an ethnobotanical study on the usage of wild medicinal herbs from kopaonik mountain (central serbia)

5/26/2018 An Ethnobotanical Study on the Usage of Wild Medicinal Herbs From Kopaonik Mountain (Central Serbia)

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Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175

An ethnobotanical study on the usage of wild medicinalherbs from Kopaonik Mountain (Central Serbia)

Snezana Jaric a, Zorica Popovic a,, Marina Macukanovic-Jocic b, Lola Djurdjevic a,Miroslava Mijatovic a, Branko Karadzic a,c, Miroslava Mitrovic a, Pavle Pavlovic a

a Department of Ecology, The Sinisa Stankovic Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade,

Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegrob Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

c The Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry for Science and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia,

Ruze Jovanovic 27a, 11160 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

Received 17 July 2006; received in revised form 2 November 2006; accepted 7 November 2006

Available online 12 November 2006

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the territory of the highest mountain in Central Serbia, Kopaonik, which is characterized by

great plant diversity. In total, 83 wild species from 41 families and 96 preparations for use in human therapy were recorded. Among those

wild plants which are most commonly used for medicinal purposes, Hypericum perforatumL., Urtica dioicaL., Achillea millefoliumL., Matri-

caria chamomilla L., Sambucus nigra L., and Thymus serpyllum L. were particularly highly recommended by the majority of informants as

being beneficial for all ailments. The most frequently reported medicinal uses were for treating gastrointestinal ailments (50%), skin injuries

and problems (25.6%), followed by respiratory, urinary-genital and cardiovascular problems (20.5%, 20.5%, 19.2%, respectively). Plants with

unusual phytotherapeutic uses are Galium verumL. (sedative properties) and Eupatorium cannabinum L. (influenza-like illnesses), while plants

with interesting but lesser-known properties include Daphne laureola L. (rheumatism and skin ailments) and Ficaria verna Huds. (tubers

for treating haemorrhoids). In addition, 10 wild species used in veterinary medicine, as well as 25 herbs used for human nourishment were

noted. 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Wild medicinal herbs; Kopaonik; Ethnomedicine; Phytotherapy

1. Introduction

At the present time, when there is a tendency to respect

nature and natural processes more and more, the value of local

knowledge on the stability of ecosystem dynamics in sensu lato

deserves the most scientific attention (Cunningham, 2001).To

this end, an ethnobiological survey is of great interest as it can

mean new insights into ecological processes, or provide new

directions for conservation monitoring with significant benefits

for resource management. Since ancient times, ecological rela-

tions between co-existing organisms have provided the most

obvious demonstration of natures principles for people liv-

Corresponding author. Tel.: +381 11 2078 360; fax: +381 11 2761 433.

E-mail address:[email protected](Z. Popovic).

ing in the wild. In addition to their essential function as the

most available food source, plants, which have been waging a

co-evolutionary war against herbivores for 300 million years

by means of various secondary metabolites, were certainly the

main source of medicinal treatment. These powerful sources of

metabolites with their biological activities, alongside the differ-

ent practices in terms of preparing and applying herbal remedies

that have been developed by certain ethnic groups throughout

the centuries, have become the most useful database for the

evaluation of new pharmaceuticals.

The incorporation of local knowledge concerning ecological

relations into biological and ecological studies strengthens the

links between man and the environment, leading to the global

conservation of biodiversity. At the same time, this guides sci-

entific research in a new direction in the sense of determining

lesser-known biological material from the wild.

0378-8741/$ see front matter 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.007
mailto:[email protected]://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.007http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.007mailto:[email protected]


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S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175 161

Traditional pharmacopoeia and the use of wild and cul-

tivated plant species in different areas of Serbia have been

investigated by some authors. However, data from these reports

was limited to specific localities (Tucakov, 1978; Mihajlov,

1988; Milojevic, 1988; Igic et al., 2000; Radulovic, 2000;

Stamenkovic et al., 2000)or generalised (Jancic et al., 1995).

Therefore, this study was undertaken in order to compose

detailed documentation on wild medicinal flora, its ecologi-

cal status and usage based on ethnobotanical knowledge in a

locality with the most diverse flora and vegetationKopaonik

Mountain.

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Research area

Kopaonikis a mountain in thecentral part of Serbia(4315N

2050E) (Fig. 1). It extends 80 km in a straight line running

northwestsoutheast and climatic conditions are moderately

continental. The average minimum air temperature is 0.6 C

while the average maximum air temperature is +6.6 C. Over-

all, the average annual air temperature is +2.7 C. The absolute

minimum temperature for the last 30 years is 24.8 C and

Fig. 1. Map of study area. (A) Investigated localities: Osredci (1), Radmanovo (2), below 1000m a.s.l.; Brzece (3), Vlajkovci (4), Grasevci (5), Donje levice (6)

10001300 m a.s.l.; Lisinac (7), Blazevo (8), Iricici (9), Kriva reka (10), Celici (11), Lipovac (12), Djerekare (13), 13001500 m a.s.l.; Batote (14), Zunje (15)

Lepa gora (16), 12001300m a.s.l.; Livadje (17), 1400m a.s.l. (B) Map of Serbia with position of investigated area. (C) Position of investigated area on the Balkan

Peninsula.


