ETHNOBOTANICAL INVENTORY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM THE

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ETHNOBOTANICAL INVENTORY OF

MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM THE

SOUTH-WEST OF ROMANIA

ION TI

MONICA GABRIELA TI

ŢĂ1*, GEORGE DAN MOGOŞANU2,ŢĂ1

1

Department of Vegetal and Animal Biology

2

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Faculty of Pharmacy,

2–4 Petru Rare

*corresponding author: iontita2006@yahoo.com

Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapyº Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania

Abstract

The paper reports on 161 medicinal plants of 56 families, traditionally used in

the South-West of Romania (Oltenia region). The plants are applied in ethnopharmacology

for the treatment of digestive, respiratory, urinary, cutaneous, cardiovascular, genital and

other disorders.

Rezumat

Lucrarea prezint

(regiunea Olteniei), grupate în 56 de familii botanice. Utiliz

cuprind, în majoritatea cazurilor, tratamentul bolilor digestive, respiratorii, urinare,

cutanate, cardiovasculare

ă 161 de specii vegetale din flora din Sud-Vestul Românieiările etnofarmacologiceşi genitale.

Keywords:

medicinal plants; ethnobotanical inventory

Introduction

Oltenia is a region situated in the South-West of Romania, between

22

the area of approximately 30 000 km

0 (Danube River) to 2518 m (Parang Mountains), and has corresponding

moderate or excessive continental and Mediterranean climates.

About 50% of population is engaged with farming. The use of

plants in the ethnopharmacology of Oltenia region dates from centuries ago.

Ovidius and Dioscoride mention the healing effects of medicinal plants used

by Dacian people [1–3].

The memory of traditionally medicine still survives, in spite of the

progress of pharmacological sciences, and it remains as a common heritage

to be used when necessary.

The aim of our study is to review the use of some medicinal plants

in the ethnopharmacology of Oltenia region.

01’ and 24051’ E longitude, and 43042’ and 45038’ N latitude, occupies2, with elevations ranging from

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Materials and methods

This study has been initiated in 1997 as one of the main research

projects of the Vegetal and Animal Biology and Pharmacognosy–

Phytotherapy Departments from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of

Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.

The information was obtained in the course of interviews taken

from elderly people, farmers, shepherds, local healers, midwives, school

teachers, veterinarians, who shared with us their knowledge about the use of

medicinal plants, and the field notebooks were compared with specialty

papers [1–17].

The ethnopharmacological inventory refers to the preparation

techniques and the healing properties of various vegetal organs (roots,

rhizomes, aerial parts, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, barks, etc.).

The plant specimens have been collected and identified following

"The Illustrated Flora of Romania.

(Ciocârlan V., 2000) [12].

Voucher specimens have been deposited in the herbariums of the

departments mentioned above.

Pteridophyta et Spermatophyta"

Results and discussion

The Romanian flora has a remarkable diversity: 4000 species and

900 of them are known as medicinal plants [4, 7, 12].

In the region of Oltenia we found over 2300 species and 600 of

them are used in traditional medicine [11].

This paper reports on, in taxonomic order [12], 161 medicinal

plants of 56 families that are mostly used in ethnopharmacology of Oltenia

region, and again confirm the usefulness of medicinal plants for modern

therapy (Table I).

The medicinal plants from the families

Asteraceae, Rosaceae,

Ranunculaceae

, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae,

Apiaceae

digestive, respiratory, urinary, cutaneous, cardiovascular, and genital

disorders.

The most popular preparations are infusions and decoctions.

Medicinal wine is also used, as the plant is macerated in sweet red wine or

dry white wine for several days.

Only „specialized" people that use "magic" practices know some

remedies.

have the most common usage especially for the treatment of

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Table I

Medicinal plants used in ethnopharmacology of Oltenia region

Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Equisetaceae

Equisetum arvense

Aerial

parts

Diuretic, antiseptic; renal

disorders (haematuria) Infusion

Roots Astringent, antihaemorrage

(external); hemorrhage Powder

L.Poplypodiaceae

Asplenium scolopendrium

asthma, cough Infusion

L. Leaves Antiasthmatic, antitussive;

Dryopteris filix-mas

L. (Schott) Rhizomes Vermifuge; intestinal worms

Decoction or

honey-mixed

powder

Polypodium vulgare

worms, digestive disorders Decoction

L. Rhizomes Vermifuge, laxative; intestinal

Pinaceae

Abies alba

rheumatism, bronchitis Infusion

Miller Buds Anti-inflammatory, antitussive;

Picea abies

rheumatism, headaches Infusion

(L.) Karsten Leaves Anti-inflammatory, sedative;

Cupressaceae

Juniperus communis

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

antiseptic; rheumatism,

pulmonary and urinary disorders

Decoction

L. Fruits

Berberidaceae

Berberis vulgaris

Bark,

roots,

fruits

Anti-inflammatory, astringent,

antiseptic; haemorrhoids,

digestive disorders, dysentery

Decoction

L.

