ethnopharmacological data in communities in the vicinity of the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora regarding the use of medicinal plants, and to scientifically validate the information with the scientific literature, aiming to inform the planting of a community medicinal garden.
Abstract: This study aimed to collect ethnopharmacological data in communities in the vicinity of the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora regarding the use of medicinal plants, and to scientifically validate the informa tion with the scientific literature, aiming to inform the fu ture planting of a community medicinal garden. Data and botanical material were collected with the population and key informants. The collected material was identified and registered at the CESJ herbarium. The informant community identified 104 medicinal species, with 25 species highlighted for further analysis based on consensus by a subset of key informants. The use-value and agreement regarding the main use of each species were calculated, and the primary use was validated through scientific litera ture. From statistical analysis and pharmacological confir mations of the listed species, we found that Mentha spicata L., Vernonanthura phosphorica (Vell.) H.Rob., and Gossypium hirsutum L. were considered the most important species relative to use-value among the 25 listed species that could be used in the proposed community medicinal garden. Sixteen species were scientifically confirmed re garding agreement and main use. Among the plants with the highest agreement taking into account the main use index, only V. phosphorica showed no concordance between popular knowledge and academic science.
TL;DR: Findings of the present ethnobotanical survey will be beneficial in general health care, ecological control, forest conservation, biotechnology research, and in providing leads to medicinal plants from which potential new drugs may be developed.
Abstract: In Nigeria, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is fueled by low socioeconomic status and literacy levels. Although phytomedicine is part of Nigerian culture, the use of herbs in STIs has become accentuated by low income status of people, inadequate health care delivery system, and the resistance of pathogenic organisms to orthodox drugs. A survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of STIs was conducted with a goal of preserving indigenous knowledge and providing a list of plants for future research for potential drug production. A questionnaire-guided survey of three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ibadan, Nigeria, was randomly conducted on 300 respondents who were knowledgeable in ethnomedicine for information on their prescriptions for the treatment of STIs. Based on the responses obtained, 52 prescriptions or formulations were recorded for gonorrhea, candidiasis, vaginitis, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and STI-associated skin infections. The study newly revealed the use of leaves of Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. and Nicotiana tabacum L. in the management and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Findings of the present ethnobotanical survey will be beneficial in general health care, ecological control, forest conservation, biotechnology research, and in providing leads to medicinal plants from which potential new drugs may be developed. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated differences in the traditional botanical knowledge of Koya communities inhabiting Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (Warangal North Forest Division) and found that the Koyas use 237 species in 66 angiosperm families.
Abstract: Differences in the traditional botanical knowledge of Koya communities inhabiting Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (Warangal North Forest Division) are investigated. Eighteen villages (16 within the wildlife sanctuary and two outside it) were selected to test the null hypothesis that there exist no cognitive differences among the ethnic inhabitants in their ability to recognize the plants and recall the vernacular names and medicinal uses since they are recipients of the same dry deciduous forest ecosystem services. The Koyas were found to use as medicine 237 species in 66 angiosperm families. Analyses of data gathered from villagers showed that there is significant intracultural diversity in terms of taxonomic groups and growth forms in regard to utilizing the proximate plant resource for their primary healthcare and disease treatment of pets.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted an ethnobotanical study on the genus Sansevieria in Coast Province of Kenya and found that the most prevalent use categories were medicinal use, horticultural use, food additives, and materials.
