Human Ecology (2019) 47:941–972 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-019-00125-4

Traditional Herbal Remedies Used in women’s Health Care in Italy: a Review

Riccardo Motti1 & Giuliano Bonanomi1 & Stefano Emrick1 & Virginia Lanzotti 1

Published online: 2 December 2019 # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019

Keywords Ethnobotany . Ethnopharmacology . Herbal remedies . Phytotherapy . Womens’shealthcare . Italy

Introduction significant impact on women’s health status, quality of life, social integration, and access to education (Harlow and In recent decades a significant increase in the use of herbal Campbell 2004; van Andel et al. 2014). drugs and alternative medicine has been reported in Europe, Women play an important role in plant management as Australia, and the USA (Nordeng and Havnen 2004). The use home gardeners, herbalists, seed custodians, and informal of plants and their products to treat medical disorders is known plant breeders (Howard 2005). Furthermore, they frequently as herbal medicine and is considered a branch of folk or tra- use herbal drugs to treat health problems, such as menstrual ditional medicine (Gasparetto et al. 2012). Ethnobotany, de- disorders, infertility, discomfort and dysfunctions of pregnan- fined as scientific investigation of interrelation between peo- cy, labour, urogenital diseases, and menopause (e.g., Beal ple and plants, relies on multidisciplinary approaches 1998;Murphyet al. 1999;Hallet al. 2011). Since medicinal (Soejarto et al. 2009; Sharma and Kumar 2013) and plays a plants have been shown to play a key role in treatments related key role in the expanding knowledge of plants used in tradi- to women’s healthcare in Italian rural communities, tional medicine through pharmacological analysis of tradition- ethnopharmacological studies could contribute to evaluation al plant medicine. Indeed, there are many examples where of their effectiveness and/or safety. In recent decades, the use scientific analysis has provided objective evidence to validate of folk medicine for women’s health conditions has been ex- local ecological knowledge (LEK) of medicinal plant uses tensively studied worldwide (e.g., Balick et al. 2000; (Cotton 1996). Consequently, ethnopharmacology is defined Steenkamp 2003; Srithi et al. 2012; van Andel et al. 2014; as an interdisciplinary scientific exploration of bioactive de Wet and Ngubane 2014; de Boer and Cotingting 2014; agents traditionally used by populations throughout the world Johnson et al. 2016; Yazbek et al. 2016). At the same time, (Ghorbani et al., 2006). In recent decades, ethnobotanical and little is known about the prevalence and patterns of ethnopharmacological surveys have received increasing atten- phytotherapy used by women in Italy (e.g., Baccini et al. tion, especially in Italy (e.g., Cornara et al. 2014;Belliaand 2008;Lapiet al. 2008;Cuzzolinet al. 2010;Masulloet al. Pieroni 2015; Vitalini et al. 2015;Fortiniet al. 2016; Savo 2015). In this regard, the literature in Italy lacks the coverage et al. 2019). of some important issues concerning what plants are used to Women experience physiologically specific conditions treat women’s disorders, and little is known about the phar- such as the menstrual cycles, pregnancy, childbirth, and macological properties those that have been identified. breastfeeding that can adversely affect their health and quality In this context, we review the available literature and sum- of life in reproductive age. Menses, for example, are one of the marize the pharmacological activity of some plants used in most important aspects of the female reproductive cycle, and folk medicine in Italy In order to highlight the use of wild in many cases are associated with disorders that can have a and cultivated plants specifically for the treatment of women’s disorders. Several Italian regions maintain rural traditions and are among the most extensively studied areas of Europe re- * Riccardo Motti garding medicinal plant uses. Herbal remedies are used in [email protected] rural communities mainly by local practitioners or by patients’ relatives who may be knowledgeable about medicinal plants 1 Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico (Motti et al. 2018). The main topics we address through this II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy review are: identification of the most frequently used plant 942 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 species in Italy for women’s health care; the most common women’s conditions and disorders (Table 1). Asteraceae preparation and phytotherapy methods; which plants have (12.1%) is the most frequently cited family (Fig. 2), followed been tested for effectiveness of their pharmacological proper- by Lamiaceae (10.6%), and Rosaceae (9.6%). ties in treating the specific disorders; how many of these plants As we anticipated, local practitioners mainly use indige- are potentially toxic; and the most frequently reported nous plants to treat women’s ailments. However, introduced women’s disorders for which phytotherapy is used. species are also occasionally employed, for example, Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. and Coffea arabica L. Overall, 306 medic- inal and 33 cosmetic uses were reported for the 197 taxa Materials and Methods considered. In all, 15 species are reported to have four or more uses. We searched both national and international journals pub- Adiantum capillus-veneris is the most commonly reported lished from 1963 to 2017 for articles on the use of wild and species (Fig. 1), being cited for nine uses, followed by cultivated plants in Italian folk medicine. We used online ver- Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) A. W. Hill. (7), Malva sylvestris sions of the Science Citation Index, Elsevier Journal Finder, L. and Urtica dioica L. (6). Blackwell Synergy, ISI web of knowledge, Scopus, and Flowers (34.5%) were the most frequently used plant parts, Google Scholar using the key words: ethnopharmacology, followed by roots (15.6%), leaves (15.4%), and seeds (6.9%). ethnobotany, herbal remedies, phytotherapy, Italy, and folk The remaining parts (including, for example, tubers, galls, and plant-based remedies. Further articles and books were identi- buds) accounted for 26.0% overall; leaving 1.6% of plant parts fied from the references of these papers. The criteria for article not mentioned by any authors. selection were defined a priori to avoid personal bias. Only According to the reported data, decoction (44.2%), infu- articles containing references to the use of phytotherapy for sion (21.9%), and raw (21.3%) are the most frequent prepara- women’s healthcare were included. We used the same elec- tion methods used. Macerate and tincture accounted for 7.3%, tronic databases to survey phytochemical and clinical studies leaving 5.3% unreported. The most common administration supporting the effectiveness of plants for each use report and, method used for a wide range of disorders is oral (61.7%). finally, data on the possible toxicity of each species. Based on Topical administration (31.2%) is generally used for vaginal the results obtained we drafted a check list reporting the fol- diseases, breastfeeding problems, such as mastitis and fis- lowing data: plant name, plant part(s) used, preparation, ad- sures, and for cosmetics. On the basis of our literature findings ministration method, uses, references, phytochemical and/or regarding phytochemical properties and/or clinical trials relat- clinical studies, and toxicological data. ed to each use-report (except cosmetics) it emerged that vali- Plant nomenclature follows Conti et al. (2005, 2007)and dating studies are obtained in about 30% of cases. Bartolucci et al. (2018). Families are organised based on APG Overall seven main ailment categories were identified. IV (Chase et al. 2016) for angiosperms. When helpful, due to Herbal remedies for menstrual-cycle complaints are by far the recent changes in nomenclature, synonyms are reported in the most commonly reported (34.8%), of which the majority parentheses. of remedies (52.1%) involve treatments for dysmenorrhoea. The categories used to search the Italian ethnobotanical Dysmenorrhoea is a common menstrual complaint with a literature were pregnancy, menstrual disorders, breastfeeding, major impact on women’s quality of life, work productivity, cystitis, menopause disorders, vaginal infections, contracep- and their overall health (Ju et al. 2014), affecting from 45 to tive, and abortion. Plants used for cosmetic purposes were also 95% of menstruating women (Iacovides et al. 2015). taken into consideration. Dysmenorrhoea is usually treated with non-steroidal anti-in- To classify the ailments we used a symptom-based nosolog- flammatory medications with the addition of oral contracep- ical approach, a categorization that is widely used in ethnobo- tive pills, if necessary (Coco 1999). About 25% of affected tanical research (e.g., Heinrich et al. 1998;Gonzálezet al. women do not respond to such treatments (Mirabi et al. 2014). 2010; Yabesh et al. 2014). For menstrual disorders we followed Among the most commonly used herbal remedies for dysmen- the categories defined by Harlow and Campbell (2004). orrhoea disorders are chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), and laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), taken Results and Discussion orally, as an infusion or decoction. Chamomile is a widely used traditional herbal drug whose extract has anti-inflamma- We identified a total of 107 articles and books, of which 74 tory, sedative, and antispasmodic effects. Many studies ad- contain reports of medicinal plants used specifically for the dressed the components responsible for these observed effects treatment of women’s health conditions. Based on the litera- (Avallone et al. 2000), identifying the most important as ses- ture review, we documented 197 plant species distributed in quiterpenes and flavonoids, which have been studied exten- 61 families as being used by traditional healers in Italy to treat sively (Švehlíková and Repčák 2006). Consequently, it has u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 Traditionally used plants for women's health care in Italy

