Ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants in Chamestan region, Mazandaran Province

The Chamestan region, located in Mazandaran province, boasts unique ecological and cultural diversity. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate and document the ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants in the Chamestan area. No previous ethnobotanical reports have been recorded in this region, making the identification and introduction of medicinal plants crucial for improving healthcare and treatment conditions in the area. This research can contribute significantly to the local community's well-being and medical practices.
Ethnopharmacological information about medicinal plants in this region was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in 1402 (solar Hijri calendar). Chamestan is situated on the outskirts of the northern natural forests. The city was divided into urban and rural sections, and samples were selected from the area with local guides. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and field walks. A total of 24 participants (13 men and 11 women) took part in the study, with 20 randomly selected and 4 purposively chosen as key informants. Demographic characteristics such as education level, gender, and age group were recorded. This research aimed to access indigenous knowledge and traditional applications for identifying medicinal plant specimens. To achieve this, information was gathered from local inhabitants, herbalists, and individuals knowledgeable about traditional medicine and medicinal plants through interviews. For quantitatively analyzing ethnobotanical data of medicinal plants, a software tool (MS Excel 2021) was used to classify and employ descriptive statistical patterns, including relative frequency of quotations, usage value, and informant consensus factor. This study aimed to enrich the understanding of native knowledge and traditional uses of medicinal plants. By documenting this knowledge, the research aimed to contribute to the identification and potential applications of medicinal plant resources. This could significantly benefit the Chamestan community's healthcare and well-being.
In this study, medicinal plants collected belonged to 21 families, with the families Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Brassicaceae being the most abundant with 28.6%, 19.19%, 19.19%, 14.3%, and 9.5% respectively. The most relative frequency of quotation (RFC) was observed for Thyme, Borage, Nettle, and Tarragon, in descending order. Regarding the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), the largest level of agreement among informants about gastrointestinal, neurological, and renal diseases. The aerial parts (leaves and flowers) were the most commonly used plant parts, constituting 30% and 13% of the remedies, respectively, while the least used parts were the roots and skin, accounting for 3%. According to the findings, the plants with the highest RFC were Thymus serpyllum and Urtica dioica. The highest consensus of knowledge was found among informants regarding gastrointestinal, neurological, and renal conditions, with IFC values of 0.6, 0.5, and 0.3 respectively. The most consumed species were Thymus serpyllum, Echium amoenum, Urtica dioica, and Mentha mozaffariani. The Lamiaceae family, represented by Thymus serpyllum and Mentha mozaffariani, exhibited positive effects on gastrointestinal issues. In addition to medicinal uses, the Chamestan people consume numerous plants as raw vegetables or in combination with rice, making their diet rich in valuable constituents. Other plants used include Mentha pulegium, Allium ampeloprasum, Ficaria fascicularis, Allium ursinum, Rumex elbursensis, and Amaranthus retroflexus.
Due to the rich diversity of medicinal plants and the close relationship of indigenous people with nature, extensive use of herbal remedies and meeting life's needs was expected in this region. However, the complete transfer of knowledge between generations has not occurred, possibly due to changes in people's lifestyles and urbanization. Considering the abundant flora and local indigenous knowledge, supportive measures are recommended for identifying, preserving, and increasing the number of valuable medicinal plant species. Collecting and documenting this region's knowledge, especially from elderly individuals, is crucial.