Abstract: Sansevieria Thunb. is a genus with diverse ethnobotanical uses in its geographical range. The current study reports on findings from an ethnobotanical study carried out on the genus Sansevieria in Coast Province of Kenya. Collating of ethnobotanical uses of Sansevieria from existing literature has been complicated by the fact that the ethnobotany of the genus is poorly documented with most species misidentified due to the nomenclatural confusion and the unresolved taxonomy of the genus Sansevieria . The aim of the current study was to correctly identify various Sansevieria species from their natural habitats and type localities where possible, to observe the plants in situ, and to document ethnobotanical uses of different Sansevieria species that occur in Coast Province of Kenya. Indigenous knowledge on the use of the plants by the local communities was captured by interviewing people residing in the study area. Purposive sampling and snow ball sampling were employed in the selection of informants. Direct observation, open ended, informal, and semi structured interviews covering questions on local names of species, plant uses, mode of administration, and the specific plant parts used were carried out with thirty respondents. Responses were documented for ethnobotanical uses of 9 Sansevieria species: S. conspicua N.E.Br., S. dumetescens L.E. Newton, S. fischeri (Baker) Marais, S. kirkii Baker, S. nitida Chahin., S. perrotii Warb., S. powellii N.E.Br., S. raffillii N.E.Br., and S. volkensii Gurke. A total of four broad use categories were identified from the study: medicinal use, horticultural use, food additives, and materials. Materials category was the most prevalent category with 49% of the total responses, followed by Medicinal category that accounted for 27%, the Horticultural use category that accounted for 21%, and the Food additives category that accounted for 3% of the total responses. The current study contributes to documentation of the ethnobotany of genus Sansevieria species in Coast Province of Kenya and provides a basis for a broader inquiry on the ethnobotany of genus Sansevieria based on wider sampling.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a DCA-based analysis of correspondence in the context of the analysis of Correspondence Analysis (DCA) with respect to the following topics:
Abstract: وتنفيذ مشاريع الحفاظ و إعادة تأهيل الغابات في الغابات البحر المتوسطية مع إشراك المجتمعات المحلية في هذه العمليات . الأهداف (1) دراسة نمط توزيع (2) تحليل المميزات النباتية (3) التحقيق في الاستخدامات الرئيسية للنباتات التي تم جمعها من ثلاث النظم الإيكولوجية للغابات البحر الأبيض المتوسط في شمال الأردن. طرق البحث : تم اختيار 14 قرية وفقا لموقعها على حافة و داخل أنواع الغابات المتوسطية الثلاث في الجزء الشمالي من الأردن ، و 300 من السكان المحليين وأجريت مقابلات وجها لوجه باستخدام استبيان شبه منظم . وشملت البيانات التي تم الحصول عليها وما هي النباتات التي تم جمعها وماذا عن الاستفادة منها. وأجري تحليل Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA)من أجل التحقيق في توزيع الأنواع النباتية التي تم جمعها من ثلاثة أنواع الغابات وتم حساب مؤشرات مهمة في علم المعرفة المحلية للنباتات بما في ذلك اختبار اجماع الناس على استخدام معين (ICF)، ومستوى الدقة في اشتغلال نبات معين لاشتخدام معين (FL٪). النتائج: أظهرت نتائج DCA أن هناك نوعا من النباتات الشائعة التي تم جمعها من نوع ثلاثة الغابات بشكل مكثف على سبيل المثال الزعتر البري Origanum syriacum L. ، الخبيزة Malva parviflora L. و اللوف Arum palaestinum Boiss. وأن هنالك بعض الأنواع النباتية تم جمعها من نوع معين من الغابات. كما وتم الأجماع من قبل العينه من السكان المحلين بأن الاستخدام الرئيسي للنباتات المحلية هو الغذاء ومن ثم الغذاء والدواء. الاستنتاج : بناء على نتائج الدراسة ، يقترح أن تأخذ في الاعتبار سلوك جمع الناس للنباتات الحرجية المحلية االموجودة في نظام الغابات البيئي الهش قي برامج الحفاظ على النظام الإيكولوجي على أساس اشراك السكان المحليون من أجل تحقيق الاستدامة البيئية و منع انجراف التنوع البيولوجي. Understanding the distribution and floristic features of native forest plants, as well as the reasons that lead local people to collect them, is of great value for planning and implementing forest conservation and rehabilitation projects in the Mediterranean forest involving local communities. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the distribution pattern, (2) analyze the floristic features, and (3) investigate the main uses of plants gathered from three Mediterranean forest ecosystems in Northern Jordan. We sampled 14 villages that were selected according to their location on the edge and within the three Mediterranean forest types in Northern Jordan. Three hundred informants were interviewed face to face using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data obtained included a list of plants collected and their uses. A Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was carried out to investigate the distribution of plant species collected from the three forest types. Also, important indices were calculated including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL%), and uses totaled. The DCA showed that there are common plant species gathered intensively from all three forest types, namely Origanum syriacum L., Malva parviflora L., and Arum palaestinum Boiss., and that some plant species are collected from a particular forest type. The main uses of the collected plants are food and medicine. The study results suggest value in taking into account the behavior of people who collect native forest plants when designing fragile forest ecosystem restoration programs. These programs should be community-based in order to achieve ecosystem sustainability and prevent biodiversity erosion.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of roots to treat stomachaches has a consensus value for use-types of 0.357 and is the most important use of the species in medicine.
