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CZU: 633.58:582.6 (478) MATERIALS AND METHODS

FAMILY LAMIACEAE: MAIN IMPORTANT SPONTANEOUS MEDICINAL The research included field observations at different time of the year, during the period 2010- 2015. Selected plant species were collected and identified with the help of researchers of Native Flora AND AROMATIC SPECIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA and Herbarium Laboratory. An ample revision has been made in the Herbarium of the Botanical Garden (I) of ASM. The nomenclature of the taxa is given according to up to date scientific papers [5, Nina Ciocarlan 8, 11]. The field studies were preceded by an extensive literature survey regarding this large botanical Botanical Garden (Institute) of Academy of Sciences of Moldova family. An assessment of a large number of wild Lamiaceae species with medicinal properties was made through interviews with local people. Detailed ethnobotanical data along with Herbarium material were Abstract: In this research, medicinal and aromatic species of Lamiaceae family, spontaneously growing in local flora, were gathered to verify species identification and their uses. The investigations regarding cultivation of some detected. In the flora of the Republic of Moldova, Lamiaceae family is represented by 28 genera and 82 species. Out of a total therapeutically important species were carried out at the experimental fields in the Botanical Garden. number of native Lamiaceae species, 57 have been documented for medicinal use. But much less of them are actually used in both Germplasm material of 16 selected species was obtained from natural population. Investigations include official and folk medicine in our country. Thirteen genera, including therapeutically important species, are widely represented and propagation aspects and research into cultivation techniques. The biological particularities and the distributed in all parts of the country. More than twenty species with high frequency and abundance can be recommended to be phenologic rhythm are also recorded [14, 17, 20]. harvested and valorized without damaging their natural populations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS INTRODUCTION In the native flora Lamiaceae family is represented by 82 species belonging to 28 genera. Among TheLamiaceae plant family is one of the largest families among the dicotyledones including about the richest genera we can enumerate: Salvia with 8 species; four genera with 6 species (Mentha, Ajuga, 220 genera and almost 4000 species spread all over the world, most frequently in Mediterranean region Stachys and Teucrium); Galeopsis and Thymus with 5 species and, Lamium and Scutellaria with 4 species. [4, 7, 8]. The family is represented in flora of the Republic of Moldova by 28 genera and 82 species The less numerous genera with 3 species areLeonurus, Marrubium, Nepeta and Prunella). Ten genera [11].This large family is known for the vast quantity of species with medicinal, aromatic, culinary and (Acinos, Ballota, Clinopodium, Dracocephalum, Galeobdolon, Melissa, Melittis, Micromeria, Chaiturus ornamental properties. and Origanum) are monospecific. Other five (Calamintha, Glechoma, Lycopus, Phlomis and Sideritis) are Lamiaceae species are very popular in folk medicine to treat various health problems such as represented by two taxa. Out of a total number of native Lamiaceae species, 57 have been documented throat infections, stomach disorders, ulcer, spasm, cold, hemorrhages and skin problems. Species of for medicinal use. But much less of them are actually used in both official and folk medicine in our this botanical family contain a wide variety of bioactive substances that make them very important country. from pharmacological point of view. A large group of chemical compounds, such as mono-, di- and The field investigations, the survey of the scientific references and the ethnobotanical studies triterpenoids, iridoids, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic compounds, saponins, coumarins, alkaloids, allowed identifying the main important and usable medicinal and aromatic plants from Lamiaceae tannins have been reported from the members of this family [12, 19, 21]. The family is also famous for family, naturally growing in R. Moldova. They are listed, in the alphabetical order of their scientific the presence of essential oils. Their constituents have been found to be anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, names in the table 1. The information is completed by data concerning the plant parts used, therapeutic cicatrizing, stomachic, sedative, spasmolytic, diuretic, expectorant, cardiac, hypotensive etc. activities, utilization and method of preparation. The medicinal properties of Lamiaceae species and their traditional use worldwide have attracted Most Lamiaceae plant family members are herbaceous, mainly perennial plants; however, some of attention of many scientists in different parts of the world. This has led, in the last few decades to intensive them are small size shrubs (e.g., members of Teucrium, Thymus, Nepeta etc.). The raw materials are used phytochemical investigations on these plants in order to prove the bases of their ethnobotanical uses in many different forms: fresh, powdered, infusions, decoctions, tincture etc. and to identify the structure of new compounds in hope of finding modern efficient drugs for various In the most of the cases the vegetal matter is used as infusion. The most important medicinal diseases. Recent studies [1, 2, 9, 10, 13] showed that the medicinal plants belonging to the Lamiaceae properties of Lamiaceae species are anti-inflammatory, astringent, cicatrizing, expectorant, diuretic, family, in particular to the subfamily Lamioideae are very important for the antimicrobial, antifungal, cholagogic, hypotensive. Due to these therapeutic qualities they are mainly used for the diseases related antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This family contains many species with potential therapeutic to digestive system. The second common application is for treatment of respiratory problems with activity due to their content of essential oils. Numerous studies [3, 12, 19, 21] focus on isolation, chemical implication of diverse infections. composition and biological activities of the essential oils recovered from the Lamiaceae species. The Out of the total number of 28, thirteen genera of this family (Salvia, Mentha, Ajuga, Stachys, Teucrium, presence of volatile oil makes them very valuable in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Thymus, Lamium, Marrubium, Leonurus, Prunella, Acinos, Ballota and Phlomis) are widely represented Based on literature search [15, 16, 18, 19], more than 60 native species belonging to this family and distributed in all parts the country. Among species with high frequency and abundance that can be contain a wide variety of chemical compounds making them very important from pharmacological point harvested and valorized without damaging their natural populations are following: Ajuga reptans, Ballota of view. But, much less Lamiaceae species are used for medical purposes in the Republic of Moldova. Up nigra, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium album, Leonurus quinquelobatus, Marrubium vulgare, Mentha to date there is no distinct reference on the ethnobotany and use of these species in modern medicine spicata, Origanum vulgare, Phlomis pungens, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia aethiopis, S. nemorosa, Scutellaria in our country. Although, there are some studies regarding several indigenous Lamiaceae species, this altissima, Sideritis montana, Stachys annua, S. recta, Teucrium chamaedrys, Thymus marschallianus. Some diverse family is still waiting to be explored. The goal of the present study is to identify the native species of them (Ballota nigra, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium album, Leonurus quinquelobatus, Prunella vulgaris, of this family and to complete preliminary informative studies on their potential use in pharmaceutical Salvia nemorosa and Stachys annua) showed wide distribution, frequently occurring as weeds around industry. The investigations are, also targeted at species that are insufficiently studied from bio-chemical human settlements and considered as important medicinal plant resource not only for pharmacological viewpoint and to the possibilities of introduction into culture of some therapeutically important research, but also for traditional use. Lamiaceae species growing in the flora of the Republic of Moldova. 