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Foraging for the future: traditional culinary uses of wild plants in the Western Himalayas–Kashmir Valley (India)
Full text linkBackground
In the intricate tapestry of food security, wild food species stand as pillars, nourishing millions in low-income communities, and reflecting the resilience and adaptability of human societies. Their significance extends beyond mere sustenance, intertwining with cultural traditions and local knowledge systems, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional practices for sustainable livelihoods.
Methods
The present study, conducted between February 2022 and August 2023 along the Line of Control in India’s Kashmir Valley, employed a rigorous data collection encompassing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and specific field observations facilitated through a snowball sampling technique.
Results and discussion
The comprehensive inventory includes 108 edible plant and fungal species from 48 taxonomic families, with Rosaceae (N = 11) standing out. Young and soft leaves (N = 60) are an important component of various culinary preparations, with vegetables (N = 65) being the main use, followed by fruits (N = 19). This use is seasonal, with collection peaks in March–April and June–August (N = 12). The study also highlights the importance of use value (UV), with Portulaca oleracea standing out as the plant taxon (UV = 0.61), while Asyneuma thomsoni has the lowest use value (UV = 0.15). Many species such as Senecio chrysanthemoides, Asperugo procumbens, Asyneuma thomsoni, and Potentilla nepalensis were classified as new for gastronomic use. Furthermore, the study underlines the great cultural importance of mushrooms such as Morchella esculenta and Geopora arenicola in influencing social hierarchies within the community. However, the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations is declining in the region. At the same time, the conservation of endangered plant species on the IUCN Red List, such as Trillium govanianum, Taxus wallichiana, Saussurea costus, and Podophyllum hexandrum, requires immediate attention.
Conclusion
Conservation measures should be prioritized, and proactive remedial action is needed. Further research into the nutritional value of these edible species could pave the way for their commercial cultivation, which would mean potential economic growth for local communities, make an important contribution to food security in the area under study, and contribute to scientific progress
A pharmaco–technical investigation of oxaprozin and gaultheria oil nanoemulgel: a combination therapy
Full text linkWorldwide, osteoarthritis is a significant cause of pain, disability, and socioeconomic losses. The disorder's epidemiology is diverse and complicated. Chondrocyte viability and function are compromised by oxidative stress, mechanical stress, and inflammatory mediators. This reprogrammes the cells to undergo hypertrophic differentiation and early “senescence” and increases their susceptibility to pro-catabolic and pro-inflammatory mediators. Given the above discussed pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, it is anticipated that the combination of oxaprozin and gaultheria oil (utilized in traditional medicine for rheumatoid arthritis) will definitely help alleviate the multifactorial disease. The objective of the research was to develop and assess a nanoemulsion gel/nanoemulgel (NEG) by combining oxaprozin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and gaultheria oil using Carbopol 974 as a gelling agent. The aqueous titration method was used to create the nanoemulsion by plotting a pseudo-ternary phase diagram, and Smix was used to draw the phase diagram. The formulation was optimized by employing the design of the experiment and incorporated into Carbopol 974 to formulate the NEG. Various properties of the developed formulation, such as the vesicular size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology and thermodynamic stability, were tested. Furthermore, pH, homogeneity, spreadability, extrudability, texture, bioadhesion, stability, and skin irritation were assessed for the NEG. Additionally, in vitro and ex vivo tests were conducted for the assessment of the improved formulation. The result shows that the nanoemulsion has a vesicular size of 196.2 nm with good PDI and a zeta potential of −12.33 mV. Furthermore, the results show that the NEG had a biphasic release pattern with a percent cumulative drug release (%CDR) of 78.123 after 25 h. The optimized formulation was also found to be stable at 4 °C for up to 4 weeks. Furthermore, the NEG shows good drug penetration and sustained drug release pattern, which may facilitate the transport of oxaprozin and gaultheria oil through joint tissues, resulting in longer pain alleviation and decreased inflammation. In conclusion, the new formulation would be a good choice for topical medication delivery to improve the oil and oxaprozin combined therapeutic efficacy in the management of osteoarthritis
Cultural vs. State Borders: Plant Foraging by Hawraman and Mukriyan Kurds in Western Iran
Full text linkPlant foraging is a millennia-old activity still practiced by many people in the Middle East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent region, where several socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural factors shape this practice. This study seeks to understand the drivers of plant foraging in this complex region characterized by highly diverse linguistic, religious, and cultural groups. Our study aims to document the wild plants used by Kurds in Western Iran, identify similarities and differences among Hawraman and Mukriyan Kurdish groups in Iran, and compare our findings with a previous study on the Hawramani in Iraq. Forty-three semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in Kurdish villages of Western Iran. The results revealed the use of 44 wild food plant taxa, their preparation, and culinary uses. Among the reported taxa, 28 plant taxa were used by Mukriyani, and 33 by Hawramani. The study revealed a significant difference between the Hawraman and Mukriyan regions in Iran, whereas there is a high similarity between Hawramani Kurds in Iran and Iraq. We found that the invisible cultural border carries more weight than political divisions, and this calls for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and map the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge
Ethnobotanical inventory and medicinal applications of plants traded in Northern Nigeria
Full text linkPlants possessing medical properties have emerged as a prominent avenue for exploration, garnering increasing acceptance and acknowledgment at the global level. Documenting medicinal plants will contribute to the development of more potent, harmless medications. Kaduna State is the heartland of Nigeria's northern region because of its cultural diversity and consistency. There is no documentation available for medicinal plants sold in the major traditional markets called Kasuwan Monday, Kawo market, and Kasuwan Magani market. The current study intends to investigate the medicinal plants marketed in a local market in Kaduna state using an extensive questionnaire as a guide the research findings unveiled a total of 51 medicinal plant taxa, which fell under 27 distinct families. Fabaceae (21.57%) has the highest number of recorded species, followed by Anacardiaceae (9.8%), Asteraceae and Myrtaceae (7.8% each). Leaves are the most employed component of plants, accounting for 36.73%. The present study found a significant understanding of traditional medicine and its utilization for the treatment of various ailments through the extraction of plant-based substances by the local people
The effects of dietary organic selenium on growth, body composition and hematological parameters of common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) reared in recirculating aquaculture system
Full text linkA feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of different levels of dietary organic selenium (Se) on the growth, body composition, and hematological indices of common carp. Se element was supplemented to the basal diet at the rates of 0.0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mgkg-1. Fish were randomly stocked at a rate of 25 fish into 500L tanks in the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) system for 10 weeks. Weight gain, final body weight, and specific growth rate were significantly higher (p0.05), also the survival rate was similar among the treatment groups. Whole-body composition showed that fish fed 1 mgkg-1 had significantly higher (p<0.05) body moisture and protein as dry weight basis. The highest fiber content was in fish fed 2 mgkg-1, but ash was significantly higher in fish fed only 0.5 mgkg-1 and fat remained unaffected. Whole-body Se concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing Se levels in test diets. the red blood cells and hemoglobin were significantly higher (p<0.05) in fish fed only 0.5mgkg-1 and the basal diet. The white blood cells increased in fish fed the basal and 2 mgkg-1 diet, but the lymphocyte percentage was increased (p<0.05) in fish fed basal and 0.5 mgkg-1. The study concludes that dietary Se has an overall positive effect on common carp. Growth performance, protein content in fish body, selenium deposition and some hematological parameters were observed in fish fed dietary organic selenium specifically in fish fed 0.5 and 1 mgkg-1. Therefore, inclusion of Se in the diet from 0.5 to 1 mgkg-1 would be an optimal level for common carp feed
Phytochemical analysis and Anticancer Potency of Black Cumin Oil (Nigella sativa Linn.) Against Osteosarcoma
Full text linkBackground: Black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.) is a widely accepted remedy and spice in Middle Eastern countries. Traditionally, it has been used for treating and preventing various chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Methods: This study aimed to characterize the chemical components of black cumin oil using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, the anticancer activity of black cumin oil was evaluated using an MTT assay on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell lines. Results: The GC-MS analysis identified 30 chemical compounds in black cumin oil. The major non-volatile components were thymohydroquinone (31.40%), linoleic acid (18.23%), stearic acid (18.02%), 2,4-decadienal (E,E) (11.14%), diethyl phthalate (5.22%), and palmitic acid (4.33%). The major volatile components included citronellal (0.29%), carvacrol (0.35%), β-pinene (0.41%), and limonene (0.19%). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alkanes (hydrocarbons), aldehydes, aliphatic esters, cyclopentanone, and alkenes. The oil exhibited dose-dependent (0.5-500 µg/mL) and time-dependent (24 h) inhibition of MG-63 cell lines, with an IC50 value of 33.66 µg/mL. Conclusion: This study enhances the understanding of the chemical composition of black cumin oil and provides evidence supporting its ethno-medicinal use by demonstrating its anticancer activity
Comparative Evaluation of Derived and Previously Published Models for Estimating Annual Runoff in the Mountainous Watersheds of Sulaimani Province
