Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume 2017 (2017), Article ID 8329817, 11 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8329817

Research Article

Indigenous Uses and Pharmacological Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Mount Taibai, China

Na Chang,¹ Ziwen Luo,² Dengwu Li,² and Huiying Song²

¹College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
²College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China

Correspondence should be addressed to Dengwu Li; dengwuli@163.com

Received 10 October 2016; Revised 13 January 2017; Accepted 22 January 2017; Published 20 February 2017

Academic Editor: Jairo Kennup Bastos

Copyright © 2017 Na Chang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

This study was carried out to investigate the indigenous use and pharmacological activity of traditional medicinal plants of Mount Taibai, China. Pharmacological data were collected by conducting informal interviews with local experienced doctors practicing traditional Chinese medicine and via open-ended questionnaires on villagers. We conclude that the residents of Mt. Taibai possess rich pharmacological knowledge. This study may help identify high-value traditional medicinal plant species, promote economic development associated with local medicinal plants, and increase awareness from government departments.

1. Introduction

Ethnobotany is a plant science that studies historical and current uses of medicinal plants [1, 2]. It is of great significance for the conservation of ancient medicinal cultures, as well as for understanding changes in history and culture. It is also important for the conservation of traditional medicinal plant resources [3]. Furthermore, local residents with limited access to medical technology and equipment may benefit from traditional remedies, which can form an effective indigenous healthcare system. Such research may be significant in revealing important traditional medicinal plant species, often leading to the discovery of new drugs, and contributing to the local economy. Currently, millions of people in the developing world rely on traditional medicinal plants for primary healthcare, skin care, economic benefits, and cultural development. In areas where medical facilities are underdeveloped, traditional medicinal plants are especially important. Here, local residents may not distinguish between food, healthcare, and economic activity. This indigenous pharmacological knowledge of traditional medicinal plants should not be ignored. The global herbal remedies market was worth 19.4 billion USD in 1999 (not including shrubs and trees) [4]. Moreover, demand for traditional medicinal plants is increasing; for example, in India alone, the market is expanding at an annual rate of 20% [2]. The development of ethnobotany is expected to bring significant economic benefits, and scientific research is required to provide an evidence base for the development of the active ingredients of traditional medicines. Ethnobotany may also protect cultural heritage, inspire more studies of traditional medicines, and provide a basis for the discovery of new drugs.

Qinling is the most important northsouth geographical divide in China. The peak of Qinling is Mt. Taibai, which is the most important boundary in eastern mainland China in terms of climatic variation and the distribution of vegetation, and is especially significant because of its eastwest alignment and abundance of species [5]. Mt. Taibai has 1,850 species of plants belonging to 126 families, 25 of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In recent years, interest has grown in the traditional medicinal plants of Mt. Taibai, both domestically and internationally. Attention has focused on biodiversity and pharmacological properties of individual species; however, few studies have attempted to evaluate their medicinal efficacy, or to explore the scientific basis of these plant medicines [6–8]. Although many of these plants have previously been investigated, most studies have been inconclusive. To provide a good evidence base for the usage of traditional medicinal plants, further studies should be carried out to investigate the distribution and usage of medicinal plants and critically evaluate their efficacy.

We investigated and documented traditional medicinal plants in Mt. Taibai and analyzed the treatment diversity of medicinal methods, identifying numerous plant parts, remedy formulations, and ailments that they were used to treat. We also evaluated the efficacy of these medicinal plants by comparing local usage with findings from published phytochemical and pharmacological studies. We believe that this research will not only help to stimulate the local economy, but also help to promote the protection and utilization of traditional medicinal plants.

2. Study Area and Methods

2.1. Study Area

Mt. Taibai (107°22′–107°51′ E, 33°49′–34°05′ N) is located in the center of the Qinling mountain range in Shaanxi Province, China. It covers Taibai County, the southern part of Mei County, and the southwestern part of Zhouzhi County. The elevation of the study region extends from 819 to 3767 m (see Figure 1) [9]. The Mt. Taibai Nature Reserve was designated in September 1965 by the government of Shaanxi Province. It contains a diverse range of flora, including 1,783 seed plant species (597 genera and 126 families), 325 bryophyte species (142 genera and 62 families), and 110 fern species (40 genera and 21 families), constituting approximately 60% of the flora of the Qinling range [10–12]. Interviews and surveys, as well as specimen collection, were undertaken in the Taibai Mountains (Mt. Taibai) Nature Reserve and the surrounding areas, including villages in Taibai County, Mei County, and Zhouzhi County.