Aristolochiaceae

Aristolochia clematitis

Aerial

parts

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,

analgesic, cytostatic;

rheumatism, leucorrhoea,

digestive, respiratory and urinary

disorders, tumours

Infusion

L.

Asarum europaeum

sedative; respiratory disorders Decoction

L. Rhizomes Expectorant, antitussive,

Nymphaeaceae

Nuphar luteum

(L.) Sm.

Nymphaea alba

Roots,

flowers

Astringent, febrifuge; diarrhoea,

fever, and pulmonary disorders

Decoction,

infusion

L.

Ranunculaceae

Aconitum tauricum

(external) Decoction

Wulf. Roots Anti-inflammatory; rheumatism

Actaea spicata

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,

antiparasitic; cutaneous

disorders, scab

Infusion

L. Leaves

Adonis vernalis

parts

Cardiotonic, sedative; cardiac

disorders, headaches Infusion

L. Aerial

Caltha palustris

parts

Diuretic, laxative, sedative; renal

and digestive disorders Infusion

L. Aerial

Clematis vitalba

leaves

Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising,

antitussive; wounds (external),

respiratory disorders

Infusion

L. Flowers,

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Consolida regalis

leaves

Diuretic, antimicrobial;

hypertension, leucorrhoea,

blennorrhagia, female fecundity,

snake bites

Infusion

I. F. Gray Flowers,

Helleborus purpurascens

Waldst. et Kit. Roots

Anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic,

antibacterial; rheumatism,

cardiac disorders, syphilis

Decoction

Nigella sativa

Spasmolytic, digestive,

aphrodisiac; respiratory and

digestive disorders

Decoction

L. Seeds

Pulsatilla montana

(Hoppe) Reichenb. Flowers Tonic, regenerative; paralysis,

psoriasis Infusion

Ranunculus ficaria

roots

Astringent, trophic, antiinflammatory;

haemorrhoids,

varicose, hair and skin disorders

Infusion,

decoction

Aerial

parts

Cholagogue, diuretic; liver and

urinary disorders Infusion

L. Leaves,Papaveraceae

Chelidonium majus

(warts), snake bites Fresh state

L. Latex Proteolytic; skin disorders

Glaucium flavum

parts

Diuretic, antitussive; renal and

respiratory disorders Infusion

Crantz Aerial

Papaver rhoeas

Anti-inflammatory, antitussive,

expectorant, emollient;

respiratory disorders

Infusion

Aerial

parts

Astringent, anti-inflammatory;

haemorrhoids Infusion

L. Flowers

Fumariaceae

Corydalis cava

(L.) Schweigg et Koerte Bulbs

Sedative, cholagogue, vermifuge,

emenagogue, antimicrobial;

nervous, digestive and uterine

disorders

Decoction

Fumaria officinalis

parts

Tonic, diuretic, depurative,

purgative, diaphoretic, antiinflammatory,

antiarrhythmic;

urinary, cardiac, digestive

disorders

Infusion

L. Aerial

Ulmaceae

Ulmus minor

Leaves,

bark

Antidiarrhetic, haemostatic,

depurative, diaphoretic,

cicatrising; digestive, urinary,

respiratory, cutaneous disorders

Infusion,

decoction

Leaves

Hypoglycaemiant, astringent,

cicatrising; diabetes, diarrhoea,

gastritis, digestive ulcer

Infusion

Root’s

bark

Purgative, vermifuge;

constipation, intestinal worms Decoction

Miller

Moraceae

Morus alba

Immature

fruits Astringent; diarrhoea Fresh state

L.

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Mature

fruits Laxative, vitaminizing; scurvy Fresh state

Cannabaceae

Cannabis sativa

subsp.

spontanea

Seeds Antilithiasis; renal and urinary

lithiasis Decoction

Leaves

Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising,

antimicrobial; sole lesions,

blennorrhagia

Infusion

Serebr.

