Introducing of medicinal plants in Maragheh, Eastern Azerbaijan Province (Northwestern Iran)

Abstract

This research, conducted between 2009 and 2011, analyzed the medicinal plants in Maragheh district of Eastern Azerbaijan, Iran. Within the scope of the study, the plant species collected were according to the classical method; herbarium materials prepared and some information including scientific name, family name, Persian name, local name, life form, distribution area in the district, habitat, height from level, utilized organ(s), etc., recorded for each medicinal plant. A total 151 medicinal plants belonging to 40 families were identified in the region. The most common medicinal plant families were Asteraceae (23 species) and Lamiaceae (18 species); and the growth forms hemicryptophyte (49.3%) and therophyte (29.3%), which were the most common. Furthermore, shoots (29.1%) and flowers (25.9%) were the main plant parts used. The results of this study showed that the region has a great potential for producing medicinal plants. Key words: Maragheh, Iran, medicinal plants.