2010 - Volume 8 : Ethnobotany Research and Applications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/18537

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Uses and Commercial Prospects for the Wine Palm, Attalea butyracea, in Colombia
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Bernal, Rodrigo; Galeano, Gloria; García, Néstor; Olivares, Ingrid Lorena; Cocomá, Carolina
Attalea butyracea (Mutis ex L.f.) Wess. Boer is a massive and abundant palm that grows in dry areas of northern, central and eastern Colombia, where it ranks as one of the most useful plants. Thirty-six uses in eight use categories are recorded for this species in Colombia, including food, animal feed, medicine, construction, and technological and cultural uses. Most uses have only minor, local relevance, but some of them have potential that is worth exploring. The potential of the palm as a source of sugar, oil, palm heart, fiber, animal feed, and activated charcoal is discussed. Sugar production seems particularly promising; if the palm can be tapped through the inflorescence in the same way that other palms are tapped in Asia, sugar production in an integrated agrosilvopastoral system could be comparable to that of sugarcane planted for jaggery production. We suggest that this palm also has potential as a source of biofuel.
The North American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea Willd.); Sacred food of the Osage People
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Swan, Daniel C.
The North American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea Willd.) is well documented as an important food plant among the Native people of North America. This paper presents ethnographic and historic evidence of its past veneration by the Osage Indians of Oklahoma as a sacred food and a symbol of their desire for health and long life, particularly for their children. Today N. lutea has become a prominent traditional food among the Osage and an important culinary element in contemporary Osage cultural identity.
Arundo donax L. (Giant reed) Use by Turkish Cypriots
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Gücel, Salih
A survey about the traditional uses of Arundo donax L. (Giant reed) by Turkish Cypriots was carried out. Sixty inhabitants from 25 areas were interviewed about the vernacular names, plant part used and forms of usage. Twenty-seven ways of utilizing this plant were recorded. The ethnobotanical importance of Arundo should be considered in the management of this plant.
Ethnobotanical Uses of Plants among the Bhotiya Tribal Communities of Niti Valley in Central Himalaya, India
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Phondani, P.C.; Maikhuri, R.K.; Rawat, L.S.; Farooquee, N.A.; Kala, C.P.; Vishvakarma, SCR; Rao, K.S.; Saxena, K.G.
A study of the medicinal plants and knowledge of diseases was conducted in Bhotiya tribal communities in the Niti valley of Alaknanda catchment in Central Himalaya. Indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers about plants used for medicinal purposes was collected through questionnaire and interviews. Eighty-six plant species were identified as being used for treatment of 37 common ailments. The methods and application of uses of these plants varies and was based on the nature of disease.
Ethnobotanical Study of the Rural Population of the West of the Pampa Plain (Argentina)
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Muiño, Walter Alejandro
This paper is an ethnobotanical study of cattle farming in the western Pampa region of Argentina, an arid region with very scarce rainfall and a population consisting mainly of Criollo farmers. A total of 68 rural settlers were interviewed, providing information on 69 specific and infraspecific taxa. Plants were classified into the following categories according to use: forage, toxic species or species with adverse effects on animals, use in rural constructions, tools, and those with veterinary applications. Data include native, naturalized and cultivated species. They revealed a diverse group of forage plants, according to the type of livestock, and very few toxic plants. Veterinary applications were related to first aid cases. In rural construction, plants were mostly used for fencing paddocks and corrals. The results of this study show the acute level of perception and detailed knowledge of the plant environment held by this farming community in relation to their main economic activity.
A Comparative Analysis of Medicinal Plants Used by Folk Medicinal Healers in Three Districts of Bangladesh and Inquiry as to Mode of Selection of Medicinal Plants
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Haque Mollik, Ariful; Hossan, Shahdat; Kumar Paul, Alok; Taufiq-Ur-Rahman, M.; Jahan, Rownak; Rahmatullah, Mohammed
An ethnomedicinal survey conducted in two sub-districts (upazillas) each of three districts of Bangladesh revealed that there is both inter- and intra-district variation between the choices of medicinal plants selected by folk medicinal healers (kavirajes) to treat any specific ailment. The variations cannot be accounted for by differences in climate or plant availability for most of the plants used by the kavirajes are available in all six upazillas where the survey was conducted. Most kavirajes claimed that they obtained information on medicinal plants either from ‘gurus’ or from elderly members of their family. However, it was also revealed by the kavirajes that further modes for acquiring medicinal plant knowledge were through initial experiments conducted on animals and poultry, dreams, and a perceived similarity between plants or plant parts and human body features. It is concluded that such selections are, and were, primarily made through initial experiments by traditional healers on animals and birds. Dreams and perceived similarities between plant parts and human body parts may also play an important role in such selection.