Humulus lupulus

Female

cones

Sedative; nervous, digestive, and

sexual disorders Infusion

L.

Urticaceae

Parietaria officinalis

Roots,

aerial parts

Anti-inflammatory, astringent,

antibacterial, antitussive;

rheumatism, haemorrhoids,

urinary and respiratory disorders

Decoction,

infusion

L.

Urtica dioica

parts

Antianaemia, antiseptic, antiinflammatory,

cicatrising,

antilithiasis; anaemia, anthrax,

rheumatism, scab, digestive

(hepatitis, ulcer), renal and skin

disorders

Infusion

L. Aerial

Juglandaceae

Juglans regia

Leaves,

fresh fruit

pericarp

Anti-inflammatory, astringent,

antibacterial, depurative;

rheumatism, uterine and skin

disorders

Infusion

L.

Fagaceae

Castanea sativa

Stimulant, astringent, antiinflammatory;

asthenia,

diarrhoea, haemorrhoids

Infusion

Bark

Astringent, antiseptic, antiinflammatory,

febrifuge;

diarrhoea, dysentery, fever,

rheumatism

Decoction

Miller Leaves

Fagus sylvatica

Buds Antilithiase; renal and urinary

lithiasis Infusion

L.

Quercus robur

Astringent, antibacterial, antiinflammatory,

cicatrising; oral,

digestive, and skin disorders

Decoction

Bark

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

febrifuge, cardiotonic; dermatitis,

gut, fever, cardiac insufficiency

Decoction

Buds

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory,

depurative; oedemas, urinary

disorders, gut, hypercholesterolemia

Infusion

Sap Antianaemia; anaemia Fresh state

L. Bark

Betulaceae

Betula pendula

Leaves Tonic; hair growth and

regeneration Infusion

Roth

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Leaves Cicatrising; wounds Infusion

Bark Febrifuge; intermittent fever Decoction

Male

flowers Astringent; diarrhoea Infusion

Corylaceae

Corylus avellana

Buds

Anti-inflammatory,

hepatoprotective, diuretic,

antitussive; hepatitis, asthma,

silicosis, pulmonary emphysema

Infusion

L.

Portulacaceae

Portulaca oleracea

Aerial

parts

Antitussive, tonic, bitter; cough,

anorexia Infusion

L.

Caryophyllaceae

Dianthus caryophyllus

headaches Infusion

L. Petals Antitussive, analgesic; cough,

Gypsophyla paniculata

Cholagogue, expectorant,

vermifuge; biliary dyskinesia,

bronchitis, oxyuriosis

Decoction

L. Roots

Herniaria glabra

parts

Antilithiasis, anti-inflammatory,

antiseptic; renal and cystic

lithiasis, chronic cystitis

Infusion

L. Aerial

Lychnis flos-cuculi

parts Cicatrising; wounds Infusion

L. Aerial

Saponaria officinalis

rhizomes

Cholagogue, antitussive,

vermifuge, cicatrising,

astringent; biliary dyskinesia,

bronchitis, oxyuriosis, eczema,

furunculosis

Infusion

L. Roots,

Polygonaceae

Polygonum amphibium

local washes

L. Roots Cicatrising; skin disorders Decoction for

Polygonum aviculare

parts

Astringent, cicatrising, diuretic,

depurative, anti-inflammatory;

diarrhoea, gastric ulcer, gut,

cardiovascular disorders,

rheumatism

Infusion

L. Aerial

Polygonum bistorta

Astringent, cicatrising,

antiseptic; diarrhoea, gastritis,

gastric ulcer, haemorrhoids,

enteritis, stomatitis, uterine

haemorrhages

Decoction

L. Rhizomes

Polygonum hydropiper

parts

Astringent, cicatrising; gastric,

pulmonary, and uterine

haemorrhages

Infusion

L. Aerial

Polygonum persicaria

parts

Astringent, diuretic, antibacterial,

cicatrising; metrorrhagia,

leucorrhoea, wounds

Infusion

L. Aerial

Rumex acetosa

aerial parts

Vitaminizing, diuretic,

depurative, astringent; scurvy,

paralysis, diarrhoea, trichophytia

Decoction,

infusion

L. Roots,

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Rumex alpinus

rhizomes

Astringent, hepatoprotective,

cicatrising; diarrhoea, hepatitis,

wounds

Decoction

Roots Vitaminizing, tonic, astringent;

