Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants effective in the treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases in Mahneshan County

Abstract

Background: Mahneshan County, with an area of 2815 km2, located west of Zanjan province, is the most prosperous and pristine regions. The county is rich in Plant biodiversity due to its plains and highlands, diverse habitats and proper soil and water resources. A significant proportion of its herbs have medicinal properties, including the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders, which have not yet been carefully studied. Objective: identification of medicinal plants and their traditional applications in treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases. Methods: After a preliminary stydy of the region the plant species were collected during 2017-2018. Simultaneously interviewning with indigenous knowledgeable people about the medicinal plants used in treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders were carried out. After their scientific identification, all information about Persian name, local name, part used, method of application and their medicinal properties were gathered. Results: As the results, 88 species of medicinal plant belonging to 30 families are used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases. The families of Lamiaceae with 16, Asteraceae with 15, Apiaceae and Fabaceae with 7 species are the most important ones, which are commonly used as brewed and boiled. Conclusion: Considering the historical background of the county, this study could be an introduction for a better and more scientific use of medicinal plants in the region. Scientific planned usage of medicinal plants can help the plant's genetic reservoir and also development the local employment through fewer side effects and more effective by-products.