Abstract: People depend heavily on natural resources for their daily living. In the Sudanian zone of Africa characterized by high population growth and poverty incidence, there is a growing pressure on high value species such as Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A.Bruce. The objectives of this study were to evaluate its diverse uses and to highlight some practices which could affect its survival. The work was conducted in the southwestern region of Burkina Faso with a sample of 360 respondents. Data were analyzed using three indexes. The results show that S. latifolius is used for 80 use-types belonging to seven use categories. The use of roots to treat stomachaches has a consensus value for use-types of 0.357 and is the most important use of the species in medicine. The fact that roots are the most often used plant part constitutes an aggravating factor for the survival of this species in the semi-arid context.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors dealt with ethnic pattern of utilization in relation to spatio-temporal distribution of macro fungal diversity, its habitat and traditional tribal knowledge in ecology, use and others.
Abstract: Mushroom is one of the most significant biodiversity components for both ecological and economic point of view. It deserves not only the good sources of nutrients, medicine but also has key function in nutrient recycling and niche for several animal resources. Eastern lateritic part of India with its distinct seasonality and undulated topography, harbours mosaic macro fungal resources on the forest floors with distinct spatio-temporal variation. Among 18 species related to tribal use, the most usable species were Astraeus hygrometricus Amanita vaginata var. alba , Amanita banangiana , Russula Nigerians , Termitomyces eurhizus , Termitomyces microcarpus etc. During monsoon and post monsoon period, second half of August is the optimum time for 11 wild edible mushrooms. Out of total production 47.2% production was taken place at that time. These regions with its tribal population, especially the Santals in the forest fringes, were very potential for traditional knowledge related to mushrooms. This paper deals with ethnic pattern of utilization in relation to spatio-temporal distribution of macro fungal diversity, its habitat and traditional tribal knowledge in ecology, use and others.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a survey of wild species sold in the main urban market in Khon Kaen Municipality in Northeast Thailand, which included identification of all species of plants, fungi and animals being sold and recording of the quantities and prices of each species.
Abstract: Rural people in Northeast Thailand consume a wide range of wild species. Little is known, however, about the extent to which the urban populations of the region’s rapidly growing towns and cities consume these products, and no detailed study has been made of the edible wild species that are sold in urban markets. To help fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents findings of a survey about the wild species sold in the main urban market in Khon Kaen Municipality. The survey included identification of all species of plants, fungi, and animals being sold and recording of the quantities and prices of each species. Data were obtained by interviewing vendors selling these products in the market on 18 randomly selected nights in the dry season and 12 nights in the rainy season. The diversity of wild species sold in the market is high. Eighty-one species were identified, of which 54 were plants, 6 were fungi, and 21 were animals. Species diversity was greater in the rainy season, when 65 species were on sale, than in the dry season, when 49 species were available. Plant species were much more diverse in the rainy season than in the dry season, reflecting the better growth conditions for vegetation when water is not a limiting factor. Many species were available only in a specific season. The wild species were obtained from several different habitats. Upland fields were the habitat for the largest number of species, followed by house areas, forests, and paddy fields. Gardens and aquatic ecosystems were habitats for a smaller number of species. The supply-shed for the urban market in Khon Kaen Municipality is quite a large one. Wild species sold in the market are obtained from 8 provinces in the Northeast, although rural areas of Khon Kaen Province itself are the source of the largest number of species. Collection of wild species to supply the urban market can have both negative and positive effects on rural biodiversity in Northeast Thailand. In their desire to earn cash income, villagers may over-exploit some of these species, causing wild populations to decline in numbers or even become locally extinct. On the other hand, villagers may intensify their efforts to cultivate them so as to allow more stable production, thus contributing to biodiversity conservation. This has already begun to happen in the case of some highly valued species.