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162 S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175

the absolute maximum temperature is +27.6 C. The foot of

the mountain, lying in the valley of the Ibar River, is situated

at an altitude of 400 m, and Pancics summit is 2017 m high.

Its relatively isolated position from the other mountains in the

central part of the Balkan Peninsula, its massiveness, varied geo-

logical composition, etc., have all contributed to the richness of

life forms, primarily in terms of plants and vegetation. Having

been designated a National Park, the best preserved and rich-

est part of Kopaonik has been placed under protection due to it

being of the utmost importance for the conservation of biodi-

versity. The flora and vegetation of Kopaonik make it one of the

richest and most diversified mountains in the Balkans, with 1350

species of vascular plants (91 endemic and 82 sub-endemic plant

species) (Lakusic, 1993, 1995). The significant floristic diversity

and the presence of a large number of endemic species make the

Kopaonik region a sub-centre of mountain endemism in the

Balkans.

The Kopaonik massif is part of the Moesian floral province

and the Central European biogeographic region. As it is a moun-

tain with a great difference in altitude between its foot and itshighest peaks, the sequence of various climatic ranges and veg-

etation zones is visible on its vertical profile. On the lowest parts

of the mountain there is a zone of warm hillside oak forest, rich

in shrubbery, underbrush, meadows and bare rocky terrains, with

marked influences of a sub-Mediterranean climate and vegeta-

tion, too. Typical plant forest communities that are present in

this range are: Quercetum confertae-cerris serbicum, Querce-

tum montanum,and Querceto-Carpinetum serbicum. Mesophyll

beech forests begin at 1200 m a.s.l., which are interspersed

with fir and then spruce as low as 12501300 m a.s.l. Plant

forest communities found within this range are: Fagetum mon-

tanum, Fageto-Abietum serbicum, Fageto-Luzuletum typicum,Fagetum subalpinum serbicum, and Fagetum subalpinum sub-

ass. piceetosum. Above the line of beech forests, there are

spruce forests with the following forest communities: Picee-

tum excelsaesubass.myrtilletosum,Arctostaphylleto-Piceetum,

Piceetum excelsae serbicum, Vaccinieto-Junipereto-Piceetum

subalpinum, Vaccinietum myrtilli, and Abieti-Piceetum ser-

bicum subass. vaccinietosum.Theseplantcommunities(Table 1)

comprise the majority of plants reported in this study (Perisic et

al., 2004);our phytocoenological analysis regarding the degree

of presence of each species is based on their presence in these

typical communities.

Other wild medicinal plants are meadow species incorpo-

rated into the following plant communities:Agrostiedetum vul-garis (Stachys officinallis L., Erythraea centaurium Pers.),

ArtemisioAchnatheretum calamagrostis and Carici humilis

Festucetum pancicianae (Teucrium montanum L., Rumex

sp., Achillea millefolium, Galium verum, Potentilla erecta

(L.) Rausch., Rubus idaeus L.), EricoSeslerietum rigidae

(Teucrium montanum, Rubus idaeus), PotentilletoCaricetum

humilis (Viola tricolor L., Stachys officinalis, Teucrium

chamaedrys L., Teucrium montanum), and Poetum violaceae

(Achillea millefolium). Above the forest range, there are

CariciSphagnetoEriophoretumandHygro-Nardetum strictae

communities, where Polygonum bistorta L. was found. Some

of the plants recorded are ruderal species, i.e. can be found

near roads, fields, ruins, rubbish heaps, etc. (Arctium lappa L.,

Artemisia vulgaris L., Artemisia absinthium L., Aristolochia

clematitisL., Calendula officinalis L., Capsella bursa pastoris

L., Chelidonium majus L., Cichoriumintybus L.,Echium vulgare

L., Equisetum arvense L., Galium verum, Helianthus tubero-

sus L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Malva silvestris L., Matricaria

chamomilla,Melissa officinalisL., Origanum vulgareL.,Ono-

nis spinosa L., Pastinaca sativa L., Foeniculum vulgare L.,

Physalis alkekengiL.,Sambucus ebulusL.,Sempervivum tecto-

rumL.,Solanum nigrumL.,Tussilago farfaraL.,Urtica dioica,

Verbascum phlomoides L., Verbena officinalis L., andXeranthe-

mum annumL.).

2.2. Localities and population

The villages investigated are located at different elevations

(6001500 m a.s.l.). They are relatively small in terms of their

given area andthe numberof inhabitants.The native residentsare

ethnic Serbs,who speak Serbian, a Slavic language.In their local

dialect, they call their native mountain Kopanik. Houses aremainly isolated because of the impassable andhilly terrain. In all

the villages visited, young people under the age of twenty were

in the minority due to the migration of the younger population

to nearby towns, which has been a growing trend over the past

decades.

