Preliminary Aspects Concerning the Medicinal Flora of the Rediu Forest (Botoşani County)

Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară Iaşi

PRELIMINARY ASPECTS CONCERNING THE MEDICINAL FLORA OF THE REDIU FOREST (BOTOŞANI COUNTY)

Mihai COSTICĂ 1, Diana- Cerasela CĂRBUNARU 2, Anişoara STRATU 1

1 Universitatea „ Al. I. Cuza Iaşi, Facultatea de Biologie 2 Liceul N. Iorga, Botoşani

Abstract

Rediu Forest is included in the category of protected areas due to its recreation function. It is located in the South-East of Botosani town, 3 km away from it, close to several tourist attractions. The objective of the preset work consists in making an inventory of the medicinal plants species from the Rediu Forest and developing the list of plant utilisations with information from local traditional medicine. Finds that, few people know the medicinal plant and not to apply the principle of sustainable exploitation of natural resources. Following investigations conducted have identified 63 species of medicinal plants. These plants are included in 29 botanical families and 59 genera. Most representative botanical families about medicinal flora are family: Asteraceae - 9 species; Rosaceae - 7 species, Lamiaceae - 6 species and Fabaceae - 4 species. Because of active principles by containing (essential oils, flavonoids, vitamins, polyhenolic acids, carbohydrates etc.), the organs of species investigated are used to treat a variety of human diseases.

Key words: medicinal plant species, Rediu Forest.

Rediu Forest is included in the category of protected areas due to its recreation function. It is MATERIAL AND METHOD located in the South-East of Botosani town, 3 km away from it, close to several tourist attractions. Data concerning the medicinal flora from the Cormoflora of the Botosani County is Rediu Forest were obtained by the route inventory diverse and has attracted the attention of botanists, during the vegetation period, in 2008-2009. Information on the use of medicinal plants is a for a long time. Their scientific interest in this area synthesis of literature and of data obtained from has materialized in publishing a large number of native people, who have traditional knowledge papers dedicated to local flora and vegetation concerning local medicinal plant species. (Chifu et al., 2006; Mihai, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1977; Plant species were identified using Mihai and Sârbu, 1979, 1978; Mititelu et al.,1971, “Illustrated flora of Romania” (Ciocârlan, 1988, 1990). 1974; Mititelu and Haja, 1972; Mititelu and Chifu, 1994). As it is underlined above, few botanists RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS have been published about medicinal flora of this area. The most important contribution to the Check list of Medicinal Flora knowledge of medicinal flora belongs to Mihai The medicinal data on 63 plants species (1969). He listed 214 species of medicinal herbs belonging to 59 genera and plant 29 families (table from basin of the Baseu River and contributed to 1). Most representative botanical families about the knowledge of chorology of medicinal plants in medicinal flora are family: Asteraceae - 9 species; the Northern part of Romania (Moldova). Rosaceae - 7 species, Lamiaceae - 6 species and The knowledges about the flora and Fabaceae - 4 species. Seven botanical families are vegetation of Botosani county are summarized in represented by two species (Oleaceae, the paper entitled “Flora and vegetation of the Boraginaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Botosani county” by Mititelu and Chifu, 1994. other).The category of other families included Till now, data special referring to medicinal families (16) comprising a single species flora in Rediu Forest has not been published yet. (Campanulaceae, Primulaceae, Cornaceae, Our paper includes an inventory of this local Caprifoliaceae, Malvaceae, Violoceae, Urticaceae medicinal flora and intends to develop the list of and other) (fig.1). medicinal plant utilisations with information from local traditional medicine.

