A Survey on the Ethnobotanical uses of Plants in Mersin and Adana Provinces (Turkey)

Abstract

Background: This study presents the result of a second research on the popular medicinal plant species in the traditional markets in Mersin and Adana. This work done for the first time in 2005 was carried out again in 2012-2013. Here we conducted on the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants and this survey could be a base for future studies on the herbs that are interesting on the potential use of their metabolites. The purpose of our study is to underlines the ethnobotanical richness of the region and compare with other cities of Turkey and abroad ethnobotany published literature. Methods: The informants about herbal drugs were collected between 2012-2013 by interview with herbalists and customers. Results: A total of 175 species belonging to 57 families were reported and the plants were listed with their local and latin names. As a result, local people have used various plant species to treat many ailments and tha data indicated that these herbs have used especially for disorders of immune system (18.96 %), gastrointestinal-digestive (18.10 %), analgesicanodyne-emollient-sedative (15.05 %), urinary system (10.04 %), heart-blood (9.06 %), disorders of arthritis (6.62 %), respiratory system (5.19 %), skin disorders (4.25 %), cancer (4.05 %), gynecological (3.59 %), mental and neurological disorders (1.76 %). Conclusion: We documented the traditional ethnobotanical data herited by local people living in Adana-Mersin region. These plants were widely preferred by local people to use treatment of many ailments. The results of this study provided preliminary knowledge about local use and aimed at a more detailed researches on the usage of herbs.