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Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in Chardavol County, Ilam Province: Botanical heritage and indigenous knowledge
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Mostafa Mahmand   , Ali Asghar Hatamnia * , Mahmood Bahmani |
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Abstract: (7 Views) |
Background and Purpose: This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants in Chardavol County, Ilam Province, with the primary aim of documenting the region’s indigenous knowledge and botanical heritage. By investigating the intricate relationships between plants and local communities, the research seeks to preserve and transmit this traditional wisdom to future generations.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted from November 2024 to March 2025 across Chardavol County. Data collection involved structured interviews with local herbalists and traditional healers, utilizing standardized questionnaires. Quantitative indices such as Use Report (UR), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were employed to assess the prevalence and consensus regarding medicinal plant usage.
Results: The findings revealed the use of 93 plant species from 38 botanical families in the treatment of various ailments. These plants are predominantly employed for disorders related to the digestive and respiratory systems, inflammatory conditions, joint pain, prostatic conditions, and urinary tract infections. Common modes of preparation include decoctions, herbal infusions, and poultices. Frequently used plant parts include leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits, valued for their bioactive compounds. Notably, the families Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae emerged as the most widely utilized in traditional medicine throughout the region.
Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of preserving and revitalizing the medicinal plant practices in Chardavol, highlighting the vital role of such knowledge in the broader understanding of human-plant relationships in Iran. The insights gained here may serve as a scientific foundation for the integration of traditional remedies into both conventional and modern healthcare systems, not only in Iran but also in culturally comparable regions.
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| Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Persian Medicine |
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Memorial article: Origianal Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/16 | Accepted: 2025/07/20
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