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Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia
Zeleke Wolde Tenssay,
Edigetu Merawi,
Tesfaye Bekele,
Binyam Goshu,
Yibrahu Emishaw,
Ashenafi Ayehune
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
56-60
Received:
22 August 2016
Accepted:
17 May 2017
Published:
30 June 2017
Abstract: In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and. The objective of the study was to identify and record traditional knowledge and practices associated with the medicinal plants with special emphasis on plants with potential for bio-prospecting. The study method was interviewing selected herbal practitioners and elderly people by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Out of 146 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, herbs (41.4%) and shrubs (35.5%) constituted the highest proportion, followed by trees (16.2%) and climbers (6.9%). Out of the total of 146 medicinal plants collected 95(64.7%) were used against human disease, 32(21.9%) of medicinal plants were used against animal disease and the remaining 18% were used for the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The results showed relatively a higher proportions of plant species were found to be used for the treatments of respiratory diseases (32.8%), followed by for the treatment of miscellaneous disease conditions such as swellings/tumors, toothache, headache, etc. (20.9%), and gastrointestinal related complaints (18.4%). The most frequent methods (95.7%) of preparation of plant medicines in the studied communities were squashing/grinding of plant parts and extracting juicy ingredients. Although there is wealth of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge that has been applied in the treatment of human and lifestalk health problems, the sustainability of these heritages has been challenged increasingly by human and environmental factors. According to some respondents the traditional medicinal practices has been discouraged by modern health care system due to fear of inappropriate dosage and safety issue. Therefore in addition to documenting traditional medicinal plants and the associated knowledge, it is important to test the scientific validity of the herbal preparations to establish appropriate dosages and conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety of the traditional medicines if we are to benefit sustainably from these heritages.
Abstract: In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, ...
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Review of Impact of Anthropogenic Activities in Surface Water Resources in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Case of Bayelsa State
Enetimi Idah Seiyaboh,
Sylvester Chibueze Izah
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
61-73
Received:
12 May 2017
Accepted:
1 June 2017
Published:
30 June 2017
Abstract: Water is an essential resource required for the sustainance of life. Water is utilized in all sector of any nation economy. Surface water is one of the major sources of water utilized by several communities in coastal region of Bayelsa state. Fishing - a source of livelihood for indigenous people of Bayelsa state is carried out in surface water. Surface water is also a route of transportation using engine boat and canoe. Some of the surface water are used for domestic purposes (such as washing, bathing, cooking) and even drinking. Several anthropogenic activities are carried out in the surface water including dredging, makeshift refinery and dumpsite for various classes of wastes (mainly from domestic and sewage). This paper reviews the impacts of anthropogenic activities in surface water resources in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The study found that pH, temperature, conductivity, total suspended solid, total dissolved solid, total hardness, total alkalinity, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, iron, lead, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and total hydrocarbon content are altered due to various anthropogenic activities. Off these, turbidity is significantly affected by all the activities and to lesser extent pH, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, magnesium, total hydrocarbon content, iron and lead are also affected above permissible level recommended Standard Organization of Nigeria and the World Health Organization. The alteration of water quality parameters could alter the composition and abundance of biodiversity including fisheries and planktons, downstream application of the water and its potability. This study concludes by suggesting that factors leading to alteration in water quality should be checkmated by appropriate regulatory agencies.
Abstract: Water is an essential resource required for the sustainance of life. Water is utilized in all sector of any nation economy. Surface water is one of the major sources of water utilized by several communities in coastal region of Bayelsa state. Fishing - a source of livelihood for indigenous people of Bayelsa state is carried out in surface water. Su...
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Lemongrass Leaf Extract Attenuates Hydrocarbon-Induced Oxidative Stress and Macrocytic Hypochromic Anaemia in Rats
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
74-79
Received:
5 May 2017
Accepted:
3 June 2017
Published:
21 July 2017
Abstract: The therapeutic use of medicinal plants and plant products to mitigate solvent/xenobiotic-induced haematological disorders has not been adequately explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) leaf decoctions on gasoline vapour (GV)-induced haematological disorders and oxidative stress in rats. Seventy-two female rats weighing 180-200g were randomly selected and divided into six groups (n = 12 per group). Animals in group 1 served as unexposed controls, while animals in group 2 were exposed to gasoline vapour (GV) alone for 35 days. Animals in groups 3, 4, and 5 were exposed to GV and co-administered C. citratus leaf extract (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively), and animals in group 6 were exposed to GV and co-administered vitamin C (200 mg/kg) for the same time period. Exposure of animals to GV alone significantly (p < 0.05) decreased packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB), total red blood cells (RBC), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Total white blood cells (WBC), WBC lineages and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the corresponding values in the control group. Supplementation with C. citratus leaf decoction and vitamin C reversed these GV-induced changes in haematological indices and MDA levels. Therefore, C. citratus leaf decoctions and vitamin C supplementation provided an ameliorative effect on GV-induced haematotoxicity and oxidative stress in a rat model of gasoline exposure.
Abstract: The therapeutic use of medicinal plants and plant products to mitigate solvent/xenobiotic-induced haematological disorders has not been adequately explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) leaf decoctions on gasoline vapour (GV)-induced haematological disorders and oxidative stress in rats. Seve...
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Impact of Waste Dumpsites on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Qualities of Well Water Sources Located in Their Vicinities
Emmanuel Okiemute Idise,
Jude Chukwuemeke Igborgbor
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
80-86
Received:
14 May 2017
Accepted:
3 June 2017
Published:
21 July 2017
Abstract: Indiscriminate dumping of wastes at any available space within the vicinity of residential quarters is a common practice in many developing countries like Nigeria. The negative environmental impacts of waste dumpsites have continued to generate public health concern. In this study, the impact of waste dumpsites on the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of underground water sources located within their vicinities in Delta State, Nigeria, were assessed using standard biochemical techniques. A total of 45 water samples were collected from hand dug wells in Warri, Agbarho and Agbor (all in Delta State) at distances of about 500m, 1km and 1.5 km radius of dumpsites and analysed for physicochemical and microbiological quality using the ASTM and standard microbiological techniques respectively. The results revealed that all the analyzed parameters decreased with distances away from the dumpsites. The physicochemical parameters such as turbidity, dissolved solid were significantly (P<0.05) above the WHO regulatory limits at ≤ 1km radius of most dumpsites. The total heterotrophic bacteria count, which ranged between 2.1 × 103 to 6.52 × 106cfu/ml, was also significantly (P<0.05) higher than regulatory limits. Findings from this study suggest that waste dumpsites could impact negatively on the microbial and some chemical qualities of hand dug well waters sited in their vicinities. Hence, the location of dumpsites at least 1km distance away from residential quarters as well as simple boiling and filtration treatment of drinking water sources in the study areas are recommended.
Abstract: Indiscriminate dumping of wastes at any available space within the vicinity of residential quarters is a common practice in many developing countries like Nigeria. The negative environmental impacts of waste dumpsites have continued to generate public health concern. In this study, the impact of waste dumpsites on the physicochemical and microbiolo...
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Evaluation of Photosynthetic, Enzymatic Activities and Lipoperoxidation Level in Two Species of Bryophytes Exposed to Sencorate
Fadila Khaldi,
Khouloud Boukehili,
Nedjoud Grara
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
87-97
Received:
14 May 2017
Accepted:
1 June 2017
Published:
21 July 2017
Abstract: To better understand the behavior of the plants towards xenobiotics, two species of bryophytes (Orthotrichum affine and Scleropodium purum), bioindicators of the region of Souk Ahras (Algeria) which have properties completely different (classification, reproductive cycle...) are treated under hydroponic conditions by 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg / L of Sencorate herbicide (Metribuzin) for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. A measure of some physiological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters characteristic of oxidative stress have allowed us to evaluate not only the effect of Sencorate herbicide but also the behavior of the two species with respect to pollution. Statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences between the treated and control samples for the majority of parameters studied, with lower levels of chlorophyll pigments (a, b, a+b) accompanied by increased levels of proline, total protein and soluble carbohydrates. Depletion of GSH at the beginning of treatment, accompanied by an increase in Malondialdehyde MDA levels were observed with low activity of the enzyme biomarkers Catalase and Ascorbat peroxydase (CAT and APX), which reflects the high tolerance of these species to pollutants.
Abstract: To better understand the behavior of the plants towards xenobiotics, two species of bryophytes (Orthotrichum affine and Scleropodium purum), bioindicators of the region of Souk Ahras (Algeria) which have properties completely different (classification, reproductive cycle...) are treated under hydroponic conditions by 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg...
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