Figure 1: Location of Taibai Mountains Nature Reserve in Shaanxi, China.

2.2. Study Methods

Pharmacological data were collected by conducting interviews with local experienced doctors of traditional Chinese medicine, and open-ended questionnaires were given to villagers. Participants were selected to include plant collectors, plant cultivators, and plant traders. In total, nine experienced doctors of traditional Chinese medicine were interviewed; all were male, five were aged more than 50 years, and four were aged 40–50 years. In addition, 41 villagers (74% male, 26% female) participated in our open-ended questionnaire, 54% of whom were aged more than 40 years. The majority (54%) had no formal education, and 46% had primary school education, of whom 21% also had secondary school education. We gathered information on the altitudes of plant distributions, plant uses, the parts of plants that are used, their modes of utilization, the formulations of remedies, and the ailments that were treated using them. For species that could not be identified with certainty, specimens were collected for identification using references and further expert knowledge. The informant consensus factor was used to describe the variability of traditional medicinal plants. A high value of indicates good agreement on a particular ailment, whereas a low value of corresponds to poor agreement. High values of thus indicate particularly interesting species in the search for bioactive compounds. was calculated as follows [13]:

where is the number of individual reports of plant use for a particular illness category and is the total number of species used for this illness category.

To determine the variability, the reasonability of preparation methods, and the efficacy of the medicinal plants, we analyzed the altitudes at which the plants were grown, the taxonomic category, the parts of the plants that were used, the ailments that were treated, the chemical composition, and the pharmacological activity. Data were plotted using Sigmaplot 12.0, MapGIS 6.7, and Photoshop 6.0 for Windows.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Distribution at Different Altitudes

We recorded a total of 50 species of traditional medicinal plants grown at various altitudes on Mt. Taibai. Forty species were found at altitudes of 1000–1400 m, 23 species at altitudes of 1400–1800 m, 18 species at altitudes of 600–1000 m, 15 species at altitudes of 1800–2200 m, 14 species at altitudes of 2200–2600 m, 7 species at altitudes of 2600–3000 m, and 6 species at altitudes of 3000–3500 m (Figure 2). Therefore, we concluded that altitudes in the range of 1000–1400 m represented the best sampling location.

Figure 2: Distribution frequencies (number of species) of medicine plants.

3.2. Taxonomic Categories

All of these species were angiosperms, with 46 genera belonging to 32 families. There were 41 species of herb (82%), 6 species of shrub (12%), and 3 species of climber (6%; see Figure 3). Shrubs and grassland are important habitats for medicinal plants [14]. The herb layer is more complex and variable than the shrub layer, and the interaction between species is strong. Owing to the heterogeneity of the herb layer, it has rich species diversity [15]. It is believed that the more abundant the plant, the more the medicinal virtues it may possess [16, 17].

Figure 3: Percentage distributions of medicinal plant species according to life form.

3.3. Part of the Plant Used for Medicine

Medicinal formulations can be prepared from roots, rhizomes, seeds, leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, or the whole plant. In this study, the most commonly used part was the whole plant (27 species), followed by roots (18 species), fruits (11 species), seeds (7 species), leaves (5 species), rhizomes (5 species), stems (3 species), and flowers (3 species) (Figure 4). The use of multiple plant parts was also recorded in some cases, including Iris lactea, where the leaves, roots, seeds, or flowers may be used for medicine, and Acorus calamus, where the roots, flowers, or leaves are used. It has been shown that some traditional medicinal plants may have effects when used in the form of preparations made using roots, leaves, and flowers. Deng and Hou [18] carried out chemical analyses and pharmacological experiments using 18 plant roots, leaves, and flowers, with clinical observations and a comparative study showing that many nonmedicinal parts of plants had medicinal value, which is significant for the development of new medicinal resources. Many traditional Chinese medicines in nonmedicinal parts of in-depth research have new insights, in the development of new resources.

Figure 4: Use frequencies (number of species) of different plant parts in traditional medicine preparation.

3.4. Ailments Treated

Gastrointestinal disorders, coughs, colds, urological problems, dermatological infections, heart diseases, fever, headaches, liver complaints, weakness, dizziness, respiratory problems, ophthalmological problems, cuts, and wounds were treated using traditional medicinal plants. Coughs and colds were treated with the greatest diversity of plant species (22 species), followed by urological problems (19 species) and gastrointestinal disorders (17 species). Respiratory problems, heart disease, and toothache were treated with the lowest diversity of plant species (5, 2, and 2, resp.) (Figure 5). Many species were used to treat multiple ailments, such as Solanum nigrum, Origanum vulgare, Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza cuneata, Carum carvi, and Valeriana officinalis, which were used to treat four to five ailments (Table 1). This suggests that there is significant potential value among these species. Some species were used to treat few ailments, such as Acorus calamus, which was used to treat only cough and toothache. Some species were used to treat only a single ailment, such as Thlaspi arvense, which was used to treat urological problems only (Table 1). The reasons why coughs, urological problems, and gastrointestinal disorders were treated with such a diversity of species may be related to the local climate conditions, living environment, and habits.

Table 1: Medicinal plants used to cure various ailments.

Ailment
Plants

Cough and cold
Acorus calamus Linn., Polygonatum odoratum Mill., Iris lactea Pall. var. chinensis Koidz., Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr., Asarum sieboldii Miq., Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm., Lepidium apetalum Willd., Lespedeza bicolor Turcz., Hippophae rhamnoides Linn., Daucus carota Linn., Carum carvi Linn., Pyrola rotundifolia Linn. subsp. Chinensis H. Andres., Metaplexis japonica (Thunb.) Makino., Origanum vulgare Linn., Veronicastrum sibiricum (Linn.) Penell., Lonicera japonica Thunb., Valeriana officinalis Linn., Xanthium sibiricum Patrin ex Widder., Bidens parviflora Willd., Cephalanoplos segetum (Bge.) Kitam., Anaphalis sinica Hance., Arctium lappa Linn.

Kidney and urethra problems
Houttuynia cordata Thunb., Humulus scandens, Polygonum aviculare Linn., Portulaca oleracea Linn., Ranunculus sceleratus Linn., Thlaspi arvense Linn., Astragalus chrysopterus Bge., Lespedeza bicolor, Daucus carota, Carum carvi, Diospyros lotus Linn., Cynanchum wilfordii (Maxim.) Hemsl., Metaplexis japonica, Leonurus pseudomacranthus Kitag., Origanum vulgare, Plantago depressa Widd., Plantago asiatica Linn., Valeriana officinalis, Cephalanoplos segetum

Gastrointestinal disorders
Rumex acetosa Linn., Portulaca oleracea, Sophora flavescens Ait., Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don., Geranium sibiricum Linn., Daphne giraldii Nitsche., Hippophae rhamnoides, Daucus carota, Carum carvi, Origanum vulgare, Solanum nigrum Linn., Plantago depressa, Lonicera japonica, Valeriana officinalis, Artemisia annua Linn., Bidens parviflora, Anaphalis sinica

Cuts and wounds
Gymnadenia conopsea R. Br., Polygonum viviparum Linn., Paeonia obovata Maxim., Lepidium apetalum, Sedum aizoon Linn., Sanguisorba officinalis Linn., Astragalus chrysopterus, Lespedeza cuneata, Oxalis acetosella Linn., Geranium sibiricum, Pyrola rotundifolia, Verbena officinalis Linn.

