title: An ethnobotanical study on the usage of wild medicinal herbs from Kopaonik Mountain (Central Serbia).
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 perforatum L., Urtica dioica L., Achillea millefolium L., Matricaria 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 verum L. (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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology, The Sinisa Stanković Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro.
authors.forename: Snezana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jarić
authors.forename: Zorica
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Popović
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Macukanović-Jocić
authors.forename: Lola
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Djurdjević
authors.forename: Miroslava
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mijatović
authors.forename: Branko
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Karadzić
authors.forename: Miroslava
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitrović
authors.forename: Pavle
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pavlović
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D019448:Ethnobotany; D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000662:veterinary; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D014730:Veterinary Medicine; D015022:Yugoslavia
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations