Ethnobotanical Leaflets

In-Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Activity of Vitex nigundo (Verbenaceae)

P. B. Aswar et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:57 PST

Vitex negundo belongs to the family Verbenaceae. It is a large aromatic shrub distributed throughout the greater part of India up to an altitude of 1500 m in the outer Himalayas. It is widely planted as a hedge plant along the roads and between the roads. Traditionally it is having the flok claims like useful in treatment of rheumatism, insecticidal, antimicrobial, anticancer, tranquillizer, tonic, febrifuge, expectorant and diuretic properties. In the present study an attempt had been made to evaluate comparative antibacterial and antifungal principles from Vitex nigundo with some therapeutically used antibiotics. Different extracts of Vitex negundo leaves were investigated for its anti microbial and antifungal activity on five bacterial species and three fungal species these are Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, E.coli, Pseudomonas aerugenosa and Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavon, Candida albicans respectively. Among all extracts waterethanol (50:50) extract showed maximum anti microbial and water extract showed maximum antifungal activity against all tested species.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Anti- Inflammatory Potential of Vitex leucoxylon Linn.

B Gopalakrishna et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:56 PST

The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of the bark of Vitex leucoxylon Linn. was studied in albino wistar rats using the Carageenan induced rat paw edema model. The ethanolic and aqueous extract of Vitex leucoxylon (500 mg/kg p.o.) inhibited Carageenan induced rat paw edema. The extract was also studied for its preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies. The result indicated that both the extract produced significant (P<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with the standard drug Indomethacin (10 mg/ kg p. o.) and untreated control. Phyto-chemical screening showed the presence of various constituent like phenolic compounds, phytosterol, protein, flavonoids, carbohydrate etc.

Medicinal and Phamacological Potential of Nigella sativa: A Review

N. K. Sharma et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:55 PST

Herbs are vital source of drugs from the ancient time holding the scenario of the Indian system of medicine. Nigella sativa commonly known as karayal is an annual flowering plant, native to southwest Asia. Seeds and their oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and are used in food as well as medicine. The present paper enumerates the medicinal, pharmacological, traditional value and folk remedies of this herb, which may help the researchers to set their minds for approaching the utility, efficacy and potency of Nigella sativa.

Colophospermum mopane Wood Utilisation in the Northeast of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

R. A. Makhado et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:54 PST

The use of Colophospermum mopane wood was quantified from six villages in the northeast of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. One hundred and eighty individuals were interviewed from the selected villages. Three villages were located in the depleted woodlands and the remaining three at abundant woodlands. Traditional governance structures within the selected villages and relevant conservation department officials were also interviewed. Colophospermum mopane is an essential source of fuelwood and provide poles used for construction of traditional structures. Each family uses 6.8 ± 0.1 kg of Colophospermum mopane fuelwood for cooking day-1 in the woodland depleted villages, while 8.2 ± 0.2 kg is used at the woodland abundant villages. Colophospermum mopane is preferred for construction of traditional structures because its wood is durable and is able to resists the effects of termites and wood borers.

Determination of Protein Content of Some Different Types of Species of Mushroom in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

R. A. Jose et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:53 PST

The wild edible mushrooms are one of the most important non-timber forest products. Due to its vigorous growth in the rainy season, delicious taste and nutritional value, the protein content of three species of mushrooms, namely Termitomyces robustus, Lentinus squarrosulus Mont and Lentimula edodes, was determined. The highest amount of protein was found in Lentinus squarrosulus Mont (37.80mg/ml), followed by Termitomyces robustus (33.00mg/ml) and least found in Lentimula edodes (17.00mg/ml).

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cassia Fistula Linn.

S. J. Wasu et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:52 PST

A number of herbal preparations are used throughout the world for the management of the hepatic disorders. However, many of them have not been investigated for their described effects. Cassia fistula Linn. is one such drug used in the treatment of hepatitis in folk medicine. Therefore, an attempt was made to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of leaves and bark of Cassia fistula against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sixty albino Wistar rats were divided into six equal groups of 10. Four groups received extracts leaves/bark of Cassia fistula and intraperitoneal (i.p.) CCl4 (0.2 ml/100 g) either before or after administration of extracts. Two groups were controls, one treated with CCl4 and one with normal saline. Liver damage was assessed by plasma concentration of bilirubin and enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with aqueous extract of leaves and bark significantly reduced CCl4 -induced elevation in plasma enzyme and bilirubin concentration in rats. This study demonstrated that CCl4 -induced liver damage in rats can be ameliorated by treatment of extracts from leaves and bark.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by Gond Tribe of Bhandara District, Maharashtra in the Treatment of Diarrhoea and Dysentery