scurvy, diarrhoea, trichophytia Decoction

Aerial

parts

Vitaminizing, tonic, astringent;

scurvy, haemorrhages, anaemia Infusion

Fruits Astringent; diarrhoea Decoction

L. Roots,Rumex crispus L.

Rumex patientia

Anti-inflammatory, vitaminizing,

cicatrising, astringent, antiseptic;

rheumatism, scurvy, gastric

disorders, syphilis, eczema,

diarrhoea, trichophytia

Decoction

L. Roots

Hydrangeaceae

Philadelphus coronarius

Analgesic, astringent, antiseptic;

headaches, leucorrhoea,

trichomoniasis

Infusion

Rhizomes Cytostatic; tumours Decoction

L. Flowers

Grossulariaceae

Sedum maximum

Astringent, cicatrising, antiinflammatory;

haemorrhoids,

wounds, burns

Infusion

(L.) Hoffm. Leaves

Sempervivum tectorum

aerial parts

Astringent, cicatrising, antiinflammatory,

antiseptic;

haemorrhoids, wounds, urinary

and mucosal disorders, acne,

trichophytia

Fresh juice,

cataplasm

with fresh

leaves

L. Leaves,

Rosaceae

Agrimonia eupatoria

Aerial

parts

Astringent, cicatrising, diuretic,

depurative, anti-inflammatory,

antilithiase; diarrhoea, gastritis,

anorexia, gut, enteritis, renal and

biliary lithiasis, chronic

cholecystitis, rheumatism

Infusion

L.

Alchemilla xanthochlora

Rothm.

Aerial

parts

Astringent, antiseptic;

haemorrhoids, diarrhoea,

dysentery, metrorrhagia

Infusion

Cerasus avium

(L.) Moench.

Cerasus vulgaris

Fruit’s

peduncles

Diuretic, depurative, antilithiase;

oedema, ascites, renal disorders Decoction

Miller

Crataegus monogyna

Leaves,

flowers,

fruits

Sedative, cicatrising, analgesic;

cardiac nervous disorders, sole

wounds, pains

Infusion,

decoction

Leaves Astringent; diarrhoea Infusion

Fruits

Astringent, antiseptic,

hepatoprotective, cicatrising,

anti-inflammatory; diarrhoea,

dysentery, hepatic disorders,

leucorrhoea, haemoptysis,

uterine haemorrhages, wounds

Fresh state

Jacq.Cydonia oblonga L.

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Seeds Astringent, emollient; digestive

and respiratory disorders Fresh state

Filipendula vulgaris

roots

Antitussive, astringent, diuretic,

antiseptic; asthma, oedema,

diarrhoea, haemorrhoids,

dysentery

Infusion,

decoction

Moench Flowers,

Fragaria vesca

Astringent, antiseptic, diuretic,

depurative, analgesic; diarrhoea,

enteritis, urinary disorders, gut,

gastric and menstrual pains

Infusion

Roots,

rhizomes

Diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia,

gastroenteritis, uterine disorders Decoction

L. Leaves

Geum urbanum

parts

Leucorrhoea, haemorrhages,

fever Infusion

L. Aerial

Malus sylvestris

inflammations, sole wounds

Decoction,

fresh state

(L.) Miller Fruits Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising;

Potentilla anserina

parts

Astringent, cicatrising, antiinflammatory,

antiseptic;

digestive, renal and uterine

disorders, gingivitis, leucorrhoea

Infusion

L. Aerial

Potentilla erecta

aerial parts

Astringent, cicatrising, antiinflammatory,

antiseptic;

diarrhoea, enterocolitis, wounds,

burns, uterine haemorrhages

Decoction,

infusion

Roots Astringent, emollient; pulmonary

disorders Decoction

(L.) Räusch Rhizomes,

Potentilla reptans

parts

Astringent, antiseptic, analgesic;

diarrhoea, dysentery, pains Infusion

Flowers Astringent, diuretic, sedative;

digestive and urinary disorders Infusion

Leaves Diuretic, depurative, antiseptic;

urinary disorders Infusion

Fruits

Astringent, anti-inflammatory,

analgesic, diuretic; diarrhoea,

dysentery, biliary dyskinesia,

gut, convulsive cough, urinary

and cardiovascular disorders

Decoction

L. Aerial

Prunus spinosa

Stem’s and

root’s bark

Diuretic, analgesic; cardiac and

dental disorders Decoction

L.

Rosa canina

Fruits,

leaves,

flowers

Vitaminizing, tonic, emollient,

anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

depurative, hypoglycaemiant;

anaemia, anorexia, avitaminosis,

colitis, diabetes, convulsive

cough, urinary, gastric and

cardiac disorders

Decoction,

infusion

L.

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Leaves

Astringent; diarrhoea, bronchitis,

urinary disorders, gingivitis,

stomatitis, leucorrhoea,

haemorrhoids, psoriasis

Infusion

Rubus caesius L.

Rubus fruticosus

Roots,

buds

Emollient, antiseptic; pulmonary

and laryngo-pharyngeal disorders

Decoction,

infusion

Leaves

Astringent, cicatrising, emollient;

diarrhoea, enterocolitis, gastritis,

gastric ulcer, cough, bronchitis,

prostate disorders

Infusion

L.

Rubus idaeus

Fruits

Laxative, anti-inflammatory,

diuretic, depurative; constipation,

asthenia, rheumatism, gut

Juice, syrup,

fresh fruits

L.

Sanguisorba officinalis

parts

Astringent, diuretic; diarrhoea,

fermentative colitis, haematuria,

haemorrhoids

Infusion

L. Aerial

Fabaceae

Galega officinalis

Diuretic, anticonvulsant,

sedative, galactagogue; nervous,

urinary, and suckling disorders

Infusion,

medicinal

wine

L. Leaves

Genista tinctoria

parts

Hepatoprotective, cholagogue,

anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

depurative; hepatic, splenic, and

urinary disorders, rheumatism

Infusion

L. Aerial

Glycyrrhiza echinata

rhizomes Astringent; haemorrhoids Decoction

L. Roots,

Lotus corniculatus

insomnia, nervous disorders Infusion

L. Flowers Antispasmodic, sedative;

Melilotus officinalis

parts

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

depurative, astringent, antiseptic,

hepatoprotective; arthritis,

hepatitis, renal lithiasis, gut,

leucorrhoea, uterine disorders

Infusion

Lam. Aerial

Ononis spinosa

disorders, gut, rheumatism Decoction

L. Roots Diuretic, depurative; urinary

Robinia pseudoacacia

bark

Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising,

emollient, analgesic, antiseptic,

laxative; gastritis, gastric ulcer,

asthma, cough, dental neuralgia,

leucorrhoea, constipation

Infusion,

decoction

L. Flowers,

Trifolium pratense

Emollient, antitussive, analgesic,

anti-inflammatory; cough,

asthma, abdominal colics,

rheumatism, urinary disorders,

diarrhoea

Infusion

L. Flowers

Trifolium repens

parts

Antispastic, antiseptic, febrifuge;

colics, flu, leucorrhoea Infusion

L. Aerial

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Lythraceae

Lythrum salicaria

Aerial

parts

Astringent; diarrhoea, dysentery,

gastrointestinal disorders, uterine

haemorrhages

Infusion

L.

Onagraceae

Epilobium angustifolium

L.

Epilobium collinum

C. C. Gmelin

Epilobium hirsutum

L.

Epilobium montanum

L.

Epilobium palustre

L.

Epilobium parviflorum

Schreber

Aerial

parts

Depurative, cholereticcholagogue,

astringent, antiinflammatory,

haemostatic,

antimicrobial, cytostatic,

regenerative; prostatitis and

prostate adenoma, hepatitis,

ulcer, enteritis, cirrhosis, urinary

disorders

Infusion

Elaeagnaceae

Hippophaë rhamnoides

Vitaminizing, tonic, astringent,

antiseptic, hepatoprotective;

avitaminosis, asthenia, diarrhoea,

hepatitis

Decoction

L. Fruits

Cornaceae

Cornus mas

Fruits,

leaves,

bark

Astringent, vermifuge, febrifuge;

diarrhoea, dysentery, fever

Infusion,

decoction

L.

Loranthaceae

Viscum album

Leaves,

boughs

Antihypertensive, cardiotonic,

sedative, coronary vasodilator,

cytostatic; hypertension,

convulsive cough, atherosclerosis,

excitation

Maceration

L.

Celastraceae

Evonymus europaeus

Emetic, purgative, cholereticcholagogue,

antihypertensive;

nausea, constipation, biliary and

cardiac disorders

Infusion

L. Leaves

Euphorbiaceae

Mercuriales annua

Aerial

parts

Anti-inflammatory, purgative,

diuretic, depurative; rheumatism,

constipation, urinary disorders

Infusion

L.

Rhamnaceae

Frangula alnus

Miller Bark

Rhamnus cathartica

Laxative-purgative, cholereticcolagogue,

astringent, vermifuge;

constipation, biliary dyskinesia,

haemorrhoids, helminthiasis

Decoction

L. Fruits

Aceraceae

Acer platanoides

L. Leaves Astringent; diarrhoea Infusion

Hippocastanaceae

Aesculus hippocastanum

Anti-inflammatory,

decongestive, astringent,

haemostatic; varicose,

haemorrhoids, prostate adenoma

Decoction

L. Bark

Rutaceae

Dictamus albus

Roots,

rhizomes

Diuretic, depurative, vermifuge,

antiepileptic, antihysteric,

febrifuge, emollient; urinary and

nervous disorders, intestinal

worms, fever, cough

Decoction

L.

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Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Zygophyllaceae

Tribulus terrestris

Aerial

parts

Astringent, cicatrising; diarrhoea,

haemorrhoids, burns, scars,

wounds

Infusion

L.

Oxalidaceae

Oxalis acetosella

Aerial

parts

Astringent, diuretic, tonic,

vitaminizing; diarrhoea, renal

disorders, scurvy

Infusion

L.

Geraniaceae

Erodium cicutarium

(L.) L’Hérit.

Aerial

parts

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory,

haemostatic; urinary and genital

disorders

Infusion

Geranium macrorrhizum

parts

Astringent, diuretic, depurative,

antihypertensive, aphrodisiac,

antimicrobial; gastric, cardiac,

urinary, nervous and genital

disorders, varicose, cerebral

congestion

Infusion

L. Aerial

Geranium robertianum

parts

Antihypertensive, astringent,

antihaemorrhage, diuretic,

depurative, emollient, antiseptic,

tonic; haemorrhagic cystitis,

diarrhoea, bronchitis,

haemorrhage enteritis,

leucorrhoea, tracheitis,

pharyngitis, stomatitis

Infusion

L. Aerial

Polygalaceae

Polygala vulgaris

Antitussive, spasmolytic

eupeptic, galactagogue; cough,

asthma, anorexia, suckling

disorders

Decoction

L. Roots

Araliaceae

Hedera helix

Anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic,

antitussive, emmenagogue,

astringent, analgesic; asthma,

bronchitis, cough, diarrhoea,

rheumatism, wounds, scab,

dysmenorrhea

Infusion,

compress

with fresh

infusion

L. Leaves

Apiaceae

Carum carvi

Spasmolytic, diuretic, depurative,

galactagogue; digestive, urinary

and suckling disorders

Decoction

L. Fruits

Eryngium campestre

Detoxifying, diuretic, cicatrising,

eupeptic, carminative, sedative;

abdominal distention, urinary

lithiasis, anorexia, gastric ulcer,

convulsive cough, wounds

Decoction

L. Rhizomes

Eryngium planum

parts

Emollient, expectorant,

antiseptic, spasmolytic, diuretic,

cicatrising; bronchitis, cough,

urinary disorders, wounds, scars,

burns

Infusion

L. Aerial

FARMACIA, 2009, Vol. 57, 2

152

Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Pimpinella saxifraga

Cicatrising, diuretic,

antimicrobial, appetizer, antiinflammatory;

wounds, ascites,

urinary disorders, hernia, cough,

venereal diseases, anorexia

Decoction

L. Roots

Sanicula europaea

aerial parts

Expectorant, cholereticcholagogue,

diuretic, cicatrising,

vermifuge, detoxifying, sedative;

nervous and renal disorders,

wounds, bronchitis, biliary

dyskinesia, oxyuriosis

Decoction,

infusion

L. Roots,

Hypericaceae

Hypericum perforatum

Aerial

parts

Sedative, diuretic, depurative,

anti-inflammatory, cicatrising,

antimicrobial, astringent;

gastritis, gastric ulcer,

enterocolitis, diarrhoea, hepatitis,

cholecystitis, bed-wetting,

neurosis, depression, biliary

dyskinesia, haemorrhoids,

bronchitis, genitourinary

disorders

Infusion

L.

