An ethnobotanical study of some medicinal plants in Semnan city

Ethnobotany consists of the words Ethno and Botany. This science studies the correlation between plants and people in an area, and provides information about the consumption and application of plants in an area. Analysis and use of the obtained information play an important role in the development of various fields such as trade and pharmacy. This research is concerned to study the most widely used plants of Semnan city and information about their consumption type in this area. In this study, the most widely used plants of Semnan city were identified using the information of sellers of plant products, personal interview and observation of plants, and the obtained information was compiled in the form of a questionnaire. In the interviews, the names of ۱۰ best-selling plants, nature, organs used, how to use and their properties were asked, and then the scientific name and family name were added for each plant. Interviewees mentioned a total of ۷۰ plants, which belonged to ۳۶ plant species and ۲۰ families. The families Lamiaceae with ۱۳ species and Apiaceae with ۹ species were the richest families. According to the results, the most used part of plants in this region is leaves and the most used method is in the form of decoction. Also, the plants mostly are used to treat digestive problems, treat neurological diseases, strengthen nerves and be sedative. Existence of various herbal products stores in Semnan city, which are the place of supply of medicinal plants and spices, shows the attention and interest of its people to medicinal plants. Understanding people's approach to the use of medicinal plants can be a good guide for the country's trade and pharmaceutical industry. We recommend that research be done in other cities of Semnan province.

Keywords:

Traditional market , consumable medicinal plants , drug , Lamiaceae , Apiaceae