INTRODUCTION
Medicinal plants have been utilized since ancient times for health improvement and as food and spices They continue to be vital for the health of communities, particularly in buffer zones, and are integral to the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities Despite their significance, many valuable medicinal plants remain underutilized and unrecognized Therefore, conducting specific studies to assess the diversity of these plants is crucial for gathering essential data that can inform strategies for their planning, management, protection, and development.
Huu Lien Nature Reserve, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province is the place where the medicinal plants are extremely rich Huu Lien Nature Reserve was established on August
Established on September 9, 1986, Huu Lien Nature Reserve is situated in a high latitude area where tropical and subtropical climates converge This reserve, located in the Cao Bang - Lang Son limestone range in southwest Lang Son province, features a unique limestone ecosystem that is rich in valuable biological resources and boasts high biodiversity, particularly in medicinal plants.
Huu Lien Nature Reserve has yet to undergo comprehensive research on the diversity of its medicinal plants, highlighting the need for thorough surveys, data collection, and specimen analysis Furthermore, the conservation of these natural medicinal plant resources is increasingly critical to meet both current and future economic and social goals.
To establish a solid scientific foundation for effective conservation efforts, it is essential to investigate, collect, and document the diversity of medicinal plants within the Huu Lien Nature Reserve My research focuses on the variety of medicinal plants found in this area, highlighting their ecological significance and potential for conservation.
Lung district, Lang Son province”
History of medicinal plants in the world
Medicinal plants are essential non-timber forest products recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as herbal when their primary ingredient remains in its natural form post-processing These plants synthesize chemical compounds vital for their biological functions and defense against pests Throughout history, humans have relied on plants for sustenance and later discovered their potential in preventing and treating diseases, leading to the development of traditional medicine As human knowledge and science have advanced, the use of medicinal plants has expanded significantly, positively impacting health Research into the medicinal plant history of various ethnic groups highlights the diversity and importance of these natural resources.
In "Chronological History of Plants" (1878), Charles Pikering notes that Middle Eastern civilizations utilized various plant species for nutrition and medicinal purposes as early as 4271 BC Additionally, Borisova B (1960) highlights archaeological findings indicating that by 5000 BC, these practices were well-established.
Medicinal plants have been utilized since ancient times, especially in tribal wars where they were often appropriated alongside food crops and flowering plants, highlighting their early significance In Australia, recognized as the cradle of the world's oldest civilization, Indigenous peoples have gathered and exchanged valuable medicinal herbs for over 60,000 years, developing extensive knowledge about native plant species.
Eucalyptus globulus, which are found only in Australia, and it is used to treat very effectively
However, the knowledge of Australians on herbs was lost when Europeans settled Today, most herbs in Australia come from the West, India, China and the Pacific Rim
European herbs, rooted in classical medicine, showcase remarkable diversity, significantly shaped by Galen, a physician during the reign of Marcus Aurelius His extensive writings on herbal medicine have influenced European practices for over 1,500 years In the first century AD, Greek physician Dioscorides authored "De Materia Medica," an influential herbal compendium featuring 600 herbs that served as a primary reference for Western medicine until the seventeenth century, with translations in Old English, Persian, and Hebrew During the Middle Ages, the doctrine of "Signs" emerged, linking the physical characteristics of plants to their medicinal properties; for instance, the mottled leaves of Pulmonaria officinalis resemble lung tissue and are effective in treating respiratory ailments.
Africa boasts a rich diversity of traditional herbal medicine, with a long history of utilizing medicinal plants for treatment dating back to ancient times Historical records, such as ancient Egyptian manuscripts from 1950 BC and the Ebers papyrus from around 1500 BC, document the use of over 700 herbs and their applications in treating various ailments, including lung diseases and crocodile wounds Trade in medicinal plants among the Middle East, India, and Northeastern Africa has been traced back at least 3,000 years From the 5th to the 13th century AD, Arab herbalists played a pivotal role in advancing medical knowledge, exemplified by Ibn El Beitar's mid-13th century publication, "Medical Problems," which catalogs medicinal plants in North Africa.
