Ethnomedical survey of plants used by the Orang Asli in Kampung Bawong, Perak, West Malaysia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A qualitative ethnomedical survey was carried out among a local Orang Asli tribe to gather information on the use of medicinal plants in the region of Kampung Bawong, Perak of West Malaysia in order to evaluate the potential medicinal uses of local plants used in curing different diseases and illnesses.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixteen informants ranging in age from 35 to 65 years were interviewed. A total of 62 species of plants used by Orang Asli are described in this study based on field surveys and direct face to face communication. These plants belonged to 36 families and are used to treat a wide range of discomforts and diseases.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results of this study showed that majority of the Orang Asli, of Kampung Bawong are still dependent on local plants as their primary source of medication. As the first ethnomedical study in this area, publishing this work is expected to open up more studies to identify and assess the pharmacological and toxicological action of the plants from this region.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Preservation and recording of ethnobotanical and ethnomedical uses of traditional medicinal plants is an indispensable obligation for sustaining the medicinal and cultural resource of mankind. Extensive research on such traditional plants is of prime importance to scientifically validate their ethnomedical claims.</p

Laboratory Assessment of Molluscicidal Activity of Glinus Oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Aizoaceae)

The negative impact of synthetic molluscicides on the environment and their high cost necessitated search for an alternative approach of using plant extracts for the control of schistosomiasis. The objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate some crude extracts (butanol and ethyl acetate) and pure products of Glinus oppositifolius aerial part for their molluscicidal effect against schistosome snail intermediate hosts. Assessment of the molluscicidal activity against Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria pfeifferi was made by immersion method in accordance with WHO guideline. The results of mortality were statistically analyzed using excel sheets. After 24 hours exposure, BuOH extract has shown the lowest LC50: 64.3 and 91.7 ppm for Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria pfeifferi respectively. Moreovernbsp EtOAc extract gave a LC50: 86.2 ppm with Bulinus tuncatus. Although the crude extracts were more active, both crude extracts and pure products from G. oppositifolius revealed a dose-dependent activity on Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalarianbsp pfeifferi. The results showed that G. oppositifolius has molluscicidal activity against B. truncatus and B. pfeifferi snails. Yet, further comprehensive evaluation is recommended for the possible use of G. oppositifolius against B. truncatus and B. pfeifferi