Seventeen villages (spread over approximately 150 km2)

were included in this research (Osredci, Radmanovo, Vlajkovci,

Brzece, Djerekare, Grasevci, Lipovac, Iricici, Celici, Donje

levice, Blazevo, Kriva reka, Lisinac, Batote, Zunje, Lepa gora,

and Livadje) through directly interviewing the inhabitants.

2.3. Ethnobiological survey

The survey was conducted during the period 20022005.

Data was collected from 60 peasants, mostly around 60 years

old, engaged in agriculture and cattle-breeding, and plants were

collected during our visits to the mountain villages. The moni-

toring of plant distribution and the presence of particular species

across differentphytocoenoses (meadows, pastures, woods, etc.)

and the collecting of plants provided enough of an excuse to

enter into conversation with local peasants and herdsmen, whose

knowledge of medicinal plants was both extraordinary and valu-

able. In this, the first phase of study, people were asked to list

all the plants they use (or know were used by their parents or

grandparents). Each plant listed was compared with a fresh spec-imen and a picture from literature to establish different local

names or different phenological phases of the same species.

More specific information was recorded later on in the second

phase of investigation by means of a detailed interview with

specific questions. This data provided us with precise informa-

tion on the specific vegetative phase that the plant was collected

in, which plant parts were used, and precise ways for prepar-

ing herbal remedies and the means for consuming or applying

them.

It was notedthat localpeoples ethnobotanicaland ethnophar-

macological knowledge was based on the collective tradition of

the village community and the memories of their direct ances-


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Table 1

Wild medicinal plants in forest plant communities

Plant community with the altitude of its

distribution (m a.s.l.)

Plant species

Querceto-Carpinetum serbicumRudski

(550700)

Agrimonia eupatoriaL.,Asarum europaeumL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Crataegus oxyacanthaL.,Daphne

laureolaL.,Dryopteris filix-masL., Erythrea centauriumPers.,Ficaria vernaHuds.,Fragaria vescaL.,Galium

verumL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Hypericum perforatumL.,Malus sylvestrisMill.,Melissa officinalisL.,

Melitis melissophyllumL.,Plantago lanceolataL.,Prunus aviumL.,Prunus spinosaL.,Rosa caninaL.,Rumex

acetosaL.,Rumexsp.,Ruscus aculeatusL.,Sambucus nigraL.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Taraxacum officinale

Web.,Teucrium chamaedrysL.,Tilia cordataMuller,Ulmus campestrisL.,Verbena officinalisL.

Quercetum montanumJov. (600850) Achillea millefoliumL.,Agrimonia eupatoriaL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Crataegus oxyacanthaL.,Erythraea

centaurium Pers.,Ficaria vernaHuds., Filipendula hexapetalaGilib.,Fragaria vescaL.,Galium verumL.,

Geranium robertianumL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Hypericum perforatumL.,Juglans regiaL.,Malus

sylvestrisMill.,Origanum vulgareL.,Plantago lanceolataL.,Plantago majorL.,Plantago mediaL.,Primula

acaulisL.,Prunus aviumL.,Prunus spinosaL.,Rumex acetosaL.,Rumexsp.,Ruscus aculeatusL.,Salix caprea

L.,Solanum nigrum(L.) Mill.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Sorbus domesticaL.,Tamus communisL.,Teucrium

chamaedrys L.,Ulmus campestrisL.,Urtica dioicaL.,Verbascum phlomoidesL.,Veronica officinalisL.,Viola

tricolorL.

Quercetum confertae-cerris serbicum

Rudski (400800)

Achillea millefoliumL.,Agrimonia eupatoriaL.,Castanea sativaMill.,Cornus masL.,Crataegus oxyacantha

L.,Erythraea centauriumPers.,Ficaria vernaHuds., Filipendula hexapetalaGilib., Filipendula ulmaria(L.)

Maxim, Fragaria vescaL.,Galium verumL.,Hedera helixL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Hypericum perforatum

L.,Inula heleniumL.,Juglans regiaL.,Malus sylvestrisMill.,Plantago lanceolataL.,Primula acaulisL.,

Prunus aviumL.,Prunus cerasiferaEhrh.,Prunus spinosaL.,Rhamnus catharticusL.,Rosa caninaL.,Rubus

fruticosusL.,Rubus ideusL.,Rumexsp.,Ruscus aculeatusL.,Salix albaL.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Sorbus

domesticaL.,Stachys officinalis(L.) Trev.,Tamus communisL.,Teucrium chamaedrysL.,Ulmus campestrisL.,

Veronica officinalisL.,Viola tricolorL.

Fagetum montanumJov. (11001600) Allium ursinumL.,Asarum europaeumL.,Cornus masL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Daphne laureolaL.,Daphne

mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL., Eupatorium cannabinumL.,Ficaria vernaHuds.,Geranium robertianum

L.,Hedera helixL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Inula heleniumL.,Malus sylvestrisMill.,Prunus aviumL.,Rubus

ideusL.,Sambucus nigraL.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Tilia cordataMuller, Ulmus campestrisL.,Veronica

officinalis L.

