Search results for "Traditional use"

The role of ethnobotanics in scientific research. State of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sicily.

2000

This contribution deals with the traditional use of plants of the Sicilian flora. Special attention is given to the species used in popular medicine. Moreover, the importance of ethnobotanics in scientific research and its role in toxicology are shown.

Traditional use of medicinal agents: a valid source of evidence

2013

Traditional knowledge uncovered by serious historical research may help to identify new therapeutic agents. It also plays a part in safety evaluation and drug regulation. So far, however, this way of gaining knowledge is very much neglected in the concept of evidence based medicine, which is in no way contradictory to traditional use. Thus, the true meaning of the word 'tradition' is described, while reliable historical sources are quoted. It is then shown how research into the traditional use of medicinal plants is able to reveal knowledge about efficacy and safety of natural products. Several examples successfully leading to new therapeutic options are given. It is then referred to the co…

Ethnobotanical research in Cava de' Tirreni area, Southern Italy

2019

Abstract Background To best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative ethnobotanical study with the aim of documenting the local knowledge and practices of using plants for curing diseases in the Cava de’ Tirreni area, Salerno Province, Campania Region, Italy. The present ethnobotanical field study, carried out during 2016–2017, documents the local uses of 119 plant species for medicinal, food and domestic purposes. Methods Ethnobotanical data were documented from 70 informants: field data were collected and information on the uses of plants was gathered through semi-structured and structured interviews with persons who still retain traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. Documented da…

Ethnomycology: examplesof the folk use of some medicinal fungi

2016

Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress‐ and aging‐related diseases

2020

Abstract Adaptogens comprise a category of herbal medicinal and nutritional products promoting adaptability, resilience, and survival of living organisms in stress. The aim of this review was to summarize the growing knowledge about common adaptogenic plants used in various traditional medical systems (TMS) and conventional medicine and to provide a modern rationale for their use in the treatment of stress‐induced and aging‐related disorders. Adaptogens have pharmacologically pleiotropic effects on the neuroendocrine‐immune system, which explain their traditional use for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. They exhibit a biphasic dose‐effect response: at low doses they function as …

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activity of Erodium species: a review

2019

Erodium spp. is a genus that can be found in all continents that has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat many diseases such as hemorrhage, dermatological disorders, indigestion, and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, Erodium leaves have been used for the preparation of salads, omelets, sandwiches, sauces and soups, among other food products. The objective of this review was to show the recent and relevant studies about extraction of bioactive compounds, the phytochemical characterization, the potential biological activities and toxicological evidence reported in both in vitro and in vivo studies from Erodium spp. In addition, the use of Erodium spp. as natural compounds against …

Herbal medicinal products - Evidence and tradition from a historical perspective.

2017

Abstract Background Aside from the fully licensed herbal medicines there are products on the European pharmaceutical market which are registered by virtue of their longstanding traditional use. The normal registration procedure does not apply to them because presently they do not meet the legal requirements for a full license as set out in the relevant European Union Directive. One of these requirements, “proof of tradition”, has so far been dealt with in different ways and fails to meet the criteria of good practice. Method This analysis is based on a selective literature search in PubMed and in databases of medical and pharmaceutical history, interviews with licensing experts, a consensus…