The preliminary ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Develi (Kayseri/Turkey)

Abstract

Background and Aims: In Turkey, there is a growing interest in ethnobotany due to the wealth of biological and cultural diversity. The main purpose of this study is to record and highlight the medicinal plants used therapeutically in the Develi district. Methods: The data were obtained during different seasons of 2010-2011 through face-to-face interviews. Medicinal plants were collected with the guidance of the informants, and traditional uses was recorded. Botanical identification of all the species was made, and voucher specimens were deposited at Istanbul University, Herbarium of the Faculty of Pharmacy (ISTE). Results: The informants reported data on 14 medicinal plants belonging to 8 botanical families. These medicinal plants are used for about 26 different purposes. The most dominant family is Lamiaceae (6 species) followed by Asteraceae (2 species). Various plant parts such as leaf, fruit, flower, root, wood and fruity branch are used; the aerial part is consumed more frequently than other plant parts. Conclusion: Despite the modernization and cultural change, many people still benefit from the plants distributed in the Develi district. This study offers valuable information on the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, which could form a basis for future phytochemical and pharmacological researches.