88 JOURNAL OF BOTANY VOL. VIII, NR. 1 (12), 2016 JOURNAL OF BOTANY VOL. VIII,astringent, NR. 1 (12), 2016 kidney disorders, gynecological illnesses, burns syrup 89 carminative, tonic, sedative, diuretic Table 1. TheTable main 1. Theimportant main important and usable and spontaneous usable spontaneous medicinal medicinalLamiaceae Lamiaceaespecies species cholagogue, anti- gastritis, diarrhea, stomach colic, gallstones, Plant Method of spastic, expectorant, flatulence, cholecystitis, nausea, obesities, tea, N/ Scientific name part Therapeutic effects Utilization administratio antibacterial, tonic, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, asthma, laryngitis, tincture, o used n 16 Origanum A. p. antiseptic, diuretic, pyelonephritis, kidney and bladder stones, infusion, anti-inflammatory, infections (malaria, dysentery, tuberculosis), vulgare L. hemostatic, tumors, neuroses, asthenia, hysteria, insomnia, decoction Fl cicatrizing, hepatitis, digestive affections (diarrhea, stomach infusion cicatrizing, anti- epilepsy, hypertension, stroke, paralysis, 1 Ajuga reptans L. L hemostatic, ulcers, gallstones), respiratory infections, angina, decoction inflammatory, headache, toothache, rheumatism, gingivitis, A. p. expectorant, diuretic, sore throat, gynecologic problems, rheumatism, lactogenic, appetizing eczema, skin eruptions, diathesis, furuncles anti-spastic, anti- stomatitis, wounds, burns, hair loss, astringent, urinary affections, stomach ulcer, chronic infusion diarrheic hemorrhoids, leucorrhea 2 Ajuga Fl antioxidant, anti- diarrhea, gastritis, pneumonia, bronchitis, 17 Phlomis cicatrizing, tonic, gastritis, pneumonia, bronchitis, respiratory decoction genevensis L. L inflammatory, rheumatism pains, wounds, stomatitis, angina, infusion pungens Willd. A. p. immuno-stimulatory, infections, anemia, hypertension, asthenia, tincture A. p hemostatic, burns, asthenia, hair loss decoction R sedative purulent wounds, hemorrhoids, edema cicatrizing 18 Phlomis A. p. Tonic, hemostatic, diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu, respiratory decoction 3 Ajuga laxmanii Fl spasmolytic, digestive problems, gastritis, respiratory infusion tuberosa L. Fl antibacterial, problems, gynecological affections, gastritis, infusion (L.) Benth. L antitumor affections, nervous illnesses, headache decoction L antifungal, urethritis, tumors, hemorrhoids, purulent powder A. p antioxidant cicatrizing, antitumor wounds, edema sedative, flatulence, vomiting, esophageal spasm, hypotensive, anti- malign tumor, lymphadenitis, angina, bronchitis, antispasmodic abdominal colic, psychic problems (hysteria, infusion 4 Ballota nigra L. A. p. stimulant, vermifuge anxiety, psychic asthenia, palpitation), inflammatory, nephrites, hepatic and colic illnesses, decoct convulsive cough, rheumatism, skin conditions 19 Prunella A. p. expectorant, gastroenteritis, flatulence, diarrhea, diabetes, tincture 5 Calamintha A. p. antibacterial, diuretic, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal affections, infusion vulgaris L. L tonic, spasmolytic, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, hemorrhages, infusion nepeta (L.) Savi gastric, sedative kidney stones hemostatic, toothache, rheumatism, chronic arthritis, extract Galeopsis cicatrizing, liver and kidney disorders, cardiac problems, antiseptic, diuretic, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, leucorrhea, 6 speciosa Mill. A. p. antibacterial bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, stomach ulcer, infusion cicatrizing seborrhea, diathesis, furuncles, dislocation female ailments, edema, angina, furuncles A. p. anti-inflammatory, cardiac deficiency, pulmonary tuberculosis, hypotensive, gastritis, enteritis, stomach and intestinal colic, 20 Salvia aethiopis R cicatrizing, astringent hemoptysis, bladder papillomatosis, gastritis, infusion cicatrizing, rhinitis, laryngitis, angina, pneumonia, asthma, 7 Glechoma antiseptic, diuretic, bronchitis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, cystitis, kidney infusion L. furuncles hederacea L. A. p. anthelmintic, and bladder stones, hypertension, thyroid gland tincture Salvia nemorosa R cicatrizing, diarrhea, hemoptysis, intestinal infections, stimulant, tonic, dysfunction, hemorrhoids, wounds, trauma, skin 21 L. L antibacterial, dysentery, tachycardia, cardio-neurosis, infusion febrifuge, digestive ulcer, furuncles, toothache Fl antimycotic neurasthenia, fever, furuncles hemostatic, hepatic and urinary complaints, jaundice, 22 Scutellaria A. p. antitussive, hypertension, edema, coughs infusion expectorant, stomach colic, leucorrhea, menstrual problems, infusion altissima L. hemostatic A. psedative, diuretic, amenorrhea, infections (tuberculosis, malaria, decoction 8 Lamium .cicatrizing, dysentery), chronic