Ethnobotany and Conservation of Plant Resources of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Amusa, T.O.; Jimoh, S.O.; Aridanzi, P.; Haruna, M.
The study was conducted to generate baseline data for the conservation and sustainable use of woody resources in Kainji Lake National Park. The study objectives were to document local knowledge on uses, status and sustainable management of selected woody species. Using both ethnobotanical and quantitative ecological methods, the study was carried out in the Borgu sector of the park. A total of 37 plants species belonging to 18 families were selected using a ranking and prioritization scale. Family-Fabaceae was the dominant family in terms of number of species represented. The species are multipurpose and are exploited to satisfy different subsistence needs. Among the plant-use categories, medicinal uses ranked highest (38%) followed by edible plants (25%), miscellaneous purposes (24%), and construction (13%). In terms of species status, Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. has the highest mean frequency of 68.9% and a population density of 3.036 + 1.7 individuals/ha. This is followed by Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. with 55.6% mean frequency and a population density of 2.143 + 1.7 individuals/ ha. There was no significant relationship between the useful value of a species and its density rank (R= 0.047; R2 = 0.002; F= 0.783) in the study area. Thus, the study recommends a holistic approach that includes the involvement of the local people in the management of woody species.
Ethnomedicinal Analysis of Toxic Plants from Five Ethnic Groups in China
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Huyin Huai; Qinqin Dong; Aizhong Liu
Toxic plants are important elements of ethnomedicine. Ethnomedicinal knowledge on toxic plants recorded from five indigenous people, Dai, Lahu, Miao, Tujia, and Wa in south and southwestern China, was summarized and analyzed based on available literature. A formula has been developed to evaluate toxic plants in the ethnomedicine of different ethnic groups using the Average Use Values (AUVs) of them. In total, 118 toxic plants often used as ethnomedicines were found from the five ethnic groups. These toxic plants were mainly distributed in 21 families, i.e., 75.4% of species and 68.1% of genera were concentrated in the 21 families. Araceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fabaceae are 4 important families which contain rich toxic plants. Eleven toxic plants were thought to be deadly toxic. These toxic plants were often used medicinally to treat injuries from falls, broken bones, and skin problems. Most toxic plants were medicinally used for multiple purposes in the five ethnic groups. The medicinal role of toxic plants was ascertained by comparing the AUVs or UVs in these ethnomedicines. The culture and the resources available were two main factors affecting ethnic healers selecting and using toxic plants.
The Geography of the Chios Mastic Trade from the 17th through to the 19th Century
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Ierapetritis, Dimitrios G.
Chios, one of the largest islands in the Eastern Mediterranean, became internationally known during the 13th century due to the production of the Chios mastic in twenty one villages on the south, the resin of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia (Desf. ex Poiret) DC.), to which many beneficial properties and uses had already been attributed in the antiquity. The international demand for mastic led the various conquerors of Chios to prohibit free trade and lay down a system for monopoly distribution. After the island was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1566, following a period of almost two centuries of Genoan rule (1346 to 1566), the valuable product of Chios Mastic constitutes one of the monopolies of the Ottoman State. The present article aims firstly to present the botanical aspect of Chios Mastic, the mastic tree (P. lentiscus var chia), as well as the cultivation and harvesting methods of the produce. Secondly, by investigating the historical sources it aims to present the geography of the mastic trade in the East and West from the 17th through to the 19th century, while at the same time analyzing the monopoly trade system established by the Ottoman State. Thirdly, it analyzes the international demand for the Chios mastic during this same period in the international markets, focussing on the beneficial qualities attributed to it. Finally, it examines the validity of the information published in geographical and traveller’s journals during the period in question, evaluating the conclusions of the relevant modern scientific research. This article is based mainly on studying sources such as geographical and traveller’s manuscripts dated back from the 17th until the 19th century, which are kept in the “Korais” Central Public Historical Library, as well as other historical sources examining the period in question.
