Search Results (406)

The genus Sida includes about 200 species worldwide. Its history in folk medicine is extensive, as it has been used to treat various conditions such as inflammation, pain, and nervousness. Pharmacologically, preclinical studies have attributed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties to Sida, related to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumarins. A relevant point of this review is that, despite the number of Sida species, only 17 of them have pharmacological reports, emphasizing their great potential, such as S. rhombifolia, which requires further research to conduct clinical trials, since only S. cordifolia has undergone clinical trials with arthritis patients. The objective of this review was to conduct a literature search across different databases, to update the available information on the ethnomedical use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential of 17 Sida species. The information compiled in this review aims to highlight the therapeutic importance of Sida species, whether they have been researched or not. This genus is a promising field for scientific advances in chemistry and pharmacology. It also has the potential to create appropriate conditions for obtaining plant material in a systematic and sustainable manner, to prevent overexploitation and encourage clinical studies leading to pharmaceutical formulations for therapy. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are complex disorders involving interconnected immune, oxidative, and microbial dysregulations. Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. This study investigates the pharmacological efficacy of its aqueous extract (APA) in mitigating 2,4-Dinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid (DNBS)-induced sub-chronic colitis with a focus on restoring redox balance and modulating gut microbiota composition. APA’s antioxidant capacity was assessed in vitro by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, and metal chelation assays. In vivo, BALB/c mice received two DNBS inductions to establish sub-chronic colitis and were treated with APA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through clinical scoring, histopathological assessment, biochemical analysis, and gut microbiota profiling based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. APA exhibited strong antioxidant activity and significantly attenuated colitis severity, as evidenced by reduced Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, decreased colon inflammation, suppression of Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated neutrophil infiltration, and modulation of redox biomarkers. Moreover, metagenomic profiling revealed APA-induced modulation of the gut microbiota, mainly through a decreased abundance of pathogenic genera such as Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae. APA demonstrates potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating activities, supporting its potential as a complementary therapy for IBDs and encouraging further clinical studies. Full article

Traditional knowledge of edible plants is essential for food security, nutrition, and cultural identity in rural communities, yet many regions, including Mueang District, Yasothon Province (MY), remain underexplored in ethnobotanical studies. The lack of systematic documentation of local plant diversity and uses in MY presents a significant gap in understanding how these resources contribute to the sustainability of local food systems. This study addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of edible plants in Mueang District, Northeastern Thailand. Documenting 170 species across 60 families, the study reveals a rich plant diversity reflecting a dynamic interplay of native and introduced species, as well as cultivated and wild-harvested resources that sustain local food security, nutrition, and cultural traditions. Fabaceae emerged as the most species-rich family, while staple cereals such as Oryza sativa L. and Zea mays L. dominate use-value rankings. Quantitative indices, including Species Use Value (SUV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI), and Fidelity Level (%FL), elucidate nuanced patterns of plant utilization, highlighting multifunctional species that bridge food and medicine. High cultural consensus on key medicinal plants underscores the deep integration of traditional healthcare within local food systems. The diversity of edible plant uses—from beverages and condiments to medicinal foods—illustrates adaptive strategies that enhance dietary diversity and ecological resilience. These findings contribute to the understanding of biocultural diversity and underscore the importance of conserving both plant biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable, locally adapted food systems. The study also identifies priority species for future pharmacological and agronomic research to support climate-resilient food sovereignty. Full article

Tripleurospermum disciforme (C.A.Mey.) Sch. Bip. is known as the “Plain Chamomile” of the Asteraceae family, the most prominent plant family and one that has been studied extensively due to its numerous genera and species. In traditional herbal medicine, T. disciforme has been used to treat digestive, neurological, and skin disorders. This study aimed to document ethnobotanical knowledge and assess the pharmacological potential of medicinal plants, specifically T. disciforme, across the provinces of Guilan, Alborz, and Qazvin in Iran, through ethnobotanical surveys. These surveys identified the most utilized plant families as Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Theaceae, with T. disciforme cited by 42% of participants, emphasizing its significance in local traditional medicine. Given its high relative frequency of citation and reported medicinal applications, T. disciforme extracts were subjected to UHPLC–timsTOF–MS analysis for further phytochemical profiling and a series of biological assays. Several phenolic compounds such as neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-hydroxyphenylethanol acetate were recurrently detected across extracts. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (IC₅₀ = 12.496 µg/mL) and exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus (MIC = 312 µg/mL). Additionally, the hexane extract revealed notable cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. To the best of our knowledge, to date, this is the first investigation of T. disciforme to integrate ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological approaches to medicinal plant research in these regions of Iran. Full article