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Acer campestre L. (Aceraceae) Bark Decoction Oral Oligomenorrhea, Arcidiacono et al., 2007 Effective against pains, the Not reported dysmenorrhea activities of these species can be –

attributed to flavonoids 972 and tannins. (Bi et al., 2016) Acer opalus subsp. obtusatum Bark Decoction Oral Oligomenorrhea, Arcidiacono et al., 2007 See A. campestre Not reported (Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.) dysmenorrhea Gams (Aceraceae) Achillea ligustica All. Leaves Raw Topical Emmenagogue Bruni et al., 1997 Estrogenic activity due Not reported (Asteraceae) to luteolin V and apigenin VI (Saeidnia et al., 2011) Achillea millefolium Leaves, flowers Infusion, decoction, Oral Dysmenorrhea De Feo et al., 1992b; Analgesic activity Not reported L. (Asteraceae) tincture Vitalini et al., 2013; due to sesquiterpene Dei Cas et al., 2015, lactones, dicaffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids (Nemeth and Bernath, 2008). Aerial parts Decoction Oral Irregular cycle, Dei Cas et al., 2015 See A. ligustica menorrhagia Not reported Infusion Oral Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 See A. ligustica Flowers Decoction Topical To “clean” the Pieroni et al., 2004a No data found skin Leaves, flowers Decoction Oral Menopause Vitalini et al., 2015 See A. ligustica disorders Achillea moschata Wulfen Flowers Infusion Topical Vaginitis Vitalini et al., 2013 No data found Not reported (Asteraceae) Flowers Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea See A. ligustica See A. millefolium Adiantum capillus-veneris Leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Barone, 1963; No data found Not reported L. (Pteridaceae) Amico and Sorce, 1997; Bruni et al., 1997; Aleo et al., 2014 To regulate Loi et al., 2004; De Natale No data found menstrual and Pollio, 2007; cycle Guarino et al., 2008; Forgione et al., 2008; Di Sanzo et al., 2013 Dysmenorrhea Bruni et al., 1997;Loi Analgesic and et al., 2004; Passalacqua anti-inflammatory effects et al., 2007;Idolo due to triterpenes. et al., 2010 The plant ethanolic has displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity. (Haider et al., 2011; Al-Snafi, 2015a; Dehdari and Hajimehdipoor, 2018) Amenorrhea Loi et al., 2004 No data found To help Barone, 1963; Cornara No data found pregnancy et al., 2014 Aerial parts Not reported Not reported To enhance Pieroni and Quave, 2005 No data found uterine contractions during delivery Decoction Oral Sedative after Passalacqua et al., 2007; No data found 943 childbirths Guarino et al., 2008 944 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Abortive Amico and Sorce, 1997;Uncini No data found Manganelli et al., 2002; De Natale and Pollio, 2007; Forgione et al., 2008;Savo et al., 2011;Letoet al., 2013; Tuttolomondo et al., 2014c Oral Frigidness Ballero and Fresu, 1993 No data found Alcea rosea Leaves Decoction Oral Cystitis Motti and Motti, 2017 Antimicrobial activities of Not reported L. (Malvaceae) n-hexane, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and water extracts (Al-Snafi, 2013) Alchemilla alpina group Leaves Infusion Oral Menopause Vitalini et al., 2013 No data found Not reported (Rosaceae) disorders, dysmenorrhea Alchemilla vulgaris Leaves Infusion Oral Menopause Vitalini et al., 2013 No data found Not reported group (Rosaceae) disorders, dysmenorrhea Alchemilla xanthochlora Aerial parts Raw Topical Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported Rothm. (Rosaceae) Leaves Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Allium ampeloprasum Bulbs Decoction Oral Galactofuge Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported L. (Amaryllidaceae) Allium cepa Bulbs Cooked, raw Oral Galactagogue Pieroni et al., 2004b; Guarino No data found Not reported L. (Amaryllidaceae) et al., 2008;Montesano et al., 2012; Menale et al., 2016 Raw Cystitis Fortini et al., 2016 Essential oils extracts were found to inhibit bacterial growth (Benkeblia, 2004;Bakhtet al., 2013). Topical Dysmenorrhea Leporatti and Pavesi, 1990 Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity duetohighflavonoid, thiosulphinate and cepaene content (Ali et al., 2000; García-Herrera et al., 2014). Decoction Vaginal Cornara et al., 2009 Antifungal activity due infections to saponins (Lanzotti, 2005) Mastitis De Feo et al., 1992b Essential oils extracts were found to inhibit bacterial growth (Benkeblia, 2004; Bakht et al., 2013). Aloe vera (L.) Burm. Leaves Raw Topical To make Savo et al., 2011 This practice is probably f. (Asphodelaceae) babies stop to due to the bitter taste suck of Aloe juice their mothers’ 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum milk Aloysia citriodora Leaves and flowers Raw Topical Perfume Pieroni et al., 2004a P. Palau (=Lippia triphylla (L’Hér.) Kuntze) Leaves Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Althaea officinalis Flowers Infusion Oral Cystitis Menale and Muoio, 2014 Antibacterial effects L. (Malvaceae) (Ozturk and Ercisli, 2007; Jafari-Sales et al., 2015) –