TL;DR: For example, this article found that stockmen carry out ancestral practices such as cutting, collecting, and storing dry fruit, creating elaborate cercos, and know substantially more forage plants.
Abstract: The human population in the arid Chaco forests of Argentina is composed mainly of stockmen carrying out ancestral practices. Plant uses in this biogeographic region are relatively well known, but the forest perception by local populations was not studied so far. A total of 77 stockmen and other local salaried people were interviewed with semi-structured interviews, and herbarium specimens were produced with the informants. A Likert scale was used to obtain perceptions of the forest value. We registered 124 plant species, particularly forage woody plants, which have a variety of uses. More than 100 species overlapped with a survey of the region more than one century ago. Stockmen carry out ancestral practices such as cutting, collecting, and storing dry fruit, creating elaborate cercos , and know substantially more forage plants. The results suggest that the local population as a whole has a positive perception of the forests, regardless of their main occupation, and needs the forest to reinforce stockmen’s traditions ( criollos ) through daily activities.
TL;DR: In this article, an ethnobotanical survey was carried out in southern Benin (Guineo-Congolese zone) with a sample of 439 informants (201 women and 238 men) belonging to Fon, Waci, Xwla, Sahoue, Djerma, Kotafon, Aizo, Goun, and Yoruba socio-cultural groups.
Abstract: For decades, plant species, particularly those used as non-tree forest products (NTFPs), have been known to play an important role in the livelihood of local populations, particularly in rural Africa. The present study investigated the uses of various parts of Moringa oleifera Lam. in southern Benin. It aimed at capturing indigenous knowledge on the uses of M. oleifera as a preliminary step toward future efforts to devise better management options of this plant species. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in southern Benin (Guineo-Congolese zone) with a sample of 439 informants (201 women and 238 men) belonging to Fon, Waci, Xwla, Sahoue, Djerma, Kotafon, Aizo, Goun, and Yoruba socio-cultural groups. It was found that M. oleifera is known in South Benin under different local names depending on the socio-cultural group. Leaves were the most used part followed by roots, bark, seeds, and pods. Leaves are eaten as a vegetable and also used for medicinal purposes. They are consumed fresh or dried and reduced to powder. Different parts of M. oleifera are used to treat up to 34 diseases according to the local populations. Leaves are also used as fodder for pigs, sheep, and rabbits. The seeds are used to carry out rites for blessing and attracting customers. The study showed that M. oleifera plays an important role in rural areas of South Benin where it is used as a nutritional and medicinal plant. Local populations could benefit by further adoption of the species in agroforestry systems. Depuis des decennies , les especes vegetales , particulierement celles utilisees comme produits forestiers non ligneux (PFNLs) sont connues pour le role important qu’elles jouent dans la vie des populations locales . La presente etude a porte sur les utilisations faites des differentes parties de Moringa oleifera Lam. au Sud-Benin . L’objectif de l’etude etait de capitaliser les connaissances endogenes sur les utilisations de M. oleifera au Benin afin de contribuer a une meilleure gestion de cette ressource . Il a ete effectue une enquete ethnobotanique au Sud du Benin ( Zone Guineo Congolaise ) aupres d’un echantillon de 439 personnes (201 femmes et 238 hommes ) appartenant aux ethnies Fon, Waci, Xwla, Sahoue, Djerma, Kotafon, Aizo, Goun, Yoruba. L’enquete ethnobotanique a montre que M. oleifera est connu sous differentes appellations locales en fonction des groupes socio-culturels presents dans le sud Benin . Les feuilles sont les organes les plus utilises suivies des racines , l’ecorce , les graines et gousses . Les feuilles sont utilisees fraiches comme legume-feuilles ou sechees et reduites en poudre . L’etude revele que M. oleifera est utilise dans le traitement de trente-quatre maladies selon les populations locales . Les feuilles sont aussi utilisees comme aliment dans l’elevage du porc , du lapin et de la volaille . Les graines sont utilisees pour faire des ri tuels dans le but d’attirer la clientele ou le sexe oppose . Moringa oleifera joue un role tres important pour les populations rurales du Sud-Benin , surtout au plan nutritionnel et medicinal . Les populations locales devraient donc opter pour son integration dans les systemes agroforestiers . Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
TL;DR: In this paper, an ethnobotanical survey of plant diversity was carried out at Bhattiyat block of District Chamba, India, focusing on the medicinal plants used for treatment of various ailments/diseases by the nearby village inhabitants.
