Manal A Alshaqhaa, Imen Souid, Atef Korchef, Manar D Alshehri
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Aseer province is a semi-arid region in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. It represents a rich source of ethnobotanical knowledge and plant biodiversity. However, this knowledge has been passed verbally devoid of documentation.
Methods: In the present work, we carried out for the first time an ethnobotanical survey, using quantitative parameters (relative frequency of citation (RFC); informant consensus factor (ICF); fidelity level (FL%); relative popularity level (RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP)), to provide insights into the traditional use of medicinal plants (MPs) in the Aseer province.
Results: One hundred and fifty informants, aged 18 to over 60, mentioned 80 different plant species belonging to 38 families of angiosperms to treat 9 ailments. A comparison with the literature in nearby areas revealed 10 species used as MPs only in the Aseer region. Syzygium aromaticum and Mentha spicata had the highest RFC (0.71). The level of agreement among the informants, for plant species used against dermatological problems, was remarkably high (ICF = 0.88). A lower level of agreement (ICF = 0.66-0.86) was noticed among the informants concerning the use of MPs to treat insect bites, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, skeletomuscular disorders, toothache, mouth inflammation, stress and insomnia, and cold and respiratory tract diseases. In addition, 36 plant species, mentioned by at least 9 informants, had healing efficacity (FL%) ranging between 32 and 100. Among these species, 12 were grouped as popular (RPL = 0.54-1).
Conclusion: The present documentation on MPs can efficiently provide as a basis for additional pharmacological and phytochemical research and conservation studies.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine publishes original research focusing on cultural perceptions of nature and of human and animal health. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine invites research articles, reviews and commentaries concerning the investigations of the inextricable links between human societies and nature, food, and health. Specifically, the journal covers the following topics: ethnobotany, ethnomycology, ethnozoology, ethnoecology (including ethnopedology), ethnogastronomy, ethnomedicine, ethnoveterinary, as well as all related areas in environmental, nutritional, and medical anthropology.
Research focusing on the implications that the inclusion of humanistic, cultural, and social dimensions have in understanding the biological word is also welcome, as well as its potential projections in public health-centred, nutritional, and environmental policies.