The traditional use of medicinal plants around the world has a long history, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. Previous ethnobotanical research pertaining to urban environments demonstrated that the legacy of the use of medicinal plant species persists worldwide; however, information about the main city in the occidental part of Mexico is scarce regarding this traditional knowledge and its variation during the last few decades. A database was created from interviews with local people who had inhabited the oldest neighborhoods of Guadalajara for at least 30 years and by using different electronic databases. In addition, the correct taxonomic identification of species was supported via corroboration through local and other digital herbariums. Furthermore, a Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) was performed on the database information to search for relationships among the medicinal plant species used. An inventory of 137 medicinal plants was created, where the plant species most commonly used in the five old neighborhoods of Guadalajara City were muicle (Justicia spicigera Schltdl.), pirul (Schinus molle L.), manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla L.), valeriana (Valeriana sp.), calabaza (Cucurbita pepo L.), cola de caballo (Equisetum arvense L.), tepezcohuite (Mimosa tenuiflora Poir.), salvia (Salvia officinalis L.), canela (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl.), tila estrella (Tilia americana var. mexicana (Schltdl.) Hardin), cedrón (Aloysia citrodora Paláu), uva (Vitis vinifera L.), jengibre (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and gobernadora (Larrea tridentata (DC.) Coville). Illnesses of the cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, respiratory, nervous, muscular and reproductive systems, as well as culture-bound syndromes, were mostly treated with these plant species. Moreover, J. spicigera, M. chamomilla and L. tridentata were used for eight medical purposes, followed by Z. officinale with five medicinal practices. In contrast, only two medicinal uses were recorded for C. pepo, M. tenuiflora and S. officinale. The PCoA explained 65.88% of the variation accumulated at the first three ordination axes and formed four groups of species, which were related to their geographical origin. Eight of the fourteen species that are commonly used as medicinal plants are from America, and the rest come from Europe and Asia. This study confirms the persistence of traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants, and the diseases empirically addressed among the inhabitants of Guadalajara City are common in other parts of the world and in different regions of Mexico. These findings are supported by electronic databases that comprise multiple studies related to the phytochemical compounds and medical validation regarding their biological activity, supporting the empirical use and efficacy of these medicinal plants. Full article

This paper introduces and defines ‘Living Cultural Infrastructure’ as dynamic social-ecological systems where plant heritage and community knowledge are co-produced to reclaim degraded urban landscapes. Addressing the dual challenges of ecological degradation and cultural erosion, we demonstrate this concept through a case study on the Maekha Canal in Chiang Mai, Thailand, employing Participatory Landscape Architecture integrated with urban ethnobotany. Through co-design workshops, biocultural spatial analysis, and ethnobotanical surveys involving 20 key community members, the project engaged residents to reclaim the canal as a functional biocultural corridor. The research documented 149 culturally significant plant species and resulted in a co-created trail system that embodies the principles of a living infrastructure, fostering intergenerational knowledge exchange and strengthening community stewardship. This study demonstrates how a participatory, ethnobotany-informed process can regenerate degraded urban waterways into Living Cultural Infrastructure. The research advances a new paradigm for landscape architecture by providing replicable governance and design tools. Full article

Background/Objectives: Possessing red and white ecotypes, and utilized in traditional Guyanese medicine, Doliocarpus dentatus’ red ecotype is preferred locally for its purported superior therapeutic efficacy. Although therapeutic metabolites were detected in D. dentatus previously, phytohormones remain largely unexplored, until now. Cytokinins, phytohormones responsible for plant cell division, growth and differentiation, are gaining traction for their therapeutic potential in human health. This study screened and quantified endogenous cytokinins and correlated detected cytokinins with selected secondary metabolites. Methods: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to acquire phytohormone and metabolite data. Bioinformatics tools were used to assess untargeted metabolomics datasets via statistical and pathway analyses, and chemical groupings of putative metabolites. Results: In total, 20 of the 35 phytohormones were detected and quantified in both ecotypes, with the red ecotype displaying higher free base and glucoside cytokinin concentrations and exhibited 6.2 times the total CK content when compared to the white ecotype. Pathway analysis revealed flavonoid and monoterpenoid biosynthesis in red and white ecotypes, respectively. Positive correlations between specific cytokinins and alkaloids, and between trans-Zeatin and isopentenyladenosine riboside with phenolic compounds were observed. Conclusions: These results suggest that the red ecotype’s elevated cytokinin levels coupled with flavonoid biosynthesis enrichment support its preference in Guyanese traditional medicine. Full article