Abstract: In this study an ethnobotanical survey of plant diversity was carried out at Bhattiyat block of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India. The study was mainly focused on the medicinal plants used for treatment of various ailments/diseases by the nearby village inhabitants. The information was collected by questionnaire and consulting local elders. The present paper provides information on the indigenous therapeutic application and other traditional uses of 22 plant species that are commonly used by the natives of Bhattiyat block of District Chamba.
TL;DR: The Andaman and Nicobar islands are characterized by their unique vegetation types such as littoral, mangroves, wet and semi-evergreen forests and rainforests and for being the home for six aboriginal tribes of Negrito and Mongoloid descent.
Abstract: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Andaman Sea between peninsular India and Indo-Malaya, are part of two of the 34 mega-diversity hotspots of the world. These islands are characterized by their unique vegetation types such as littoral, mangroves, wet and semi-evergreen forests, and rainforests and for being the home for six aboriginal tribes of Negrito and Mongoloid descent. The islands are also home to a number of migrants and “settlers” from the Indian mainland and Myanmar. The aboriginal tribes and the settlers have a long history of association with the island’s bioresources. In this paper, we survey the ethnic uses of rattans, the unique climbing palms, about 63% of which are endemic to these islands. Our ethnobotanical survey revealed several uses of rattans by the Nicobarese and Shompens, the two major ethnic communities of the Nicobar Islands. In this study, besides the ethnic uses, we also estimated the revenue generated among those involved in the rattan trade (collectors, processors, and exporters).
TL;DR: In 2012 and 2013 participatory ethnobotany explorations were undertaken with herbalists from the Hmong ethnic group of Long Lan village, in Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In 2012 and 2013 participatory ethnobotany explorations were undertaken with herbalists from the Hmong ethnic group of Long Lan village, in Luang Prabang, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. These investigations into the knowledge and experience of indigenous elders of Long Lan and surrounding villages sought to identify the relationship between the spiritual-cultural practices and livelihood uses of plants and their conservation. Information about 74 plant species of 49 families was recorded, including 25 herbs (17 perennial, 8 annual), 20 trees, 17 shrubs, 10 climbers, and 2 ferns. Analysis of quantitative ethnobotany scores indicated positive trends between uses and conservation practices for plants. The study suggests that the traditional Hmong cultural uses for plants may be a mechanism for the conservation of biodiversity in the rapidly deteriorating forests of Luang Prabang in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Tshawb nrhiav nroj tsuag tau muaj kev koom tes nrog cov kws tshuaj ntsuab Hmoob nyob rau zos Long Lan, Xeev Luang prabang, Los Tsuas Teb chaws tau pib tshawb los rau ntawm lub xyoo 2012 thiab 2013. Nrhiav txog lub laj lim thiab tswv yim ntawm cov laus neeg nyob zos Long Lan thiab cov zos nyob ib puag ncig twb yog ib qhov sij hawm muaj txiaj ntsig tau paub txog txoj kev cai coj siv nroj tsuag thiab pov hwm nyob nrog lub neej. Tau paub txog ntawm 74 hom tau muaj 49 yam (nroj tsuag) twb tau muab sau zoo, qhov nov muaj 25 yam tshuaj ntsuab (17 yam yog cov muaj hnub nyooj ntev thiab 8 yam yog cov muaj hnub nyooj luv), 20 yam yog cov ua ntoo, 17 yam yog cov nroj, 10 yam yog cov hmab, thiab 2 yam yog suab. Muab xam tau pom txog nroj tsuag muaj txiaj ntsig zoo heev rau ntawm txoj kev siv yoom thiab pov hwm nyob nrog lub neej. Qhov tshawb rhiav no tau ceeb toom txog tias txoj kev siv yoom nroj tsuag raws li txoj cai Hmoob coj yog ib txoj cai zoo rau ntawm kev pov hwm hav zoov hav tsuag rau qhov hav zoov niaj hnub no raug luaj ntov nyob rau xeev Luang prabang, los Tsuas Teb.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the supply chain for Warburgia in Kenya through market surveys using questionnaires in the three most populous cities: Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