Fageto-Abietum serbicumJov. (10001550) Allium ursinumL.,Asarum europaeumL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Daphne mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,

Fragaria vescaL.,Geranium robertianumL.,Hedera helixL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Inula heleniumL.,

Solidago virgaaureaL.,Thalictrum aquilegifoliumL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Veronica officinalisL.

Fageto-Luzuletum typicumMis. et Pop.(12001600)

Allium ursinumL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Veronica officinalisL.

Fagetum subalpinum serbicumJov.

(15501750)

Allium ursinumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Geranium robertianumL.,Vaccinium myrtilusL.

Fagetum subalpinumsubass.piceetosum

Mis. et Pop. (17001750)

Allium ursinumL., Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(L.) Spreng,Daphne mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Fragaria

vescaL.,Thalictrum aquilegifoliumL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.,Valeriana officinalisL.

Piceetum excelsaesubass.myrtilletosum

Mis. et Pop. (14001950)

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(L.) Spreng,Fragaria vescaL.,Daphne mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus

communis L.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.

Arctostaphylleto-PiceetumJov. (15001950) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.

Piceetum excelsae serbicumMis. et Pop.

(17001950)

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(L.) Spreng,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.

Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.

Vaccinietum myrtilliR. Jov. (14002000) Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.

Vaccinieto-Junipereto-Piceetum subalpinumMis. et Pop. (17501850)

Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.

Abieti-Piceetum serbicumsubass.

vaccinietosumMis. et Pop. (17501850)

Dryopteris filix-masL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.

tors (parents, grandparents). Despite the fact that they often

know that in other regions this plant is used for such and such

a purpose (learnt from tourists who also collect plants), they

prefer to do things their own way. The most frequent com-

ment was . . . as my mother/grandmother did. The majority

of informants emphasized that they never visit the doctor; in

terms of medicine they only value surgery, whilst placing their

trust in phytotherapy rather than in conventional drugs. All data

was immediately documented in field notebooks. In this study

we considered only wild flora because cultivated plants have

already been incorporated into official medicinal practice. The

study also included three species which secondary had become

wild (Calendula officinalis, Helianthus tuberosus, Mentha

piperitaL.).


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2.4. Botanical and ecological determination

The plants collected were determined by Mr. S. Jaric,

the Institute for Biological Research, Department of Ecol-

ogy, Belgrade, using professional literature for determination

(Josifovic, 19701986; Javorka and Csapody, 1977; Lakusic,

1995). Voucher specimens were deposited at the Herbarium

of the Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade. A phyto-

geographic analysis was undertaken according toGajic (1980,

1984),whereas plant forms were determined according toKojic

et al. (1997).

Theecological statusof each medicinalplantin this study was

assessed according to its degree of presence (DP) in typical plant

communities, which was gauged by visual estimations (two to

three people independently), according to theBraun-Blanquet

method (1965).

3. Results

3.1. Plants used for medicinal purposes

The results of the survey are presented in Table 2,in which

the plants are arranged in alphabetical order. For each species,

the following ethnobotanical and pharmacognostic elements are

provided: botanical taxa and voucher specimen codes, botanical

family, local names, English name, locality where the plant was

found, the degree of presence, the quotation frequency among

the informants, part(s) used, and usage and preparation.

In this survey, 83 wild plant species reported by informants to

have medicinal properties have been recorded. Of these species,

Hypericum perforatum,Urtica dioica,Matricaria chamomilla,

Sambucus nigra, Thymus serpyllum, and Achillea millefoliumwere cited by all informants, and every informant listed at

least three ailments treated by each of them. We also found

that rare information on specific usage (i.e. Galium verumas a

sedative, Ficaria vernafor haemorrhoids) was significant. The

reported species belong to 69 genera and 41 families, with the

obvious predominance of Asteraceae (15.85%) and Lamiaceae

(15.85%) families. Among the other families that were present

were:Rosaceae (7.32%), Malvaceae (3.66%), Apiaceae (3.66%)

and Plantaginaceae (3.66%), while the rest of the families were

represented by two or one species (2.44% and 1.22%, respec-

tively). Six tertiary relict species were recognized among these

wild medicinal plants: Castanea sativa Mill.,Hedera helixL.,

Juglans regiaL.,Ruscus aculeatusL. (Gajic, 1984),andTamuscommunis L. and Viscum album L. (Turrill, 1929). An areal

type spectrum comprises 19 floral elements (Fig. 2),of which

Eurasian (26.83%) and Sub-Central European (17.07%) floris-

tic elements are dominant, followed by Adventive (6.1%) and

Middle European (6.1%). A life forms spectrum analysis shows

the domination of hemicryptophytes (39.92%) and geophytes

(17.07%) in the medicinal flora of the area researched (Fig. 3).

The most frequently reported medicinal uses were for treating

gastrointestinal ailments (50%), and skin injures and problems

(25.6%), followed by respiratory, urinary-genital and cardiovas-

cularproblems (20.5%, 20.5%, 19.2%, respectively).Thencame

those plants with antiseptic and anti-infective properties and

Fig. 2. Contribution of areal types in wild medicinal flora of Kopaonik area.