China and India are renowned for their rich traditions in medicinal practices By the second century, Chinese medicine had already begun utilizing medicinal plants, such as tea (Thea sinensis) for wound cleansing and scabies treatment The 1985 publication "Chinese Medicine Tree" cataloged numerous plants used for various ailments, highlighting the deep-rooted history of herbal medicine in these cultures.
Momordica cochinchinensis is effective in treating venom, inflammation, and conditions such as swelling, joint pain, malaria, and hematomas Additionally, recent research has highlighted the valuable properties of Ganoderma lucidum in managing liver diseases, bile disorders, organ cancers, and providing preventive measures against AIDS (Pharmaceutical Institute, 2001).
Ancient Indian civilization developed over 5000 years along the banks of the Indus River in southern India In the Vedas epic, which was written in 1500 BC, retains much of the
6 valuable knowledge of the herbs of that period In particular, many plants are considered
Aegle marmelos, also known as the bael tree, holds sacred significance in Hinduism, particularly associated with deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Samantha, the god of health This revered tree is often planted near temples, symbolizing its spiritual importance and connection to divine blessings.
Bulgarian national medicine, often referred to as the "National of Rose," utilizes various parts of the rose plant—flowers, leaves, and roots—to treat ailments such as hematemesis and edema Modern scientific research has revealed that roses are rich in tannins, glycosides, and essential oils, which are not only valuable in perfumery but also beneficial for treating numerous health conditions.
Medicinal plants are gaining popularity globally, with over 40,000 species investigated by the American Institute for Cancer in the last 30 years, revealing hundreds that can treat cancer Notably, 25% of prescription medications in the U.S with potent medicinal properties are derived from Cantharanthus roseus, particularly effective in Madagascar for treating children's blood cancer, increasing survival rates from 10% to 90% The medicinal efficacy of these plants is attributed to their biologically active compounds, prompting successful studies focused on these compounds However, this research necessitates substantial funding, advanced equipment, and skilled professionals, leading to ongoing studies in both developed and select developing countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 1985 that nearly 20,000 out of 250,000 plant species are utilized for medicinal purposes In India alone, there are approximately 6,000 medicinal plant species, with over 5,000 in China and more than 1,900 in tropical regions of America The use of medicinal plants is on the rise, particularly in developing countries, where 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine China, being the world's most populous nation, leads in herbal medicine production and export, contributing to 30% of global trade in this sector as of 1991 Other significant exporters include Singapore and Hong Kong, while major markets for these herbs are found in Japan, the USA, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain Notably, 53 countries, including India and China, supply medicinal plants to Germany, highlighting the growing trend of utilizing traditional medicine even in industrialized nations Medicinal plants are not only cost-effective but also play a crucial role in the development of both modern and traditional medicines, enhancing human health.
GOALS, SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND OBJECTS
This project aims to catalog medicinal plants found in Huu Lien Nature Reserve, contributing to the preservation of these valuable resources and supporting future advancements in biomedical research and development.
- To list the medicinal plants present in Huu Lien Nature Reserve
- To collect data, evaluate the diversity of medicinal plants:
+ Diversity in phylum, family, genus, species
- To investigate the current status and causes of the decline of medicinal plant resources
- To propose sustainable conservation, spread development of the valuable plant species in the community area
- Objects: Valuable medicinal plants and medicinal plants used by local community
- Study sites: Huu Lien Nature Reserve, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province
STUDY SITE
Huu Lien Nature Reserve, located approximately 90 km north of Hanoi, encompasses the entirety of Huu Lien commune and a portion of Yen Thinh commune within the Huu Lung district of Lang Son province.
Huu Lien Nature Reserve is strategically located, bordered to the north by Tran Yen commune in Bac Son district, to the south by Yen Thinh and Hoa Binh communes in Huu Lung district, to the east by Huu Le commune in Van Quan district and Van Linh commune in Chi Lang district, and to the west by Nhat Tien commune in Bac Son district.
