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Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 17279

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Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Kozuharova

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Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: pollination ecology; ecology and evolution; conservation; ethnobotany; medicinal plants
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Dr. Ina Yosifova Aneva

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Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
Interests: medicinal plants; flora; phytochemistry; biochemistry; pharmacological activities
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Prof. Dr. Luca Rastrelli

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Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: natural products; food chemistry and analytical chemistry; clinical nutrition; phytochemistry and phytotherapy; supplement and nutraceutical formulation
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue of Diversity on the biodiversity and chemical diversity of medicinal plants, second edition, with an emphasis on ethnobotany. The priceless traditional knowledge of plants’ healing properties provides the background for modern pharmacological and toxicological tests. Also, the rich cultural heritage related to medicinal plants inspires investigations of the chemical diversity of medicinal plants. The assessment of wild resources of these plants is a crucial point for their sustainable use. Native populations of many medicinal plants are at risk due to habitat loss, ecological degradation, overharvesting, and pollution; this deserves research efforts. Of course, cultivation is the best approach to sustainably provide sufficient raw materials of consistent quality for natural pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. It also has the added advantage of reducing the natural chemical diversity that exists in natural populations and, thus, the standardization process is easier and more efficient. Most medicinal plant species and crops depend on pollinators for their reproduction. At the same time, it is well known that the number of pollinators, particularly of wild bees, is declining. One reason for this is the indiscriminate application of chemical pesticides. Traditional plant knowledge may help to identify biopesticides that can be incorporated into agricultural practices.

This Special Issue seeks to integrate the latest research on traditional herb knowledge with modern pharmacology and phytochemistry trends. This is crucial to preserve wild populations of medicinal plants and to develop management strategies for their sustainable use. We invite you to submit a manuscript focused on any of the above topics. Although specific case studies with broad implications are welcome, we encourage authors to submit large-scale and/or multi-species studies, syntheses, and reviews. If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Kozuharova
Dr. Ina Yosifova Aneva
Prof. Dr. Luca Rastrelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology
pharmacological tests based on traditional knowledge phytochemistry
resources and conservation of medicinal plants
sustainable use of medicinal plants
cultivation and biotechnology
ethnobotany and biopesticides

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Study on the Genetic Diversity of Sicilian Populations of Crataegus azarolus (Rosaceae) and Their Wild Relatives for Conservation and Valorisation Purposes

by Floriana Bonanno, Simona Aprile, Vivienne Spadaro, Francesco M. Raimondo and Antonio Giovino

Diversity 2025, 17(4), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040258 - 5 Apr 2025

Viewed by 200

Abstract

Sicily, Southern Italy, has important genetic resources for azarole (Crataegus azarolus). The region hosts both spontaneous wild populations and various forms of the genus, some of which belong to well-defined specific or intraspecific taxa, while others are hybrids of unclear origin. Not all wild forms can be considered related to C. azarolus, but those included in the sect. Azaroli and thus C. aronia (= C. azarolus var. aronia), which is widespread in western Sicily, certainly can. All these populations are morphologically distinct but coexist in the same area. This preliminary genetic study aims to establish the genetic relationships between wild populations of Crataegus taxa and azarole (C. azarolus). Furthermore, the research addresses the lack of clear taxonomic information regarding the different phenotypes found in Sicily, including both recognized taxa and those still critically underreported. The study is based on SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) molecular markers, isolated from other Rosaceae species. The findings indicate that at least two groups affiliated with C. azarolus, yet distinct, are present in Sicilian populations. These results could have significant implications for systematics and taxonomy, as well as for conservation and the valorization of plant biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Traditional Use, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Activity of Maytenus elaeodendroides Stem Bark

by Trina H. García, Iraida Spengler, Antonio Fernández, Idania Rodeiro, Ivones Hernández-Balmaseda, Ilianet Céspedes, Gabino Garrido, Lourdes Campaner dos Santos, Wagner Vilegas, Rita Celano and Maria D’Elia

Diversity 2024, 16(11), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110694 - 13 Nov 2024

Viewed by 921

Abstract

Plants belonging to the genus Maytenus are members of the Celastraceae family. They have been widely used by different peoples as treatment for curing many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Maytenus elaeodendroides stem bark extracts, an endemic Cuban plant. The antioxidant activity of four extracts (EtOH, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and diethyl ether/petroleum ether 1:1) was determined using DPPH and FRAP methods. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory effects by the edema method were induced by croton oil in the mouse ear. The investigated extracts showed radical reduction capacity and prevented ear inflammation at doses of 4 mg/ear. In addition, FIA/ESI/IT/MSⁿ was used to determine the qualitative chemical composition of the EtOAc extract and allowed the identification of five flavan-3-ol monomers, four dimers, and other proanthocyanidin oligomers. From this extract three flavan-3-ol compounds (elaeocyanidin and 4′-O-methylgallocatechin), one of them new (2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-epigallocatechin), and a proanthocyanidin dimer (afzelechin-(

