Popular Medicinal Plants in Portland and Kingston, Jamaica (Advances in Economic Botany)

This book highlights the results from over a year of ethnobotanical research in a rural and an urban community in Jamaica, where we interviewed more than 100 people who use medicinal plants for healthcare. The goal of this research was to better understand patterns of medicinal plant knowledge, and to find out which plants are used in consensus by local people for a variety of illnesses. For this book, we selected 25 popular medicinal plant species mentioned during fieldwork. Through individual interviews, we were able to rank plants according to their frequency of mention, and categorized the medicinal uses for each species as “major” (mentioned by more than 20% of people in a community) or “minor” (mentioned by more than 5%, but less than 20% of people). Botanical identification of plant specimens collected in the wild allowed for cross-linking of common and scientific plant names. To supplement field research, we undertook a comprehensive search and review of the ethnobotanical and biomedical literature. Our book summarizes all this information in detail under specific sub-headings. Preface Preface to the First Edition Acknowledgments Contents About the Editors Chapter 1: Introduction Geographic location of research Research methodology Ethnobotanical interviews Plant collection and identification Data analysis and selection of plant species for the monographs in this work Review of the scientific literature and criteria for inclusion and exclusion Organization of the information in the monographs How to use this book Future studies Selected bibliography Chapter 2: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asphodelaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 3: Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 4: Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn. (Polygonaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people): Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 5: Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 6: Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg (Moraceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 7: Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (Crassulaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 8: Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 9: Citrus × aurantium L. (Rutaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 10: Clinopodium brownei (Sw.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 11: Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 12: Crescentia cujete L. (Bignoniaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 13: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 14: Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Amaranthaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 15: Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 16: Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 17: Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 18: Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 19: Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 20: Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. (Myrtaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 21: Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations References Chapter 22: Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 23: Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (Fabaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 24: Solanum torvum Sw. (Solanaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 25: Turnera ulmifolia L. (Passifloraceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Chapter 26: Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) Botanical characteristics and propagation Where to find the plant Part used Jamaican cultural uses and beliefs Jamaican medicinal uses Major uses (mentioned by more than 20% of people) Minor uses (mentioned by more than 5% of people, but less than 20%) Reported medicinal uses across the Caribbean Reported medicinal uses across the world Clinical efficacy studies in humans Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) Metabolic syndrome Gastrointestinal conditions Safety information Side effects Toxicology Contraindications Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding Drug interactions Recommendations Selected bibliography Common Plant Name Index Index of Plant Names and Health Conditions "This book highlights the results from over a year of ethnobotanical research in a rural and an urban community in Jamaica, where we interviewed more than 100 people who use medicinal plants for healthcare. The goal of this research was to better understand patterns of medicinal plant knowledge, and to find out which plants are used in consensus by local people for a variety of illnesses. For this book, we selected 25 popular medicinal plant species mentioned during fieldwork. Through individual interviews, we were able to rank plants according to frequency of mention, and categorize the medicinal uses for each species as 'major' (mentioned by more than 20% of people in a community) or 'minor' (mentioned by more than 5%, but less than 20% of people). Botanical identification of plant specimens collected in the wild allowed for cross-linking of common and scientific plant names. To supplement field research, we undertook an extensive search and review of the ethnobotanical and biomedical literature. Our book summarizes all this information comprehensively under specific sub-headings."--Page 4 of cover