- Height above sea level: Lowest ~ 100m, Highest < 600m
The nature reserve features a predominantly limestone karst landscape, covering 9,734 hectares, which accounts for 91% of the area Of this, 9,082 hectares, or 93%, is forested The reserve is intersected by two flat valleys that run north-south at an elevation of approximately 100 meters, while the highest point is Mount Kheng, reaching 638 meters.
- Stable rock consists of two main types: limestone and shale, mostly limestone (80%) There is a characteristic Karst phenomenon, strong weather
Limestone terrain is characterized by its high slopes and rugged, jagged features, resulting in a unique landscape where soils and rocks often intermingle in narrow areas The soil layer in limestone regions is typically thin and lacks distinct layering There are three primary types of soils found in these areas.
+ Rendeine black, (pH = 6.5 - 7.5) slightly alkaline, thin layer of soil, often in rock slits + Feralit yellow or reddish brown, thin layer of soil, distributed in the hills
+ New alluvial soil: with more sand and silt than clay is being deposited in the flood plain areas along the river courses
- Temperature: The annual average temperature is 22.7ᵒ C, the highest temperature is 40.1ᵒ C (June), the lowest temperature is 1.1ᵒ C (January)
The region experiences an average annual rainfall of 1,488.2mm, with the rainy season spanning from April to October, contributing 90.67% of the total precipitation On average, there are 132 rainy days each year, while the dry season lasts from November to March, accounting for just 9.33% of the annual rainfall.
- Humidity: The average annual humidity is 82%, the lowest in January is 12%
- The average annual evaporation is 832mm
- Wind: There are two main wind directions: North East and South West, the average wind speed is 1m/s
The region experiences brief periods of frost and fog, with minimal impact from storms Its mild climate fosters the growth of a diverse array of plants and animals.
The nature reserve features two primary streams, the Buc and An, and includes four notable lakes: Giang Ca lake (125 hectares), Deo Long lake (60 hectares), Lan Dat lake (30 hectares), and Lan Ty lake (19 hectares).
Huu Lien Nature Reserve is characterized by its unique limestone forest, home to an impressive diversity of flora A total of 794 vascular plant species belonging to 162 families have been documented in the reserve, including 31 species listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book, such as Cupressus torulosa, Burretiodendron tonkinensis, and Garcinia fagraeoides.
Some dominant species with large number of individuals are: B tonkinensis, T ilicifolia, Saraca dives, D.duperreanum, Pterospernum truncatolobatum, Tetrameles nudifolia, Celtis sinensis, D sonneratioides, Cleistocalyx opercukulatus, Pimerocarpus breiieri…
In 1998, Nguyen Xuan Dang et al conducted a comprehensive study of the fauna in Huu Lien Nature Reserve, documenting 57 mammal species, 23 reptiles, and 14 amphibians Notably, 29 of these species are included in the Red Data Book of Vietnam, highlighting their conservation status Among their findings, the researchers also identified the presence of the Forest Musk Deer, underscoring the ecological significance of the reserve.
Moschus berezovskii Dang Ngoc Can and Nguyen Xuan Dang (1999a) estimate that the population of Forest Musk Deer at Huu Lien Nature Reserve is 83 individuals
Nguyen Xuan Dang et al (1999) documented the presence of Francois’ Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus francoisi) and Black-cheeked Crested Gibbon (Hylobates concolor) in the nature reserve However, these findings were derived from interviews, and due to extensive hunting and the disturbed condition of the forest, it is improbable that the reserve sustains a significant population of these species (T Osborn, 2000).
The total population across five communes is 19,448, comprising 4,173 households and 51 villages, with a labor force of 11,178 individuals The average population density is 70 people per square kilometer, with Yen Thinh commune having the highest density at 123 people per km², while Huu Lien commune has the lowest density.
47 people per km² The average annual population growth rate is 1.05%
The population in the nature reserve is primarily located in Huu Lien commune, where 12 villages are situated along accessible roads and flat land ideal for wet rice cultivation These villages comprise 726 households and a total of 3,421 residents, representing 17.6% of the overall population across five communes.
Agriculture and forestry are the primary economic sectors for local communities, with agriculture comprising 94.3% of the economy, while forestry contributes a minor share The service sector remains underdeveloped, and the region still faces a significant poverty rate of approximately 18.5%, coupled with a low average income per capita.