Ethnomedicine of Ogiek of River Njoro Watershed, Nakuru- Kenya
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Ngari, Eunice W.; Chiuri, L.W.; Kariuki, S.T.; Huckett, S.
Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting the medical and health needs of people, especially in developing countries. However, destruction of habitat through deforestation, over exploitation for commercial purposes, and changes in cultural behaviors threatens to drive many of these species into extinction. This broad study focused on documenting most of the medicinal plants used by the Ogiek community in Mau Forest Complex to facilitate conservation efforts. Stratified random and snowball sampling methods were used to identify 60 men and 60 women living in the community to participate in this research. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and data were analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). 94 traditionally recognized plants were identified and correlated with their medicinal uses as indicated by informants. These were found mainly in open fields, riparian zones and in the forest. Men identified relatively more medicinal plants and their medicinal values than women did. In contrast, women had more knowledge of techniques for preparation and administration of herbal drugs for domestic uses. There was a positive correlation between the number of plants known to respondents and the age of respondents.
Cooling the Heat - Traditional remedies for malaria and fever in Northern Peru
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Bussmann, Rainer W.; Glenn, Ashley
Malaria continues to be a major health challenge worldwide especially due to the increasingly fast development of resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to the drugs currently in use. A total of 17 plant species belonging to 17 genera and 13 families were documented and identified as anti-malarial herbal remedies in Northern Peru. Most species used were in Asteraceae, followed by Fabaceae and Solanaceae. The majority of anti-malarial herbal preparations were made from the leaves of plants, while the whole plant, flowers and stems were used less frequently. This suggests that the local healers count on a very well developed knowledge about the properties of different plant parts. In almost 70% of the cases fresh plant material was used to prepare remedies. Over half of all remedies were prepared as mixtures with multiple ingredients by boiling plant material either in water or in sugarcane spirit. The information gained on frequently used traditional remedies against malaria might give some leads towards future targets for further analysis in order to develop new anti-malaria drugs. However, more detailed scientific studies are desperately needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the remedies employed traditionally.
An Ethnobotanical Inventory of Himalayan Region Poonch Valley Azad Kashmir (Pakistan)
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Azam Khan, Muhammad; Azam Khan, Mir; Hussain, Mazar; Mujtaba, Ghulam
This study indicated that the inhabitants of Poonch Valley utilized 169 plant species for more than 30 domestic needs. Major use categories were determined with the largest (most species) being for medicines and foods. Medicinal plants, timber and fodder are identified as use categories that are of particular conservation importance in the area.
In-vitro antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of selected medicinal plant extracts from Penang Island Malaysia on metronidazole-resistant-Helicobacter pylori and some pathogenic bacteria.
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Uyub, Abdul M.; Nwachukwu, Ikenna N.; Azlan, Ahmad A.; Fariza, Shaida S.
Helicobacter pylori is the major agent in the etiology of chronic active gastritis, duodenal and gastric ulcers and has been linked to gastric carcinoma. The increasing antibiotic resistance of this organism and other bacteria has led to increased treatment failures, especially in therapies involving commonly used antibiotics. Malaysia has an unexplored potential of medicinal plants. This study evaluates the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of 32 selected medicinal plants used in Malaysian traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders and wounds. Extracts were tested against H. pylori by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods. Toxicity of the most potent extracts was also investigated. Organic solvent extracts of Derris trifoliata Lour. selectively inhibited H. pylori, and thus was further studied. Petroleum ether (PE), chloroform (CHL) and methanol (MET) extracts were tested against 13 other bacterial isolates representing eight genera. Petroleum ether and chloroform extracts showed strong activity against metronidazole-resistant clinical isolates of H. pylori with MIC90 and MIC50 ranging from 1- 4mg/l. All extracts of D. trifoliata produced higher inhibition zone diameters against H. pylori than for other bacteria. Toxicity tests showed Lc50 of PE, CHL and MET extracts on Artemia salina Leach as 1.14, 1.1, and 54.9mg/l respectively. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids, steroids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, and phenyl propanoids, tannin, and mucilage in the extracts. Derris trifoliata shows potential as a source of selective anti-H. pylori agent.