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

Wild edible fruit plants are integral to the cultural, nutritional, medicinal, and economic practices of Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand, a region characterized by plateau and lowland topography and a tropical monsoon climate. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, phenology, and conservation status of these species to inform sustainable management and conservation efforts. Field surveys and ethnobotanical interviews with 200 informants (100 men, 100 women; random ages) were conducted across 20 local communities to identify species diversity and usage patterns, while phenological observations and conservation assessments were performed to understand reproductive cycles and species vulnerability between January and December 2023. A total of 68 species from 32 families were recorded, with peak flowering in March–April and fruiting in May–June. Analyses of Species Use Value (0.19–0.48) and Relative Frequency of Citation (0.15–0.44) identified key species with significant roles in food security and traditional medicine. Uvaria rufa had the highest SUV (0.48) and RFC (0.44). Informant consensus on medicinal applications was strong for ailments such as gastrointestinal and lymphatic disorders. Economically important species were also identified, with some contributing notable income through local trade. Conservation proposed one species as Critically Endangered and several others as Vulnerable. The results highlight the need for integrated conservation strategies, including community-based initiatives and recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and local livelihoods. Full article

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, vector of dengue, is a major public health threat in the Caribbean. In Guadeloupe, where dengue outbreaks occur frequently, traditional plant-based remedies are part of the local heritage but remain poorly documented. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-mosquito potential of 38 Guadeloupean plants through an ethnobotanical survey. A semi-structured online questionnaire was conducted over five months, targeting the plant knowledge of residents. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to identify and validate relevant species. Ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency of Citation (FC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated. Out of the 38 surveyed plants, 22 were confirmed for their traditional anti-mosquito uses. The most cited species included Cymbopogon citratus (93.3%), Artocarpus altilis (25%), and Pimenta racemosa (18.3%). Comparative analysis with existing literature showed that 12 of these plants had not been previously reported for vector control. This highlights the value of ethnobotanical approaches for discovering alternative, eco-friendly vector control options and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. The study reveals both the high potential of Guadeloupean flora and the risk of cultural erosion, supporting further research into the bioactive compounds of the most cited species. Full article

The Bignoniaceae family encompasses numerous species of ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance, yet its ethnobotanical value remains underexplored in many regions of Thailand. This study investigates the diversity, phenology, cultural relevance, and traditional uses of Bignoniaceae species in Maha Sarakham Province, Northeastern Thailand. Through semi-structured interviews with 260 local informants across 13 districts—alongside field observations and herbarium voucher collections—we documented 27 species across 21 genera. These integrated methods enabled the identification of key culturally significant species and provided insights into their traditional uses. Phenological data revealed clear seasonal patterns in flowering and fruiting, aligned with the regional climatic cycle. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices—including Species Use Value (SUV), Genera Use Value (GUV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Importance Index (CI), and Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI)—were employed to evaluate species significance. Results indicate that species such as Dolichandrone serrulata, D. spathacea, and Oroxylum indicum hold high cultural and practical value, particularly in traditional medicine, spiritual practices, and local landscaping. These findings underscore the critical role of Bignoniaceae in sustaining biocultural diversity and emphasize the urgency of preserving traditional botanical knowledge amid environmental and socio-economic change. Moreover, the insights contribute to broader efforts in cultural heritage preservation and biodiversity conservation across tropical and subtropical regions. Full article

