Medicinal Plants of the Lakes Region (Türkiye) and their Uses in Folk Medicine

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the medicinal plant potential and methods of use in the Lakes Region (Isparta, Burdur, Antalya). The majority of the plants mentioned in this article were collected locally by us, their scientific names determined, and are now protected in the GUL Herbarium (Isparta). Lists of herbarium records and uses of medicinal plants have been prepared. Accordingly, the region contains approximately 230 medicinal taxa, including 35 Gymnosperms, 165 Angiosperms, 10 ferns, and 8 mushrooms. While the lists also provide information on the plant's uses, the methods of utilization are not detailed. Furthermore, 65 of these taxa are aromatic, 60 are poisonous/narcotic, 25 are dye plants, and approximately 10 are forest trees. The distribution of medicinal plants used in the region by major families is as follows: Pinaceae 8, Cupressaceae 4; Liliaceae 7, Orchidaceae 10, Poaceae 6; Rosaceae 35, Lamiaceae 25, Asteraceae 16, Apiaceae and Fabaceae 13, and Solanaceae 7. The most commonly used plants belong to the Dicotyledonous class. The most commonly used plant organs are flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, and rhizomes. The most common methods of using plants in folk medicine are applying their oils to the skin and taking them orally after processing into food. Aromatic and functional food plants hold an important place. The least common applications are in the form of incense, gum, and soap. A significant portion of the medicinal plants are obtained or produced from the region's natural flora. No such comprehensive study has been conducted in the region before. The study is expected to contribute to pharmaceutical botany as well as to the medical and health sciences.