Background: Sclerorhachis leptoclada Rech.f. is endemic to the South Khorassan province in east of Iran. Although S. leptoclada has been widely used as medicinal and edible plant by indigenous people, its ethnobotanical uses have not been well documented yet. This study presents the results of an ethnobotanical survey and reviews phytochemistry and biological activities of S. leptoclada. Methods: The ethnobotanical study was conducted in Birjand and adjacent areas between March 2018 and December 2019. During this survey, 58 local people were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed by using indices Fidelity Level (FL) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). In addition, the available scientific literatures were reviewed to avail the information on phytochemistry and biological activities of Sclerorhachis leptoclada. Results: The present study revealed the folklore uses of Sclerorhachis leptoclada for different purposes such as increasing lactation, blood purification, treating digestive disorders, headache, body pains, herpes, and cold. The literature review showed that a total of 57 compounds have been isolated from S. leptoclada. Conclusions: Variety of ethnomedicinal uses of Sclerorhachis leptoclada highlights its notable pharmacological potential. However, further tests on its bioactivity, active phytochemicals, and their mechanisms of action are needed to ensure a safe use. The limited distribution of the plant and excessive harvesting of the aerial plant parts necessitate educating local people to conserve populations of this local endemic species. Keywords: Asteraceae, ethnobotany, Iran, medicinal plants, Sclerorhachis

Background: Achillea eriophora DC. (Asteraceae) is a less-known medicinal plant endemic to South and East Iran. It is traditionally used for treating a variety of health problems by local people. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on A. eriophora, including its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties, in exploring future therapeutic and scientific potentials.Methods: The information on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects of A. eriophora was collected from the scientific literature databases, Iranian Pharmacopoeia, published books, Ph.D. and MS dissertations.Results: Achillea eriophora is traditionally considered to have antipyretic, diuretic, and carminative effects. It is also used to treat digestive problems, diarrhea, fever, diabetes, bone pain, wounds, and insect bite. It has considerable pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, hypotensive, wound healing, and antioxidant. A total of 128 compounds such as terpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, esters, and phenols have been isolated from this species. Its major chemical components are 1,8-cineole and camphor. Conclusions:The high number of isolated constituents signify considerable pharmacological properties of Achillea eriophora. The present pharmacological investigations of this plant are limited and often lack exact information on active compounds and their mechanisms of action. Most of the medicinal properties attributed to A. eriophora, such as healing digestive disorders, fever, and diabetes have not yet been investigated and proven under a scientific study. This highlights the importance of A. eriophora as a valuable candidate for future studies on medicinal plants. Due to its wide range of traditional uses, the whole plant parts of A. eriophora, including roots, are harvested by local communities. Therefore, a conservation planning for this threatened species is needed.