Anagyris foetida Leaves Infusion Oral Emmenagogue Loi et al., 2002 No data found 972 L. (Fabaceae) Seeds Raw Oral Galactagogue No data found u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Anethum graveolens Menale et al., 2006 L. (Apiaceae) Anthemis arvensis L. subsp. Flowers Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Menale et al., 2016 No data found –

incrassata (Loisel.) 972 Nyman (Asteraceae) Anthemis cotula Flowers Infusion Oral Labor pains Barbagallo et al., 1979 No data found L. (Asteraceae) Arctium lappa Roots Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Menale et al., 2006 Anti-inflammatory effects L. (Asteraceae) due to triterpenes (Akihisa et al., 1996; Lin et al., 1996; Jeelani and Khuroo, 2012) Aristolochia tyrrhena Whole plant Infusion Oral Emmenagogue Ballero and Fresu, 1993 No data found E.Nardi & Arrigoni (Aristolochiaceae) Artemisia absinthium Aerial parts Decoction Topical Vaginal washing Cornara et al., 2014 No data found L. (Asteraceae) Whole plant Raw Galactofuge Leporatti and Corradi, 2001 No data found Flowers, leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Leporatti et al., 1985 No data found Leaves Infusion Abortive Maccioni et al., 2004 No data found Dysmenorrhea Coassini Lokar et al., 1983 Themethanolicextract of A. absinthium shows significant analgesic effect (Ahmad et al., 1992) Flavonoids, phenolic and tannin contents has significantly high concentration in this species (Singh et al., 2012) Artemisia vulgaris Aerial parts Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 Presence of chamazulene, L. (Asteraceae) a substance with anti-inflammatory properties (Sacco et al., 1983). Terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, caffeoylquinic acids, sterols and acetylenes constitute major classes of phytoconstituents of the genus (Bora and Sharma, 2011). Leaves and roots Not reported Oral Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Arundo donax L. (Poaceae) Rhizome Decoction Oral Galactofuge Passalacqua et al., 2007 No data found Dysmenorrhea Pagni and Corsi, 1979 No data found Asparagus acutifolius Roots Decoction Oral After childbirth Guarino et al., 2008 No data found L. (Asparagaceae) to relieve the pains of uterine contractions Asplenium ceterach Leaves Decoction Oral Abortive. De Natale No data found L. subsp. ceterach Regulator and Pollio, 2007 (=Ceterach officinarum of menses Willd.) (Aspleniaceae) leaves Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Passalacqua et al., 2007 Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, xanthones possess anti inflammatory properties (Berk et al., 2011; Živković et al., 2017). Asplenium trichomanes Aerial parts Not reported Not reported Emmenagogue Guarrera et al., 2008 Extracts obtained from L. (Aspleniaceae) A. trichomanes possess weak 945 estrogenic activityin vitro 946 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

(Dall’Acqua et al., 2009). To enhance Pieroni and Quave, 2005 No data found uterine contractions during delivery Aurinia saxatilis (L.) Desv. Whole plant Decoction Topical Vaginal De Feo et al., 1992a No data found subsp. megalocarpa infections (Hausskn.) T.R.Dudley (Brassicaceae) Avena sativa L. (Poaceae) Seeds Decoction Oral Post-pregnancy Menale et al., 2016 No data found Galactagogue Maxia et al., 2008 No data found Bellis perennis Flowers Infusion Oral Menorrhagia Guarino et al., 2008 No data found L. (Asteraceae) Beta vulgaris Aerial parts Decoction Oral To induce Dei Cas et al., 2015 No data found L. (Chenopodiaceae) childbirth Roots Raw Galactagogue Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Leaves Raw Topical Galactofuge Cornara et al., 2009 No data found Betula pendula Branches, bark, Not reported Not reported Against cellulite Dei Cas et al., 2015 Triterpenoids, diarylheptanoids, Roth (Betulaceae) leaves phenylbutanoids, lignans, phenolics and flavonoids possess anti-inflamatory effects. (Elio et al., 2014; Rastogi et al., 2015) Borago officinalis Aerial parts Cooked Oral Galactagogue Pieroni et al., 2004b; No data found L. (Boraginaceae) Pieroni and Quave, 2005; Montesano et al., 2012 Not reported Not reported Post-partum Pieroni and Quave, 2005 No data found depurative Leaves Decoction Topical Mastitis De Feo et al., 1992b Brassica oleracea Leaves Raw, roasted Topical Mastitis Pieroni et al., 2004a; Pieroni Cabbage extracts shows high L. (Brassicaceae) and Quave, 2005; anti-inflammatory value Montesano et al., 2012 due to phenols, glucosinolates and flavanoids (Rokayya et al., 2013; Ravikumar, 2015 Brassica montana Pourret Not reported Not reported Not reported Galactagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found (Brassicaceae) Brassica oleracea Leaves Raw Topical Galactofuge Scortegagna, 2016 No data found L. var. sabauda (Brassicaceae) Calendula officinalis Flower heads and Not reported Not reported Against ovarian Dei Cas et al., 2015 Phytochemicals such L. (Asteraceae) leaves inflammatiom as terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, quinones,

volatile oil, carotenoids 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum with anti inflammatory properties (Muley et al., 2009; Jan and John, 2017 Flowers Infusion, decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002; See above Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Leporatti and Corradi, 2001; No data found Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002; Camangi and Tomei, 2003 –

Infusion Oral To regulate Menale et al., 2016 No data found 972 menstrual cycle u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Decoction Topical Skin toner; to Pieroni et al., 2004a No data found heal skin tears Cannabis sativa Leafy branches Decoction Topical To make girls’ Guarrera et al., 2005a No data found –