Tiliaceae

Tilia cordata

Miller

Tilia platyphyllos

Flowers

Emollient, anti-inflammatory,

sedative, spasmolytic; cough,

bronchitis, flu, biliary dyskinesia,

anxiety, rheumatism

Infusion

Scop.

Malvaceae

Althaea officinalis

Roots,

leaves

Emollient, anti-inflammatory,

astringent, diuretic, depurative;

bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis,

diarrhoea, cough, flu, urinary

disorders

Decoction,

infusion

L.

Hibiscus trionum

parts

Diuretic, depurative, antiinflammatory;

urinary disorders Infusion

L. Aerial

Lavathera thuringiaca

leaves

Emollient, expectorant, antiinflammatory,

antimicrobial;

cough, flu, fever, leucorrhoea

Decoction,

infusion

L. Roots,

Malva neglecta

Wallr.

Malva pusilla

Decoction,

cataplasm

with

decoction

Sm.

Malva sylvestris

Roots,

leaves,

flowers

Emollient, expectorant,

antitussive, anti-inflammatory,

diuretic, depurative, laxative,

astringent, cicatrising;

pulmonary, intestinal, urinary,

digestive, ocular and skin

disorders, asthma, cough,

haemorrhoids, haemorrhages,

ascitis, wounds, burns, abscesses

Decoction,

maceration,

infusion

L.

Primulaceae

Primula veris

urinary disorders, bronchitis Infusion

L. Flowers Diuretic, depurative, emollient;

FARMACIA, 2009, Vol. 57, 2

153

Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Oleaceae

Fraxinus excelsior

Diuretic, depurative, antiseptic,

antilithiasis; urinary disorders

(cystitis)

Infusion

L. Leaves

Gentianaceae

Gentiana asclepiadea

Roots,

rhizomes

Tonic, bitter, diuretic, antiseptic;

anorexia, haemorrhagic cystitis Decoction

L.

Boraginaceae

Borago officinalis

L.

Echium vulgare

Aerial

parts

L.

Pulmonaria officinalis

Emollient, antitussive,

expectorant, antimicrobial,

diuretic, depurative, antilithiasis,

anti-inflammatory; respiratory

and urinary disorders (cystitis)

Infusion

L. Leaves

Solanaceae

Atropa belladonna

Roots,

leaves

Spasmolytic, antitussive,

astringent; colics, diarrhoea,

bronchitis, asthma

Decoction,

infusion

L.

Datura stramonium

disorders (asthma) Infusion

L. Leaves Spasmolytic; respiratory

Physalis alkekengi

Diuretic, depurative, astringent,

anti-inflammatory, emollient,

antitussive, expectorant,

spasmolytic, cicatrising; urinary,

respiratory, digestive, and skin

disorders

Decoction

L. Fruits

Scrophulariaceae

Linaria vulgaris

Aerial

parts

Emollient, expectorant,

antitussive, diuretic, antiinflammatory,

galactagogue;

respiratory, urinary, and suckling

disorders

Infusion

Miller

Verbascum densiflorum

Bertol. Flowers

Emollient, expectorant,

antitussive, anti-inflammatory,

cicatrising; laryngitis, bronchitis,

wounds, scars

Infusion

Plantaginaceae

Plantago lanceolata

L.

Plantago major

L.

Plantago media

Leaves

Expectorant, antitussive,

emollient, anti-inflammatory,

astringent, antimicrobial,

cicatrising; bronchitis, laryngotracheal

catarrh, diarrhoea,

wounds

Infusion

L.

Asteraceae

Achillea millefolium

Aerial

parts

Appetizer, antibacterial, antiinflammatory,

vermifuge,

spasmolytic, diuretic, emollient,

cicatrising; digestive, pulmonary

and urinary disorders, wounds

Infusion

L.

Arctium lappa

Expectorant, antitussive,

emollient, diuretic, antiinflammatory;

digestive and

renal disorders, cough,

bronchitis, wounds, sores

Decoction

L. Roots

FARMACIA, 2009, Vol. 57, 2

154

Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Arnica montana

parts

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

antimicrobial, astringent,

analgesic; inflammations, fever,

cystitis, haemorrhages

Infusion

L. Aerial

Artemisia absinthium

L. Leaves

Artemisia vulgaris

parts

Tonic, bitter, eupeptic,

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory;

indigestion, appetizer

Infusion

L. Aerial

Bidens tripartita

parts

Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising,

vermifuge; wounds (worminfested)

