Volume 151, Issue 1, 10 January 2014, Pages 317–332
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
To
provide ethnopharmacological information on the use of medicinal plants
for central nervous system (CNS) disorders in the Sinai Peninsula
region (Egypt). To collect, analyze and evaluate the ethnobotanical
knowledge about these medicinal plants in the Sinai Peninsula region
with 61,000 km² and 379,000 inhabitants.
Methodology
Field
work was concluded between March 2006 and May 2011, using
semi-structured questionnaire with 700 informants (mean age: 59; 100%
men) from 117 settlements of 17 Bedouin tribes. Transects walks in wild
herbal plant collection areas and bibliographical review on the
collected plants were also conducted. The Interview/ Inhabitant index
(I/P), relative importance value of the species and informant consensus
factor (FIC) were calculated.
Results
More
than 300 species were traditionally used in folk medicine in the Sinai
Peninsula; 101 of these species belonging to 40 families were reported
as useful in different CNS disorders. Only 5 species are endemic of the
studied area. All different part plants were used, leaves and aerial
parts being the most frequent. Most of the remedies were prepared as
infusion or decoction, while oral administration was the most common way
to be used. Gastrointestinal (67.3%) and respiratory disorders (42.57%)
were also reported as frequently treated by Bedouins with herbal
remedies.
Conclusions
Only a few species were found where the traditional use is supported by pharmacological studies (Acacia nilotica, Achillea fragrantissima, Ajuga iva or Mentha longifolia).
No bibliographical references in the scientific literature were found
for 22 species (21.78%); finally, several studies were published with
different pharmacological activities than those provided by Bedouins.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Ethnopharmacology;
- Sinai;
- Egypt;
- Medicinal plants;
- Central nervous system disorders
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