Dermatological infections
Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus japonicus Thunb., Sophora flavescens, Astragalus chrysopterus, Oxalis acetosella, Diospyros lotus, Verbena officinalis, Solanum nigrum, Artemisia annua, Bidens parviflora

Fever and headache
Humulus scandens, Polygonum viviparum, Portulaca oleracea, Lespedeza bicolor, Origanum vulgare, Solanum nigrum, Veronicastrum sibiricum (Linn.) Penell, Artemisia annua, Anaphalis sinica

Weakness and dizziness
Polygonatum odoratum, Gymnadenia conopsea, Pseudostellaria heterophylla, Lepidium apetalum, Lespedeza bicolor, Carum carvi, Cynanchum wilfordii, Metaplexis japonica

Menstrual disorders
Ranunculus sceleratus, Paeonia obovata, Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Planch., Pyrola rotundifolia, Verbena officinalis, Leonurus pseudo-macranthus, Origanum vulgare

Ophthalmological problems
Lespedeza cuneata, Tribulus terrestris Linn., Diospyros lotus, Solanum nigrum, Plantago depressa, Plantago asiatica

Liver complaint
Iris lactea., Gymnadenia conopsea, Tribulus terrestris, Actinidia arguta, Plantago depressa, Plantago asiatica

Respiratory problems
Houttuynia cordata, Ranunculus sceleratus, Lespedeza cuneata, Diospyros lotus, Solanum nigrum

Heart diseases
Polygonatum odoratum, Valeriana officinalis

Toothache
Acorus calamus, Asarum sieboldii

Figure 5: Number of remedies used for various ailments.

3.5. Formulations

We found that 85 medicinal formulations were prepared using the 50 traditional medicinal plants identified in this study. Methods/applications included decoctions, pastes, juices, chewing, steaming, and medicated baths (Table 2). The most common formulation was decoction (42), followed by paste (25), juice (8), medicated bath (5), chewing (3), and steaming (2). Polygonum aviculare, Portulaca oleracea, Sanguisorba officinalis, Lespedeza cuneata, Tribulus terrestris, Pyrola rotundifolia, Verbena officinalis, and Veronicastrum sibiricum were processed into three different formulations (Figure 6). A total of 19 species were prepared as two different formulations, and all of the remaining 23 species were only prepared as a single formulation. Decoction was the most widely used preparation, which may be because of its simplicity and convenience (the processes of applying medicated baths, chewing, and steaming are more complicated or less convenient). Additional preparations have also been reported; for example, Chen et al. [19] described a preparation made using a combination of egg, tea leaves, and yellow wine, which was used as an embrocation to treat skin diseases, as well as the use of rice or other foods to enable swallowing or topical applications.

Table 2: Common forms of preparation methods for remedies made of medicinal plants.

Preparation method
Description

Paste
Fresh plant parts are crushed with a stone pestle and mortar.

Juice
Obtained by squeezing or crushing plant parts. Sometimes requires addition of other liquids for dilution.

Chewing
Fresh plant parts are chewed.

Steamed dew
Drugs are extracted from medicinal raw materials by distillation and then modulated into distilled liquid for drinking, wiping, or other uses.

Decoction
Plant parts are boiled in water and the extract (crude drug) is used.

Medicate bath
Fresh flowers or other plant parts are immersed in hot water for bathing.

Figure 6: Use frequencies (number of medicinal formulations) of different remedy preparation techniques.

3.6. Informant Consensus Factor

The level of informant agreement was medium–high (mean = 0.65). values for most diseases were in the range of 0.60–0.70. Respiratory problems, menstrual disorders, and urological problems exhibited relatively low levels of consensus ( = 0.56, 0.67, and 0.57, resp.). High values of were obtained for toothache and heart disease (0.88 and 0.83, resp.), showing that locals had reached good agreement on the plant species (Polygonatum odoratum, Valeriana officinalis, Acorus calamus, and Asarum sieboldii) to be used for these ailments. With the development of national medicine, a variety of herbs may contribute to traditional medicines and can complement the development of traditional Chinese medicine theory and practice [20]. These species may have significant value, so further investigation of their active compounds is warranted (Table 3).

Table 3: Informant consensus factor () for different ailment categories.

