scholarly journals Assessment of the Diversity of Medico-Magic Knowledge on Four Herbaceous Species in Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Hubert Olivier Dossou-Yovo ◽  
Valentin Kindomihou ◽  
Fifanou Gbèlidji Vodouhè ◽  
Brice Sinsin
Keyword(s):  
Oral Administration ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Phyllanthus Amarus ◽  
Use Value ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Scoparia Dulcis ◽  
Ethnobotanical Uses

Background. Ethnobotanical knowledge on four herbaceous species, Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass., Momordica charantia L., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., and Scoparia dulcis L., in Benin was investigated. Methods. Herbal medicine traders in six different markets were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The linear regression test was performed to check for the influence of respondent’s age on ethnobotanical uses they hold. Relative frequency citation, fidelity level, use value, and Rahman similarity index were calculated to assess the diversity of medico-magic knowledge. The Informant Consensus Factor is not applicable in this study since we are dealing neither with the diversity of medicinal plants used by a community of people nor with a great number of plant species used for medicinal purposes, nor the diversity of plant species used in the treatment of a specific or group of ailments. Results. The respondent's age did not influence the ethnobotanical uses they hold on the species. All thirty-six informants surveyed traded Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., Momordica charantia L., and Scoparia dulcis L., and the majority traded Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. The respondent's age does not influence the diversity of ethnobotanical uses they hold on the study species. Purchase in traders’ own markets was the predominant source of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., Momordica charantia L., and Scoparia dulcis L. while Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. was mostly purchased in other more distant markets. A noticeable proportion of traders also collect Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. and Momordica charantia L. from wild populations. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. was the species most demanded by customers followed by Momordica charantia L. Traders confirmed the scarcity of all species in recent years and climate change and destruction of natural habitats for logging were the most cited causes. The entire plant of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. was used mainly to treat malaria, diabetes, and constipation, and decoction with oral administration was the most frequent preparation for malaria treatment. To treat diabetes, informants mixed Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. with Momordica charantia L. used as a decoction with oral administration. Momordica charantia L. was also used to treat measles and chicken pox. Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. and Scoparia dulcis L. were mostly used for their spiritual use for luck, predominantly by chewing fresh leaves or flowers, and by bathing with the ground plant mixed with soap, respectively. Overall, Momordica charantia L. had the greatest use value followed by Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. The majority of traders do not plant the species. Conclusions. The harvesting and trade of the species threaten their natural populations and urgent tools, including in situ and ex situ conservation, are needed to ensure their long-term sustainable exploitation.

scholarly journals Application of Ethnobotanical Indices to Assess the Diversity of Medico-magic Knowledge on Four Herbaceous Species in Benin.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Olivier Dossou-Yovo ◽  
Valentin Kindomihou ◽  
Brice Sinsin
Keyword(s):  
Oral Administration ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Phyllanthus Amarus ◽  
Use Value ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Natural Habitats

Abstract Background Ethnobotanical knowledge on four herbaceous species, Phyllanthus amarus, Spilanthes uliginosa, Momordica charantia and Acalypha ciliata in Benin was investigated. Methods Thirty-six herbal medicine traders in six different markets were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The Relative Frequency Citation, Fidelity Level, Use Value and Rahman Similarity Index were calculated to assess the diversity of medico-magic knowledge. Results All informants traded P. amarus, M. charantia and A. ciliata and the majority traded S. uliginosa. Purchase in traders’ own markets was the predominant source of P. amarus, M. charantia and A. ciliata while S. uliginosa was mostly purchased in other more distant markets. A noticeable proportion of traders also collect P. amarus and M. charantia from wild populations. Phyllanthus amarus was the species most demanded by customers followed by M. charantia. Traders confirmed the scarcity of all species in recent years and climate change as well as destruction of natural habitats for logging were the most cited causes. The entire plant of P. amarus was used mainly to treat malaria, diabetes and constipation and decoction with oral administration the most frequent preparation for malaria treatment. To treat diabetes, informants mixed P. amarus with M. charantia used as a decoction with oral administration. Momordica charantia was also used to treat measles and chicken pox. Spilanthes uliginosa and A. ciliata were mostly used for their spiritual use for luck, predominantly by chewing fresh leaves or flowers, and by bathing with the ground plant mixed with soap, respectively. Overall, M. charantia had the greatest use value followed by P. amarus. The majority of traders do not plant the species. Conclusions The harvesting and trade of the species threaten their natural populations and urgent tools, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation, are needed to ensure their long-term sustainable exploitation.

