A quantitative ethnozoological assessment of traditionally used animal-based therapies in the tropical island of Mauritius.

There is currently a dearth of documentation on the use of animal-based therapies (ABT) in Mauritius. This study was therefore designed to gather primary folk knowledge on the different ABT used by Mauritians. Failure to document such knowledge can results in losses in both the use of such remedies and in the scientific documentation of the cultural traditions of animals used in the treatment and/or management of human diseases. The aim of the study is to collect, analyze, document and disseminate ABT from the tropical island of Mauritius used against common human ailments. Data was collected following interviews from key informants (n=126) and reported diseases and health complications were classified in 14 categories. Eight quantitative indexes such as informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR), cultural agreement index (CAI) and ethnofaunistic index (EFI) were used to analyze the reported animal species. A total of 31 animal species belonging to 12 taxonomic groups were documented to be used in traditional medicine by Mauritians. ABT were prepared from whole animals or their body parts or products extracted from them such as: butter, meat, milk, bones, horn, musk, skin, fin, honey, mucus, eggs and legs. The most encountered taxonomic group was Actinopterygii (7 species). According to EFI, 3.34% of the indigenous fauna in Mauritius were used in the treatment and/or management of different ailments. The highest FIC value (0.98) was cited for endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders which included diabetes and gangrene. Rattus rattus scored the highest FL (100%) for the ailment category injury and poisons of external cause; Bos taurus had the highest RI value (2.00) due to its versatility, had the highest frequency of citation (RFC=0.49), the highest cultural importance (CII=0.84) and the highest CAI value (0.77). According to IAR, Salmo salar (IAR=1.00) had the highest agreement among the informants for being used for the same medicinal purpose. Furthermore, no side effects have been reported from the use of ABT. Our study revealed that Mauritians possesses valuable knowledge on a plethora of ABT. It is believed that the present documentation will serve to record this vanishing knowledge before it is eroded completely from the island and to the scientific community. It is also anticipated that the present documentation will be fundamental to protect traditional knowledge, for the conservation and sustainable use of the rich biodiversity of Mauritius for future generations and to ensure Mauritius׳s sovereign rights over its genetic resources and utilization by first documenting them. In addition, further experimental investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the reported medicinal fauna of Mauritius.

Mootoosamy A ，Mahomoodally MF 《-》

A quantitative ethnozoological study of traditionally used animals in Pachamalai hills of Tamil Nadu, India.

The purpose of this study was designed to gather primary folk knowledge on different animal based therapies used by Malayalis in Pachamalai hills. This is the first ethnozoological study in Pachamalai hills; the data regarding the medicinal animals/animal products were documented and their usages were analyzed quantitatively. Data was collected following the interviews from key informants (N=89) and reported diseases and health complications were classified in 18 categories. Seven quantitative indexes such as informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement index (CAI) were used to analyze the reported animal species. A total of 46 animal species belonging to 8 taxonomic groups were documented to be used in traditional medicine by Malayalis in Pachamalai hills. Animal based medicines were prepared from whole animals or their body parts or products extracted from them such as: butter, meat, milk, bones, horn, musk, skin, fin, honey, mucus, eggs, urine, excreta, hair and legs. The most encountered taxonomic group was Mammalia having 14 species. Aphrodisiac ailments (AA) (0.99), Dental care ailments (DCA) (0.99), Endocrinal disorders ailments (EDA) (0.99), Hair care ailments (HCA) (0.99), Oncology ailments (OA) (0.99) and Ortho ailments (ORTA) (0.99) gained the highest FIC value. Sus scrofa domesticus scored the highest FL (100%) for the Skeleto-muscular ailments for external cause; Lissemys punctata had the highest RI value (2.00) due to its versatility and the highest frequency of citation (RFC=1.000). Gallus domesticus had the highest cultural importance (CII=8.538) and the highest CAI value (CAI=8.427). According to IAR, Plexippus paykulli (IAR=1.00), Equus ferrus caballus (IAR=1.00), Trachypithecus johnii (IAR=1.00), Oecophylla samaragdina (IAR=1.00) and Apis indica (0.990) had the highest agreement among the informants for being used for the same medicinal purpose. Furthermore, no side effects have been reported from the use of ABT. Our study revealed that Malayalis (Pachamalai hills) possess valuable knowledge on Malayalis׳ animal based therapies. It is believed that the present documentation will serve to record this vanishing knowledge before it is eroded completely from the island and to the scientific community. It is also anticipated that the present documentation will be fundamental to protect traditional knowledge, for the conservation and sustainable use of the rich biodiversity of Pachamalai hills for future generations and to ensure Pachamalai hills׳ sovereign rights over its genetic resources and utilization by first documenting them. In addition, further experimental investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the reported medicinal fauna of Pachmalai hills.