4 β → 8

)-4′-O-methylepigallocatechin) were isolated and identified by the chromatographic method and spectroscopic techniques, mainly ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 3083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Cultural Diversity for Food Security: Traditional Wild Food Plants and Their Folk Cuisine in Lakki Marwat, Northwestern Pakistan

by Tehsin Ullah, Shujaul Mulk Khan, Abdullah Abdullah, Naji Sulaiman, Ateef Ullah, Muhammad Sirab Khan, Shakil Ahmad Zeb and Andrea Pieroni

Diversity 2024, 16(11), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110684 - 8 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

Ethnobotanical studies on foraging are essential for documenting neglected or previously unknown wild food plants, which may be crucial for promoting the diversification of food sources and contributing to food security and sovereignty. The Pashtuns of the Marwat tribe in NW Pakistan are renowned for their traditional customs and food systems. Studying the wild food plants (WFPs) and their associated bio-cultural diversity is quintessential for fostering food security and sovereignty in the region. The research presented here investigated the area’s wild food plants traditionally gathered and consumed. The field survey was conducted in 2023 with 87 study participants. A total of 41 plant species belonging to 24 botanical families was documented. The findings include food uses for Atriplex tatarica, Amaranthus graecizans, and Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima that have rarely been recorded in Pakistan. Moreover, the use of Citrulus colocynthus fruits in jam and Zygophyllum indicum leaves and stems in beverages are novel contributions to the gastronomy of NW Pakistan. The comparison with other food ethnobotanical studies conducted in North Pakistan suggests some similarities between the Lakki Marwat traditional WFPs and those from other semi-arid areas in North Pakistan, both Pashtun and non-Pashtun. While the findings underline the significant role of WFPs in local cuisine, we observed that this local knowledge is also threatened: the rapid spread of fast and industrialized food, modernization, and cultural dilution has led to an alarming reduction in these practices among the younger generations. Therefore, suitable measures to safeguard traditional plants, food knowledge, practices, and the associated culture are urgently needed. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, and it is crucial that we act now. Furthermore, preserving wild food plant-related cultural heritage may be fundamental to promoting food security and public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 2976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Resources of Rhaponticum carthamoides in the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park

by Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Serik Irsaliyev, Shynar Tustubayeva, Talant Samarkhanov, Aidyn Orazov and Zhanylkan Alemseitova

Diversity 2024, 16(11), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110676 - 4 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

The study of medicinal plants and having a protected status is an urgent issue for the conservation of biodiversity in Kazakhstan. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Ilijn is a medicinal plant, and its excessive harvesting and destruction of habitats, as well as its conservation status, are of concern. We conducted a study to assess the ecological characteristics of the habitat of the species in the Tarbagatai National Natural Park, calculate the amount of medicinal raw materials, calculate both aboveground and underground phytomass, and calculate biological and operational reserves. A map has been developed to show the distribution of the species and potential harvest sites. In addition, a correlation analysis was performed to understand how population size affects productivity. The results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and protection of endangered species. The conservation of Rhaponticum carthamoides in the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park is currently ensured by its protected status. However, the study emphasizes the importance of developing a sustainable use regime to effectively manage plant resources and ensure their preservation for future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 8578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study in the Bulgarian Mountain Rhodopes: Part II—Contemporary Use of Medicinal Plants

by Irena Mincheva, Zheko Naychov, Cristo Radev, Ina Aneva, Luca Rastrelli, Maria Kamusheva, Nikolay Nikolov and Ekaterina Kozuharova

Diversity 2023, 15(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15040482 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3194