Abstract: The use of medicinal tree, shrub, and plant products as a health resource is long-established on the continent of Africa. The continued reliance on such medicinal material and the dominance of its collection from natural populations of species has implications for sustainable use. For many species there is a lack of research on the trade of medicinal material and especially, species-specific data relating to the population, distribution, uses, market prospects, and potential for cultivation. The genus Warburgia Engl. includes four tree species found throughout eastern and southern Africa that are used for their medicinal properties to treat numerous human and livestock diseases. This study was undertaken to assess the supply chain for Warburgia in Kenya through market surveys using questionnaires in the three most populous cities: Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Findings from this study indicate that the supply of Warburgia has declined in the last two years and that traders engage in unsustainable practices for addressing supply deficits. These include substitution of species or sourcing species material from different geographical locations. Such strategies can have implications for human and land health. Regional movement of Warburgia for trade is occurring, as it is sourced in Tanzania for trade in Kenyan urban markets. This movement of material indicates a high demand for Warburgia and implies extraneous pressure on available natural resources. The reliance and use of the bark and roots in the markets is a further threat to the use, and alternative, less destructive harvesting strategies should be developed. Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
TL;DR: In this article, the authors document and characterize the cape gooseberry value chain, assess its demand and supply, and evaluate the contribution of the plant's trade to the income of traders in Uganda.
Abstract: Physalis peruviana L, commonly referred to as cape gooseberry, is an important crop for income, food, and medicinal applications The plant is native to Latin America but has since been naturalized other parts of the tropics In Uganda, this species grows naturally in abandoned bush fallows While cape gooseberry has been recently identified as a priority plant for commercialization, little is known about its value chain and potential as a cash, food, and or medicinal plant in Uganda The objectives of this study were therefore to document and characterize the plant’s value chain, assess its demand and supply, and evaluate the contribution of the plant’s trade to the income of traders in Uganda Primary and secondary data were collected using a market survey, focus group discussions, field observations, and key informants A total of 120 value chain actors were interviewed in all the major markets of the city of Kampala, Uganda The study reveals that the value chain of the plant is short but developing with gatherers/farmers, retailers/petty traders, processors, wholesalers, and consumers being the major stakeholders Most of the cape gooseberry fruit on the market were coming from the districts of Kabale, Mpigi, and Wakiso, with 85% coming from cultivated gardens and 5% collected from the wild The cape gooseberry fruit were found to have a high demand on the market, with 67% of the value chain actors rating the demand as high The average weekly sales for the traders interviewed stood at 49 kg The supply of the fruit to the market was found to be high as well with 86% of the value chain actors rating supply as high Supply sustainability rating was significantly positively correlated with economic importance rating of the plant at 99% confidence level (Kendall K = 0545, P < 001, n = 120) The mean value of demand rating was not significantly differently to that of supply at 95% level of significance (P < 0001) Economic potential of cape gooseberry fruit was found to be high with profit margins of 95% recorded for some cape gooseberry products along the value chain The government of Uganda ought to promote this plant in a poverty reduction campaign due to its high economic potential
TL;DR: In this paper, qualitative and quantitative data derived from interviews of producers and expert users are used to estimate the influence of Parkia biglobosa management practices, soumbala product processing practices, and nutritional composition of soup on perceived soup quality.
Abstract: Knowledge of the correlates of product quality is a prerequisite for further commercialisation of soumbala, a food product extracted from the leguminous tree Parkia biglobosa . In this study qualitative and quantitative data derived from interviews of producers and expert users are used to estimate the influence of Parkia biglobosa management practises, soumbala product processing practises, and nutritional composition of soumbala on perceived soumbala quality. Several variables on management practises correlated with high quality soumbala as revealed by binary logistic regression, with quality as the dependent variable and six management related variables as independent variables. Variables relating to product processing were examined using qualitative data from group sessions, gathering all the producers in a given village. Finally the relationship between nutritional compositions and soumbala quality was determined. The results show that local knowledge, management practises, and product processing practises are correlated with soumbala quality, whilst nutritional composition is a poor predictor of soumbala quality.