Full text linkWater availability estimation is critically needed in order to maximize water use for a range of uses. As in other similar regions, the majority of the watersheds in the study area are ungauged, necessitating the use of empirical models to estimate runoff indirectly. The required data for three watersheds were generated before developing a local model and before evaluating a host of empirical models. The watersheds were situated to the east of Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan, and described with particular reference to climate, soil, land use/landcover and, morphometric characteristics. The tested models included: Inglis and De Souza, Khosla, Justin, Lacey, Turc, Indian Irrigation Department, Coutagine, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the Soil Conservation Service – Curve Number, as well as a locally derived model. Several performance indicators were used as criteria for ranking the empirical models using the compromise programming index. The analysis of annual rainfall and temperature recorded at the surrounding stations revealed that the Empirical Bayesian Kriging is the best scheme for interpolation in the northeast of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Moreover, the results indicated that the annual runoff coefficient was below 6%, and most of the rainfall time series recorded at nearby stations exhibited an insignificant declining trend. Also, a non-linear multivariate model was developed for the study area for predicting annual runoff with annual rainfall, temperature, and length of the main channel as input variables. Furthermore, the analysis of the compromise programming index revealed that the suggested model ranked highest among the assessed models, followed by the Soil Conservation Service – Curve Number and Turc models
Beyond the Common Issues: Students' Perspective on Participation in Online Education
Full text linkThe recent outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic has increased the gaps in the education sector globally, changing the common route of face-to-face education to a virtual one. While this model is not free of shortages and challenges, documenting the literature illustrated remarkable tangible obstacles. Unfortunately, there is little in-depth research on students' points of view on the intangible struggles of online education, while intangible issues have been overlooked in developing countries such as Iraq. Therefore, this study aims to understand the unspoken problems that challenge students' participation in online courses. This qualitative study provides in-depth interviews with university students, more specifically architectural students, who participated in the online classes from 2019 to 2021 that online teaching was compulsory at the beginning and blended education last year. Realizing the phenomenon of low performance or not participating in the online lectures from the active students' side. As a result, the respondents show that despite providing all access to online lectures in architectural education, many obstacles faced the students. This research, initially focused on the intricate dynamics of educational reform in the Middle-east, offers valuable insights for the global higher education community, shedding light on universal challenges and innovative solutions that are applicable across various educational landscapes
Standard medical ethnobotany of Kohistan, North Pakistan
Full text linkBackground
This study was exclusively focused on the documentation and cross-cultural evaluation of ethnomedicinal knowledge (EMK) within the diverse linguistic groups of Kohistan situated between the Himalayan and Hindukush Mountain ranges in the north Pakistan.
Methods
Data were gathered during the field survey (May 2022 to July 2023) through group conversations, semi-structured interviews, and on-site observation. Venn diagrams were employed to illustrate the comparative assessment of EMK, and different ethnobotanical indices were utilized to examine the data.
Results
A total of 96 wild medicinal plant species (MPs) belonging to 74 genera and 52 botanical families were documented. The most reported MPs belong to the family Polygonaceae (11 species), followed by Asteraceae (9 species) and Lamiaceae (8 species). The ethnomedicinal uses of Leontopodium himalayanum, Pedicularis oederi, Plocama brevifolia, Polypodium sibiricum, Pteridium esculentum, Sambucus wightiana, Solanum cinereum, Teucrium royleanum, Rhodiola integrifolia, Aconitum chasmanthum were reported for the first time in this region. Among the reported taxa herbaceous species were dominated (72%), followed by trees and shrubs (17% and 10%, respectively). Digestive problems (40 taxa and 114 use reports) and skin disorders (19 taxa and 549 use reports) were the most cited disease categories, whereas M. communis, M. longifolia, Ajuga integrifolia, Ziziphus jujuba, and Clematis grata exhibited the highest percentage fidelity levels. Out of 109 documented medicinal uses, a mere 12 were shared across all linguistic groups, and Bateri emerges as a notable outlier with the highest number of medicinal uses. In addition, a significant homogeneity was noted in the reported botanical taxa (61 species) among different linguistic groups. However, since the last decade biocultural heritage of Kohistan is facing multifaceted risks that need urgent attention.
Conclusion
Our findings could be valuable addition to the existing stock of ethnomedicinal knowledge and may provide ethnopharmacological basis to novel drug discovery for preexisting and emerging diseases prioritizing detailed phytochemical profiling and the evaluation of bioactive potential
3D Slot Roughness Evaluation Of Novel Orthodontic Brackets With Two Commercial Brackets (An İn-Vitro Study)
Full text linkThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the roughness of the new E-max brackets with two commercially available ceramic brackets in the markets. The bracket roughness of three different types was compared. The brackets were divided into three groups: (1) E-max brackets (IPS E-max press, Ivoclar, Germany), (2) Gemini clear brackets (Unitek, 3M, USA), and (3) Discovery pearl ceramic brackets (Dentaurum, Germany). The roughness of each bracket was tested through a 3D laser microscope (VK-X1100, Keyence, Germany). The Gemini clear showed a uniform surface significantly smoother than both E-max and Discovery pearl brackets with the latter having the highest roughness parameter. As a result of the noticeable tested brackets, E-max material is now and will continue to be a common choice for modern, aesthetically pleasing brackets, despite having a rougher surface than Gemini Clear but less than Discovery Pearl. To reduce roughness, the E-max brackets could benefit from better polishing and finishing. Hence, to lessen friction