Abstract

Rhodopes Mountain is ethnobotanically poorly studied, but our preliminary observation in a number of settlements revealed that even nowadays, the local population relies solely on previously collected medicinal plants. We aimed to assess the contemporary use of medicinal plants in the Central and East Rhodopes and the health conditions that local communities address with them. The ethnobotanical field data were collected through an in-depth method in combination with semi-structured face-to-face interviews, adapted with modifications to the objectives of this study. The following quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used in this study: informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), and Jaccard similarity coefficient or Jaccard index (JI). Data analyses from our field research showed that 92 informants mentioned the utilization of a total of 114 plant species. The results of this study reveal that in both regions of the Rhodopes, medicinal plants are mentioned most often in relation to diseases affecting nervous, respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, followed by reproductive, urinary, immune, and musculoskeletal. The risk of disruption or loss of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is expected in the condition of cultural globalization. However, there is no metrified data about the use of medicinal plants in the Rhodopes from the past. The application of statistical indices in this research will make such assessment and monitoring possible in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 3346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Catching the Green—Diversity of Ruderal Spring Plants Traditionally Consumed in Bulgaria and Their Potential Benefit for Human Health

by Teodora Ivanova, Andrey Marchev, Mihail Chervenkov, Yulia Bosseva, Milen Georgiev, Ekaterina Kozuharova and Dessislava Dimitrova

Diversity 2023, 15(3), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030435 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4127

Abstract

The global climate and societal challenges in the recent years urge us to strengthen food security; thus, the rediscovery of wild foods and foraging practices is also part of the sustainability agenda. Utilization of underappreciated sources such as ruderal plants could be a valuable option, especially for vulnerable parts of the society. We present data on traditional knowledge on spring edible ruderal plant taxa preserved in rural regions of Bulgaria, combining field studies in the period 2017–2022 that were compared to the available recent and historical ethnographic and (ethno)botanical literature. Semi-structured interviews were performed with representatives of 94 households in North and South Bulgaria, focusing on collection practices, used parts, and preparation methods. We list 65 edible ruderals, belonging to 22 plant families, of which 19 appeared only in the literature sources. Unlike in the Mediterranean tradition, edible ruderal plants in Bulgaria were regarded unfavorably, as poverty food. Amaranthaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented families, with 10 taxa each. About half of the taxa were collected for their leaves or whole young herbage that is used as pastry fillings, in stewed, and in cooked dishes. Taxa used in raw salads were mostly from the literature sources. The most diverse utilization was recorded in the southern-most regions of Bulgaria, where immediate tasting of the gathered plants was reported by the participants as the way to collect food plants. The bitter ones or those with an unappealing smell were considered non-edible and were avoided. References about biologically active compounds and potential benefits were collected, classified, and discussed in regard to their potential benefits for human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 11663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study in the Bulgarian Rhodopes Mountains—Part _I

by Irena Mincheva, Zheko Naychov, Christo Radev, Ina Aneva, Luca Rastrelli and Ekaterina Kozuharova

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080686 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3801

Abstract

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses has been well documented in Bulgaria in the past. However, we know little about the contemporary traditional application of medicinal plants. Rhodopes Mountain is an ethnobotanically poorly studied region. This region is suitable for conducting field research in ethnobotany for several reasons: (i) our preliminary observation in a number of settlements revealed that the local population, in particular, relies solely on previously collected medicinal plants in winter months even in modern times; (ii) due to the relative isolation of the area, considerable authenticity of traditional methods of medicinal plant use is retained there. The aim of this study is ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical research among the population of the Rhodopes to evaluate the contemporary use of medicinal plants. The field ethnobotanical data were collected through the in-depth method in combination with a semi-structured face-to-face interviews, adapted with modifications to the objectives of this study. The quantitative ethnobotanical index Use Value (UV) was calculated. Here we suggested a new approach in ethnobotanical research. We used nomograms to present a large volume of medicinal plants’ application data, classified by the degree of their UV. This allows for a much broader view of collected and processed data. Data analyses from our filed research showed that the 92 informants mentioned utilization of a total of 114 plant species belonging to 52 families and 110 genera. The most common plants were from the families Asteraceae (16.7%), Lamiaceae (12.3%), Rosaceae (9.6%) and Amrillydaceae (3.5%), followed by Crassulaceae, Plantaginacea, Oleaceae and Solanaceae. The data presented in six nomograms revealed the most popular plants, the way of application and the corresponding medical indications in the Central and East Rhodopes, and the differences between the two sub-regions. Sempervivum tectorum, Tussilago farfara and Plantago major are the most often reported plants in the Central Rhodopes while these are Cotinus coggygria, Prunus spinosa and Teucrium polium in the East Rhodopes. The results of the study show that in the Rhodopes, the contemporary application of traditional medicinal plants is pretty much vivid. The locals in the Rhodopes still use the traditional knowledge and rely on plants to treat various health problems. They use common plants in a sustainable manner and are open to the cultivation of Sideritis scardica—a species which became rare after overexploitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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