L. (Cannabaceae) hair 972 grow rapidly Capsella bursa-pastoris Aerial parts Decoction Oral To regulate Camangi and Tomei, 2003 The treatment of Contraindicated (L.) Medicus menstrual menorrhagia and metrorrhagia in pregnancy (Brassicaceae) cycle. Post seem to be mediated (Bessette, 2001) partum to throughanincreased avoid the risk contraction of smooth of muscles and uteromimitic bleeding. effect. (Al-Snafi, 2015b) Aerial parts, whole Raw, decoction, Topical, Oral Menorrhagia Coassini Lokar et al., 1983; See above plant infusion Guarino et al., 2008;Vitalini et al., 2013;DeiCaset al., 2015 Aerial parts Infusion Oral Emmenagogue Coassini Lokar and Poldini, 1988 See above Carum carvi Seeds Decoction Oral Galactagogue Vitalini et al., 2015 Seeds contain Not reported L. (Apiaceae) numerous volatile oils, the most prominent being carvone, carvacrol, carvenone and limonene (Agrahari and Singh, 2014; Ali-Shtayeh et al., 2015) Infusion Dysmenorrhea Coassini Lokar et al., 1983 Carvone acts as a blocker of voltage dependent Ca channels (Agrahari and Singh, 2014). The plant is recommended to be avoided during pregnancy because it may cause uterine contractions, miscarriage or premature labor (Ali-Shtayeh et al., 2015). Castanea sativa Fruits Decoction Topical To enhance the Pieroni et al., 2004a Miller (Fagaceae) colour of light hair and give a brown gloss Boiled Topical Emollient; to Pieroni et al., 2004a whiten facial skin Centranthus ruber (L.) Leaves Infusion Oral Menopause Menale et al., 2016 No data found Not reported DC. (Valerianaceae) diseases Not reported Decoction Oral After childbirth Guarino et al., 2008 No data found to relieve the pains of uterine contractions Flowers Infusion Topical To make blonde Camangi and Tomei, 2003 hair Chelidonium majus Whole plant Decoction Oral Abortive Idolo et al., 2010 No data found Possible hepatotoxicity L. (Papaveraceae) (Gilca et al., 2010) Cichorium intybus Roots Decoction Oral Cystitis Menale and Muoio, 2014 Oxalic acid, succinic Not reported L. (Asteraceae) acid, quinic acid, and shikimic acid show antibacterial activity 947 948 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

(Petrovic et al., 2004; Street et al., 2013) Leaves Cooked Oral Galactagogue Menale et al., 2016 No data found Cistus creticus L. subsp. Resin Raw Oral Emmenagogue Ballero and Fresu, 1993 No data found Not reported eriocephalus (Viv.) Greuter & Burdet (Cistaceae) Cistus monspeliensis Resin Raw Oral Emmenagogue Ballero and Fresu, 1993 No data found Not reported L. (Cistaceae) Citrus bergamia Risso Fruits (essential oil) Raw Topical Contraceptive Passalacqua et al., 2007 No data found Bergapten, citropten, et Poit. (Rutaceae) bergamotene, and other furocoumarins may cause phototoxic effects (Keilovà et al., 2007) Anomalous Passalacqua et al., 2007 Essential oil is vaginal a potential source secretions of natural antimicrobials that are active against Gram‐negative bacteria (Navarra et al., 2015;Mandalariet al., 2007) Citrus limon (L.) Burm. Fruit juice Raw Topical To give a special Pieroni et al., 2004a f. (Rutaceae) gloss to the hair (mixed with olive oil). To whiten the skin of the hands. Citrus sinensis (L.) Fruits (peel) Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016 Polymethoxy flavones Not reported Osbeck (Rutaceae) have anti.inflammatory activity (Huang and Ho, 2010) Flowers Topical Vaginal De Feo et al., 1992b No data found infections Clinopodium vulgare Leaves, flowers Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Loi et al., 2002;Guarino No data found Not reported L. (Lamiaceae) et al., 2008 Coffea arabica Seeds (not roasted) Decoction Oral Abortive Savo et al., 2011 No data found Not reported L. (Rubiaceae) Conium maculatum Aerial parts Infusion Oral Abortive Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found C. maculatum contains L. (Apiaceae) very poisonous piperidine alkaloids (Vetter, 2004) Corylus avellana Leaves Decoction Topical To make the skin Cappelletti et al., 1981; L. (Betulaceae) “younger” and Pieroni et al., 2004a 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum to give it colour Crataegus monogyna Flowers, leaves Decoction Not reported Dysmenorrhea Loi et al., 2004 Anti-infammatory and Not reported Jacq. (Rosaceae) antimicrobial properties due to flavonoids phenols and triterpenes contents (Ahumada et al., 1997; Güven et al., 2006;Tadić et al., 2008) –

Boiled Topical Skin emollient Pieroni et al., 2004a 972 Infusion Oral Cystitis See above u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Uncini Manganelli and Tomei, 1999 Tincture, decoction Oral To stop Leporatti et al., 1985 No data found –