Ailment
Number of taxa ()
Number of use reports ()
Informant consensus factor ()

Cough and cold
22
54
0.60

Kidney and urethra problems
19
43
0.57

Gastrointestinal disorders
17
47
0.65

Cuts and wounds
14
41
0.68

Dermatological infections
10
25
0.63

Fever and headache
9
21
0.60

Weakness and dizziness
8
18
0.59

Menstrual disorders
7
15
0.57

Ophthalmological problems
6
14
0.62

Liver complaint
6
17
0.69

Respiratory problems
5
10
0.56

Heart diseases
2
7
0.83

Toothache
2
9
0.88

Total
127
321

3.7. Efficacy of Traditional Medicinal Plants

By collecting phytochemical and pharmacological data on the 50 traditional medicinal plants based on questionnaire data from local residents, and comparing this with bioefficacy data from literature reports, we found that the use of traditional medicinal plants in Mt. Taibai was consistent with known phytochemical or pharmacological properties in 84% of cases. In total, 28 medicinal species showed complete correspondence and 14 (Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Tribulus terrestris, Paeonia obovata, Thlaspi arvense, Polygonatum odoratum, Actinidia arguta, Astragalus chrysopterus, Lespedeza bicolor, Solanum nigrum, Cynanchum wilfordii, Metaplexis japonica, Daucus carota, and Anaphalis sinica) showed partial correspondence. These results showing only partial phytochemical and pharmacological correspondence warrant further research into the uses of these plants. It was difficult to evaluate the pharmacological activity of the following eight species: Iris lactea, Lespedeza cuneata, Oxalis acetosella, Sophora flavescens, Lepidium apetalum, Leonurus pseudomacranthus, Ranunculus sceleratus, and Cephalanoplos segetum. Although many of these have been shown to contain active substances, further research is required to investigate their efficacy. The species Oxalis acetosella, Sophora flavescens, and Leonurus pseudomacranthus (Table 4) have not been widely studied, and their pharmacological activity is largely unknown. To help promote local economic development, we conclude that the previous 42 medicinal species should be given sufficient attention, but that the final eight species are also worthy of further research, with potential applications in drug development.

Table 4: Comparison of local use and phytochemical/pharmacological properties of medicinal plants.

Species
The main usage in local place (present study)
Phytochemical/pharmacological properties (literature review)
Local use coherent with known phytochemical/pharmacological properties

Portulaca oleracea
Whole plant soup is taken for enteritis and constipation
Alkaloid extract may possess anti-inflammatory properties [21]
Yes

Iris lactea
Seeds and flowers are applied on heat-clearing and detoxifying
Containing more than seven kinds of flavonoids [22], but seldom pharmacological research
Unknown

Gymnadenia conopsea
Whole plant and rhizomes are used for wounds, weakness, and dizziness
Antiallergic effect [23]
Yes

Houttuynia cordata
Whole plant is taken for respiratory and kidney problems
Anti-inflammatory and virucidal effects [24, 25]
Yes

Humulus scandens
Whole plant is used for fever, cough, and urethra problem
Antibacterial, antihypertensive, and antiphlogistic properties [26]
Yes

Polygonum viviparum
Rhizomes are taken for wounds, cough, and cold
Antioxidative activity [27, 28]
Partial

Rumex acetosa
Whole plant is applied on dermatological infections and gastrointestinal disorders
Antimutagenicity and antigenotoxic activity [29], but seldom pharmacological research
Partial

Plantago depressa
Used for hepatitis and seeds are applied on diarrhea or eye diseases
Hypoglycemia and lipids regulating effects [30]
Yes

Polygonum aviculare
Whole plant is used for kidney and urethra problems
Diuretic, antihypertensive, antibacterial, and antioxidant effect [31]
Yes

Carum carvi
Fruits are taken for dyspepsia, coughs, diuresis, and stomachache
Antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties [32, 33]
Yes

Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Roots are taken for cough, weakness, and dizziness
Antifungal and immunostimulating activities [34, 35]
Yes

Xanthium sibiricum
Leaves are applied on wind chill and colds
Bacteriostatic and antifungal activities [36, 37]
Yes

Tribulus terrestris
Fruits are applied for eye diseases, menstrual disorders, and liver problems
Having several effects on central neural system, sex function, and muscular system [38]
Partial

Ranunculus japonicas
Used for dermatological infections
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects [39]
Yes

Paeonia obovate
Roots are taken for cough and menstrual disorders
Hypoglycemic activity and immunocompetence of paeoniflorin [40]
Partial

Thlaspi arvense
Whole plant and seeds are applied for kidney and urethra problems
Antibacterial and antifungal activities [41]
Partial

Sedum aizoon
Whole plant an roots are taken for cuts and wounds
Improving the immune function and relieving swelling and pain [42]
Yes