Diversity, Distribution, Indigenous Uses and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, North Western Himalaya

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-201
Author(s):  
Pankaj Sharma ◽  
Sher Samant ◽  
Lalit Tewari
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Himalayan Region ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Medicinal Species ◽  
Natural Habitats

In the Indian Himalayan Region, the use of medicinal plants is still a tradition continued by local people or ethnic communities and Traditional Medicine Systems play an important role in daily health care of poor people. The use of plants as medicine is slowly increasing in the developed world because they have minor or no side effects. The present study was conducted in Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh as the total dependency of the stakeholders on nearby forests for medicinal resources. In the present study, we reported 371 plant species that are used by the people in and around Nargu WLS as medicine. Distribution of maximum species (297 spp.) occurred between 1801-2800 m zone and only 40 species were present above 3800m. Of the total medicinal species recorded, 163 spp. were native to the Himalayan region and 24 spp. native to the Himalaya and other biogeographically regions. Rests (184 spp.) were non-native. The most frequently cured disease category (108 spp.) was gastrointestinal disease. Stakeholders of the Sanctuary and surrounding villages have rich indigenous knowledge of the use of medicinal plants to maintain their primary health. Traditional herbal remedies are important and effective because many traditional uses are scientifically proven through phytochemical and pharmacological studies. However, a large number of plant species remain untested for bio-efficacy and toxicity. Such tests may reveal novel remedies that have bioprospecting potential. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for the conservation of such precious medicinal resource of the area by managing and conserving the natural habitats, checking unscientific exploitation and by applying in-situ and various ex-situ conservation methods.

scholarly journals Cultural Significance of Medicinal Plants in Healing Human Ailmets Among Guji Semi-Pastoralist People, Suro Barguda District, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mersha Eshete Ashagre ◽  
Ermias Lulekal Molla
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Use Value ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Knowledge Diversity ◽  
Resource Degradation

Abstract Background: Ethnobotanical studies are useful in documenting, analyzing, and communicating knowledge and interaction between plant diversity and human societies. Indigenous knowledge has developed as a result of human interaction with their environment. Overstocking and farmland expansion has become the main causes of natural resource degradation. Studies on the ethnobotany of the woodland and dry Afromontane vegetation in Suro Barguda District are lacking. So, it was important to study the diversity of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge to determine the level of their usage, depletion, or conservation.Methods: Ethnobotanical data of traditional medicinal plants were collected by interviewing 196 informants (145 males and 51 females). Guided field walks and discussions (both group and individual discussion) were used in collecting the data. Quantitative approaches were used to determine the informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and use-value. Ethnomedicinal knowledge apprehended by different informant categories was compared using t-tests with R- software.Results: A total of 98 medicinal plant species belonging to 87 genera and 48 families were reported to be used for treating human ailments. Family Fabaceae was represented by the highest number of species followed by Lamiaceae. Four of the medicinal plants were endemic to Ethiopia. Shrubs were more dominant than trees and herbs. Most of the remedy preparations were from freshly collected plant parts; the major way of herbal medicine preparation was through chopping or pounding the plant parts and homogenizing them with cold and clean water; the oral application was the most common route of administration.Conclusion: The study area was rich in having medicinal plants and corresponding indigenous knowledge diversity. Most of the medicinal plants were found to play a multipurpose role across different use categories and consequently, some are under serious pressure challenging their survival. Hence, recorded high use value indices of multipurpose plant species in the study area can be used as signals of high use pressure and can be used as keys to design and implement well-coordinated complementary in situ and ex situ conservation activity to save these widely used plant species.

