BackgroundAn ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 14 villages adjacent to Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Central Uganda between August 2013 and March 2014.MethodsInformation was obtained through interviews using semi- structured questionnaires. Field excursions with traditional healers and herbal medicine collectors were carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Fidelity ratios and Informant consensus agreements were calculated.ResultsA total of 190 plant species in 61 families and 152 genera were reported in the treatment of various health conditions. Family Fabaceae was dominant representing 14 % of the plant species documented. Vernonia amygdalina was the preferred species for treating malaria. Leaves (68 %) were the most frequently used parts in preparing herbal remedies. Decoctions (29 %) and oral route (53 %) of administration were commonly used method of herbal medicine preparation and administration respectively. Fifty-eight health conditions grouped in 25 categories were treated using medicinal plants. Informant consensus agreement was highest for blood system disorders (0.9) that included anaemia, hypertension and blood cleansing indicating homogeneity of informant’s knowledge about remedies used. Vernonia amygdalina and Erythrina abyssinica had 100 % fidelity level for treatment of malaria and vomiting respectively.ConclusionThe diversity of medicinal plant species used and the associated indigenous knowledge are of great value to the local community and their conservation and preservation is paramount. The therapeutic uses of the documented plants provides basic data for further research focused on pharmacological studies and conservation of the most important species.

BackgroundAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in four parishes in the Ngai and Otwal Sub Counties in Oyam district, Northern Uganda, where insurgency has been prevalent for the past 20 years. Documenting medicinal plant species used in treating various health conditions among the local people.MethodsInformation was obtained from mainly the local population, the traditional healers and other experienced persons through interviews, formal and informal discussions and field excursions.ResultsSeventy one plant species were reported for use in the treatment of various diseases in the study area. These plant species belongs to 41 families, with Asteraceae being the most represented. Roots were ranked the commonest plant part used. Oral administration was the most frequently used route of administration. A total of 41 different health conditions were reported to be treated by use of medicinal plant species. Thirty nine percent of the recorded plant species were reported for treating stomach related ailments.ConclusionThe use of medicinal plants in primary healthcare is still a common practice in Ngai and Otwal Sub Counties. The trust they have is built on the curative outcome properties claimed, poverty and armed conflict that lead to inadequate healthcare facilities. The generation gap caused by the over 20 years of insurgency in the area has brought about knowledge gap on the usage of medicinal plant species between the young and the older generation.

Resource user surveys were conducted in 14 villages of Mabira central forest reserve. The study was intended to assess factors that encourage dependency on non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Understanding NTFP dependence is instrumental in guiding plans of forest use. The study was based on the hypothesis that forest income is more important to poor than wealthier households. Stratified random sampling was used to select NTFP users in different use categories per village. Information on household income of NTFP users was obtained using semi structured questionnaires and relative NTFP income was calculated. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse factors that influence NTFP dependence. 277 respondents used and sold a variety of products including; charcoal, firewood, fodder, construction materials, secondary products of NTFPs, medicinal and wild edible plants. Relative NTFP income was highest (53%) for poor households. 56% of households surveyed were dependent on NTFPs. Age, other income, household head, wealth quintile and distance from the forest significantly affected NTFP dependence. The high dependence on NTFPs is critical in development of management strategies that enhance conservation of the forest by focusing on women and the poor to avoid negative impact on their wellbeing.

This paper generates data on the diversity and value of non-timber forest products (NTFP) traded in markets adjacent to Mabira Central forest reserve. The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of NTFP trade to the livelihoods of traders' households. Quarterly market surveys and field observations were conducted in eleven markets in 2014. All NTFP ISSN 2166-0379 2016 www.macrothink.org/jas 2 traders were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Simple profitability method was used to determine the profit margins of the traded products. The per capita value of NTFP traded was calculated and was highest for drums ($ 3,101) and lowest for winnowing trays ($3). All products had profit margins above 60%. Income generated from NTFP was used to cater for other essential needs like payment of school fees, medical treatment, buying food and other household items. NTFP trade has potential of improving the lives of traders through establishment of NTFP enterprises. In order for such enterprises to be successful traded forest products must be harvested sustainably to ensure consistent supply of the products. Multipurpose species like Markhamia lutea, Phoenix reclinata, Raphia farinefera and Calamus sp could be domesticated to minimize pressure on the forest. Journal of Agricultural Studies

Commicarpus plumbagineus Standl. (Nyctaginaceae) is important medicinally and reportedly used to treat a variety of diseases including urinary tract infections, prevention of miscarriages, purification and improvement of blood texture, fibroids, dysmenorrhoea, hypermenorrhoea and coagulation of blood. Scientific validation on the claimed cure of diseases by C. plumbagineus has not been carried out. The chemical profile and bioactivity have remained unknown. The aim of this study was to improve reproductive health care delivery, motherhood programmes, management of feminine diseases and to upgrade herbal medicine through scientific validation and evidence‐based research on bioactivity. The leaf and stem of C. plumbagineus were collected, dried and extracted with water. The immunology tests carried out on the water extracts were whole blood and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays using gamma interferon and interleukin‐10. Immunology tests revealed that the stem and leaf aqueous extracts had an effect on the immune system at 5% and 0.312% concentration with strong T‐helper 1 tendencies (good immune boosters).