Ethnobotanical Study of Hyacinthaceae and Non-hyacinthaceous Geophytes in Selected Districts of Malawi
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Mwafongo, Elizabeth; Nordal, Inger; Magombo, Zacharia; Stedje, Brita
This paper reports on the findings of an ethnobotanical survey of geophytes used in 15 selected districts of Malawi. The survey was initially driven by the need to assess the conservation status and use of Lilioid monocots of the family Hyacinthaceae. Altogether, 49 geophytes were documented as useful for food (24%), medicine (58%) and other purposes (18%). The most commonly reported species was Dioscorea odoratissima Pax. (Dioscoreaceae). Monocots represented 45% of the total. Members of the family Hyacinthaceae were only represented by 3 (6%) species Albuca abyssinica Jacq., Ledebouria cordifolia (Baker) Stedje & Thulin and Ledebouria revoluta (L.f.) Jessop. The study has further explored six alternative methods of evaluating sampling effort and estimating species richness. Michaelis-Menten Means estimator appeared to be the best estimator of species richness but was not able to accurately predict species richness for all the data combined. A bootstrap estimator was found to be more accurate. It was also apparent from the survey of geophytes that species in the Asteraceae and Fabaceae are more sought after for food and medicine than hyacinthoide monocots evidenced by fewer representatives mentioned by respondents.
Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants in Bangladesh to Treat Urinary Tract Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Hossan, Shahadat; Hanif, Abu; Agarwala, Bipasha; Sarwar, Shahnawaz; Karim, Masud; Taufiq-Ur-Rahman, M.; Jahan, Rownak; Rahmatullah, Mohammed
The rural population of Bangladesh has traditionally depended on folk medicinal healers for treatment of their ailments. These healers use medicinal plants as their primary source of medicinal formulations. Rural patients are more dependent on traditional or folk medicinal healers for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for a number of reasons including lack of access to modern medical facilities, clinging to traditional approaches, and finally hesitancy to relate this form of illnesses in front of unknown doctors. Since the traditional healer usually resides in the same village or in an adjoining area, the patient is more comfortable in seeking them for treatment. We conducted an ethnomedicinal survey among the traditional healers of various ethnic groups and in several regions of the country to obtain information on medicinal plants used to treat UTIs and STDs. Interviews were conducted in the local dialect or language about plant parts used, ailments treated, formulations, and dosages. Thirty-one species were reported by traditional healers as being used for UTIs, including leucorrhea, frequent or infrequent urination, cloudy urination and burning sensations during urination. Ten species were reported to be used against STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea.
Interpreting Resource Gradients and Patches for the Conservation of Woody Plant Diversity at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Medley, Kimberly E.; Mwandoe, Zaphania; Mwamodo, Moses; Zungi, Juma; Mwatate, Danson; Njege, Nashon
Biodiversity conservation at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya in the Eastern Arc Mountains relies on understanding how plants are distributed on the mountain and integrated into local livelihoods. We focus on woody plants, and ask: (1) how does resource richness change with altitude; and, (2) can resource patches be identified that prioritize plant conservation within vegetation zones? The study measured the composition, structure, and use of woody plants in 55 nested plots stratified across bushland, montane woodland, and evergreen forest. Plant uses average highest in bushland below human settlements, show greatest variation in montane woodland, and are significantly lower in evergreen forest. Resource diversity correlates with species richness along the altitudinal gradient (r= 0.89), especially for food (0.64) and construction (0.59), but also shows distinct resource patches at locations in montane woodland. Species richness patterns at Mt. Kasigau confirm a high diversity of plant communities that can be used to collaboratively guide conservation planning.
Do They Really “Know Nothing”? An inquiry into ethnobotanical knowledge of students in Arizona, USA
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) O’Brien, Colleen M.