Vijayakumar S ，Prabhu S ，Yabesh JE ，Pragashraj R ... -  《-》

Ethnomedicinal application of native remedies used against diabetes and related complications in Mauritius.

Notoriously, the tropical island of Mauritius has one of the highest prevalence of diabetes worldwide and the economic burden associated with it is alarming. The use of native remedies (NRs) is well anchored in the local culture and it continues to be the cornerstone of therapy for diabetic patients. However, there is currently a dearth of updated primary data on NRs used by Mauritians against diabetes and diabetes related complications (DRCs). This study was therefore designed to record, analyze and document orally transmitted ethnopharmacological knowledge from diabetic patients and traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) in Mauritius concerning NRs commonly used against diabetes and DRCs which might open new avenues to initiate novel antidiabetic drugs discovery. Data was collected following interviews from diabetic patients (n=328) and TMPs (n=20). Eleven quantitative indexes, namely informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR), cultural agreement index (CAI), quality use value (QUV), quality use agreement value (QUAV) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated. Statistical analysis such as Pearson correlation and Chi-squared test were performed to determine any association. A total of 111 plant species distributed over 56 families, 30 polyherbal formulations and 16 animal species were documented to be traditionally used against diabetes and DRCs. For the first time 8 endemic plants have been recorded to be used against diabetes and DRCs from Mauritius. The most encountered medicinal plant family was Asteraceae. According to the EI, 16.2% of the native plants in Mauritius were used against diabetes and DRCs. As far as we know, Vangueria madagascariensis, Apium graveolens, Petroselinum crispum and Rubus alceifolius with high RFC values are recorded against diabetes and DRCs for the first time. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, income, religious belief, education and residence) were found to significantly (p<0.05) influence the use of NRs. The average FIC for all ailments for plant and animal products were 0.94 and 0.87 respectively. Bryophyllum pinnatum, a native plant to Mauritius scored a high FL value (100%) used against diabetic neuropathy, Allium sativum had the highest RI value (2.00) due to its versatility, Aloe vera had the highest RFC (0.61), the CII (0.640) and the highest CAI value (0.635), Psidium guajava had the highest QUAV (0.961) which indicates its high bioactivity and Allium cepa was reported as the most effective plant species (QUV=0.965). According to UV, the most important species was Morinda citrifolia (1.21). Panoply of animal products were reported whereby fish (39.7%) was recorded as the most utilised zootherapy and Salmo salar scored the highest FL (100%) for diabetes. Some animal species (n=14) not previously documented against diabetes and DRCs are reported in the present study. Our present investigation revealed that the use of NRs constitutes the common legacy of Mauritians and despite the penetration of allopathic medicine; NRs continue to play a crucial role in the primary health care system of Mauritius. To this effect, it is of uttermost importance to record this knowledge before it disappears. In addition, further experimental investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the reported medicinal flora and fauna of Mauritius.

Mootoosamy A ，Fawzi Mahomoodally M 《-》

Ethnopharmacological analysis of medicinal plants and animals used in the treatment and management of pain in Mauritius.