Agriculture plays a vital role in the region, with key crops including rice, maize, sweet potato, cassava, and soybean The total rice production reaches 10,820.4 tons, resulting in an average rice consumption of 586 kg per person annually Additionally, the livestock sector comprises 154,344 cattle and poultry, supported by a grazing area of 1,000 hectares On average, each household engages in agricultural activities, contributing to the local economy and food security.
1 to 3 buffaloes, 1 cow, 2-3 pigs and 20-30 poultry
- Forestry: Total plantation area is 470.3 ha The income from forestry activities is still low and forestry production activities mainly are forest zoning, forest protection and NTFPs collection
- Traffic: From the RDP (Rural Development Program), some communes in the area have concrete road systems That makes transportation easier in the rainy season
The irrigation system in Huu Lien commune features a 15,000 m³ reservoir, two dams (Pac Mo and Duong Cai), and 16 kilometers of canal infrastructure However, agricultural production is hindered by the lack of available water, as the region's water resources primarily rely on natural sources.
METHODS
Desk research method
- Inheriting documents on natural conditions, topography, forest status, flora in Huu Lien Nature Reserve
- Inheriting the results from the surveys and research of some units in Huu Lien Nature Reserve
- Inheriting the relevant documents of the subject being studied.
Field survey method
- Interviewing 20 local people in Huu Lien commue
- During the survey use the PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) method Some of the techniques commonly used in PRA are:
+ Interview: Using some questions for selected people
+ Open Interview: Is a free interview, we can ask any question depending on the situation at that time, the order of the questions may also change
+ Semi-structured interviews: Some questions are prepared and some questions may be added depending on the situation
+ Structured interview (in-depth interview): Use a set of questions for the informant
+ Cross-interview: A way to validate the information of the interviewees
When selecting an interviewer for research on medicinal plants, prioritize individuals with expertise in the study area Begin with a well-known physician familiar with local practices, followed by experienced medicinal plant growers and local residents who have utilized these plants This approach ensures that the gathered insights are both credible and relevant.
- Open interview and semi-structured interviews are convenient and easy access to the interviewees
- Take photos and collect specimens of medicinal plants during the survey to easy identification and preservation of specimens
The information is filled in the following form:
Medicinal plant resources survey form
STT Tree name Current status Habits & Parts use Uses Value
Sample treatment method
To effectively identify plant species in the field, create herbarium specimens using a rigid frame, cardboard, and folded newspaper, ensuring the sample includes branches, leaves, flowers, or fruit Collect additional flowers and fruit for accurate identification Document essential details such as number, date, location, habit, and collector on the pressing paper After collection, thoroughly remove moisture from the specimens to prevent rotting, which can compromise their scientific value; exposing them to sunlight aids in this preservation process For medicinal plant species, avoid direct handling and instead take clear photographs for identification purposes.
Data processing and analysis
- To easily classify and listing medicinal plants, the data collected will be filled in Excel sheet in a way that makes the analysis is suitable calculation
The article presents a comprehensive list organized by phyla, families, and classes, with families within each phylum arranged alphabetically by their scientific names In the Magnoliophyta phylum, families are categorized into two classes—Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida—where the scientific names of species are also listed in alphabetical order This detailed compilation includes scientific names, Vietnamese names, habits, uses, and conservation status regarding the level of endangerment.
- To determine the scientific name of medicinal plants should be based on morphology, characteristics of plants However, unidentified plants may find out from botanical books as
“Nhung Cay Thuoc Va Vi Thuoc Vietnam” (200 ) - Do Tat Loi”, “An Illustrated Flora of Vietnam” volume 1, 2, 3 (2003) - Ph m Ho ng H ”, “Thuc Vat Co Hoa” - Nguyen Nghia
According to Thin (2006), species identification can be enhanced through descriptive characteristics, while additional methods employed by my advisor and various online resources, such as botanical websites, contribute to effective identification processes In this research, I utilized platforms like Tropicos.org, Botanyvn, Wikipedia, and other relevant web pages for accurate species information.