Rakhi Gupta et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:51 PST

This research paper presents the findings of an investigation on traditional remedies of diarrhoea and dysentery among the ethnic group (Gond tribe) in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra state, India. 38 valuable species belonging to 27 families were identified with relevant information and are documented alphabetically in this paper with regard to their botanical name followed by family name, local name, parts used, mode of preparation and medicinal uses.

A Floristic Description of Flora and Ethnobotany of Samahni Valley (A.K.), Pakistan

Tanveer Hussain et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:50 PST

The present study reveals a description of floristic features like life form, leaf size spectra and ethnobotany of valley Samahni. This study was carried out during the years 2006-2008, in Samahni valley district Bhimber A.K. (Pakistan), using methods consisting of semi-structured interviews employing a check list of questions, questionnaires, direct observations and biological inventories. It provides information about different local plants and their life form and leaf size spectra. 120 plant species recorded belonging to 46 families. Poaceae is the dominating with 14 members. Among these the most of the plants are used to cure common diseases like diarrhea, earache, fever, jaundice, flu, cough and other skin diseases. Snake bite, wound healing and burning of body part are also treated with local herbs. Many plants are used for multiple purposes like as medicines, food, fodder, fuel, furniture and shelter. Due to deforestation vegetation is eliminating rapidly. But the efforts and knowledge about plant wealth conservation is at initial stages. Megaphanerophytes are dominating followed by therophytes. Hemicryptophytes, Nanophanerophytes and Geophytes come after these respectively. All the types of vegetation depend upon presence of trees. In leaf size spectra Microphyllous are dominant followed by Megaphyllous. This work can be the base for advance research in different fields like phytochemistry, molecular biochemistry and antimicrobial plant secondary metabolites. For further research this ethnobotanical work is very important because it has come into existence with large experience of ancient history.

Ethnomedicinal Uses of Climbers from Saraswati River Region of Patan District, North Gujarat

A. R. Seliya et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:49 PST

During the years 20072008 several field trips were conducted to document the ethnomedicinal uses of climbers of angiosperms from the rural of Saraswati river region of Patan district of North Gujarat area of Gujarat state. Total 30 angiospermic climber species are recorded during these period being practised by rural of these area.

Antimicrobial Activity of Carica Papaya (Pawpaw Leaf) on Some Pathogenic Organisms of Clinical Origin from South-Western Nigeria

I. I. Anibijuwon et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:48 PST

The bioactive compound of leaf and root extracts of Carica papaya was extracted, using water and organic solvents, and were investigated for antibacterial activity against some human pathogenic bacteria using the agar diffusion method. The aqueous extracts of the root extracts did not show significant activity, but the organic extracts had significant activity with the methanol extracts demonstrating the highest activity against the test bacteria. The root extracts demonstrated higher activities against all the gram-positive bacteria than the gram-negative bacteria tested, with the highest activity (14 mm zone of inhibition) demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa while the aqueous leaf extract showed pronounced inhibition demonstrating higher activities against the test bacteria than the organic solvents. The extracts demonstrated higher activities against all the gram-positive bacteria than the gram-negative bacteria tested, with the highest activity (4.2 mm zone of inhibition) demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increase in temperature enhanced the activity of the extracts, while alkaline pH decreased the activity. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the root extracts ranged between 50-200 mg/ml. Preliminary phytochemical analyses showed that the extracts contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and phenols. Carica papaya may be used for the treatment of gastroenteritis, uretritis, otitis media and wound infections.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic Potential of Acorus calamus Rhizome

V Rajkumar et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:47 PST

The present work evaluated the cytotoxicity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of rhizome of Acorus calamus Linn. which is a well known medicinal plant used in traditional treatment. Both extracts were found to be cytotoxic as determined by Allium cepa root tip assay and XTT assay in MDA-MB-435S and Hep3B cell lines. Results of the study indicate that the plant possesses antitumor properties and may serve as a potential source for investigation and development of anticancer drugs.