bronchitis, kidney and tincture sedative, expectorant, cardiac affections, tachycardia, anemia, epilepsy, album L. Fl. anti-inflammatory, bladder problems, hysteria, spleen affections, Scutellaria antibacterial, anti- laryngitis, gastrointestinal disorders, L depurative, convulsion, epilepsy, diabetes, stomatitis, 23 galericulata L. A. p. inflammatory, hypertension, amenorrhea, flu, malaria infusion cholagogue gingivitis, dental caries, burns, eczema hemostatic, 9 Lamium A. p. cicatrizing, tonic, hepatic and urinary complaints, chronic infusion cicatrizing amplexicaule L. Fl hemostatic bronchitis, stomach colic, gynecological illnesses decoction 24 Sideritis A. p. antibacterial, gastrointestinal affections, gastroduodenal ulcer, Leonurus A. p. sedative, neuroses, neuralgia, neurasthenia, hysteria, infusion montana L. carminative, diuretic, respiratory problems, urinary stones infusion 10 cardiaca L. R hypotensive, diuretic, cardiac deficiency, heart attack, hypertension, decoction antitumor L hemostatic, anti- cardio sclerosis, diabetes, impotence, menstrual tincture diabetic dysfunctions, epilepsy, anemia, pneumonia extract hypotensive, cardiac disorders, stomach and hepatic expectorant, diuretic, stomach tonic, gastritis, intestinal colic, renal infusion sedative, anti- affections, respiratory problems, diarrhea, sedative, cholagogue, stone, spleen disorders, dysmenorrhea, macerate 25 Stahys A. p. inflammatory, bronchitis, asthma, nephritis, cystitis, neuroses, infusion 11 Marrubium A. p. hemostatic, hypertension, arrhythmia, rheumatism, fever, officinalis L. L antibacterial, rheumatism, anemia, gynecological illnesses, vulgare L. L antiseptic, appetizing, bronchitis, coughs, asthma, malaria, hepatitis, antifungal, laxative, flatulence, angina, wounds spasmolytic scorbutic, eczema, ulcerations, hemorrhoids expectorant, emetic sedative, headache, insomnia, neuralgia, migraines, infusion A. p. sedative, cicatrizing, hepatic illnesses, respiratory infections, epilepsy, infusion antispasmodic, digestive disorders, diarrhea, hyperacid gastritis, decoction 26 Stachys recta L. L choleretic hysteria, acne, skin problems, fever powder 12 Melissa A. p. digestive, stomach colic, abdominal flatulence, cardiac tincture officinalis L. L carminative, deficiency, hypertension, respiratory problems, extract cholagogic, stomach colic, appetizing, hyperacidities, purgative, asthmatic crisis, bronchitis, rheumatism, anemia, powder purgative, appetizing, flatulence, diarrhea, gallstones, spleen infusion haemostatic, skin eruptions, furuncles, burns 27 Teucrium A. p. hemostatic, diuretic, hypertrophy, respiratory problems, pneumonia, decoction diuretic, spasmolytic, gastric and hepatic illnesses, stomach colic, chamaedrys L. L tonic, sudorific, fever, gout, anemia, furuncles, purulent wounds, powder hemostatic, gastritis, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, epilepsy, juice aromatic, lactogenic rheumatic pain, leucorrhea, hemorrhoids 13 Mentha A. p. antiseptic, purgative, amenorrhea, respiratory infections, pulmonary infusion antioxidant, gastrointestinal affections, enterocolitis, infusion longifolia (L.) L sedative, analgesic, tuberculosis, psychic illnesses, cardiovascular decoction 28 Teucrium A. p. antibacterial, gynecological illnesses, mycosis, abscesses, decoction Huds. expectorant, problems, hypertension, toothache, edema, antibacterial rheumatism, neuralgia, dermatomycosis polium L. antifungal, sedative, anorexia, stomach problems, diarrhea, eczema, 14 antiseptic, sedative, gastrointestinal affections, stomach colic, hemostatic, tonic, eye illnesses Mentha A. p. anti-inflammatory, gastritis diarrhea, flatulence, hepatic and biliary decoction 29 Teucrium A. p. Diuretic, detoxifying, lymphadenitis, mycosis, gastrointestinal infusion pulegium L. L cicatrizing, problems, respiratory infections, asthma, infusion scordium L. anti-inflammatory, affections, appetizing, hyperacidity, flatulence, decoction anthelmintic, bronchitis, neuralgia, headache antiseptic, cicatrizing purulent wounds, rheumatic edema spasmolytic, Thymus A. p. cicatrizing, analgesic, severe respiratory disorders, coughs, fever, 15 Nepeta A. p. Antispasmodic, nervous affections, insomnia, anxiety, respiratory infusion 30 marschallianus sedative, expectorant amenorrhea, stomach cancer, headache, infusion cataria L. L antitussive, problems, cough, flu, bronchitis, hepatic and tincture Willd. spasmolytic toothache, radiculitis, neuritis, stomatitis