International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research

International Journal of Medicinal Plant Research Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-003, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Ethno-medicinal Plants used as Phytotherapy for Curing Diabetes

J. B. Khan and G. P. Singh

Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, Rajasthan (India).

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected]

December 21, 2011; Accepted June, 06 2012

Abstract

The present study deals with 24 species of ethno-medicinal plants which are traditionally used to cure diabetes by the people in the vicinity of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaipur (India). The bases of information are observations, interviews, discussion with local people and cross checked with other folk practitioners. In the availability of modern medical facilities, the documentation and preservation of these practices are essential.

Key words:  Ethnomedicinal, Diabetes, Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, traditional medicines. 

International Journal of Medicinal Plant Research Vol. 1 (1), pp. 004-011, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Ethnomedicinal study of plants used to manage HIV/AIDS-related disease conditions in the Ohangwena region, Namibia

Marius Hedimbi* and Kazhila C. Chinsembu

University of Namibia, Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia.

*Corresponding author’s Email: [email protected] 

Received April 01, 2012; Accepted June  07, 2012

Abstract

A survey of plants used to manage AIDS-related conditions can provide important leads and quicken the search for novel anti-HIV compounds. An ethnobotanical survey for plants used to treat disease conditions related to HIV/AIDS was conducted in several villages in Ohangwena region, northern Namibia. The study found a total of 34 plants belonging to 19 different families that were used to manage various opportunistic infections related to HIV/AIDS. Most of the plants were from the Fabaceae family (24%), followed by Combretaceae (9%), and Convolvulcaeae, Molluginaceae, and Olacaceae with 6% each. A total of 19 opportunistic disease conditions were treated with the plants. Most of the plants were used to manage gonorrhea (26%), coughing (24%), syphilis (18%), diarrhea (9%), headache (9%), eczema (6%), and wounds (6%). The most used plant parts were leaves (47%), bark (26%), whole plant, root, and stems (21%), and fruits (4%). The study showed rich knowledge of medicinal plant use for AIDS-related conditions in the Ohangwena region, Namibia. Destructive harvesting of plants should be prevented.

Key words: HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections, medicinal plants, Namibia, indigenous knowledge holders.