Antimicrobial Activity of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum Against Dental Caries Causing Microorganisms

K. R. Aneja et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:47 PST

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum fruit extracts were studied against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The acetone, ethanol and methanol extracts of the selected plants exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganism except L. acidophilus. The most susceptible microorganism was S.aureus followed by S.mutans, S.cerevisiae and C.albicans in case of Amomum subulatum while in the case of Elettaria cardamomum; S.aureus was followed by C.albicans, S. cerevisiae and S.mutans. The largest mean zone of inhibition was obtained with the ethanolic extract of A. subulatum and acetonic extract of E.cardamomum against Staphylococcus aureus (16.32mm and 20.96mm respectively). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were also determined against the four selected microorganisms showing zones of inhibition ≥10mm. This study depicts that ethanol and acetone extracts of fruits of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum can be used as a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents used to cure dental caries.

Exploring the Folk Medicinal Flora of Abbotabad City, Pakistan

Maria Sabeen et al. — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:17:45 PST

The research work was carried out around the selected areas of Abbotabad city. The study was aimed to document the traditional folk knowledge of local people about use of medicinal plants as ethno medicines. The methodology includes questionnaire survey and personal communications. The ethnomedicnal data on 108 plant species belonging to 52 families were recorded during field expeditions from remote villages around Abbotabad city. The data was arranged alphabetically by family name followed by botanical name, vernacular name, part used, folk use and recipe. The plant species were collected identified, preserved and the voucher specimens deposited in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, and Rawalpindi for future reference.

From ‘Vagabonds’ to Ethnobotanical Relevance: Weeds of the Campus Sites of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

M. O. Soladoye et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:46 PST

A survey of the weed flora of the campus sites of the Olabisi Onabanjo University was undertaken. Several visits were made to the disturbed and undisturbed vegetation of the sites for collection of weeds after which the weeds were prepared in accordance with conventional herbarium practice. A total of seventy-three (73) weed species belonging to twenty-seven (27) families were identified and found to be present within the area of study. The family Poaceae seems to have the highest number of weed species (twelve) available within the area followed by Asteraceae with ten (10) species. Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae and Euphorbiaceae are also in abundance. These weeds have been discovered to be useful, against the mindset of the uninformed that they are useless or ‘vagabond’ plants. Medicinal uses as well as percentage occurrence of each family are presented. From this study it is obvious that the University sites are not only rich in plant biodiversity but that the plants are also very rich in socio-economic values. It is therefore advisable that these plants should be protected from going into extinction so that all would not be lost due to developmental activities.

Studies on the Antimicrobial Properties and Phytochemical Screening of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extracts

M. J. Olusanmi et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:45 PST

This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties of garlic (Allium sativum) extracts on three fungi namely Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium moniliforme using the pour plate method. A phytochemical screening of the extracts was also carried out to determine the constituents of garlic. Water, ethanol and acetone were the extractants used. Results showed that radial growth in all the three test organisms was impaired by the addition of the extracts in the culture medium used. The test organisms differed in their reaction to the different extracts but on the whole, growth inhibition increased with the concentration of each extract. Phytochemical screening of the different extracts showed that garlic contains important compounds such as carbohydrates, reducing sugars, lipids, flavonoids, ketones, alkaloids, steroids and triterpenes. Tannins were, however, not detected in any of the extracts under the conditions of this study. The significance of these results is discussed.

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

T. Thirumalai et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:43 PST

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

Effects of Petroleum Products on the Chlorophyll Accumulation in Barbula lambarenensis