Plantago asiatica
Used for diarrhea, hepatitis, and red swollen and painful eye
Antiviral and immunomodulatory effects [43]
Yes

Sanguisorba officinalis
Roots are used for cuts and wounds
Antimicrobial activity [44]
Yes

Lonicera japonica
Used for gastrointestinal disorders, colds, and fever
Anti-inflammatory activity [45]
Yes

Valeriana officinalis
Roots are taken for cough, heart diseases, and lubricating the intestines
Having effect on circulatory system and respiratory system [46]
Yes

Polygonatum odoratum
Roots are taken for palpitation, coughs, and physical weakness
Hypoglycemic effects [47]
Partial

Acorus calamus
Used for febrile pain, colds, and toothache
Reduction of body temperature and potentiation of hypnotic activity [48]
Yes

Lespedeza cuneata
Used for Gastrointestinal disorders, wounds, and respiratory problems
Contains tannins [49]
Unknown

Oxalis acetosella
Used for wounds and dermatological infections
Seldom report on physiological activity
Unknown

Geranium sibiricum
Whole plant and roots are taken for wounds and gastrointestinal disorders
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities [50]
Yes

Sophora flavescens
Root are used for dermatological infections and gastrointestinal disorders
Contains matrine [51]
Unknown

Actinidia argute
Used for menstrual disorders and liver complaint
Contains sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, benzene, and other compounds [52]
Partial

Daphne giraldii
Used for headache, arthralgia, and gastrointestinal disorders
Anti-inflammatory analgesic activity [53]
Yes

Astragalus chrysopterus
Whole plant is taken for wounds, heart diseases, and dermatological infections
Contains soyasaponin, triterpenoid, glycoside daucosterol, beta-sitosterol, and other compounds [54]
Partial

Lespedeza bicolor
Leaves and stems are applied for cough, fever, weakness, and kidney problems
Contains ethyl caffeate, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, betulinic acid, β-sitosterol, and many active compounds [55]
Partial

Asarum sieboldii
Roots are applied for cold, headache, and toothache
Antinociceptive effects [56]
Yes

Hippophae rhamnoides
Fruits are taken for coughs, colds, and gastrointestinal disorders
Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties [57]
Yes

Solanum nigrum
Whole plant is taken for stomachache, headache, hot eyes, and faucitis
Gastric antiulcerogenic effects [58]
Partial

Pyrola rotundifolia
Used for cough, wounds, and menstrual disorders
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [59]
Yes

Origanum vulgare
Used for colds, fever, vomiting, and menstrual disorder
Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities [59]
Yes

Lepidium apetalum
Seeds are applied for fending off the cold and coughs and nourishing
Contains flavonoids [60]
Unknown

Cynanchum wilfordii
Roots are taken for weakness and kidney problems
Contains more than eight c21 steroidal glycosides [61]
Partial

Metaplexis japonica
Used for cough, dizziness, and urethra problems
Anticancer activity and improving immune function [62]
Partial

Verbena officinalis
Whole plant is used for wounds, dermatological infections, and menstrual disorders
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity [63]
Yes

Leonurus pseudomacranthus
Used for menstrual disorders and kidney and urethra problems
Seldom report on physiological activity
Unknown

Veronicastrum sibiricum
Whole plant and roots are taken for cough, fever, and headache
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities [64]
Yes

Daucus carota
Fruits are applied on invigorating stomach, coughs, nourishing, cystolith, and kidney stone
Hepatoprotective activity [65]
Partial

Diospyros lotus
Fruit juice is applied for malaria, diarrhea, and removal of black spots
Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity [66]
Yes

Anaphalis sinica
Whole plant is used for fever, cough, and gastrointestinal disorders
More than twenty components were isolated and many flavonoids were identified [67]
Partial

Ranunculus sceleratus
Used for phlegm, menstrual disorder, and diuresis
Many chemical compounds were detected [68], but seldom pharmacological research
Unknown

Bidens parviflora
Whole plant is used for cough, dermatological infections, and gastrointestinal disorders
Antihyperlipidemia, anti-inflammatory activities and protecting stomach [22]
Yes

