Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of Sardasht, Western Azerbaijan, northwestern Iran

Background & Aim: The traditional knowledge about medicinal plants is the basic step in many drug productions. Traditional medicine and herbal drug have absorbed attraction of many world authorities. Using medicinal plants has developed in many countries even those with a vast use of chemical drugs. Ethno-botanical studies result in documentation of many useful plants. In these studies the main aim is to identify such plants and introduce their active and biologic ingredients. Iran is a proper case of ethno-botanical studies due to its different habitats and rich plant vegetation types. Nowadays using new medicinal plants components and optimized usage of rich natural resources is a necessity. Experimental: In present project medicinal plants of Sardasht with local importance have been collected and identified during 2011 & 2012 growth seasons. Careful uses of medicinal herbs were determined by interview with native people. Scientific names and local medicinal uses are mentioned. Results & Discussion: There were totally recognized 70 medicinal species of 29 families. Results of present study showed that local people mainly used Asteraceae and Apiaceae then Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Fabaceae medicinal taxa. Medical plants in this region are mainly used to treat circulatory system problems such as Diabetics and blood lipid. Industrial and practical recommendations: According to results of this study, the preservation and conservation of some herbs species is essential. This document can play a role in preserving the indigenous knowledge of using these plants.