Plants Used in Tradıtıonal Therapy in Pazar (Tokat-Türkiye) and Their Ethnobotanical Properties

Abstract

The aim was to identify the plants with their local names growing in Pazar (Tokat, Turkiye) and its surroundings, used in local therapies and their usage patterns. Field study was carried out over a period of approximately two years (2015-2017). A total of 311 people participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants. As a result of the study, demographic characteristics of the participants, types of medicinal plant used by the people of the region, preparation techniques, usage patterns and frequency were determined. In addition, the use values (UV) of the plants were also reported. Local people benefit from 132 plants belonging to 49 families. The most commonly encountered medicinal plant families were Asteraceae (16 taxa) and Rosaceae (16 taxa) and the most common preparations were infusion and decoction. Fifteen disease categories were identified in which traditional medicinal plants were used. Two endemic species namely Sempervivum gillianiae and Astragalus tokatensis were also used by the local people. The highest UV was found for Urtica dioica and Urtica urens. These plants, locally called nettle, are used for joint pain, sore throat, asthma, sprain and bruise treatment, cancer treatment, as blood enhancer, expectorant and for hair loss.In this study, edible plants such as. Capsella bursa-pastoris Arum orientale, Bellis sylvestris, Taraxacum buttleri, Tragopogon dubius Sinapsis arvensis, Sisymbrium loeselii, Malva neglecta, Veronica persica, Polygonum cognatum, and Rumex crispus were also identified.As a result, with this study, edible plants and plants used in folk medicine in Pazar (Tokat-Turkiye) were determined. All the information here is based on the direct statements of local people. It should not be forgotten that plants can cause irreversible damage if not used carefully. Therefore, more detailed studies are required about the medicinal and pharmacological properties of the plants in question.