Eur., Eurasian; Sub.M.E., Sub-Middle-European; Adv., Adventive; Sub.E., Sub-

Eurasian; SubAtl.-SubMed., Sub-Atlantic-Sub-Mediterranean; SubSSib., Sub-

South-Siberian; MEur., Middle-European; SubMed., Sub-Mediterranean; Circ.,

Circumpolar; Cosm., Cosmopolitan; SubArc.-Circ., Sub-Arctic-Circumpolar;

Others, eight areal types represented with one or two species.

those with sedative features (15.4% and 14.1%, respectively).

The study found a relatively small number of plant species

used to treat metabolic disorders (5.1%) or to increase immunity

(2.6%). A beneficial effect on only one group of ailments was

recorded for 35.9% of the plants, whereas 47.4% heal two dif-

ferent groups of medicinal problems. It was rare that the same

plant could be used for three (10.2% of the plants recorded), four

(3.8%), five (1.3%) or six (1.3%) different groups of ailments. It

is noticeable that the preference is for plants used in phytother-

apy to be taken internally in the form of tea. 60.3% of plants

were reported as being only consumed internally by informants,

while 16.6% were only applied externally, whereas 23.1% of the

plants recorded could be used both internally and externally. As

far as internal consumption is concerned, informants responses

showed that the dominant method by far is tea (84.6%), followedto a much lesser degree by eating a fresh plant part (5.6%) and

taking a tonic preparation (5.6%). Only in rare cases was data

on the dosage for the preparation and usage of some recipes

obtained. External application depended on the ailments to be

treated: a powdered plant part, a plant part dipped in brandy or

oil, tea for gargling or rinsing. Dosages were mainly arbitrary.

The most common answers and comments were tea is perfect

for. . . or it is mostly used for. . .. The majority of plants (72)

are used as the sole raw material in various preparations (tea,

ointment, oil, and tincture), while a few plants (3) are used for

Fig. 3. Life grown forms of wild medicinal species from Kopaonik area. H,

hemicryptophytes; G, geophytes; Th, therophytes/chamaephytes; P, phanero-

phytes; NP, nano-phanerophytes; WC, wooden chamaephytes; HC, herbaceous

chamaephytes; T, therophytes; Sp, semi-parasites.


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VeronicaofficinalisL.

(Scrophullariaceae)(KOP-VERO)

Ces

toslavica,Razgon

Common

speedwell

117

IV

***

A.p.

Expectorant(combinedwithotherherbs),wea

kdiureticproperties;for

stomachupsets

ViolatricolorL.(Violaceae)

(KOP-VIO)

Dan

inoc

Wildpansy

117

IV

***

A.p.

Alaxativeanddiuretic,cleansestoxinsandreducesinflammation.

Externallyforskincomplaints,swellingandvaricoseulcers(tea).

Internallyasagargleformouthandthroatinfections(tea)

ViscumalbumL.(Loranthaceae)

KOP-VIS)

Belaimela

Mistletoe

11,17

II

***

A.p.

Pungent,sedativeanddiureticproperties.Internallyfornervous

tachycardiaandinsomniaandarteriosclerosis,

lowershighblood

pressure(twohandfulsoffreshmistletoeando

nehandfulofgarlicbulb

cutintosmallpiecesandpouredinto1lofgra

pebrandy,leftfor10

daysandthenshakenwellbeforeusing.Takeonetablespoonofthe

filteredsolutionthreetimesadaybeforemeals)

L

oc,localitieswherethespeciesisfound,deno

tedwithnumbersonthemapoftheareainves

tigated;DP(degreeofpresencebasedonpresenceofspeciesintypicalcommunities):V,80

100%;IV,6080%;III,

4

060%;II,2040%;I,020%;QI(quotationfrequency)basedonthenumberspontaneouslymentioned:*quotedbylessthan10%informan

ts;**quotedbymorethan10%andlessthan40

%informants;***quoted

b

ymorethan40%informants.PU(part(s)used):A.p.,aerialpart;Ba,bark;B,buds;Fl,flowers;Fr,fruits;Ft,floweringtops;L,leaf;Ne,needles;R,root;Rh,rhizome;Se,seed;Tu,tuber;Wh.p.,wholeplant.

tea only when combined with other ingredients and some (7) are

used in both ways (as the sole raw material and combined).

3.2. Plants used in veterinary medicine

Ten plant species used in veterinary medicine, taken inter-

nally (five) or applied externally (five), were recorded. Latin

names, local names, English names, the locality where the plant

was found, the degree of presence, the quotation frequency,

parts used, and the preparation and usage for some symptoms

are given inTable 3. All the plants listed were in the highest

index band in terms of the frequency they were quoted by infor-

mants. Parasites, which can easily be transmitted from host to

host through the consumption of contaminated food and water

are treated by consuming herbs internally (Artemisia absinthium

andDryopteris filix-mas L.), even though these plants are not

used by humans. The same is noted for certain plants used for

intestinal ailments in animals (Thalictrum aquilegifolium L. and

Geranium robertianumL.).

