Medicinal plants

Cancer poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, with low and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing a disproportionate burden. The economic impact of cancer care in these regions is profound, straining already limited healthcare resources and leading to high out-of-pocket expenditures for patients and their families. The study explores the potential role of medicinal plants as a cost-effective and accessible alternative or complement to conventional cancer therapies in LMICs. We analyze the economic burden of cancer care, highlight the financial challenges faced by LMICs, and examine the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Evidence from various studies indicates that medicinal plants can offer affordable and culturally accepted treatment options, potentially reducing the economic strain on healthcare systems and patients. The integration of medicinal plants into cancer care strategies could improve access to treatment, enhance patient outcomes, and provide sustainable solutions to the escalating costs of cancer care in LMICs. Further research and policy support are needed to validate these benefits and facilitate the incorporation of medicinal plants into mainstream cancer treatment protocols.

The research work was initiated to get information and report on the medicinal plants belonging to the family Fabaceae among the rural peoples of the Alwar district. The field survey of the study area was conducted between Jan. 2021 to Dec. 2023. Out of 15 plant species, 09 are trees, 05 are herbs and 01 is a climber. The most used plant part as medicine was noted to be the leaves (23.08%), followed by root (19.23%), bark, seed and fruit (each 11.54%).In this paper, a list of plant species along with their local name, plant part/s used and medicinal uses for effective control of diverse ailments of ethnomedicinal plants are given.

An exploration of the Ethnobotanical knowledge of Parvathipuram Manyam district, a part of the Eastern Ghats which is home to rich flora and tribal habitats teeming with unique tribal cultures, identified 48 medicinal plants for arthritis and its similar ailments. They belong to 44 genera and 32 families. The details collected from the tribal medicinal gurus, tribal older persons and priests identified through standard flora and their vernacular names, parts used and method of usage are expressed in this paper. These plants were used either externally or internally. Although the results of this findings are inspiring, further experimentation is needed on the active phytochemicals involved before they can be put into practice.

The present study deals with phytochemical analyses in Schweinfurthia papilionacea, an important medicinal plant of the Indian Thar desert. The experiments were conducted at Plant Ecology Laboratory, Botany Department, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur during 2020 and 2021.Primary metabolites such as leaf pigments, proline, osmotic potential, total sugars, crude protein and phosphorus were estimated during different developmental stages, i.e. vegetative, flowering and fruiting. The results revealed that leaf pigments, crude protein and phosphorus were maximum during flowering stage, while proline, osmotic potential and total sugars during fruiting stage.

The ethno botanically important and economic plants of Tonk district of Rajasthan, India were identified and documented. The tribes and rural people of Tonk district of Rajasthan state of India use a number of medicinal plants available locally as ‘traditional medicine’ for curing common ailments. The ethno botanical information was collected by field survey among tribal and rural communities, by study of rituals and folklores and through market survey followed by identification with herbaria and flora, 200 respondents were selected randomly for the purpose. The paper presents 95 medicinal plants belonging to 51 families utilized by these people .Fresh leaves, stem, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots and even whole plants were reported to be used. The present record on the traditional medicine of Tonk district of Rajasthan emphasizes that many people of the region still depend upon flora of the region for treatment of human diseases. There is a need to focus on more ethno botanical research, conservation and documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge among indigenous communities of the state as this knowledge is limited only to Hakeems, Ojhas and elderly people of the area.

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. is a parasitic plant having many medicinal properties and used as traditional medicine in Ayurveda for the treatment of various disorders. In the present research work, researchers have investigated antimicrobial ability of C. reflexa grown on Nerium oleander host plant successive extracts against selected human pathogenic bacteria. Escherichia coli (MTCC 730), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 1771), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 7443), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC121) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 4673) were used as the test pathogens. Hot extraction technique was used to prepare the plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity was tested using disc diffusion method. Chloroform extract of Cuscuta reflexa grown on Nerium oleander host plant showed maximum activity against B. subtilis (20 mg/disc; IZ= 27mm, AI= 1.35), (10mg/disc; IZ= 25mm, AI= 1.3) which is more than the standard disc tetracycline. Chloroform extract also showed appreciable activity against P. vulgaris and P. aeruginosa. Ethyl acetate extract also showed maximum activity against P. aeruginosa (20mg/disc; IZ= 16mm, AI= 1.14) and E. coli (5 mg/disc; IZ= 22mm, AI= 1.1). Chloroform extract and ethyl acetate extract of C. reflexa grown on Nerium oleander host plant is capable to inhibit the growth of E. coli, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa effectively. Therefore, these extracts can also be used for the isolation of pure compounds/ volatile compounds with potentials to be used as therapeutics.

A botanical survey of medicinal plants found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Harshnath hills Sikar district was conducted. The local and tribal people of the area use these plant species in day to day life for various purposes. The information was collected based on the interviews with local people practicing indigenous medicines. During the survey, 105 ethnobotanical plant species belonging to 49 families were recorded from the study area. The plant species along with their plant parts used and the mode of administration are listed categorically.

Man is solely dependent on other organisms for the sustenance of his life. Various animal and mineral products contribute for his welfare, the plant kingdom is most essential to man’s well being, especially in catering his basic needs. Human is continuously using the plants in one or the other way in the treatment of various disorders. Plant science has opened number of vistas with the increasing knowledge of various fields pertaining to plant physiology experimental morphogenesis, cytology, genetics, biochemistry, plant breeding, plant pathology, genetic engineering, but in view of the existing relationship between plant and human beings since ancient time, it has not been analyzed in deep sense. The present article brings into light the relationship between indigenous people and plants and the various ailments cured by these plants.