P. O. Fatoba et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:42 PST

The effects of petroleum products: Petroleum Motor Spirit (petrol, PMS), Automobile Gas Oil (diesel. AGO), Dual Purpose Kero (kerosene, DPK), were investigated on the chlorophyll accumulation in Barbula lambarenensis. This plant with its substrates were collected from its natural populations, taken to the screen house and divided into ten regimes widely separated. Each of these regimes was irrigated with borehole water for two weeks, thrice a week to bring about hydration. The three petroleum products were separately diluted with borehole water in 1:1 ratio to give 50% concentrations. Moreover, 100% of these products were also used .The 50% concentrations were separately used to irrigate the first three regimes, A, B and C for 20 weeks .The D, E and F regimes were irrigated with 100% kerosene, petrol and diesel respectively for the 2 weeks and later with borehole water for twenty weeks while the G regime was irrigated with borehole water (Control). Irrigations were done thrice a week. Samples of B. lambarenensis were collected fortnightly for chlorophyll extraction and the chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content determined with the aid of spectrophotometer .It was observed that the 50% treated moss plants had greater chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll than the control but their concentrations were statistically the same. The 100% treatment gave greater chlorophyll a content than the control, PMS treatment had greater chlorophyll b than the control but the reverse were for DPK and AGO treated moss plant. However, all these values were the same statistically. The same results were found for the total chlorophyll except that the DPK, AGO and Control treatments had the same value statistically while DPK, Control and PMS treatments were the same statistically. The 50% treatments had worse effects than the 100% followed by borehole water treatments. Furthermore, the two concentrations had the same effects on the chlorophyll contents but DPK and AGO had significantly greater chlorophyll b concentrations in 50% treated regimes than 100% treatments at 5% level of significance. Petroleum products damaged the chlorophyll apparatus of the plant making the treated to produce greater chlorophyll contents than the Control.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Dermatogenic Diseases in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India

B. Jyothi et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:41 PST

An ethno-medicobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of dermatogenic diseases in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh was conducted. The information was collected on the basis of personal interviews with traditional healers, tribal doctors and old women of the society. The investigation revealed that 24 plant species belonging to 18 families and 21 genera are commonly used in the treatment of skin ailments.

Floristic Diversity and Indigenous Uses of Forest Vegetation of Dabka Watershed in Indian Central Himalaya

Abhay Bahuguna et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:38 PST

A species check list of flora is presented in and around Dabka watershed, District Nainital of Uttarakhand, together with preliminary Phytosociological data for the major species of communities. A total of 45 tree species, 09 shrubs and 32 species of grasses and herbs recorded. Results of quantitative sampling indicate that Adina cordifolia (IVI 66.26) species dominated in the watershed area. Other important woody associates include Quercus incana (IVI 26.74), Pinus roxburghii (IVI 14.64). The diversity range for tree layer was 3.16 followed by herbs (2.92) and then shrubs (1.84); all of the tree species were contagious distribution. Analysis of use diversity showed that the recorded species provide 8 Different uses to local communities. About 56% of the species are used for more than one use categories. Although some species have multiple uses, the average number of uses per species is three. The uses were placed under three major use categories, which had highest contribution of the total uses. These include food, medicinal and fuel/fodder/timber/ dye etc. use value of species shows that about 38% species use in medicinal purposes, 32% species used for edible purposes and 33% use as various purposes. The current work provide the baseline floristic and ecological data and documents the structure and composition of vegetation and also collect information about ethno-botanic used to explore the conservation status and folk medicinal knowledge of the surrounding peoples of the study area, for managers planners and policy makers to understand such simple method assessing the biodiversity of any potential area for conservation in any region. The finding suggest that, public awareness and community based management need to be encouraged at all levels in order to overcome the threats; further investigation into nutritional properties of all the species reported; study on the pharmacological attributes would help to understand their medicinal application. Furthermore urgent collection of germplasm from areas under human pressure is recommended.

Biocidal Activities of Some Tropical Moss Extracts Against Maize Stem Borers

A. T. Ande et al. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:06:37 PST

Solutions of four moss powders, namely: Calymperes afzelii Sw., Thuidium gratum (P. Beauv.) Jaeg., Bryum coronatum Schwaegr. and Barbula lambarenensis (Hook) Spreng., were evaluated for insecticidal activity against maize stem borers. The aqueous solutions were smeared periodically on mature maize plants in the field. All mosses tested showed some toxic activity against the established maize stem borers, deterrence regarding further infestation and some influence on the distribution of the borers. C. afzelii and B. coronatum showed encouraging toxic activities, deterrent activities and promptness that were better or just as good as with Tricel, the control inorganic insecticide. The order of activity of the moss solutions was C. afzelii> B. coronatum >T. gratum= B. lambarenensis. The incidence of stem borer in the most preferred internode, i.e. III, was reduced significantly by C. afzelii, T. gratum and B. coronatum treatments, while B. lambarenensis like, Tricel, restricted the incidence of borer holes to internodes III and IV. The advantages proffered by the window of utilizing mosses as pesticide, namely: availability, safety, low cost, ease of application, as well as, the disadvantages, i.e. laborious serial repetitions, was highlighted.