3.3. Wild plants in human nourishment (culinary use)

Twenty-five wild species were recorded as being used for

non-medicinal purposes (Table 4),12 of which were also reg-

istered as being used as a medicine. However, the plant parts

used for medicinal and non-medicinal purposes often differed

i.e. fresh or prepared fruit was most frequently used for human

nutrition, whereas the leaves of the same species were used for

tea in phytotherapy.

4. Discussion

4.1. Phytocoenological and ecological status of medicinal

plants

Both the diversified abiotic environment and the patchy dis-

tribution of tree and meadow communities provided a great

heterogeneity of ecological conditions for the existence of eco-

logically divergent plant species. In light of the current protected

status of the research area, the natural vegetation hasfor the most

part been conserved. However, due to activity occurring before

thearea wasproclaimed a protectedarea (1981), certain commu-

nities have been disturbed irreversibly (Tucakov and Mihajlov

1977). The majority of the informants in this study state that cer-

tain habitats that include some of the plants recorded have beendamaged or disappeared totally. Harvesting the entire plant or

its underground organs is the most dangerous way of collecting

plant material in terms of disturbing the natural plant commu-

nities and environmental diversity. Although half of the plants

recorded have a high degree of presence in typical communities

(7.23% of species are categorised as having the highest degree

of presenceV; 27.71% of species have a relatively high degree

of presenceIV; 37.35%III, 22.89%II, and 4.82%I), the

people participating in this investigation showed a great sense

of awareness for their environment. Besides its medicinal prop-

erties, most informants commented on a plants abundance, its

ecological demands (soil properties, sun/shade preferences) and


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Table 3

Plants from wild flora used in veterinary medicine

Botanical taxa and family Local name English name Loc DP QI PU Preparation and usage

Asarum europaeumL.

(Aristolochiaceae)

Kopitnjak Asarabacca 117 III *** L For worms in calves (leaf boiled in water is

given to bull calves to drink)

Artemisia absinthiumL.

(Asteraceae)

Pelin Wormwood 14, 7, 14, 15 III ** A.p., L Internally for worm infestations. Aerial part

rubbed into the cattles skin is used as arepellent for flies. Ground fresh leaves mixed

with pig fat, applied to cattles skin

Dryopteris filix-masL.

(Polypodiaceae)

Navala Male Fern 117 V *** Tr For intestinal parasites (extract of taproot)

Geranium robertianumL.

(Geraniaceae)

Zdravac, Ziva trava Herb Robert 317 IV ** A.p. For guke in pigs (aerial part boiled in water,

given to pigs to drink)

Helleborus odorusW.K.

(Ranunculaceae)

Kukurek Hellebore 117 IV *** St Put cleansed stem in sick sheeps ear

perforated with a knife, leave until the whole

area surrounding the perforation becomes

torrid; whole treated area falls off, with only

the hole remaining

Hypericum perforatumL.

(Hypericaceae)

Kantarion St Johns wort 117 III *** A.p. For bloating of cattle and sheep (aerial part

boiled in water is given to sheep and cows to

drink)

Rumexsp. (Polygonaceae) Zelje,Stavinjak Dock, Sorrel 117 IV *** Se For diarrhoea (boiled seeds in water given to

hogs to drink)

Sambucus ebulusL.

(Sambucaceae)

Aptovina, Burjan Danewort 117 IV *** L For snake bites (juice from ground leaf

directly applied to bite)

Teucrium montanumL.

(Lamiaceae)

Trava iva, dupcac Mountain germander 4, 5, 9, 11, 17 III *** A.p. For foot-rot (tea is taken for washing wounds

on cows)

Thalictrum aquilegifolium

L. (Ranunculaceae)

Ocobajka Meadow Rue 517 I ** Wh.p. Improves appetite in sheep (give tea to sheep

in the case that they are unable to graze)

Ulmus campestrisL.

(Ulmaceae)

Brest Common elm 14, 14, 15 II *** R For neck pains (tea made from ground root

used to anoint cows neck)

Loc, localities where the species is found, denoted with numbers on the map of the area investigated; DP, degree of presence in typical plant communities; QI(quotation frequency) based on the number spontaneously mentioned: ** quoted by more than 10% and less than 40% informants; ***quoted by more than 40%

informants. PU (part(s) used): A.p., aerial part; L, leaf; Se, seed; St, stem; Tr, taproot; Wh.p., whole plant.

its method of reproduction, emphasizing that they prefer to pick

a plant where it is the most numerous.