astringent, kidney disorders, gynecological illnesses, burns syrup carminative, tonic, A. p. – aerial part, Fl – flowers, L – leaves, R – roots sedative, diuretic A. p. – aerial part, Fl – flowers, L – leaves, R – roots cholagogue, anti- gastritis, diarrhea, stomach colic, gallstones, spastic, expectorant, flatulence, cholecystitis, nausea, obesities, tea, antibacterial, tonic, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, asthma, laryngitis, tincture, 16 Origanum A. p. antiseptic, diuretic, pyelonephritis, kidney and bladder stones, infusion, vulgare L. hemostatic, tumors, neuroses, asthenia, hysteria, insomnia, decoction cicatrizing, anti- epilepsy, hypertension, stroke, paralysis, inflammatory, headache, toothache, rheumatism, gingivitis, lactogenic, appetizing eczema, skin eruptions, diathesis, furuncles astringent, urinary affections, stomach ulcer, chronic infusion 17 Phlomis cicatrizing, tonic, gastritis, pneumonia, bronchitis, respiratory decoction pungens Willd. A. p. immuno-stimulatory, infections, anemia, hypertension, asthenia, tincture R sedative purulent wounds, hemorrhoids, edema 18 Phlomis A. p. Tonic, hemostatic, diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu, respiratory decoction tuberosa L. Fl antibacterial, problems, gynecological affections, gastritis, infusion L antifungal, urethritis, tumors, hemorrhoids, purulent powder cicatrizing, antitumor wounds, edema hypotensive, anti- malign tumor, lymphadenitis, angina, bronchitis, inflammatory, nephrites, hepatic and colic illnesses, decoct 19 Prunella A. p. expectorant, gastroenteritis, flatulence, diarrhea, diabetes, tincture vulgaris L. L tonic, spasmolytic, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, hemorrhages, infusion hemostatic, toothache, rheumatism, chronic arthritis, extract antiseptic, diuretic, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, leucorrhea, cicatrizing seborrhea, diathesis, furuncles, dislocation A. p. anti-inflammatory, cardiac deficiency, pulmonary tuberculosis, 20 Salvia aethiopis R cicatrizing, astringent hemoptysis, bladder papillomatosis, gastritis, infusion L. furuncles Salvia nemorosa R cicatrizing, diarrhea, hemoptysis, intestinal infections, 21 L. L antibacterial, dysentery, tachycardia, cardio-neurosis, infusion Fl antimycotic neurasthenia, fever, furuncles 22 Scutellaria A. p. antitussive, hypertension, edema, coughs infusion altissima L. hemostatic sedative, expectorant, cardiac affections, tachycardia, anemia, epilepsy, Scutellaria antibacterial, anti- laryngitis, gastrointestinal disorders, 23 galericulata L. A. p. inflammatory, hypertension, amenorrhea, flu, malaria infusion hemostatic, cicatrizing 24 Sideritis A. p. antibacterial, gastrointestinal affections, gastroduodenal ulcer, montana L. carminative, diuretic, respiratory problems, urinary stones infusion antitumor hypotensive, cardiac disorders, stomach and hepatic sedative, anti- affections, respiratory problems, diarrhea, 25 Stahys A. p. inflammatory, bronchitis, asthma, nephritis, cystitis, neuroses, infusion officinalis L. L antibacterial, rheumatism, anemia, gynecological illnesses, antifungal, laxative, flatulence, angina, wounds expectorant, emetic A. p. sedative, cicatrizing, hepatic illnesses, respiratory infections, epilepsy, infusion 26 Stachys recta L. L choleretic hysteria, acne, skin problems, fever powder cholagogic, stomach colic, appetizing, hyperacidities, purgative, appetizing, flatulence, diarrhea, gallstones, spleen infusion 27 Teucrium A. p. hemostatic, diuretic, hypertrophy, respiratory problems, pneumonia, decoction chamaedrys L. L tonic, sudorific, fever, gout, anemia, furuncles, purulent wounds, powder aromatic, lactogenic rheumatic pain, leucorrhea, hemorrhoids antioxidant, gastrointestinal affections, enterocolitis, infusion 28 Teucrium A. p. antibacterial, gynecological illnesses, mycosis, abscesses, decoction polium L. antifungal, sedative, anorexia, stomach problems, diarrhea, eczema, hemostatic, tonic, eye illnesses 29 Teucrium A. p. Diuretic, detoxifying, lymphadenitis, mycosis, gastrointestinal infusion scordium L. anti-inflammatory, affections, appetizing, hyperacidity, flatulence, decoction antiseptic, cicatrizing purulent wounds, rheumatic edema Thymus A. p. cicatrizing, analgesic, severe respiratory disorders, coughs, fever, 30 marschallianus sedative, expectorant amenorrhea, stomach cancer, headache, infusion Willd. spasmolytic toothache, radiculitis, neuritis, stomatitis A. p. – aerial part, Fl – flowers, L – leaves, R – roots