Cephalanoplos segetum
Used for cough, kidney, and urethra problems
Contains high content of chlorogenic acid [69], but seldom pharmacological research
Unknown

Artemisia annua
Used for fever, intestinal tract disease, and skin disease
Antibacterial and antioxidant activities [70]
Yes

Arctium lappa
Fruits are taken for coughs, fever, and sore swollen throat
Anti-inflammatory activity [71]
Yes

3.8. Suggestions for Further Exploitation and Protection

By comparing information on the use of traditional medicinal plants with the Chinese Materia Medica and other related research, we found that the properties of many of the identified species exhibited similar results. This shows that the use of traditional medicinal plants is self-consistent. This self-consistent knowledge of traditional medicinal plant species is extremely valuable and may promote research into the culture of traditional remedies and expedite the development of medicine. Therefore, knowledge of traditional medicinal plants is significant and should be conserved. Further development and utilization and effective cultivation and preparation methods, as well as education and regulation, are important strategies that can help exploit the benefits of these medicinal plants. Against this background, we make the following proposals.

First, regulations should be issued by government to control and standardize the use and trade of traditional medicinal plants. Second, the traditional knowledge of the use of medicinal plant is very important, but local residents may not take this seriously unless they realize the value of these traditional medicinal plants. Therefore, effective communication/publicity is important. Third, improvements should be made to the market for medical plants. Trade is an important factor in the use of medicinal plants, and protection for traders is therefore important. To promote economic development of local medicinal plants, protection and production should be taken into consideration. If such regulation is impractical, medicinal botanical gardens may be a good option. Training and demonstrations are important not only to preserve the germplasm resources of wild medicinal plants, but also to improve publicity. Finally, support from government is an important factor, as the implementation of the above strategies requires support from government. Only government has the capabilities to ensure sustainable development of these medicinal plant resources.

4. Conclusions

Mt. Taibai is rich in medicinal plant resources, and the local people possess a systematic and self-consistent knowledge of these native medicinal plants, including identification, application, and treatment modalities. Altitudes in the range of 1000–1400 m were found to be most promising for sample collection. Herbs were the most widely used plant species because of their abundance and the relative ease of collection, preparation, and storage. The most frequently used parts of plants were roots. Coughs and colds were the ailments that were treated with the greatest diversity of medicinal plant species. Decoction was the most widely used formulation.

The level of informant agreement was medium–high (mean = 0.65). The highest values of were obtained for toothache and heart disease (0.88 and 0.83, resp.), indicating good agreement in terms of the plant species used to treat these conditions (P. odoratum, V. officinalis, A. calamus, and A. sieboldii). These species therefore have significant value, and further research into their active compounds is warranted. We found 84% self-consistency of traditional plant use, which, together with scientifically proven phytochemical and pharmacological properties, indicates that traditional medical theories and formulations may be important and effective aspects of healthcare. We found that 14 species (P. viviparum, R. acetosa, T. terrestris, P. obovata, T. arvense, P. odoratum, A. arguta, A. chrysopterus, L. bicolor, S. nigrum, C. wilfordii, M. japonica, D. carota, and A. sinica) exhibited only partial correspondence in terms of pharmacological activity and that 8 (I. lacteal, L. cuneata, O. acetosella, S. flavescens, L. apetalum, L. pseudomacranthus, R. sceleratus, and C. segetum) showed inconclusive results; however, there may be significant potential for the use of these plants, and further investigation is warranted for all species. The chemical compounds contained in the species O. acetosella, S. flavescens, and L. pseudomacranthus have not been reported, and their pharmacological activity is largely unknown. More complete and systematic knowledge of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of traditional medicinal plants is desirable, and medicinal plants have considerable potential for healthcare applications. Therefore, we attach importance to the conservation of biodiversity, as well as traditional knowledge of the medicinal use of these plants. Proper management and exploitation of traditional medicinal plants may provide a sustainable source of income for local communities. This provides incentives for conservation to ensure the long-term availability of these traditional medicinal plants, both for use as indigenous drugs and for commercial exploitation.

Disclosure

The English in this document has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English. For a certificate, please see http://www.textcheck.com/certificate/mgkiQ5.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that there are no competing interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the program from the Special Fund for Forestry Scientific Research in the Public Interest of China (201504320).

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