scholarly journals Review on Plant Diversity Status and Conservation Practices in Nepal

Patan Pragya ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-93
Author(s):  
Sudha Joshi Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Diversity ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Natural Habitats

Plant diversity plays the crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem and sustaining the life in the globe. Nepal lying in central Himalaya and at the crossroad of two phytogeographicregionsisbestowed with rich biodiversity. Though the country occupies about 0.1% of global land area but comprises 3.2% of world’s known flora. Biodiversity is eroding because of many factors such as habitat loss, deforestation, infrastructure development, over exploitation for human use, invasion by alien species, global climate change and natural calamities, thus threatening the existence in globe. Nepal has adopted both in-situ and ex-situ conservation practices to conserve the biodiversity and maintain the ecosystem in nature. A network of 20 protected areas is established and national forests under different categories are under protection to conserve the biodiversity in their natural habitats. Scientific forest management was initiated to enhance the forest productivity and conserve biodiversity. Botanical gardens in different localities are established for the conservation of rare, endangered, threatened and endemic plant species. Moreover, Government of Nepal has enlisted some plant species in Government protection list and CITES appendices to prevent them from degradation. Thirty three plant species with medicinal values are prioritized for research and economic development of the nation. Nepal’s approach in conservation of plant diversity is commendable and is at the forefront in in-situ conservation practice. However, a considerable number of plants species that are rare, threatened, endemic are also found outside the protected are as and need to be conserved.

scholarly journals The current state of the introduction coenopopulation of Gymnospermium odessanum on the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

2022 ◽  
Vol 93-94 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Victoria Gritsenko
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
National Academy Of Sciences ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Northern Border ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Gymnospermium odessanum is a rare relict endemic plant species. The research was carried out during G. odessanum flowering in 2019–2021 at the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG). Ecological and coenotic conditions of introduction at the NBG differ from natural habitats of the species and are not optimal for its vegetation. However, this species demonstrated ecological-coenotic plasticity and, over the decades, has formed a stable homeostatic introduction coenopopulation here. As of 2021, the area of introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum at the NBG was 2,075 m2. It comprises 412 individuals of this species (including 40 seedlings, 241 juvenile, 45 immature, 40 virginal, 45 generative, and 1 sub-senile plants). Coenopopulation fragments with a high density of G. odessanum individuals are rare here, so the average density is low – only 0.2 individuals per 1 m2. In 2021, in the spectrum of age states, the total percentage of pregenerative individuals was very high and reached 88.8 %; the share of generative individuals was 10.9 %.In general, the age structure of the introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum is characterized by long-term (2010–2021) stability. The spatial distribution of individuals in the introduction coenopopulation is of two kinds – random and in groups. This is due to combined myrmecochoric and barochoric propagation. Also due to myrmecochory, this coenopopulation tends to spread the area. Compared to natural coenopopulations, the introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum at the NBG is characterized by a larger area, a much significant number, and, at the same time, a low average density of individuals. However, like in most of natural populations, its age spectrum is left-sided.The conducted research testifies the successful formation of the introduction coenopopulation of G. odessanum in the meadow-steppe cultural phytocoenosis of the NBG. This introduction coenopopulation is an example of a successful multi-year scientific experiment and effective ex situ protection and preservation of G. odessanum on the northern border of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, far beyond the natural range of this endemic plant species.

scholarly journals Family graveyards form underappreciated local plant diversity hotspots in China's agricultural landscapes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Gong ◽  
Liangtao Li ◽  
Jan C. Axmarcher ◽  
Zhenrong Yu ◽  
Yunhui Liu
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Landscape Features ◽  
Habitat Islands ◽  
Local Plant ◽  
Ecological Functioning