menstruation 972 Crocus sativus Stigmas Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Antonone et al., 1988 Saffron is used for Not reported L. (Iridaceae) promoting and regulating menstrual periods and for its ant-inflammatory properties. Crocetin is mainly responsible for its pharmacological activities (Bhargava, 2011) Cucurbita moschata Fruits Raw Topical Dysmenorrhea Camangi and Tomei, 2003 No data found Not reported Duchesne (Cucurbitaceae) Cyanus segetum Hill Flowers Infusion Topical To give a special Pieroni et al., 2004a (=Centaurea cyanus L.) gloss (Asteraceae) and blue nuance to grey and white hair (avoiding the yellowing of hair) Cyclamen hederifolium Bulbs Raw Oral Abortive, Leporatti et al., 1985 Cyclamen extracts Not reported Aiton (Primulaceae) dysmenorrhea has a higher saponin content and show anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities (Speroni et al., 2007) Cyclamen repandum Sm. Bulbs Decoction Oral Abortive Loi et al., 2005 See above See above (Primulaceae) Cydonia oblonga Seeds Raw Topical Mastitis Guarino et al., 2008 Phenolic compounds Not reported Miller (Rosaceae) and chlorogenic acid show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (Al-Snafi, 2016) Cynodon dactylon (L.) Rhizome, Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016; Flavonoids and Not reported Pers. (Poaceae) whole plant Idolo et al., 2010 glycosides show anti.inflammatory properties (Garg and Paliwal, 2011) Rhizome Cystitis Uncini Manganelli and Tannin, quinones and Tomei, 1999;Guarrera phenols act as et al., 2015;Motti antimicrobial agents and Motti, 2017 (Kaleeswaran et al., 2010) Whole plant Amenorrhea De Feo and Senatore, 1993 No data found Daucus carota L. subsp. Roots Raw Topical Rhagades De Feo et al., 1992b No data found Not reported major (Lam.) Batt. (Apiaceae) Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Not reported Schott (Dryopteridaceae) Ecballium elaterium Whole plant Raw Topical Abortive Leto et al., 2013 No data found The juice can (L.) (Cucurbitaceae) cause serious adverse reactions and even deaths (Raikhlin-Eisenkraft and Bentur, 2000; 949 Salhab, 2013) 950 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Equisetum arvense L. Aerial parts Decoction Topical Vaginal washing Cornara et al., 2014 Thymol, 1,8-cineole, Linalool Not reported (Equisetaceae) and β-Ionone shown to possess antimicrobial and antifungal effect (Radulović et al., 2006) Oral Cystitis Cornara et al., 2009 See above Fortini et al., 2016 Galactagogue Coassini Lokar No data found and Poldini, 1988 Equisetum ramosissimum Aerial parts Decoction Oral Cystitis Cornara et al., 2009 Probably the Not reported Desf. (Equisetaceae) same as E. arvense Equisetum spp. (Equisetaceae) Aerial parts Decoction Oral Abortive Amico and Sorce, 1997 O data found Not reported Equisetum telmateja Aerial parts Decoction Topical Vaginal washing Cornara et al., 2014 Probably the same Not reported Ehrh. (Equisetaceae) as E. arvense Oral Cystitis Leporatti et al., 1985; See above Cornara et al., 2009; Fortini et al., 2016; Eryngium campestre Roots Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported L. (Apiaceae) Infusion Galactofuge Ballero and Fresu, 1991 No data found Euphorbia characias Leaves Raw Oral Abortive Guarrera et al., 2005b No data found The latex of L. (Euphorbiaceae) several members of the Euphorbiaceae is caustic and toxic (Barbieri et al., 1983) Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) Fruits Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016 Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Flowers Infusion Not reported Cellulite Dei Cas et al., 2015 Maxim. (Rosaceae) Foeniculum vulgare Seeds, roots, Decoction, raw Oral Galactagogue Ferri, 1977;Uncini Anethole has been Not reported Miller (Apiaceae) leaves, aerial Manganelli considered to be the parts et al., 2002; Camangi and active oestrogenic agent. Tomei, 2003; Guarino et al., Some other studies 2008; have suggested that Maxia et al., 2008;Leto the actual et al., 2013; Menale and Muoio, pharmacologically 2014; Motti and Motti, 2017 active agents are polymers of anethole, such as dianethole and photoanethole (Rather et al., 2016) Roots Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Forgione et al., 2008; Guarino No data found et al., 2008 Seeds Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016 Essential oil

inhibits oxytocin and 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum prostaglandin (Badgujar et al., 2014)The effects of fennel essential oil on the uterine contractioninrats have been reported (Rather et al., 2016) Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae) Roots Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Barone, 1963 No data found Not reported Fumaria capreolata Aerial parts Infusion Oral Abortive Cornara et al., 2014 No data found Not reported

L. (Papaveraceae) – Galega officinalis L. Seeds, Infusion Oral Galactagogue No data found The risk of oral toxicity 972 (Fabaceae) Aerial parts of G. officinalis u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002; administration to Vitalini et al., 2015 mammals is not negligible (Rasekh –

et al., 2008). 972 Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae) Leaves Decoction Oral Abortive Corrain, 1989; Camangi No data found Not reported and Tomei, 2003 Dysmenorrhea Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 The ivy shows an anti-inflammatory potential due to of α-hederin (monodesmoside) and hederasaponin-C content (Gepdiremen et al., 2005) Fruits Raw Contraceptive Cornara et al., 2014 No data found Leaves Infusion Topical To give a gloss or Pieroni et al., 2004a colour to white hair Cellulite Antonone et al., 1988;DeFeo Saponins improve et al., 1992b; venous and lymphatic Vitalini et al., 2015 drainage and reduce edema, hederin, in particular, has anti-inflammatory effects (Hexsel et al., 2005). Helianthus Roots Cooked Oral Galactagogue Leporatti and Pavesi, 1990 No data found Not reported tuberosus L. (Asteraceae) Helleborus foetidus Roots Raw Topical Peeled root Scherrer et al., 2005 No data found Toxic features of L. (Ranunculaceae) introduced in hellebores are the determined vagina to by the aglycons of provoke cardiac steroids and an protoanemonin haemorrhage, (Maior which leads to and Dobrotă, 2013.). abortion. Humulus lupulus L. Leaves Cooked Oral Dysmenorrhea Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 The estrogenic activity Not reported (Cannabaceae) of hops is due to prenylated flavonoids (Chadwick et al., 2006; Zanoli and Zavatti, 2008 Hypericum perforatum Leaves Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Loi et al., 2004 No data found Individuals with L. (Hypericaceae) sensitivity towards St John’swortmay experience allergic reactions. The use of St John’swortisnot advisedinknown cases of photosensitivity. Concerns have been raised over interactions between St John’s wort and certain

prescribed 951 medicines (including 952 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

oral contraceptives warfarin, ciclosporin, theophylline etc.) (Barnes et al., 2001) Leaves flowers Infusion, decoction Oral Emmenagogue Leporatti et al., 1985; No data found Vitalini et al., 2015 Iris foetidissima L. (Iridaceae) Rhizome, flowers Decoction Oral Abortive Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 No data found In the New Zealand National Poison Centre I. foetidissima is reported as poisonous (Arsene and Draghia, 2014) Jacobea Flowers, leaves Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 No data found Not reported maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden subsp. maritima (=Senecio cineraria DC.) (Asteraceae Juglans regia L. Leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Bruni et al., 1997 No data found (Juglandaceae) Cystitis Coassini Lokar and Poldini, 1988 Leaf extracts of J. regia Not reported show antimicrobial activities (Panth et al., 2016) Topical Antiseptic of Pieroni et al., 2004a See above genital skin parts To colour the Pieroni et al., 2004a hair (brown) Juniperus sabina Fruits Infusion Oral Abortive Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Not reported L. (Cupressaceae) Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) Leaves Decoction Topical Vaginal diseases Menale et al., 2016 L. sativa shows Not reported atibacterial properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds (Edziri et al., 2011) Mastitis Motti and Motti, 2017 See above Oral Galactagogue Passalacqua et al., No data found 2007;DeFeo et al., 1992b Lamium album L. (Lamiaceae) Aerial parts, Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015; No data found Not reported leaves, flowers Vitalini et al., 2015 Aerial parts Decoction Menorrhagia Guarino et al., 2008 No data found