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Based on literature search, it was possible to point out over twenty Lamiaceae species with a 2. Thirteen genera of this family including therapeutically important species are widely represented history of utilization in modern phytotherapy. Nineteen species belonging to 14 genera are recognized and distributed in all parts of the country. More than twenty species with high frequency and abundance as official drugs in many European countries and some of them are listed in many pharmacopoeias, can be recommended to be harvested and valorized without damaging their natural populations. including the current European Pharmacopoeia [6]. Thus, our flora, being rich in Lamiaceae plants can 3. About twenty popular medicinal Lamiaceae plants are cultivated on the experimental fields be an important source of local plant material and, therefore, use of these species as essential supply of in the Botanic Garden (I) of ASM in order to observe their reproductive behavior and accumulate bioactive phytochemicals should be encouraged and extended. experience on their agro-technical peculiarities. Most of them showed high cultivation aptitude with The genus Thymus L. comprises five species of perennial plants, which are predominantly positive agronomic results. distributed in forest-steppe districts of the country, primarily in dry grasslands, forest margins and 4. The present study shows that our flora can provide a highly diversified source of local plant clearings. Traditionally, flowering plants and leaves of Thymus species are widely used as tea, for treating material for pharmaceutical research and for elaboration of new formulas of medical preparations. colds, coughs and digestive disorders. However, the majority of wild growing species belonging to this genus have not been fully assessed from their phytochemical point of view. Nowadays, many Salvia L. REFERENCES species are intensively screened and applied in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery industries. This genus is well represented numerically in native flora and represents a valuable source of raw vegetal 1. Ahmed D., Mansha M., Hannan A. et al. Antibacterial Activity of Ballota limbata against Potential Mdr material with antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activities. S. nemorosa is widely spread in our Pathogens. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 2009, vol. 5, nr.10, p. 1611-1614. flora and its large populations are present in forest edges and clearings, as well as in the sunny slopes 2. Armatu A., Colceru-Mihul, S., Bubueanu C., Draghici E., Pirvu L. Evaluation of antioxidant and free scavenging almost throughout the country. But the composition and biological activities of essential oil isolated potential of some Lamiaceae species growing in Romania. Rom. Biotechnological letters, 2010, vol. 15, nr. 3, from this indigenous medicinally important species are insufficiently studied. For that reason, there are p. 5274-5280. necessary more biochemical investigations on this species, in particular on essential oil accumulated in 3. Baser K.H.C. Essential oils of Anatolian Labiatae: a profile. Acta Horticulturae, 1993, vol. 333, p. 217-237. our conditions in order to extend its utilization. Also, we started research upon some Ajuga species in 4. Cantino P.D., Harley R.M., Wagstaff S.J. Genera of Labiatae: status and classification. In: Harley R.M., Reynolds relation to their bio-chemical composition that is insufficiently known. T. (eds.), Advances in Labiatae Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1992, p. 511-513. A number of genera (Phlomis, Teuctrium, Lamium) have a large area of distribution in the Republic 5. Ciocârlan V. Flora ilustrată a României. Bucureşti: Ed. Cereş, 2009, p. 662-667. of Moldova, but there is lack of information about their traditional applications. For example, T. polium 6. European Pharmacopoeia 6th Edition (6,2). In: European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Health acts as a diuretic, tonic and antispasmodic drug. As a result of ethnobotanical studies, there was not Care, France, Strasbourg, 2008. found any information of its traditional use in Moldova. That makes obvious the need of supplementary 7. Harley R., Atkins S., Budantsev A. et al. The families and genera of vascular plants. In: Kadereit, J. (ed.), vol. ethnobotanical studies in order to collect all the knowledge about the use of these plants in folk medicine. 