AbstractIn the intensively farmed, homogenous agricultural landscape of the North China Plain, family graveyards form distinct cultural landscape features. In addition to their cultural value, these graveyards represent semi-natural habitat islands whose potential roles in biodiversity conservation and ecological functioning has remained poorly understood. In this study, we investigated plant species richness on 199 family graveyards of different ages and sizes. In accordance with biogeography theory, both overall and insect-pollinated plant species richness increased with area and age of graveyards. Even small graveyards show a strong potential for conserving local plant richness, and a mosaic of both large and small family graveyards could play an important role in the conservation of farmland biodiversity and related ecosystem functions. The launch of agri-environmental measures that conserve and create semi-natural habitats, in turn benefitting agricultural biodiversity and ecological functioning, has proven difficult in China due to the shortage of dispensable arable land. Given the great value of family graveyards as semi-natural habitats reflected in our study, we propose to focus preliminary efforts on conserving these landscape features as existing, widespread and culturally important semi-natural habitat islands. This would represent an effective, complementary policy to a subsequent re-establishment of other semi-natural habitats for the conservation of biodiversity and ecological functioning in agricultural landscapes.

scholarly journals Minor Treatments Can Play a Significant Role in Preserving Natural Habitats and Protected Species on the Shore of a Central European Lake

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1540
Author(s):  
Bence Fülöp ◽  
Bálint Pacsai ◽  
Judit Bódis
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Lake Balaton ◽  
Protected Species ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Tourism Potential

Semi-natural grasslands were previously established through traditional land use and maintained by active management, but their extension nowadays is declining rapidly, particularly in areas that also have tourism potential. In parallel, the conservation value of the remaining areas is increasing. The shore of Lake Balaton is a particularly good example, as Lake Balaton is an area highly affected by tourism, yet there have been valuable habitats able to survive and provide refuge for many vulnerable, protected species. Fortunately, we have reliable information about the vegetation of the area from two decades ago. Comparing these data with our recent surveys we investigated the changes in habitats and the distribution of protected plant species in connection with the active conservation treatments such as grazing or cutting. Our results show that in areas where treatments are still ongoing, protected plant species are more likely to survive, or even other species can appear, which is in clear contrast with conditions experienced in abandoned areas, where at least seven protected species have disappeared. According to our results, minor, but appropriately chosen and well-executed management interventions, can help in the long-term maintenance of species-rich habitats and improving the conservation status of threatened species.

Floristic Diversity Along An Altitudinal Gradient in Lakadmandi Beat of Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
R. Verma
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Himachal Pradesh ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Floristic Diversity ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Cedrus Deodara ◽  
Quercus Leucotrichophora ◽  
Herb Species

A study was conducted to understand the floristic diversity along an altitudinal gradient with elevations varying from 1800-2400m above msl in Lakadmandi beat of Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary in district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh during 2011. Total number of plant species was 81 belonging to 52 families and 76 genera. The dominant families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Pinaceae and Polygonaceae. The number of trees species was 6, 6 and 10 with the dominance of Quercus leucotrichophora, Cedrus deodara and Cedrus deodara at 1800-2000m, 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevation ranges respectively. The number of shrub species was 16, 13 and 23 with the dominance of Quercus leucotrichophora sapling, Sarcococca saligna and Sarcococca saligna at 1800-2000m, 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevations respectively. The number of herb species was 46, 46 and 58 at 1800-2000m, 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevation ranges respectively. On the basis of Importance Value Index (IVI), Valeriana jatamansii was the dominant herb at 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevation ranges respectively. The distribution pattern of most of plant species was contiguous at all altitudinal ranges. Index of diversity for herb species in these elevational ranges was 3.420, 3.568 and 3.250. Out of 40 medicinal plant species recorded from the area, 3 species i.e. Paris polyphylla, Podophyllum hexandrum and Taxus wallichiana fall in the category of threatened plants. The better conservation of natural resources can be done through promotion of community based conservation, ex-situ conservation through tissue culture, developing cultivation technologies and nurseries of medicinal plants and conducting of regular training on the procedure of medicinal plants collection and processing among the end users.