4.2. The most cited medicinal plants and plants with

lesser-known properties

The majority of the plants were in the highest band on the

quotation frequency index (68.67%), whereas 27.71% of the

plants were cited by less than half of the informants, and only

3.62% were cited by only a few informants. Certain speciesrecorded in this survey were categorized as a panacea, more

than a medicine and were cited by all informantsHypericum

perforatum, Urtica dioica, Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea

millefolium,Thymus serpyllum,Tilia cordataMuller, andSam-

bucus nigra. Dried parts of these plants were found in every

household, and people had a tendency to make them into teas,

which were consumed just for pleasure and prevention even

when there was no need for a cure. Aside from being the most

frequently cited species, each of them was also said to be a

treatment for more than three ailments. Generally, it was rec-

ommended that they be prepared by scalding the plant parts in

order to preserve the active substances. Besides the fact that

Tilia cordata and Sambucus nigra are not frequently cited in

medicinal literature (although they have been noted in numer-

ous ethnopharmacological studies, inTucakov, 1997),the uses

reported for the most cited plants completely conform to their

well-known pharmacology profiles (Luppold, 1984;Haas, 1996;

Gunes et al., 1999; De Silva and Torres, 2001; Popovic et

al., 2002; Kubin et al., 2005). However, some of the plants

reported were used for treating ailments other than those known

from literature (i.e. Galium verum is known as an antioxi-

dant, but its sedative properties have not been reported untilnow). Furthermore, in this survey we recorded certain species

that have not been used medically (as far as we know), such

as Daphne laureola and Ficaria verna. These reports could

indicate the necessity for further phytotherapeutical research

on plants that have not yet been exploited for their beneficial

properties.

4.3. Plants used in veterinary medicine and in human

nourishment

Artemisia absinthiumhas been used for centuries as a ver-

mifuge (an agent that expels parasites), especially against


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Table 4

Plants from wild flora used in human nourishment (culinary use)

Botanical taxa and family Local name English name Loc DP PU Preparation and usage

Allium ursinumL. (Liliaceae) Sremus Ramsons 717 IV L, Bu Fresh or boiled leaves are used to add taste to

salads, soups, sauces and savoury dishes as a

vegetable. Bulbs are used as a spice for some

dishes, salads and meat

Cornus masL. (Cornaceae) Dren Cornel tree 1, 2 III Fr Mature fresh fruits are used as food, or used

to make tasty desserts: juice, compote, jelly,

jam

Corylus avellanaL. (Betulaceae) Leska Hazel 117 III Fr Fruits are eaten and often used for making

cakes

Fragaria vescaL. (Rosaceae) Sumska jagoda Wild strawberry 13, 5, 7, 9, 11 III Fr Mature fruits are eaten (rich in Vitamin C),

fresh or made into juices, syrups, compotes,

desserts, preserves called slatko, jam and

cakes

Foeniculum vulgareMill.

(Apiaceae)

Morac Fennel 117 IV Fl, Fr Dry or fresh umbels are used as a spice in

delicatessen. Seeds lend flavour to rice and

other dishes (often added at the end of

cookingbeans, cabbage, etc.) for improved

digestion

Juglans regiaL. (Juglandaceae) Orah Walnut 14 II Fr Fruits are eaten raw and frequently used as

ingredients in various dishes (cakes,

desserts, biscuits). From the unripe shell a

well-known precious brandy is made named

orahovaca as well as fruit preserve. Leaves

and husks yield brown dye used in wool tints

Juniperus communisL.

(Cupressaceae)

Kleka Juniper 517 III Fr Berries are used for making and flavouring

the brandy known as klekovaca, also used

for disinfection owing to antibacterial

properties

Malus sylvestrisMill. (Rosaceae) Divljaka, Divlja

jabuka

Crab apple 16, 15 III Fr Fruits are eaten and used for making juices

and also for apple vinegar

Mentha piperita(Lamiaceae) Pitoma nana Peppermint 13 II L Leaves are used for flavouring savoury

dishes (spices) and tea

Morus albaL. (Moraceae) Beli dud White mulberry 1, 2 II Fr Fruits are eaten fresh. They are a favourite

culinary ingredient because of their sweet

taste (jams, syrup). Fruits are made into tasty

brandy

Morus nigraL. (Moraceae) Crni dud Common mulberry 13 III Fr Fruits are eaten fresh

Prunus aviumL. (Rosaceae) Divlja tresnja Cherry 117 IV Fr Fruits are eaten fresh

Prunus cerasiferaEhrh.

(Rosaceae)

Vidovka Cherry plum 117 II Fr Fruits are eaten fresh; made into preserves,

jams and juice

Prunus spinosaL. (Rosaceae) Trnjina, Crni trn Mountain cherry 1, 2 II Fr Astringent fruits used after hoarfrost and firs

frost, fresh or dried

Rosa caninaL. (Rosaceae) Divlja ruza, Sipak Dog-rose 117 IV Fr Ripe fruits are used for making aromatic

vitamin tea, preserves and jams

Rubus fruticosusL. (Rosaceae) Kupina, Ostruga Blackberry 117 IV L, Fr Dried leaves are made into tea. Fruits are

eaten raw or cooked and prepared as syrup,

fruit preserve slatko, jams, jellies,

compotes. Also used to flavour red wine

Rubus ideusL. (Rosaceae) Planinska malina Raspberry 117 IV L, Fr Leaves are used to make tea. Fresh fruits are

eaten raw, or cooked and made into juices,

syrups, compotes, jams, and slatko

Rumex acetosaL. (Polygonaceae) Zelje,Stavljak,

Livadsko zelje

Sorrel 117 IV L Fresh young leaves are added to salads,

sauces and soups and used to make a cheese

and egg pie called zeljanik or zeljanica


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Table 4 (Continued)

Botanical taxa and family Local name English name Loc DP PU Preparation and usage

Sambucus nigraL.