TL;DR: The 2011 Carroll College Archaeological Field School conducted an exploratory excavation within the Beaver Creek Rock Shelter in southwestern Montana, U.S.A. The excavation exposed four cultural occupation layers dat-ing to over 2,500 years ago.
Abstract: The 2011 Carroll College Archaeological Field School conducted an exploratory excavation within the Beaver Creek Rock Shelter in southwestern Montana, U.S.A. The excavation exposed four cultural occupation layers dat-ing to over 2,500 years ago. Pollen retrieved from the pa-leoenvironmental record included a wide variety of plants. Seven plant families were found in three of the occupa-tion layers and in only one natural layer. This research reviewed the traditional Native American ethnobotanical uses of those seven plant families. They were used pri-marily for medicinal purposes. Although archaeologists have traditionally viewed botanical remains as evidence of prehistoric subsistence, this research demonstrates ar-chaeologists’ need to use caution in assuming plant re-mains in the archaeological record are predominately tied to subsistence.
TL;DR: The conocimiento de 21 especies of palmeras and 276 tipos diferentes of uso reported by 89 personas, hombres and mujeres, who entrevistamos en las comunidades de San Juan, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Union Progreso, and Villa Santiago, localizadas in the region of Inambari (ver mapa pag. 10), sobre la carretera Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado that visitamos in Marzo
Abstract: Las palmeras son el grupo de plantas mas importantes en los bosques amazonicos, donde tienen una gran importancia en su composicion, dinamica y estructura, y por lo tanto en el mantenimiento de su equilibrio ecologico. Ademas de su importancia ecologica, las palmeras juegan un papel muy importante para las comunidades locales que viven en estos bosques, ya que son fuente de los recursos utilizados tanto en su alimentacion, como en la construccion de sus viviendas, en la fabricacion de los utensilios de la casa, elaboracion de artesanias e incluso en muchos casos son utilizadas con fines medicinales. La importancia y la amplia gama de usos de las palmeras es el reflejo de un conocimiento que ha sido transmitido y adquirido a lo largo de muchas generaciones, de su constante contacto con el bosque y de su continua experimentacion en busqueda de los recursos que les proporciona el bosque. A pesar de su importancia, en las ultimas decadas, las poblaciones de palmeras han disminuido de una manera notable, debido a su sobreexplotacion y a la deforestacion de los bosques donde crecen. Esto esta provocando un deterioro en la calidad de vida y en la cultura de las poblaciones rurales amazonicas, pero ademas de un dano irreversible al bosque donde tanto la gente como las palmeras habitan. Esta publicacion describe el conocimiento de 21 especies de palmeras y 276 tipos diferentes de uso, que fueron reportadas por las 89 personas, hombres y mujeres, que entrevistamos en las comunidades de San Juan, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Union Progreso y Villa Santiago, localizadas en la region de Inambari (ver mapa pag. 10), sobre la carretera Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado que visitamos en Marzo del 2011. El objetivo principal de esta publicacion es mostrar la importancia que tienen las palmeras para las comunidades campesinas e indigenas asentadas en la region de Madre de Dios, sur del Peru, y de los bosques que las albergan, aportando a la documentacion del conocimiento tradicional y favoreciendo a la conservacion de los bosques.
TL;DR: The results suggest that variation in secondary compound concentrations among wild populations is an important consideration when selecting source material for the cultivation of medicinal plants.
Abstract: We conducted a field experiment to determine the effects of mulch, fertilizer, and mycelium on biomass and important secondary metabolite concentrations in the edible and medicinal plant Physalis longifolia Nutt., with the hypothesis that increased plant stress (i.e., no mulch, fertilizer, or mycelium) would decrease biomass production and increase secondary compound content. Experimental cultivated plots and natural populations of P. longifolia were evaluated for the abundance of major bioactive withanolides previously isolated from the species: withalongolide A (1), withaferin A (2), and withalongolide B (3). Results indicated negligible differences between experimental treatments in biomass yield and withanolide abundance. However, withanolide concentrations from wild populations varied considerably with some being much higher than the source population used in the experiment. These results suggest that variation in secondary compound concentrations among wild populations is an important consideration when selecting source material for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Normal 0 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE