Article
Plant Sciences
Birute Karpaviciene
Summary: Changes in people's dependence on natural resources and information transmission may lead to the loss of traditional plant knowledge. This study collected knowledge about plant treatments in southwestern Lithuania, and found a decline in plant diversity used for healing in the past 20 years.
Article
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda, Elijah Mbandi Mkala, Consolata Nanjala, Emmanuel Nyongesa Waswa, Wyclif Ochieng Odago, Festus Kimutai, Jing Tian, Moses Kirega Gichua, Robert Wahiti Gituru, Guang-Wan Hu
Summary: The review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Fagaropsis species. The study highlights the need for further research opportunities to explore the medicinal value of this genus and their potential in treating various diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Andreas M. Savvides, Constantina Stavridou, Sotiroula Ioannidou, Christos Zoumides, Andreas Stylianou
Summary: This research aims to document and analyze the traditional uses of medicinal and aromatic plants in the Troodos mountains. Data on 160 plant taxa and their traditional uses were collected through interviews and analyzed quantitatively. The results reveal a deep connection between the people of Troodos and the plants of the area.
Review
Plant Sciences
Alfred Maroyi
Summary: The current study provides a systematic review of the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Fabaceae species used as traditional medicines in Zimbabwe. Out of the approximately 665 species of Fabaceae in Zimbabwe, 101 are used for medicinal purposes. These plants are mainly used by communities in peri-urban, rural, and marginalized areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The study highlights the importance of further research on the therapeutic potential of Fabaceae through toxicological studies, biochemical assays, and pharmacokinetic studies.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nurul Jadid, Aulia Febrianti Widodo, Dini Ermavitalini, Noor Nailis Sa'adah, Setiyo Gunawan, Choirotin Nisa
Summary: Fennel is a popular perennial herbaceous plant used as herbal medicine and spices worldwide. It has been used ethnobotanically to cure various ailments and has various pharmacological properties. It is also used in animal husbandry.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessika Priscila Costa da Silva, Paulo Henrique Goncalves, Ulysses Paulino Albuquerque, Rafael Ricardo Vasconcelos da Silva, Patricia Muniz de Medeiros
Summary: The study reveals that the medicinal use of certain plant species can protect them from harmful wood uses. Perceived availability and efficiency are important variables in determining wood uses. Therefore, maintaining the medicinal importance of plants can be a strategy to protect them from misuse.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Manzoor Hussain, Rakesh Kr Thakur, Jabeena Khazir, Sajad Ahmed, Mohammad Imtiyaj Khan, Praveen Rahi, Latif Ahmad Peer, V. S. Pragadheesh, Satwinderjeet Kaur, S. N. Raina, Zafar Ahmad Reshi, Deepmala Sehgal, Vijay Rani Rajpal, Bilal Ahmad Mir
Summary: Biologically active secondary metabolites, essential oils, and volatile compounds derived from medicinal and aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia have significant therapeutic potential in promoting human health. However, the commercial utilization and comprehensive understanding of these plants are limited. This review aims to bridge the knowledge gaps by providing a comprehensive account of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, documented biological properties, and toxicity of all species of Artemisia, and offers insights for further exploration and collaboration.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dhruba Khakurel, Yadav Uprety, Gyeongik Ahn, Joon-Yung Cha, Woe-Yeon Kim, Sung-Ho Lee, Sangeeta Rajbhandary
Summary: This study aims to document and analyze the diversity, distribution, and sustainability of traditional medicinal plants used by the Gurung people in western Nepal. The results show that the Gurung people possess rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, with herbs being the most dominant life form and stomach disorders being the most commonly treated illness.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Mudasir Nazir Bhat, Bikarma Singh, Opender Surmal, Bishander Singh, Vijay Shivgotra, Carmelo Maria Musarella
Summary: The research focuses on studying the medicinal plants used by local inhabitants in developing countries like India, specifically targeting the Kupwara district in the Kashmir Himalayas. It is one of the first studies to statistically evaluate the cross-cultural differences between three different communities in the area. The study reveals the importance of 107 medicinal plants for the local communities in the Kashmir Himalayas, with a strong emphasis on plant diversity and traditional knowledge interpretation.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Niranjan Das, Andreia C. F. Salgueiro, Debasish Roy Choudhury, Sudip Kumar Mandal, Rajan Logesh, Md. Mahadi Hassan, Hari Prasad Devkota
Summary: Vitex genus, consisting of about 230 species mainly found in warm regions of Europe and temperate regions of Asia, has been traditionally used as folk medicine for treating various diseases. With over 556 chemical constituents identified in different Vitex species, there is a wide range of pharmacological activities exhibited by crude extracts and pure phytochemicals. Further research is needed to explore the pharmacological potential and mechanisms of action of compounds from this genus for potential drug discovery.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ella Vardeman, James T. Lyles, Cassandra L. Quave
Summary: Rudbeckia, a genus native to North America and belonging to the Asteraceae family, has traditional uses for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also exhibits antioxidant, anti-tumor, immunomodulating, and antimycobacterial properties. Bioactive compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones and polysaccharides, are abundant in Rudbeckia spp. However, there is a gap between the compounds isolated from Rudbeckia and those tested for bioactivity.
JOURNAL OF HERBAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Orlanda Povoa, Violeta Lopes, Ana Maria Barata, Noemia Farinha
Summary: The main goal of this study was to assess the genetic erosion risk of plants with aromatic, medicinal and gastronomic applications in Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo region. The methodology involved direct observations and surveys, using the GE formula applied in Hammer's studies. The results showed a reduction in individuals per species in Alentejo, with cultivated accessions having a higher genetic erosion risk than wild accessions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yunn Mi Mi Kyaw, Yingfeng Bi, Thaung Naing Oo, Xuefei Yang
Summary: The study documented 158 medicinal plant species used by the Mon people, with 78 therapeutic uses classified into 16 disease categories. Fabaceae was the most represented plant family, and leaf was the most commonly used plant part. Decoction and oral administration were the top preparation and administration methods.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yongqing Liufu, Renchuan Hu, Qiongyao Fu, Binsheng Luo
Summary: This study systematically analyzed the plant source, product function, and development model of Bobai Hakka weaving, one of the largest Hakka populations in southern China. The study recorded 33 plant species used for weaving, mainly bamboo, rattan, grass, and wood. Most weaving plants were obtained locally and from wild sources, with stems being the most commonly used plant parts. In addition, wastes from crops and invasive water hyacinths were widely used as weaving materials. The Bobai Hakka weaving industry has integrated modern elements and successfully combined intangible cultural heritage, industry, and poverty alleviation.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manica Balant, Airy Gras, Mario Ruz, Joan Valles, Daniel Vitales, Teresa Garnatje
Summary: The study analyzed the diversity of global traditional uses of Cannabis, revealing significant associations between different plant parts and uses. Leaves are commonly used for medicinal purposes, seeds for dietary purposes, and inflorescences for psychoactive effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniel Vitales, Ines Alvarez, Sonia Garcia, Oriane Hidalgo, Gonzalo Nieto Feliner, Jaume Pellicer, Joan Valles, Teresa Garnatje
Article
Plant Sciences
Abderrazak Tlili, Hassen Gouja, Joan Valles, Teresa Garnatje, Joseph Buhagiar, Mohamed Neffati
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sonja Siljak-Yakovlev, Edina Muratovic, Faruk Bogunic, Nedad Bagic, Marija E. Solic, Aldin Boskailo, Michael Bourge, Nicolas Valentin, Vladimir Stevanovic, Teresa Garnatje, Joan Valles, Fatima Pustahija
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Airy Gras, Teresa Garnatje, Jon Marin, Montse Parada, Ester Sala, Marc Talavera, Joan Valles
Summary: This study analyzed the usage of wild food plants in the Catalan linguistic area, identifying the most commonly mentioned plants and associated information. Through analysis of data from 1659 informants, it was found that edible plants are of high cultural importance in the region, with a high level of credibility in the information collected. These plant resources are often undervalued and underutilized, but their consideration could promote more sustainable agricultural development.
Article
Plant Sciences
Airy Gras, Oriane Hidalgo, Ugo D'Ambrosio, Montse Parada, Teresa Garnatje, Joan Valles
Summary: This study explores the relationships between botanical families and medicinal vascular plants using a molecular phylogenetic framework. It includes quantitative analyses, identification of hot nodes, and discussion of plant usage and family richness in ethnobotany.