Recent research indicates differences in what children know and how they learn about plants when compared to their parents and grandparents. Ethnobotanical research was conducted with students in Ajo, Arizona, U.S.A, a rural town that has undergone vast social, economic, and political changes. The interviews included free lists and an identification exercise using video clips of Sonoran Desert plants. Students have a limited knowledge of the plant domain listing an average of five plants, the majority of which were non-native. Students correctly identified an average of 4+/- 2.65 out of 20 Sonoran plants. Size and integration into the market economy were limiting factors in the identification of particular plant referents. Students who reported learning about the desert from experience or a person had higher identification scores than those who named other means. The research results highlight how cultural knowledge about local plants can be applied to educational programs that promote experiential learning.
On-farm Diversity and Characterization of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Landraces in the Highlands of West Shewa, Ethiopia
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Eticha, Firdissa; Sinebo, Woldeyesus; Grausgruber, Heinrich
Barley has a long history of cultivation in Ethiopian highlands. In Dandi and Jeldu districts, barley is the major staple crop and it is deeply rooted in the socio-cultural lifestyle of the communities. Over centuries, natural and human selection resulted in a huge diversity of landraces. This diversity, however, is subject to serious genetic erosion. A survey was carried out to record the status of barley landraces. In total, 14 landraces were described by farmers. However, only four of them are still cultivated. Environmental factors, e.g., degradation of soil fertility, were main factors for the loss of diversity. Preservation of landraces is influenced by their end-use, market demand and price. Recently, some more input demanding landraces which are usually grown around homesteads were replaced by potato. Regeneration of soil fertility, re-introduction of lost landraces and improvement of landraces are suggested for the restoration of barley diversity in Dandi and Jeldu districts.
Ex-situ Management Study of Some High Value Medicinal Plant Species in Swat, Pakistan
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Sher, Hassan; Hussain, Farrukh; Sher, Hazrat
An ex-situ experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of six medicinal species (Aconitum laeve Royle, Bunium persicum B. Fedtsch., Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, Delphinium roylei Munz and Hypericum perforatum L.) from upper Swat, Pakistan. Experiments were conducted at four different locations in the upper Swat valley at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 1900 m.a.s.l. The objectives were; 1) to determine the suitability of ex-situ cultivation of different medicinal species, and; 2) to assess the economic feasibility of growing medicinal plants in the area. A highest mean survival of 80.7% across all locations was observed for H. perforatum followed by 58.7% for B. persicum. The remaining four species exhibited very poor survival rates, although D. roylei, did show encouraging signs of growth and flowered, before experiencing high mortality rates late in the trial. Altitude generally seemed to enhance the degree of sprouting for all species except H. perforatum. However, the productive yield of H. perforatum was certainly not reduced, but rather slightly enhanced in the higher altitude sites. Overall, cultivation of only two of the investigated species, B. persicum and H. perforatum, appeared successful and potentially economically viable under farmland conditions at upper Swat.
Plant Species with Spontaneous Reproduction in Homegardens in Eastern Tyrol (Austria): Perception and management by women farmers
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2010) Vogl-Lukasser, Brigette; Vogl, Christian R.; Gütler, Marianne; Heckler, Serena
Plant species in Alpine homegardens in Eastern Tyrol (Austria) are managed along a continuum that ranges from species which are planted or sown every year to species which are left to spontaneously reproduce in the gardens. The importance, management practices and the cultural context of spontaneously reproducing species was studied in 196 gardens in the years 1997/98 within an ethnobotanical inventory. Respondents do classify species with spontaneous reproduction in “not welcome”, “tolerated” or “welcome” species. These categories are not mutually exclusive. Plants may be placed in one or more of them, because plants are managed differently by different gardeners. The first two categories have in common, that species have not been introduced actively by the gardener. They are soil borne or dispersed e.g., by wind or birds. “Not welcome” species are weeded as they germinate; “tolerated” species have a certain purpose, and therefore left to grow after harvest of the useful plant organ. From the total of 330 plant species with spontaneous reproduction found, 133 are “not welcome” and 26 plant species are “tolerated”. In recent history, weeded species have always been used for fodder or as medicinal plants. Today only a few gardeners recognize these uses. Species classified to be “welcome” (230 species) were almost all actively brought into the garden once. Without active propagation these plant species reproduce spontaneously now. Women farmers estimate the “welcome” species and their contributions to the farmers’ family, because of the diversity of their uses, the low labor input required for their management and as an opportunity to save money.

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