(Sambucaceae)

Zova Elder 14 IV Fl Fresh flowers are made into tasty summer

juices and syrup. Dried flowers are made

into tea

Sorbus domesticaL. (Rosaceae) Oskorusa Service tree 13 II Fr Fresh fruits picked after hoarfrost and first

frost

Taraxacum officinaleWeb.

(Asteraceae)

Maslacak Dandelion 117 IV L Fresh young leaves (before flowering) are

eaten in salads or blanched or cooked as a

vegetable pulse and fruit preserve

Urtica dioicaL. (Urticaceae) Kopriva Stinging nettle 117 V L Fresh young leaves are cooked as a

spinach-like vegetable, made into soup,

syrup and drinks. Leaves are dried for tea

Vaccinium myrtillusL.

(Ericaceae)

Borovnica Blue berry 317 IV Fr Fresh ripe berries are eaten and made into

jams, slatko, juices and compotes

Vaccinium vitis-idaeaL.

(Ericaceae)

Brusnica Red Whortleberry 17 III Fr The same asVaccinium myrtillusL.

Loc, localities where the species is found, denoted with numbers on the map of the area investigated; DP, degree of presence in typical plant communities; PU (part(s)

used): Bu, bulb; Fl, flowers; Fr, fruits; L, leaf. Recorded plant species are cited by all informants.

roundworms and pinworms. It is extremely bitter due to its

volatile oil, which contains absinthin and thujone. Due to its

extreme potency, even a tiny dose can induce a coma or cause

death in an adult animal. Thus, dried plant material should be

used instead of the essential oil.

Dryopteris filix-masis one of the most potent remedies for

tapeworms (Taenia saginata, Taenia solidum) and liver fluke

(Fasciola hepatica) ever recorded in the history of medicine.

People use the oil extracted from the rhizome of the Male Fern

to treat these intestinal parasites. Filicin and filmarone foundin the oil are toxic to the worms, and oleoresin paralyzes them

and prevents them from attaching to the intestine. This specific

treatment works by paralyzing the muscles of the worm, forc-

ing it to relax its hold on the gut wall. Used internally, a Male

Fern rhizome is so poisonous in high doses that experts do not

recommend its use, advising less toxic treatments instead.

4.4. Plants used for other purposes

Agrimonia eupatoria L. (petrovac)the aerial part of this

plant is also used for rinsing out wooden dishes and buckets used

for preparing and storing milk, cheese and other dairy products.

Theyoung shoots ofSalix alba L. (bela vrba) and Salix caprea L.(gorska vrba) are used for binding grain into sheaves in summer

and cornstalks in autumn, as well as for making different-shaped

and sized baskets for various purposes. The fresh plant Aris-

tolochia clematitis (kokotinja) is often put into bed linen as a

repellent for the human flea and other insects and the husks of

Juglans regia L.fruit (orah) are usedto dye wool brown (for knit-

ting clothing). The aerial part ofArtemisia annua L. is mainly

used for washing barrels intended for brandy storage (the plant

is put into the barrel, steamed with hot water and left for a while;

the washed barrel then retains the scent of this plant). The com-

plete aerial part of the plant Xeranthemum annum is used to

make household brooms.

5. Conclusion

An ethnobotanical investigation into the usage of wild herbs

on the territory of Kopaonik shows the significance of medicinal

herbs in the lives of thepeasantsof this region. Themain features

of this survey were the preservation of tradition, the collective

harvesting at specific stages in plants lifecycles, and the high

homogeneity of statements on usage and dosage that informants

provided us with.

In addition, significant diversity in plant species and theirhabitats was recorded in this study, with particular emphasis

on tertiary relict species (six). An analysis of the ecolog-

ical status of the species recorded highlights the fact that

most of them do not fall into the category of endangered

species (some of them are widely dispersed, i.e. ruderals).

A phytosociological analysis was also undertaken, which is

presented through the data on their geographic origin and

abundance in certain plant communities. From the numerous

wild plants recorded that are used in traditional medicine,

a number were poly-functional, and some have unusual or

lesser-known phytotherapeutic uses. This makes Kopaonik an

interesting area from the ethnobotanical point of view, and

could be indicative of the direction further phytotherapeuticalresearch in the Balkans and Eastern Europe in general should

take.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Ministry for Science

and Environmental Protection of Serbia, grant no. 143025.

The anonymous reviewers gave valuable comments for the

improvement of this paper and are gratefully acknowl-

edged. We thank Jonathan Pendlebury, lector at Belgrade

Universitys Faculty of Philology, for proofreading this

paper.


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an ethnobotanical study on the usage of wild medicinal herbs from kopaonik mountain (central serbia)

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