Ethnomedical uses

Two species of the genus Broussonetia, B. kazinoki and B. papyrifera, have been of considerable interest for their ethnomedical uses for the treatment of various human diseases. There is a substantial literature on the utilization of B. papyrifera, in particular, in the paper industry in East Asia. Extracts of Broussonetia species have exhibited various biological activities including antifungal, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic activities. 

Another common plant that appears to have some activity against MRSA is Hypericum perforatum L., commonly known as St. John s wort. In traditional folk medicine, oily extracts of St. John s wort are used for topical treatment of wounds, bums and myalgia [39]. The lipophilic phloroglucin-derivative hyperforin. Fig. 3, has antibacterial effects and has been shown to inhibit the growth of MRSA at a concentration of 1 (ig/ml [39]. Thus, investigating known plants based on their historical medical (ethnomedical) use is a potentially useful means of discovering new alternative antimicrobial agents. 

Continent/ Country Part(s) Used Ethnomedical Uses References... 

TABLE 1. Outline of taxonomy, ethnomedical uses and alkaloid contents of Strychnos species of Madagascar... 

Many researchers in different parts of the world are actively involved in recording the available information on traditional medicine. To contribute to this vast task we present in this review a compilation of the ethnomedical uses of the species of the Celastraceae family, recorded from the NAPRALERT data base up to September 1997. 

The ethnomedical uses of Celastraceae species, recorded from the NAPRALERT data base up to September 1997, are listed in Table 1. The species are arranged alphabetically and it is included the botanical names, local names, plant parts, popular uses and form of remedy are included. 

---