Sustainable use of wild plant species: A research bibliography

Social Change ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 204-221
Author(s):  
Ghazala Shahabuddin
Keyword(s):  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Wild Plant ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Plant Resources ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Field Methods

During the last few decades, there has been a growing realisation that biodiversity conservation cannot be successful without the active involvement of the people living close to and dependent on natural ecosystems for their survival and livelihoods. Consequently, there has been a gradual broadening of the global conservation agenda from strict nature protection to include the sustainable use of natural resources, which is now reflected in governmental policy the world over. However, as conservationists strive today towards the harmonisation of people's needs with biodiversity conservation, one of the most elusive, yet critical, goals for them has been the sustainable extraction of plant resources from the wild. Hundreds of plant species continue to be extracted from natural habitats for use as food, medicine, fuel and fodder in households and for commercial sale, both legally and illegally. As a consequence of unmonitored extraction and over-exploitation, many plant species populations are reported to be declining in the wild. In the face of increasing pressure on forest resources, it has become more important than ever before to devise quantitative management policies for sustainable plant use so that both forests and the livelihoods of millions of rural people who are dependent on them, can be sustained. One of the major stumbling blocks for conservationists in developing countries, who are attempting to design and implement sustainable forest management systems, is the lack of information on the state-of-the-art in this field, especially that relating to field methods, data analysis, data recording and monitoring systems. In order to fill this lacuna, a comprehensive bibliography of studies undertaken so far in the science of sustainable use from terrestrial ecosystems is presented here. The scope of this bibliography includes sustainable

scholarly journals Occurrence of Citropsis articulata in Tropical Forests in Uganda: Implication for Ex Situ Conservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Rapheal Wangalwa ◽  
Eunice Apio Olet ◽  
Grace Kagoro-Rugunda ◽  
Casim Umba Tolo ◽  
Patrick E. Ogwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Kibale National Park ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Forest Reserves ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Alternative Sources

Citropsis articulata is a medicinal plant that is increasingly threatened by unsustainable methods of harvesting and habitat degradation. Owing to the fact that this plant species is highly utilized for herbal medicine and is currently restricted to a few forest reserves in Uganda, this has significant implications for ex situ conservation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess how physiographical factors influence the occurrence and distribution of C. articulata in the three forest reserves in Uganda, namely, Budongo, Mabira, and Kibale National Park. The study was carried out in 15 compartmental sites in each of the three forests. In each compartmental site, 4 plots of 60 m × 60 m were systematically established, and within each plot, 4 subplots each of size 20 m × 20 m were randomly setup. A total of 240 subplots were assessed for occurrence of Citropsis articulata in each forest. The results indicated a significant ( p < 0.05 ) variation in the density of C. articulata with the highest recorded in Kibale National Park. Citropsis articulata generally occurred at moderate altitudinal landscapes (overall elevation = 1200.0 ± 20.73 m) with soils that are moderately acidic (overall pH = 5.7 ± 0.10), low in salinity (overall salinity = 84.0 ± 3.84 mg/l), and moderate levels of macro- and micronutrients. Citropsis articulata was generally associated with plant communities dominated by canopy tree species of genera such as Chryosphyllum, Celtis, Markhamia, Cynometra, Lasiodiscus, Trilepisium, Funtumia, and Diospyros, thus suggesting that C. articulata is a shade-tolerant species. Establishing the ecological requirements of this plant species among other things informs the potential for ex situ production of this plant. This will not only provide alternative sources of plant harvest but also go a long way in relieving the current harvest pressures exerted on the conserved wild populations of this plant species.

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