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Table 1 Check list of Medicinally Important Flora of Rediu Forest (Botosani County). Ethno-medicinal utilisation (by Pârvu 2006, Temelie 2005, Ciulei et all. 1993, Alexan et all. 1988;1991; completed with information gathered from native people) S. No Botanical Name Part used Plant Family Ethno-medicinal uses Parkinson, paralysis, hemiplegia, 1 Corydalis cava Bulbs Papaveraceae antihelminthic Kidney diseases, elimination of 2 Arctium lapa Root Asteraceae toxins hemorrhoids, cough, diarrheic, 3 Prunella vulgaris Aerial organs Lamiaceae asthma, wounds 4 Campanula trachelium Aerial organs Campanulaceae Angina throat Gout, rheumatism, anxiety, 5 Ballota nigra Leaves, flowers Lamiaceae palpitations, pertussis, wounds Enteritis, diarrhea, dysentery, leukorrhea, internal bleeding, 6 Geum urbanum Root Rosaceae fever; dental abscesses, gingivitis, wounds Bronchitis, cough, rhinitis, 7 Achillea milefolium Flowers Asteraceae intestinal parasites, eczema, dental abscesses Liver disease, constipation, 8 Cichorium inthybus Aerial organs root Asteraceae fever, rheumatism, migraines Obesity, arthritis, renal diseases, 9 Cerasius avium Fruits, stalks Rosaceae colitis, atherosclerosis, biliary lithiasis, diarrhea, cystitis Cough, rhinitis, pneumonia, 10 Primula officinalis Flowers, root Primulaceae catarrh, migraines, asthma, external bleeding wounds Diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal 11 Cornus mas Fruits, bark, leaves Cornaceae parasites Empirical treatment: cough, 12 Clematis vitalba Leaves, flowers Ranunculaceae wounds, skin inflammation Diarrhea, enteritis, cystitis; gout, diabetes, kidney and liver 13 Fragaria vesca Leaves, fruits Rosaceae diseases, atherosclerosis, stomatitis, wounds. Constipation, gout, colds, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, 14 Fraxinus excelsior Leaves Oleaceae enterocolitis, acne, rheumatism, leucorrhea, hemorrhoids, eczema Paralysis, paresis of peripheral 15 Galanthus nivalis Bulbs, leaves, flowers Amaryllidaceae nerves, leucorrhea, candidiasis) Hemorrhoids, varices; skin 16 Ficaria verna Leaves, root Ranunculaceae diseases Dysentery, diarrhea, cough, 17 Echium vulgare Aerial organs Boraginaceae wounds Rheumatism, ulceration, scabies, 18 Hedera helix Leaves and twuigs Araliaceae headache Diarhea, leucorrhea, stomatitis, 19 Ligustrum vulgare Leaves , bark Oleaceae dermatitis, ulceration, rheumatism, sore mouth, scabies Renal diseases and skin, 20 Galium aparine Aerial organs Rubiaceae atherosclerosis, obesity, tonsillitis, pharyngitis. Bronchitis, laryngitis, asthma, 21 Verbascum phlomoides Corola Scrophulariaceae tracheitis, bladder diseases, hemorrhoids. Avitaminosis, enterocolitis, 22 Rosa canina Flowers, leaves Rosaceae peripheral circulation diseases, sedative

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S. No Botanical Name Part used Plant Family Ethno-medicinal uses Food poisoning, diarrhea, 23 Mallus sylvestris Fruits Rosaceae rheumatism, respiratory tract infections Cystitis, hyperacidity gastritis, Leaves gastric and duodenal ulcer, 24 Pulmonaria officinalis Boraginaceae aerial organs diarrhea, bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, renal diseases 25 Matricharia chamomilla Inflorescences Asteraceae Hemorrhoids, disinfectant Lung diseases, colitis, hemorrhoids, asthma, bleeding, 26 Malva sylvestris Leaves, flowers Malvaceae ascites, wounds, skin and eye diseases Cystitis, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, bronchitis, 27 Geranium robertianum Aerial organs Geraniaceae uterine and ovarian cancer, infertility, rheumatism, lung diseases Heart diseases, hypertension, 28 Crataegus monogyna Flowers Rosaceae insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias. Atherosclerosis, hypertension 29 Plantago major Leaves Plantaginacee diarrhea, hyperacidity gastritis stomatitis, laryngitis, tracheitis Atherosclerosis, bleeding, hypertension, diarrhea, 30 Plantago media Leaves Plantaginaceae hyperacidity gastritis, stomatitis, laryngitis Atherosclerosis, bleeding, hypertension, diarrhea, 31 Plantago lanceolata Leaves Plantaginacee hyperacidity gastritis, bronchitis, asthma, stomatitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, wounds Biliary diskinesia, gout, elimination toxins, liver failure, 32 Taraxacum officinale All organs Asteraceae varices, varicose ulcer, obesity, anemia, cataract. 33 Artemisia vulgaris Twigs and inflorescences Asteraceae Sickness 34 Artemisia absinthium Twigs and inflorescences Asteraceae Stomachic, sickness, vermifuge Asthma, pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary 35 Tussilago farfara Inflorescences leaves Asteraceae silicosis, dyspepsia, biliary diskinesia; laryngitis, tracheitis, wounds, skin diseases Liver diseases, enterocolitis, hyperacidity gastritis, gastric 36 Hypericum perforatum Aerial organs Hypericaceae ulcer, urine incontinence, depression, eczema Constipation, hypertension, sedative nervous, diuretic; skin 37 Prunus spinosa Flowers, fruits Rosaceae diseases, kidney diseases, depurative; diarrhea, tonic stomachic Fatigue, bronchitis, pleurisy, 38 Stellaria media Aerial organs Caryophyllaceae constipation, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria Biliary diskinesia, pertussis, 39 Chelidonium majus All organs Papaveraceae angina pectoris; diuresis, herpes 40 Evonymus europaeus Leaves, bark Celastraceae Wounds Hyperacidity gastritis, ulcer, 41 Robinia pseudacacia Flowers, Bark Fabaceae asthma, diarrhea, migraines, constipation Hemorrhages, hypertension, 42 Vinca minor All organs Apocynaceae bradycardia, constipation, tonic digestive, healing wounds Diarhea, kidney stones, urinary 43 Glechoma hederacea All organs Lamiaceae tract diseases, liver diseases, skin diseases

