Εθνοφαρμακολογική επισκόπηση των αρωματικών και φαρμακευτικών φυτών της Κύπρου

Abstract

Nowadays, natural products have attracted increasing attention for the discovery of new bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical purposes. The aromatic and pharmaceutical plants are an excellent reservoir of bioactive compounds. Cyprus has great diversity of flora consisting of approximately 2000 native plants as it is found in the crossroad of three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. In addition, several ethnic groups left their cultural traces on the island. Thus, the aim of the present study was to document the traditional uses, preparations and applications of medicinal and pharmaceutical plants by the local community. The search was conducted through questionnaires where information on the preparation and use of herbal preparations was recorded. Results showed that most of the plants used for therapeutic purposes belong to the families Lamiaceae (52%) and Asteraceae (20%). Mint, elderflower, chamomile and anise were mainly exploited for their therapeutical uses. They mainly act as agents against respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, skin disorders, cardiovascular diseases and are also used as a tonic or relaxing agents. Furthermore, the insecticidal/ insect repellent uses of aromatic and pharmaceutical plants are widespread. As expected, their aerial parts of plants, namely leaves (38.7%) and flowers (32.8%) are used to prepare traditional medicine recipes. Regarding to their preparation, they are consumed as decoctions and infusions or they are used as ointments. Overall, the present dissertation aims to be the beginning of the development of a database of aromatic and medicinal plants of Cyprus and their therapeutic properties.