4.5.2 Assess the diversity of taxon
- After statistical results of species, genus, and phylum; the evaluation criteria are based on the evaluate method of Nguyen Nghia Thin (1997):
+ Assess the diversity of family, genus and species in phylum
+ Assess the diversity of species in genus
+ Assess the diversity of species
-To assess the diversity of genus and species in family, using the formula (by TolmachoVA.L, 1974):
P%: The percentage of total species in 10 families has the largest number of species compared to the total number of species surveyed
n: The total number of species in 10 families has the largest number of species
N: Total number of species surveyed
+ If P% < 50%, then the study area has a diversity of family
+ If P% > 50%, then the study area has not a diversity of family
4.5.3 Assess the diversity of habits
The evaluation criteria are based on the evaluate method of Nguyen Nghia Thin, Ngo Truc Nha, Nguyen Thi Hanh (1999)
4.5.4 Assesses the level of endangered
According to the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007), IUCN Red List (2012), Decree 32/2006 / ND-CP and Decree 160/2013 / ND-CP
4.5.5 Assesses the diversity of uses and parts use
According to Do Tat Loi (2000), Vo Van Chi (1997), Vo Van Chi and Tran Hop
The article discusses various types of plants categorized by their uses, including medicinal plants (THU), timber trees (LGO), edible plants such as vegetables and fruits (AND), ornamental trees (CAN), oil plants (CDB), trees for essential oils (CTD), fiber-producing trees (SOI), toxic trees (DOC), resin-producing trees (CNH), and trees that yield tannins (TAN), along with other unspecified uses (Kh).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
List of medicinal plants in Huu Lien Nature Reserve
List of medicinal plants including: Scientific name, Vietnamese name, habits, uses, level of endangered The scientific name is in alphabetical order
Huu Lien Nature Reserve is home to an impressive diversity of medicinal plants, featuring 626 species across three phyla, 387 genera, and 122 families The largest group is Magnoliophyta (Angiospermae), which includes 606 species, while Polypodiophyta contributes 18 species, and Pinophyta is represented by just two species.
There are 34 species in level of endangered Habits including 5 forms are herb (197 species), tree (182 species), liana (127 species), shrub (111 species) and epiphyte (9 species).
Diversity of medicinal plant used by phylum, genera and species
5.2.1 Diversity of medicinal plant used by phylum
After surveying, the results show that the number of medicinal plants in Huu Lien Nature Reserve is 626 species, belong to 3 phyla:
- Magnoliophyta (Angiospermae): 116 families, 354 genera, 606 species
We can see that medicinal plants are not only diverse in species but also in phylum The results are shown in Table 5.1
Table 5.1: The distribution and proportion of medicinal plants by phylum
The distribution of species across various phyla is notably uneven, with the majority found in Magnoliophyta This phylum comprises 116 families, representing 95.09% of the total families, along with 376 genera, which accounts for 97.16% of the total genera, and 606 species.
Among the total species surveyed, Magnoliophyta stands out with 18 species, accounting for 96.81% of the total diversity In contrast, Pinophyta is the least diverse, featuring only 2 species, 2 genera, and 2 families Additionally, Polypodiophyta comprises 18 species across 9 genera and 4 families Within Magnoliophyta, there are two classes: Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida, with Magnoliopsida exhibiting greater diversity than Liliopsida.
Although Liliopsida has fewer species than Magnoliopsida but Liliopsida includes many valuable species such as Homalomena occulta, Nervilia fordii, Costus speciosus, Amomun villosum, Tacca chantrieri…
5.2.2 Diversity of medicinal plant used by family
After surveying, there are 116 families of higher plants in Huu Lien Nature Reserve
To assess the diversity of family, I selected 10 families with the largest number of species that is presented in Table 5.2
Table 5.2: 10 families have the largest number of species in Huu Lien NR
The distribution of species among plant families is notably uneven, with Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae leading the count at 37 species each, representing 5.91% of the total species Additionally, Polypodiaceae and Araceae each comprise 15 species, though this article will focus on Polypodiaceae as a key representative.
We have P equal to 37.38% (