7 – Lamiales, Springer Ed., 2004. In this line we can mention the species belonging to genera Lamium L., such as L. amplexicaule and L. 8. Heywood V.H., Richardson I.B.K. Labiatae. In: Tutin et al. Flora Europaea, Cambridge: Cambridge University maculatum, which possess significant therapeutic qualities due to biological substances, in particular to Press, 1972, vol III, p. 126-192. iridoid glycosides. In spite of this, they are almost not used by local people. 9. Lugasi A., Hovari J., Hagimasi K., Jakoczi I., Blazovics A. Antioxidant properties of a mixture of Lamiaceae The presence of essential oil in a good few of Lamiaceae species makes them very important in plants intended to use as a food additive. Acta Alimentara, 2006, vol. 35(1), p. 85-97. food and cosmetic industries. Species of Origanum, Mentha, Melissa and Thymus are cultivated in home 10. Matkowsi A., Piotrowska A. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of some medicinal plants from gardens as culinary and flavoring plants. Some of them (Mentha longifolia, M. spicata, Origanum vulgare) Lamiaceae. Fitoterapia, 2006, vol. 77, p. 346-353. are used as wild vegetables and culinary herbs. Not less significant are the decorative properties of many 11. Negru A. Determinator de plante din flora Republicii Moldova. Chişinău: Ed. Universul, 2007, p. 218-231. Lamiaceae species. Species of Mentha, Nepeta, Teucrium, Salvia and Thymus are used as ornamental 12. Richardson P. The chemistry of Labiatae: an introduction and overview. In: Harley R.M., Reynolds T. (eds.), plants for landscaping, in parks, rock gardens, borders etc. Thymus marschallianus has a great potential Advances in Labiatae Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1992, p. 291-297. to be used as ground cover. 13. Sarac N., Ugur A. Antimicrobial activities and usage in folkloric medicine of some Lamiaceae species growing Several popular medicinal Lamiaceae plants (e.g. Ajuga reptans, Teucrium chamaedrys, Leonurus in Mugla, Turkey. Eurasian Journal of Biosciences, 2007, vol. 1(4), p. 28-37. cardiaca, Marrubium vulgare, Nepeta cataria, N. parviflora, Origanum vulgare, Phlomis pungens, Ph. 14. Sparks T. H., Menzel A., Stenseth N.C. European Cooperation in Plant Phenology. Climate Research, 2009, tuberosa, Salvia aethiopis, S. austriaca, S. nemorosa, Scutellaria altissima, Stachys officinalis, Teucrium vol. 39, 12 p. chamaedrys, T. polium, Thymus marshalianus etc.) are cultivated on the experimental fields in the Botanic 15. Teleuţă A., Colţun M., Mihăilescu C., Ciocârlan N. Universul Plantelor. Plante Medicinale. Chişinău: Ed. Litera Garden of ASM. Experimental cultivation trials contributed to better understanding of their agronomic International, 2008, 336p. requirements. Most of them showed high cultivation aptitude with positive agronomic results. 16. Vasilica-Mozăceni A. Ghidul plantelor medicinale. Iaşi: Ed. Polirom, 2003, 416p. Lamiaceae species, which despite the fact that they have a high economic efficiency have received 17. Бейдеман И.Н. Методика изучения фенологии растений и растительных сообществ. Методические less attention in our country, and still many of local people do not know much about the taxonomy, указания, Изд-во: Наука, 1974, 155 стр. the benefits, the composition and the medicinal properties of these plants. In future studies, we plan to 18. Бодруг М. В. Дикорастущие эфиромасличные растения Молдавии. Кишинев: Штиинца, 1981, 142 стр. continue investigations regarding medicinal potential of this plant family. Accumulated knowledge will 19. Дикорастущие полезные растения России/Отв. ред. Буданцев А. Л., Лесиовская Е. Е. СПб.: Издательство offer valuable information about the present status of medicinal and aromatic plants of Lamiaceae family СПХФА, 2001, стр. 325-359. in our native flora. 20. Майсурадзе Н.И., Черкасов О.А., Тихонова В.Л. Методика исследований при интродукции лекарственных растений //ЦБНТИ. Сер. Лекарственное растениеводство. М., 1984, N 3, 33 стр. 21. Растительные ресурсы СССР. Санкт-Петербург: Изд-во Наука, 1991, стр. 10-112. CONCLUSIONS

1. Out of the total number of eighty-two native Lamiaceae species, belonging to twenty-eight genera, fifty-seven have been documented for medicinal use. In the table 1 are listed the main important and usable medicinal and aromatic plants from this family, naturally growing in the Republic of Moldova.