Pain is a multi-faceted and multi-factorial condition which is challenging to manage and treat. Conventional therapies such as analgesics, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids amongst others have been successful to some extent in its management and treatment. Nonetheless, such therapies tend to be accompanied by undesirable effects and have a limited therapeutic range. Consequently, there is a pressing need to probe for novel analgesic and anti-nociceptive drugs from traditional medicines (TM). This study was designed to record, document and analyze herbal and animal-based therapies used for the management and treatment of pain in the tropical of Mauritius. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews with TM users (n=332) and practitioners (n=20). Seven quantitative ethnopharmacological indexes, namely family use value (FUV), use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated. A total of 79 plant species distributed within 40 families and 20 polyherbal preparations was recorded. Interestingly, 6 indigenous/endemic plants have been reported for the first time to be in common use for pain management and treatment in Mauritius. The most significant biologically important plant family was Xanthorrhoeaceae with highest FUV. The species which ranked highest according to its UV was Morinda citrifolia L. Morinda citrifolia L. and Ricinus communis L. also scored the highest RFC. The IAR values for the disease categories were high (0.95-0.97). Based on EI, plants species which are known to be useful in TM accounted for 11.5% of the total flora in Mauritius. Coix lacryma-jobi L. (FL=100%) had highest FL for lower back ache. Morinda citrifolia L. scored highest on most of the quantitative indices calculated including RI, which is endorsed by extensive documentation on its versatility and particularly its anti-nociceptive properties. Seven animal species were recorded to be in common use. The present ethnopharmacological study revealed a panoply of TM to be in common use for pain management and treatment in Mauritius. This study has documented for the first time medicinal plants and animal species with potential analgesic and/or anti-nociceptive properties. This study has therefore provided important baseline primary data for the discovery of new lead molecules for drug development geared towards pain management and treatment.

Sreekeesoon DP ，Mahomoodally MF 《-》

Ethnozoological practices in Rodrigues island of the Mascarene archipelago.

Rodrigues, is an autonomous island that forms part of the Republic of Mauritius. It is a component of the Mascarene archipelago alongside Mauritius and Reunion island. Despite their relative geographical proximity, each island has its own unique biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. Nonetheless, there is no documentation of the use of animal-based remedies (ABR) in Rodrigues. This study was therefore designed to gather and compare primary traditional knowledge on the different ABR used by Rodriguans. To collect, analyse, document, compare, and disseminate the use of ABR against common human ailments in Rodrigues island. Data was collected following interviews from key informants (n = 150). Primary data collected in the present study was compared with those reported from the nearest island, Mauritius. Three quantitative indices including (i) the frequency of citation, (ii) the similarity ratio and the percentage of shared uses among the two islands and (iii) new uses and percentage of new uses recorded in Rodrigues for each animal species mentioned were calculated. A total of 32 animal species belonging to 13 taxonomic groups among which 55% were vertebrates and 45% invertebrates were reported to treat 38 different ailment conditions. Altogether, 73 distinct medicinal preparations employing 22 different animal parts and by-products were concocted from the different animal species reported. Most used animal parts were meat (21%) followed by the whole body (14%). The preparations were either administered orally (78%) or topically (22%). Interestingly, resources such as the Rodriguan bat (Pteropus rodricensis) and honey are unique to the island and have never been studied before. Pteropus rodricensis is an endangered species while Carcharodon carcharias is a vulnerable one. The shared medicinal uses of the species among the 2 islands ranged from 0 to 50% with the most similar uses (50%) being for Columba livia and Donax Spp. respectively. The proportion of new uses of animal species recorded in Rodrigues was higher (NUR ≥ 30%) for Panulirus penicillatus, Ovis aries, Gallus gallus domesticus, Scutigera coleoptrata, Apis mellifera, Bos taurus and Capra aegagrus hircus. Rodriguans were found to possess valuable knowledge on a plethora of ABR. It is believed that the present documentation will serve to record and present this vanishing knowledge to the scientific community before it is further eroded from the island. Given the dearth of primary published information on zootherapeutic practices in Rodrigues, this study opens new avenues for biomedicine development in an attempt to develop alternative therapies or complement existing ones.

Mahomoodally F ，Samoisy AK ，Suroowan S 《-》