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S. No Botanical Name Part used Plant Family Ethno-medicinal uses Bladder diseases, skin 44 Galium verum Aerial organs Rubiaceae diseases diuretic, depurative, sedative, hernia 45 Sambucus nigra Flowers, fruits Caprifoliaceae Constipation, rhinitis Dyspepsia, bronchitis, 46 Origanum vulgare Plant to blossom Lamiaceae pertussis, asthma, renal colic, enteritis, digestive tonic. Liver diseases, kidney 47 Melilothus officinalis Flowers Fabaceae diseases, rheumatism, varices, insomnia Hyperacidity gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcer, diarhea, 48 Quercus robur Bark acorns Fagaceae enteritis, hemorrhoids; anemia, leucorrhea, gingivitis Hypertension, prostatitis, lung 49 Leonurus cardiaca Flowers, twigs Lamiaceae diseases, stimulate digestion Bronchitis, flu, cold, stomatitis, 50 Tilia tomentosa flowers Tiliaceae tonsillitis, pharyngitis Bronchitis, flu, cold, stomatitis, 51 Tilia cordata Flowers Tiliaceae tonsillitis, pharyngitis Bronchitis, diuretic, laxative, 52 Viola odorata Flowers, root Violaceae healing wounds Angina pectoris, heart failure, 53 Capsella bursa- pastoris Plant to blossom Brassicaceae atherosclerosis, hypertension internal bleeding, hemophilia Liver diseases, gastritis, 54 Hepatica nobilis Aerial organs Ranunculaceae ascites, bronchitis, chronic tracheitis stomatitis, pharyngitis Diarhea, renal diseases, gout; 55 Trifolium pratense Flowers Fabaceae ankylosis, rheumatism 56 Trifolium repens Flowers Fabaceae Cold, flu, leucorrhea Diarhea, gastric ulcer, intestinal 57 Polygonum aviculare All organs Polygonaceae bleeding, gout, metabolic diseases, healing wounds Hemorrhoids, bleeding, diarhea, dysmenorrhea, 58 Urtica dioica Leaves, root Urticaceae bronchitis, diabetes gout, stomatitis Asthma, diuresis, healing 59 Alliaria afficinalis Aerial organs Brassicaceae wounds Rheumatism; asthma skin 60 Veronica chamaedrys Aerial organs Scrophulariaceae diseases, healing wounds 61 Tanacetum vulgare Inflorescences Asteraceae Stomach and kidney diseases

62 Asperula odorata Plant to blossom Rubiaceae Insomnia, phlebitis, antiseptic Angina pectoris, pneumonia, asthma, uterine bleeding, 63 Ajuga reptans Aerial organs Lamiaceae hemorrhoids, leucorrhea, diarhea; wounds, fractures

18 16 Number of species 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

e e e e e e e e e e e e e s a a a a a a a a a a a a a e e i e e e e e e e e e e e e il c c c c c c c c c c c c c a a a a a i a la a a a ia a a m r s b n r i li c e u i le in b r i i fa t o m a e a a c g v g u l T s s R F n O a s r L ta a R u A u r a e n p o r n ph th a la B B Pa o O R P r c S