Roots Decoction Against uterine Guarino et al., 2008 No data found 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum bleeding, irregular menses and leukorrhea Lapsana communis Whole plant Raw Topical Galactofuge Aleo et al., 2014 No data found Not reported L. (Asteraceae) Leaves Raw Topical Galactagogue Aleo et al., 2014 No data found Larix decidua Miller Resin Raw Topical Resin (poultice Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Not reported (Pinaceae) with lard) on

nipple – rhagades 972 u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) Leaves Decoction, Oral Dysmenorrhea Passalacqua et al., 2007; No data found Not reported infusion Menale and Muoio, 2014; Fortini et al., 2016;Motti –

and Motti, 2017 972 Galactagogue Passalacqua et al., 2007 No data found Raw Topical Mastitis Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 Linalool presents a low antibacterial activity (Millezi et al., 2012) Lavandula angustifolia Flowers Macerate Topical Perfume Pieroni et al., 2004a Miller (Lamiaceae) Lens culinaris Medik. Seeds Cooked Oral Galactagogue Menale et al., 2016 No data found Not reported (Fabaceae) Ligustrum vulgare L. Flowers Infusion Topical Vaginal Antonone et al., 1988 No data found Not reported (Oleaceae) irrigations Lilium candidum L. (Liliaceae) Flowers, bulbs Raw Topical Mastitis Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Not reported Linum bienne Miller Seeds Decoction Oral Galactagogue Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 No data found Not reported (Linaceae) Linum usitatissimum L. Seeds Decoction Oral Against vaginal Dei Cas et al., 2015 No data found Not reported (Linaceae) candida Galactagogue Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002 No data found Not reported Re-balances the Loi et al., 2004 No data found menstrual cycle after childbirth Infusion Not reported Mastitis Loi et al., 2004 No data found Raw (Oil) Oral To facilitate the Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found parturition Lobularia maritima Aerial parts Decoction Oral Abortive Menale et al., 2016 No data found Not reported (L.) Desv. (Brassicaceae) Antifungal Menale et al., 2016 No data found against sexual diseases Malus sylvestris (L.) Miller Fruits Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016 No data found Not reported (Rosaceae) Malva arborea (L.) Webb & Leaves Decoction Oral Cystitis Cornara et al., 2009 No data found Not reported Berthel. (=Lavatera arborea L.) (Malvaceae) Malva neglecta Wallr. Leaves and flowers Infusion Oral To facilitate Dei Cas et al., 2015 No data found Not reported (Malvaceae) childbirth To facilitate the Vitalini et al., 2013 No data found parturition Oral/Topical For vaginal Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found inflammations Decoction Topical Mastitis and Barone, 1963; No data found breast Dei Cas et al., 2015 engorgement Malva sylvestris L. Flowers, leaves Decoction, infusion Oral Cystitis Uncini Manganelli and Tomei, Not reported (Malvaceae) 1999; Cornara et al., 2009; Menale and Muoio, 2014; Fortini et al., 2016 Leaves, roots Decoction Dysmenorrhea Loi et al., 2004; Passalacqua et al., Scopoletin, quercetin 2007;DiNovellaet al., 2013 and malvidin 3-glucoside show

anti-inflammatory properties 953 (Prudente et al., 2013) 954 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Leaves, flowers Boiled Topical, oral Mastitis Corrain, 1989; Bruni et al., 1997; A naphtaqiunone, Passalacqua et al., 2007; namely, malvone A, Montesano et al., 2012; could be responsible Dei Cas et al., 2015; for high antimicrobial Fortini et al., 2016 activity of this species (Razavi et al., 2011) Leaves, flowers Infusion Oral Rhagades De Feo et al., 1992b See above Leaves, flowers Infusion Oral, topical To facilitate Dei Cas et al., 2015;Vitalini No data found childbirth et al., 2015 Leaves, flowers Decoction, infusion Topical Vaginal De Feo and Senatore, 1993; See above infections Camangi et al., 2003; Scherrer et al., 2005 Leaves Raw Topical To perfume facial Pieroni et al., 2004a skin Malva verticillata L. Leaves flowers Infusion Oral For vaginal Vitalini et al., 2015 See M. sylvestris Not reported (Malvaceae) and urogenital tract inflammations Marrubium incanum Desr. Flowers Decoction Oral Galactagogue, Leporatti et al., 1985 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) emmenagogue Marrubium vulgare L. Flowers Macerate Oral To regulate Passalacqua et al., 2007 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) menstrual cycle Roots Decoction Dysmenorrhea Bruni et al., 1997 Marrubiin exerts a marked antinociceptive effect (De Jesus et al., 2000) Not reported Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Leaves Decoction Topical Vaginal Ballero and Fresu, 1993 Diterpenes, sterols, infections phenylpropanoids and flavonoids show antimicrobial properties (Morteza-Semnani et al., 2008; Boudjelal et al., 2012) Matricaria chamomilla Flowers Decoction, infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Coassini Lokar et al., 1983; Sesquiterpenes and Not reported L. (=Chamomilla recutita Corrain, flavonoids has (L.) 1989;Bruniet al., 1997;Amico anti-inflammatory, sedative Rausch) (Asteraceae) et al., 1997; Uncini Manganelli and antispasmodic effects et al., 2002;Guarreraet al., (Avallone et al. 2005b; 2000; Švehlíková Scherrer et al., 2005;Martelli and Repčák 2006) et al., 2015–2016; Vitalini et al., 2015; Motti and Motti, 2017 Mentha longifolia L. Leaves Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Vitalini et al., 2015 Phenolic acids Not reported

(Lamiaceae) possess noteworthy 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum spasmodic effects (Mikaili et al., 2013) Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae) Leaves Not reported Not reported Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported Mentha spp. (Lamiaceae) leaves Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Menale et al., 2016 See M. longifolia Not reported Mercurialis annua Whole plant Decoction Oral Galactofuge Ballero and Fresu, 1991;Guarino No data found Not reported L. (Euphorbiaceae) et al., 2008; Aleo et al., 2014 Muscari comosum (L.) Leaves Raw Topical Mastitis Leporatti and Pavesi, 1990 Antimicrobial and Not reported Miller(=Leopoldia anti-inflammatory properties –

comosa L.) due to homoisoflavanone 972 (Asparagaceae) rich fraction from the crude extract of the u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

bulbs (Mulholland et al., 2013) Myristica fragrans Houtt. Seeds Raw Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported –

(Myristicaceae) 972 Myrtus communis Fruits Macerate Oral Dysmenorrhea Savo et al., 2011 Myrtle berries Not reported L. (Myrtaceae) contain monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes (α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, geranyl acetate, linalool) and high concentrations of flavonol glycosides, flavonols and flavanol. Myrtle shows anti.inflammatory and analgesic effects (Alipour et al., 2014) Leaves Decoction, soaking Topical Vaginal Chiovenda-Bensi, 1960; α -pinene, limonene, infections Cornara et al., 2009 eucalyptol, linalool and terpineol seemed to contribute to the strong antimicrobial activity of M.communis (Appendino et al., 2006; Akin et al., 2012).) Narcissus tazetta Leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Loi et al., 2002 No data found Not reported L. (Amaryllidaceae) Nepeta cataria L. (Lamiaceae) Flowers Not reported Not reported Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported Leaves Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Nigella damascena Seeds Raw Topical Galactagogue Ballero and Fresu, 1993; No data found Not reported L. (Ranunculaceae) Leto et al., 2013 Ocimum basilicum Leaves Raw Topical Perfume Pieroni et al., 2004a L. (Lamiaceae) Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) Leaves Decoction Oral Abortive Savo et al., 2011 No data found Not reported Fruits (Oil) Raw Topical Dysmenorrhea Cornara et al., 2009 No data found Not reported Ononis spinosa L. (Fabaceae) Roots Decoction Oral Cystitis Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported Origanum majorana L. Leaves Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Coassini Lokar et al., 1983 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) Origanum vulgare L. Aerial parts Raw Topical Perfume Pieroni et al., 2004a No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) Leaves Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea De Feo et al., 1992b No data found Whole plant Infusion Topical Cellulite De Feo et al., 1992b No data found Papaver rhoeas L. Petals Raw Topical To dye lips and Camangi and Tomei, 2003 (Papaveraceae) cheeks Parietaria judaica L. Aerial parts Decoction Oral Cystitis Amico and Sorce, 1997; No data found Not reported (=P. diffusa Uncini Manganelli Mert. et W.D.J. Koch) and Tomei, 1999; (Urticaceae) Scherrer et al., 2005; Cornara et al., 2009 Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016 No data found Post-partum Pieroni et al., 2004b No data found depurative Leaves Raw Topical Rhagades Cornara et al., 2009 No data found Parietaria lusitanica L. Leaves Decoction Topical Mastitis Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Not reported (Urticaceae)

Parietaria officinalis L. Aerial parts Decoction Oral Cystitis Cornara et al., 2014 No data found Not reported 955 (Urticaceae) 956 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Dysmenorrhea Fortini et al., 2016 No data found Petasites hybridus (L.) P. Rhizoma, leaves Not reported Not reported Emmenagogue Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. (Asteraceae) Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Leaves, aerial parts Decoction Oral Abortive Pagni and Corsi, 1979; The abortive Not reported A. Uncini Manganelli and property could be due W. Hill. (=P. sat ivu m Tomei, 1999; Uncini Manganelli to estrogenic and Hoffm.; et al., 2002; Camangi and utrerine tonic activity P. hortense Tomei, 2003;Pieroniet al., (Farzaei et al., 2013). Hoffm.)(Apiaceae) 2004b; Scherrer et al., 2005; Guarrera et al., 2005b; Pieroni and Quave, 2005; Forgione et al., 2008;Mottiet al., 2009; Savo et al., 2011;Montesano et al., 2012;Tuttolomondo et al., 2014a; Menale et al., 2016; Seeds Corrain, 1989; Maccioni et al., 2004; Aerial parts Raw Topical Abortive Martelli et al., 2015–2016 See above (crushed aerial parts inserted in vagina) Decoction Oral Amenorrhea Leporatti et al., 1985; See above Passalacqua et al., 2007; Infusion, decoction Oral To regulate Guarino et al., 2008; Menale See above menstrual et al., 2016 cycle Raw Topical Galactofuge Pagni and Corsi, 1979; Camangi No data found and Tomei, 2003; Camangi et al., 2003; Passalacqua et al., 2007; Guarino et al., 2008;Aleoet al., 2014; Aleo et al., 2014; Vitalini et al., 2015 Raw Topical Mastitis Martelli et al., 2015–2016 The bioactive flavonoid apigenin has anti-inflammatory property (Pápay et al., 2012) Decoction Topical To give the hair Pieroni et al., 2004a a special gloss 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. Resin Raw Topical Antifecondative Coassini Lokar and Poldini, 1988 No data found Not reported (Pinaceae) Pimpinella anisum L. Seeds Infusion Oral Galactagogue Passalacqua et al., No data found Not reported (Apiaceae) 2007; Vitalini et al., 2015; Pinus pinaster Aiton Leaves, buds Decoction Oral Cystitis Uncini Manganelli and Tomei, No data found Not reported (Pinaceae) 1999 Pistacia lentiscus L. Leaves Decoction Topical Breast Barone, 1963 No data found Not reported (Anacardiaceae) engorgement Polygonum hydropiper L. Not reported Infusion Oral Menorrhagia Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported –

(Polygonaceae) 972 Leaves Decoction Oral Galactagogue Di Novella et al., 2013 No data found Not reported u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) Potentilla reptans L. Roots Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Barone, 1963 No data found Not reported –

(Rosaceae) 972 Prunus avium L. (Rosaceae) Peduncles Decoction Oral Cellulite Savo et al., 2011 No data found Not reported Prunus cerasus L. (Rosaceae) Fruits Raw Topical To refresh and Pieroni et al., 2004a lighten the colour of the skin Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Seeds Raw Oral Galactagogue Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported Webb (Rosaceae) Fruits Topical To treat “tired Pieroni et al., 2004a skin” Prunus persica (L.) Batsch Seeds Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Corrain, 1989 No data found Seeds can contain (Rosaceae) cyanide-containing compounds (Ballhorn, 2011) Leaves Decoction Topical Breast Barone, 1963 No data found engorgement Prunus spinosa L. (Rosaceae) Bark, roots Decoction Oral Menorrhagia Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Quercus cerris L. (Fagaceae) Seeds, leaves Decoction Oral Puerperal Fortini et al., 2016 No data found Not reported swelling Bark Vaginal Antonone et al., 1988 No data found Not reported infections Quercus pubescens Willd. Seeds, leaves Decoction Oral Puerperal Fortini et al., 2016 No data found Not reported (Fagaceae) swelling Quercus robur L. (Fagaceae) Bark Decoction Oral Vaginal loss Antonone et al., 1988 No data found Not reported Ranunculus ficaria L. Leaves Infusion Topical Rhagades Ballero and Fresu, 1991 No data found This species can (Ranunculaceae) induce hepatotoxicity (Yilmaz et al., 2015) Raphanus raphanistrum L. Roots Raw Topical To remove spots Loi et al., 2004 No data found Not reported subsp. sativus from the face (L.) Schmalh. (=Raphanus after sativus pregnancy L.) (Brassicaceae) Ricinus communis L. Seeds Raw Topical Mastitis Corrain, 1989 The antimicrobial Not reported (Euphorbiaceae) activities of for topical R. communis is administration demonstred against dermatophytic and pathogenic bacterial strains (Jena and Gupta, 2012; Naz and Bano, 2012) Robinia pseudacacia L. Flowers Infusion Topical As hair dye Leporatti and Corradi, 2001 (Fabaceae) Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) Flowers Raw Topical Rhagades Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Not reported Fruits Decoction Oral During childbirth Leporatti and Pavesi, 1990 No data found because people believe that this potion makes the delivery easier.

