Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants in South-Eastern Serbia (Pčinja District): Ethnopharmacological Investigation on the Current Status and Comparison With Half a Century Old Data

Abstract

Balkan Peninsula is one of the most important biodiversity centers in Europe. Despite that, the usage of plant species in the traditional medicine of some Balkan regions remained largely unexplored in the past. This study aimed to collect and document data on the traditional use of medicinal plants in Pcǐnja district in SouthEastern Serbia, which is among the least developed regions in Serbia. Also, comparison with data collected by Dr. Jovan Tucakov, in a book called Herbal therapy was conducted. The survey was carried out using semi-structured interviews and 113 informants were interviewed. Quantitative ethnobotany factors were calculated, allowing us discussing the results. The informants reported data on 86 medicinal plants belonging to 43 families in Pcǐnja district. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae were the dominant locally used families. The species with the highest number of use reports were Mentha piperita, Matricaria chamomilla, and Hypericum perforatum. Gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory problems and skin diseases were the most frequently reported indications. Usually, the administration was primarily oral followed by topical applications. Leaves were dominantly exploited plant parts and the most frequent preparation form was infusion. Medicinal plants in Pcǐnja district are mainly used as a mode of primary health care for treating minor health issues. After comparing our results with the ones collected half a century ago by Dr. Jovan

Small regions as key sources of traditional knowledge: a quantitative ethnobotanical survey in the central Balkans

“…All these plants are among the most frequently reported in several neighboring regions, i.e., studied sites from southeast and south Serbia and from Kosovo [ 12 , 17 – 19 , 21 ].…”

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses

“…In Serbia, the infusion of M. chamomilla is used to strengthen the immune system and treat burns, stomach disorders, vaginal disorders, liver disorders, skin, and mucus inflammation. In addition, the infusion is used in skin, eye, and mouth care, and as an aroma for shampoos [5,[80][81][82][83][84]. On the other hand, M. chamomilla is used in Greece to treat a number of gastrointestinal disorders, skin problems, and eye infections [8].…”

“…Nowadays, it is widely distributed all around the world [2]. M. chamomilla has been used traditionally in several countries to cure a number of diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders [3], common cold [4], liver disorders [5], neuropsychiatric and respiratory problems [6]. Also, this plant is widely used against pain and infections [7] and to cure skin, eye, and mouth diseases [8] (Figure 1).…”

Antioxidant Capacity of Herzegovinian Wildflowers Evaluated by UV–VIS and Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis

“…Despite the cultural and biological diversity of this region, folk medicine and their associated traditions do not have a role in the rural economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, yet the extensive exploitation and illegal export of medicinal plants are present [ 41 ]. Medicinal plants like Mentha piperita are often used in the treatment of light health conditions such as gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory and dermatologic problems; however, ethnobotanical studies also reported that medicinal plant species previously had a much broader spectrum of application, and that the tradition of collecting and consuming dried wildflowers is prevalent in the rural areas mostly within the elderly population and during a food shortage [ 24 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Common wormwood, wild marjoram, and peppermint help the treatment of digestive problems, while sweet wormwood can boost the immune system [ 46 ], which can be a good alternative to the use of expensive medicine [ 47 , 48 ].…”