Ethnomedicinal and Ethnobotanical Survey in the Aosta Valley Side of the Gran Paradiso National Park (Western Alps, Italy)

Abstract

Most of traditional knowledge about plants and their uses is fast disappearing because of socio-economic and land use changes. This trend is also occurring in bio-cultural refugia, such as mountain areas. New data on Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge (TEK) of Italian alpine regions were collected relating to three valleys (Cogne, Valsavarenche, Rhêmes) of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Extensive dialogues and semi-structured interviews with 68 native informants (30 men, 38 women; mean age 70) were carried out between 2017 and 2019. A total of 3918 reports were collected, concerning 217 taxa (including 10 mushrooms, 1 lichen) mainly used for medicinal (42%) and food (33%) purposes. Minor uses were related to liquor making (7%), domestic (7%), veterinary (5%), forage (4%), cosmetic (1%) and other (2%). Medicinal plants were used to treat 14 ailment categories, of which the most important were respiratory (22%), digestive (19%), skin (13%), musculoskeletal (10%) and genitourinary (10%) diseases. Data were also evaluated by quantitative ethnobotanical indexes. The results show a rich and alive traditional knowledge concerning plants uses in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Plants resources may provide new opportunities from the scientific point of view, for the valorization of local products for health community and for sustainable land management.

Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Leaf and Rhizome Extracts from the Medicinal Plant Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch

“…The rhizome has a long tradition for liqueur production and as a popular medicine, to such an extent that during the 19th century the plant was known as 'Divinum remedium' (divine remedy) [1]. Records from historical and modern ethnobotanical studies have reported a long list of popular uses of the plant [2][3][4]. More specifically, it has been employed as a stimulant, stomachic, and diuretic for rheumatic, chronic inflammatory, and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as for skin problems, typhoid fever, paralytic conditions, and delirium tremens [5,6].…”

“…The rhizome is the part of the plant officially recognized in traditional medicine, as shown by its inclusion in the European Belfrit list of botanicals [14]. Among its different uses, the rhizome is known as a remedy for superficial injuries and wounds, but a similar use of the leaves has been reported among the local population [2]. This suggests new possibilities of exploitation for medicinal purposes and a reevaluation of the leaves of this plant, which are generally discharged during rhizome harvesting for medicinal purposes.…”

Ethnobotanical Review and Dataset Compiling on Wild and Cultivated Plants Traditionally Used as Medicinal Remedies in Italy

“…A total of 190 species were cited for their digestive properties, principally after drinking an infusion or decoction or after alcoholic maceration. The seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Mill., leaves of Laurus nobilis L., flowers and leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L., and leaves of Salvia officinalis L. were the most utilized plant organs [ 14 , 60 , 73 , 78 ].…”

“…Gentiana sp.pl. was the most representative genus utilized for this remedy ( G. acaulis L., G. dinarica Beck, G. lutea L., G. punctata L., G. verna L.) [ 14 , 23 , 65 ].…”

“…Traditional medicine is still practiced in many territories and in developed countries, both by people who are involved and not involved in agricultural practices [ 10 , 11 ]. In addition, wild plants were used in the past and are still used today for many different practices, such as feed and veterinary, agricultural, cosmetic, domestic, and magic and ritual uses [ 3 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”