Infusion

L. Aerial

Calendula officinalis

Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising,

emollient, diuretic, antimicrobial;

gastritis, ulcer, cystitis

Infusion

L. Flowers

Centaurea cyanus

parts

Eupeptic, astringent, diuretic,

depurative, anti-inflammatory;

dyspepsia, indigestion, diarrhoea,

urinary disorders

Infusion

L. Aerial

Cichorium intybus

parts

Appetizer, eupeptic, tonic, bitter,

astringent, diuretic, laxative,

anti-inflammatory; anorexia,

urinary disorders, constipation

Infusion

L. Aerial

Eupatorium cannabinum

parts

Antimicrobial, immunostimulant,

anti-inflammatory, astringent;

foot-and-mouth disease

Infusion

L. Aerial

Inula helenium

antimicrobial, immunostimulant,

expectorant, anti-inflammatory,

vermifuge; pulmonary disorders,

intestinal worms

Decoction

L. Roots

Matricaria recutita

Antimicrobial, immunostimulant,

anti-inflammatory, astringent;

gastritis, enterocolitis, diarrhoea,

cough, flu

Infusion

L. Flowers

Petasites hybridus

(L.) P.Gaertner,

B.Meyer et Scherb.

Roots,

rhizomes

Diuretic, depurative, astringent,

febrifuge, anti-inflammatory;

urinary disorders, alimentary

intoxications, fever

Decoction

Taraxacum officinale

Weber ex Wiggers

Roots,

leaves

Tonic, appetizer, bitter, diuretic,

depurative; anorexia, digestive

and urinary disorders

Decoction,

infusion

Tussilago farfara

Emollient, expectorant,

antitussive, anti-inflammatory;

pulmonary disorders

Infusion

L. Leaves

Lamiaceae

Melittis melissophyllum

L.

Mentha aquatica

L.

Mentha

Leaves

Appetizer, spasmolytic,

astringent, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory;

anorexia, colics,

diarrhoea, enterocolitis

Infusion

× piperita L.

FARMACIA, 2009, Vol. 57, 2

155

Family / Species Part used Medical use /

Disease treated Formulation

Ocimum basilicum

parts

Appetizer, spasmolytic, diuretic,

antilithiasis, emollient,

antitussive, astringent,

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory;

gastrointestinal, respiratory and

urinary disorders

Infusion

L. Aerial

Salvia glutinosa

parts

Antimicrobial, immunostimulant,

anti-inflammatory, astringent,

vermifuge, cicatrising; foot-andmouth

disease, wounds, bites

Infusion

L. Aerial

Thymus serpyllum

parts

Appetizer, spasmolytic, diuretic,

antilithiasis, emollient,

antitussive, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory;

anorexia,

enterocolitis, bronchitis, cough

Infusion

L. Aerial

Poaceae

Agropyron repens

(L.) Beauv.

Rhizomes

Diuretic, depurative, antilithiasis,

emollient, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory;

urinary, digestive

and respiratory disorders

Decoction

Liliaceae

Allium cepa

maceration

L. Bulbs Fresh state,

Allium ursinum

parts

Emollient, antitussive,

antimicrobial, immunostimulant,

anti-inflammatory, vermifuge,

cicatrising; digestive and urinary

disorders, helminthiasis, wounds,

furunculosis, bites

Infusion

L. Aerial

Convallaria majalis

Flowers

Cardiotonic, diuretic; cardiac

disorders Infusion

L. Leaves,

Colchicum autumnale

bulbs

Cytostatic, uricosuric, antiinflammatory,

antimicrobial;

tumours, gut, rheumatism, scab

Decoction

L. Seeds,

Violaceae

Viola odorata

Roots,

rhizomes,

aerial

parts,

leaves

Expectorant, antitussive,

emollient, laxative, diuretic;

cough, bronchitis, wounds, sores,

digestive and renal disorders

Decoction,

infusion,

cataplasm

with fresh

leaves

L.

Conclusions

The use of medicinal plants in the South-West of Romania dates

from centuries ago. Majority of farmers, shepherds, local healers, midwives

knew many plants, and especially those used in decoctions, infusions and

macerations for the treatment of frequent diseases. Our paper reports on 161

medicinal plants of 56 families that are mostly used, and again confirm the

usefulness of medicinal plants for modern therapy.

FARMACIA, 2009, Vol. 57, 2

156

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