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The ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Shah-Kuh Sofla Rangelands, Golestan Province
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Zahra Alinejad1   , Mohamad Rahim Forouzeh * , Hannaneh Mohammadi1 , Hassan Yeganeh1 |
1- Gorgan University of Agricultural sciences & Natural Resources
Gorgan University of Agricultural sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan University of Agricultural sciences & Natural Resources , rfroozeh@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (10 Views) |
One branch of indigenous knowledge is ethnobotany, which studies how a community utilizes the plants available in their region. This knowledge is primarily held by older individuals and is passed down orally, often lost with the death of these individuals. This research focuses on the ethnobotany of medicinal plants in the Shah Kuh Sofla region. During the spring and summer of 2023 and 2024, field surveys were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data (medicinal and edible uses of plants) through structured, semi-structured, open interviews, and participatory observation with 50 local individuals.
The results identified 59 plant species belonging to 28 families, with the Asteraceae family being the most significant, comprising 12 species. Findings indicated that leaves, followed by flowers and stems, were the most utilized plant parts for medicinal purposes, while fruits were used the least. The primary medicinal applications of plants were for gastrointestinal issues (18 species), colds, coughs, and fevers (15 species), as well as diabetes (13 species). Locals showed a preference for preparing food as rice with greens (16 species) and various types of soup (13 species).
Given the importance of indigenous knowledge, these studies are conducted on a small scale but with great depth. The residents of Shah Kuh Sofla possess rich traditional knowledge regarding the use of local medicinal plants. Conducting ethnobotanical studies in this area and similar regions will not only help preserve and transfer this knowledge to younger generations but can also foster a proper understanding of medicinal plants in pastures for sustainable utilization.
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Article number: 12 |
| Keywords: Local communities, indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, ethnography, participatory observation. |
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Full-Text [PDF 2187 kb]
(7 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/11/15 | Accepted: 2025/02/19 | Published: 2025/09/16
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