Uncaria tomentosa (Ut) is a Rubiaceae widely used in Peru’s traditional medicine. It is mainly known by the vernacular name of Cat’s claw due to its morphological aspects and is found in tropical low mountain forests of Central and South America. A decoction of Ut bark, root and leaves is used traditionally for different health problems, including arthritis, weakness, viral infections, skin disorders, abscesses, allergies, asthma, cancer, fevers, gastric ulcers, haemorrhages, inflammations, menstrual irregularity, rheumatism, urinary tract inflammation and wounds, among others, which gave rise to scientific and commercial interest. The present paper reviews research progress relating to the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ut, and some promising research routes are also discussed. We highlight the centrality of its different biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiviral, and antinociceptive, among others. Recently, studies of the health effects of this plant suggest that novel nutraceuticals can be obtained from it and applied as a preventive or prophylaxis strategy before the start of conventional drug therapy, especially for patients who are not prone to conventional pharmacological approaches to diseases. The present work emphasizes the current pharmacological properties of Uncaria tomentosa, evidencing its therapeutic benefits and encouraging further research on this medicinal plant. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that has a significant impact on public health and is becoming more and more common worldwide. Although effective, conventional therapies are often limited by high cost, adverse effects, and issues with patient compliance. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal plants have played an essential role in diabetes treatment, especially in regions such as Romania, where biodiversity is high and traditional knowledge is well preserved. The pathophysiology, risk factors, and worldwide burden of diabetes are examined in this review, with an emphasis on the traditional use of medicinal plants for glycemic control. A total of 47 plant species were identified based on ethnopharmacological records and recent biomedical research, including both native flora and widely cultivated species. The bioactive compounds identified, such as flavonoids, triterpenic saponins, polyphenols, and alkaloids, have hypoglycemic effects through diverse mechanisms, including β-cell regeneration, insulin-mimetic action, inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and oxidative stress reduction. A systematic literature search was conducted, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies relevant to antidiabetic activity. Among the species reviewed, Urtica dioica, Silybum marianum, and Momordica charantia exhibited the most promising antidiabetic activity based on both preclinical and clinical evidence. Despite promising preclinical results, clinical evidence remains limited, and variability in phytochemical content poses challenges to reproducibility. This review highlights the potential of Romanian medicinal flora as a source of adjunctive therapies in diabetes care and underscores the need for standardization and clinical validation. Full article

Human migration has driven transformative shifts in agricultural systems by reshaping how communities relate biologically and culturally to the land. Migration demands the reconfiguration of preexisting human–environment relationships, a process central to agricultural history. Understanding adaptation strategies is essential for land studies as it highlights the impact of cultural persistence on agricultural practices and the potential challenges in integrating migrant rural knowledge with local ecological systems. In the late 19th century, a significant migration wave occurred from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy to southern Brazil, significantly impacting Brazilian agri-food production. This study investigates the biocultural adaptation strategies employed by the first Veneto communities in their new Brazilian environment. Data for this research were derived from the letters sent by Veneto migrants from Brazil in the initial wave of Italian migration (1877–1894). Utilising Critical Discourse Analysis and Sentiment Analysis of migrants’ letters, we explored the Veneto settlers’ perceptions of the Brazilian landscape, agri-food production practices, and culinary traditions. Our findings show that the Brazilian environment was perceived as predominantly negative, particularly in the wilderness areas. The initial Venetian migrant settlement exhibited no genuine biocultural adaptation strategies. Instead, they deliberately resisted Brazilian influences, striving to reproduce Veneto’s agricultural model verbatim in their new surroundings. The study also opens a new trajectory in historical ethnobiology, thus suggesting new potential applications of the analysis of migrants’ letters. Full article

Ethnobotanical knowledge and biodiversity are critical components of sustainable natural resource management, especially in regions undergoing rapid environmental and socio-economic change. In Northeast Thailand, traditional plant knowledge is deeply intertwined with local cultural identity but faces increasing threats from urbanization, agricultural expansion, and generational shifts. This study presents a floristic and ethnobotanical survey of the Khanthararat Public Benefit Forest, a community-managed remnant forest in Maha Sarakham Province, documenting 110 plant species from 42 families. The Fabaceae family was the most diverse, consistent with other tropical ecosystems. Predominantly native species (85.45%) indicate minimal disturbance, while introduced (11.82%) and endemic species (2.73%) reflect ecological complexity. Ethnobotanical data revealed 34 wild edible species, 33 medicinal plants, and 19 ornamental species used by the local community, highlighting the forest’s vital role in supporting livelihoods and cultural practices. High Use Values (UVs) for species such as Spondias pinnata and Coccinia grandis underline their dual importance in food and medicine. Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) values demonstrate strong agreement on plant use for reproductive and musculoskeletal health, reflecting well-established traditional knowledge. The findings underscore the forest’s dual significance as an ecological hotspot and a repository of cultural heritage, providing essential ecosystem services including biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and cultural provisioning. By integrating traditional knowledge with biodiversity assessment, this study offers valuable insights for community-based conservation strategies that sustain both ecological integrity and cultural resilience in Northeast Thailand. Full article