Figure 1 Distribution of the botanical family of medicinal species inventoried

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Among the species listed in table 1: 7 Most people around the forest collect herbs for species are trees, six - shrubs, two are creepers and their own use and some sells medicinal herbs. the rest are herbaceous species, mostly perennial. Exploitation of natural resources should be a Biologically active substances (essential rational action, in order to protect the local oils, flavonoids, vitamins, polyhenolic acids, biodiversity. Thus, it is better to make an carbohydrates etc.) are stored in various organs of appointment to the exploitation of species in the plants. These organs are used to treat a variety of region, so as to return only after 4-5 years in that diseases (table 1) region. If the medicinal flora is affected by an On the plant organs used medicinally irrational exploitation, it is advised to be replanted mention: from three species using only species in need for restoration the medicinal flora. subterranean organs; from four species using only leaves; from eight species (representing 12.69% of BIBLIOGRAPHY inventoried species) using only flowers / inflorescences; from five species using both aerial Alexan, M., Bojor, O., Crăciun, F., 1988, 1991- Flora medicinală a României, Vol. I, II. Ed. Ceres, organs (leaves, flowers or fruit) and subterranean; Bucureşti. from five species using all organs. From 32 species Chifu, Th., Mânzu, C., Zamfirescu, Oana, 2006 - Flora (representing 50.79% of inventoried species) is şi vegetaţia Moldovei, vol. I şi vol. II, Ed. used all aerial organs or certain aerial organ (leaves Universităţii „ Al. I. Cuza”, Iaşi. and flowers, flowers and fruit). Ciocârlan, V., 1988, 1990 - Flora ilustrată a României, I, II, Edit. Ceres, Bucureşti, 512 p, 598 p. Some medicinal plant species (Galanthus Ciulei, I., Grigorescu, E., Stănescu, U., 1993 – Plante nivalis, Ligustrum vulgare) contain substances medicinale, fitochimie şi fitoterapie, vol. I, II, Ed. (alkaloids) in their organs that may be harmful to Medicală - Bucureşti. the body, if the dose is not complied. Mihai, Gh., 1969 - Flora şi vegetaţia din bazinul Başeului, Rezumatul tezei de doctorat, Bucureşti. Locals are interested in using herbs in the Mihai, Gh., 1970 - Cercetări asupra vegetaţiei lemnoase treatment of mild illnesses such as: headache, din silvostepa bazinului Başeului (judeţul superficial wounds, digestive tonic, constipation, Botoşani), St. Com., Muz. Şt. Nat. Bacău, p. 113- cough or domestic animal diseases such as 128. digestive diseases, hematuria, dermatoses. Mihai, Gh., 1971 - Vegetaţa pajiştilor xerofile din bazinul Başeului (judeţul Botoşani), St. Com., Muz. Şt. Among locals, who are the majority users of Nat.,Muz. Jud. Suceava, 2 (1), p. 95-110. medicinal herbs, are residents of the village Mihai, Gh., 1971 – Aspecte floristice şi de vegetaţie din Stăuceni, located near the forest Rediu. pădurea Hudeşti (jud. Botoşani, An.Şt. Univ. „ Al. The most popular medicinal plant species in I. Cuza”, Iaşi (Serie nouă), 17 (2), s.II a. Biol., p.387-394. the area are: Chelidonium majus, Quercus robur, Mihai, Gh., 1977 – Completări la flora cormofită a Achillea millefolium, Urtica dioica, Tilia cordata, bazinului Başeu. (judeţul Botoşani), St. Com., Origanum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica, Muz. Şt. Nat. Bacău (1976-1977), p. 133-144. Leonurus cardiaca. Mihai, Gh., Sârbu I., 1978 – Cercetări asupra vegetaţiei Plants are combined or simply used in din pădurea Guranda (judeţul Botoşani) I, Anuarul Şt. Univ. „ Al. I. Cuza”, Iaşi (Serie nouă), various ways, for internal use (infusion, decoction, 24, s.II a. Biol., p.7-9. tincture etc.) and for external use (poultices, baths, Mihai, Gh., Sârbu, I., 1979 - Cercetări asupra vegetaţiei compresses etc.). din pădurea Guranda (judeţul Botoşani) II. Although some plant species are common, Anuarul Şt. Univ. „ Al. I. Cuza”, Iaşi (Serie nouă), 25, s.II a. Biol., p. 13-16. for sustainable utilisation of medicinal flora, their Mititelu, D., Barabaş, N. Haja, S., 1971 - Flora şi exploitation must be done after a quantitative vegetaţia rezervaţiei Stânca- Ştefăneşti (judeţul evaluation. We have to know quantity of raw Botoşani), Şt. Com., Muz. Şt.Nat. Bacău,p.731- material that is obtained from one species and the 750. yield on drying. Thus, it is proposed that the Mititelu, D., Haja, S., 1972 - Completări la flora judeţului Botoşani, Şt. Com., Muz. Şt.Nat. Dorohoi, species Urtica dioica to be harvested as a whole Botoşani, 1, p. 111 -112. and species Vinca minor to be harvested up to 30 Mititelu, D., Barabaş, N., Haja,S., 1974 - Vegetaţia % of individuals. mlaştinei de la Lozna - Dersca, judeţul Botoşani. Şt. Com., Muz. Şt.Nat. Bacău,7, p. 183-196. CONCLUSIONS Mititelu, D., Chifu, T., 1994 - Flora şi vegetaţia judeţului Botoşani, St. Com., Complex. Muz. Şt. Nat. „Ion Borcea” Bacău, 13 (1980-1993), p. 109-126. In the investigated area, the medicinal plant Pârvu, C., 2006 - Universul Plantelor (ed.IV), Ed.ASAB, species are relatively well known by the native Bucureşti people. They use medicinal plants on diseases such Temelie, M., 2005 - Enciclopedia plantelor medicinale spontane din România, Ed. Rovimed - Publishers, as: diarhea, cold, flu, skin diseases, headaches etc. Bacău.