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Yucatec Mayan medicinal plants: evaluation based on indigenous uses
Anita Ankli1, Michael Heinrich, Peter Bork
1Department of Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|December 18, 2001
Summary
This ethnopharmacological study evaluated 48 medicinal plants for their biological effects. Several plants showed significant activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, warranting further investigation for drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ethnomedicinal plants are a rich source of novel therapeutic compounds.
- Understanding the pharmacological basis of traditional medicine enhances drug discovery.
- Indigenous knowledge guides the selection of plants for scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacological effects of 48 ethnopharmacologically selected medicinal plants.
- To identify plants with potential therapeutic applications based on indigenous uses.
- To provide a scientific basis for the traditional applications of medicinal plants.
Main Methods:
- An ethnopharmacological field study was conducted.
- Biological assays were used to evaluate plant activities.
- Evaluated activities included antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antihyperglycemic, and receptor binding.
Main Results:
- Three species demonstrated activity against Helicobacter pylori; one also showed activity against Giardia duodenalis.
- Six species exhibited cytotoxic effects against KB cells.
- Several dermatological plants were active against gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans.
- Two plants inhibited Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a pro-inflammatory transcription factor.
- One plant showed antihyperglycemic activity, and another weak antimalarial activity.
Conclusions:
- This study identified several medicinal plants with significant pharmacological activities.
- Plants showing strong activities against pathogens, inflammation, and other conditions warrant further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.
- The findings support the scientific validation of traditional medicinal plant uses and highlight their potential for drug discovery.