Article
Plant Sciences
Manica Balant, Airy Gras, Mario Ruz, Joan Valles, Daniel Vitales, Teresa Garnatje
Summary: The study analyzed the diversity of global traditional uses of Cannabis, revealing significant associations between different plant parts and uses. Leaves are commonly used for medicinal purposes, seeds for dietary purposes, and inflorescences for psychoactive effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Victoria Reyes-Garcia, Petra Benyei, Laura Aceituno-Mata, Airy Gras, Maria Molina, Javier Tardio, Manuel Pardo-de-Santayana
Summary: In Spain, two innovative initiatives have been implemented to document and protect traditional knowledge related to biodiversity, with over 131,066 uses and 152,246 local names documented so far. These initiatives contribute to the maintenance and sharing of traditional knowledge through open data and copyleft licenses, but more efforts are needed to ensure data sovereignty for knowledge holders.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Airy Gras, Montse Parada, Joan Valles, Teresa Garnatje
Summary: The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and limited efficacy of antibiotics have led to a study on ethnobotanical data to explore the potential of traditional knowledge in addressing new health challenges. A meta-analysis covering 29 research studies in the Catalan linguistic area revealed the extensive use of herbal products to treat infections and infestations, highlighting the importance of preserving popular plant knowledge in tackling infectious diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Airy Gras, Montse Parada, Jaume Pellicer, Joan Valles, Teresa Garnatje
Summary: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and approximately 60% of cancer drugs are derived from natural sources. Ethnobotany focuses on documenting traditional knowledge associated with plants, providing a starting point for discovering new plant-based drugs for tumor diseases and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A study conducted in the Catalan linguistic area recorded 41 plant species with anti-tumor effects, with Ranunculus parnassifolius being the most frequently reported species used for cancer treatment.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Fuencisla Caceres, Joan Valles, Teresa Garnatje, Montse Parada, Airy Gras
Summary: This study investigates the ethnoveterinary knowledge in the Catalan linguistic area, focusing on plants used to treat gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders in animals. The data collected from 599 informants reveal a wide variety of plant species and their uses in veterinary care. This research not only contributes to the preservation of ethnoveterinary knowledge but also provides insights for the development of new plant-based drugs for animals.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Guillermo Benitez, Manuel Pardo de Santayana, Diego Rivera, Alonso Verde, Airy Gras, Rosario G. Gavilan
Summary: In this new era of Mediterranean Botany, the editorial team has opened up the opportunity for manuscripts to be submitted for evaluation to the ethnobotany/ethnopharmacology section of the journal. We have compiled a set of minimum standards that manuscripts based on field research should meet in order to pass the review process and meet the minimum quality requirement. We specifically focus on the method and results sections, which often encounter issues with format, style, or content. While not exhaustive, we believe these recommendations will assist authors in presenting their texts and reviewers in evaluating them.
MEDITERRANEAN BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Kevin Cianfaglione, Laura Longo, Raivo Kalle, Renata Soukand, Airy Gras, Joan Valles, Ingvar Svanberg, Anely Nedelcheva, Lukasz Luczaj, Andrea Pieroni
Summary: This research documents and describes for the first time the prehistoric uses of large wetland graminoids, providing insights into ancient societies and their way of life. The loss of this traditional knowledge in Europe highlights the importance of understanding ancient cultures and lifestyles.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Genis Ona, Manica Balant, Jose Carlos Bouso, Airy Gras, Joan Valles, Daniel Vitales, Teresa Garnatje
Summary: The article analyzes the potential of Cannabis sativa as an eco-friendly pesticide based on ethnobotanical evidence and experimental studies. Promising pesticide properties were reported for most of the species tested, and further research is needed to standardize the phytochemical profile and explore better extraction methods. This review serves as a useful tool for guiding future studies on the use of C. sativa as a pesticide.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Manica Balant, Airy Gras, Francisco Galvez, Teresa Garnatje, Joan Valles, Daniel Vitales
Summary: Cannabis, a versatile plant with medicinal properties, strong fibers, nutritious seeds, and psychoactive resin, has been used by humans for millennia. While new applications are being developed, traditional uses are disappearing. The CANNUSE database provides organized information on various aspects of Cannabis use, serving as a starting point for new research and development strategies.
DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Petra Benyei, Laura Aceituno-Mata, Laura Calvet-Mir, Javier Tardio, Manuel Pardo-de-Santayana, David Garcia-del-Amo, Marta Rivera-Ferre, Maria Molina-Simon, Airy Gras, Antonio Perdomo-Molina, Sara Guadilla-Saez, Victoria Reyes-Garcia
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2020)