New Findings in the Ethnobotany of Uzbekistan

Abstract

This research provides information about the significance and use of some wild flora plants such as Atraphaxis pyrifolia Bunge and Megacarpaea gigantea Regel in folk medicine by the local population of some districts of Samarkand and Navoi regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The above-listed species are little known to official medicine, but local traditional healers have been using them for many years and have a proven record of applying these plants in the treatment of various human diseases. For example, infusion of leaves of Atraphaxis pyrifolia is used by local people for cardiovascular diseases, insomnia, and as a sedative, seeds of Megacarpaea gigantea for treatment of kidney and cholelithiasis, as well as inflammation of the kidneys. However, the plant raw materials are collected from natural places of distribution which may cause a process of the natural deterioration of their supply in future and the sale of dried parts is carried out by traders in the markets or local traditional healers. Thus, this study implies how crucial it is to develop a prospect for the use of medicinal plants in Uzbekistan, and its significance in terms of improving the economy of the region, improving the quality of life of the population and improving the health of the nation.