Galls Not reported Not reported Guarino et al., 2008 No data found 957 958 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

As a uterine contraction carminative Rosmarinus officinalis Leaves Decoction Oral Galactagogue Uncini Manganelli et al., 2002; No data found Not reported L. (Lamiaceae) Camangi and Tomei, 2003; Abortive De Feo et al., 1992a Infusion Topical To “clean” and Pieroni et al., 2004a “smoothen” facial skin Flowers Macerate Perfume Pieroni et al., 2004a Rubus fruticosus L. (Rosaceae) Leaves Decoction Oral To regulate Antonone et al., 1988 No data found Not reported menstrual cycle Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae) Leaves Infusion Oral To facilitate the Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Not reported parturition Decoction Topical Vaginal Leporatti et al., 1985 Berries extract Not reported infections expresses bactericidal activity due to flavonoids and other phenolic compounds (Rauha et al., 2000; Krauze-Baranowska et al., 2014) Infusion Not reported Relaxing uterine Dei Cas et al., 2015 No data found muscles Rubus ulmifolius Schott Leaves Compresses Not reported Dysmenorrhea Loi et al., 2004 Not found Not reported (Rosaceae) Not reported To regulate Loi et al., 2004 Not found menstrual cycle Infusion Not reported Menopause Loi et al., 2004 Not found disorders Decoction Topical Vaginal Leporatti et al., 1985 See R. idaeus infections Rumex alpinus L. Leaves Raw Topical Dysmenorrhea Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Not reported (Polygonaceae) Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) Leaves Decoction Oral Abortive Ballero and Fresu, 1991; Rue can provoke Rue is possibly Martelli et al., 2015–2016 hyperemia in the the plant most uterus and high used by women mobility (oxytocic with abortive intent, action) which may but it might cause cause abortion multiple organ (Asgarpanah and system Khoshkam, 2012). failure and death. Because of its effects, it should 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum not be used as a medicinal herb or as an abortifacient (De Freitas et al., 2005). Raw Topical Menale et al., 2016 Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Maxia et al., 2008 Whole plant Vaginal Barbagallo et al., 1979 infections –

Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae) Aerial parts, Decoction Oral Abortive Corrain, 1989; Camangi See R. chalepensis See R. chalepensis 972 leaves and Tomei, 2003; Guarino u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

et al., 2008;Mottiet al., 2009; Tuttolomondo et al., 2014b Dysmenorrhea Guarino et al., 2008; Fortini –

et al., 2016 972 Amenorrhoea Guarino et al., 2008 Salix fragilis L. (Salicaceae) Leaves Infusion Oral Anticonceptive Cornara et al., 2014 No data found Not reported Salvia officinalis L. Leaves Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Dei Cas et al., 2015; Flavonoids and Not reported (Lamiaceae) Vitalini et al., 2015 terpenes are the compounds that most likely contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of the herb (Ghorbani and Esmaeilizadeh, 2017). Menopause Dei Cas et al., 2015; No data found disorders Vitalini et al., 2015 Infusion, decoction Topical Vaginal De Feo et al., 1992b; Sage shows infections Camangi et al., 2003 antimicrobial (Gram- positive and negative) and antifungal (including Candida albicans) (Bozin et al., 2007; Khalil and Li, 2011) Salvia sclarea L. (Lamiaceae) Flowers, leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Leporatti et al., 1985 No data found Not reported Salvia verbenaca L. Leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Menale et al., 2016 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) Sambucus ebulus L. Leaves Decoction Topical Mastitis Barone, 1963 No data found The elderberry (Adoxaceae) leaves contain cyanide inducing glycosides and should be treated with high caution (Shokrzadeh and Saravi, 2010). Sambucus nigra L. Fruits Decoction Oral Cystitis De Feo et al., 1992a No data found Not reported (Adoxaceae) Leaves Abortive Corrain, 1989 No data found See S. ebulus Bark Emmenagogue Leporatti et al., 1985 No data found Sanguisorba minor Aerial parts Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Not reported Scop. (Rosaceae) Santolina pinnata Viv. Not reported Not reported Not reported Dysmenorrhea Corsi et al., 1981 No data found Not reported (Asteraceae) Satureja montana L. Flowers Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) Scrophularia canina Leaves Raw Topical Rhagades Passalacqua et al., 2007 Glycoside esters, Not reported L. (Scrophulariaceae) iridoid glycosides and triterpenoids are the most common compounds in the Scrophularia genus. Among them, scropolioside like iridoids have shown potential for anti-inflammatory and 959 wound healing activity 960 Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

(de Santos Galíndez et al., 2002). Secale cereale L. (Poaceae) Seeds Raw Topical Flour (poultice) Vitalini et al., 2015 No data found Not reported for vaginal inflammation Flowers Oral Plants infected Cornara et al., 2014 Ergot is the Ergotism symptoms by the ergot alkaloid-containing in humans vary ascomycete product of a fungus, greatly and are Claviceps Claviceps purpurea that generally classified purpurea used can stimulate uterine as convulsive, to contractions and induces gangrenous, or collect fruiting spontaneous abortion gastrointestinal bodies, (De Costa, 2002) (Belser-Ehrlich the decoction et al., 2013) of which is abortive Sempervivum tectorum Leaves Raw Topical Mastitis Fortini et al., 2016 The extract of S. tectorum Not reported L. (Crassulaceae) contains several flavonoids andiswidelyused as an anti-inflammatory agent (Kekesi et al., 2003) Rhagades De Feo et al., 1992b See above Senecio vulgaris L. Whole plant Not reported Not reported Uterine diseases Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported (Asteraceae) Tincture Oral Dysmenorrhea De Feo et al., 1992b No data found Silybum marianum (L.) Roots Decoction Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported Gaertn. (Asteraceae) Smilax aspera L. Roots Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Barone, 1963 No data found Not reported (Smilacaceae) Solanum lycopersicon L. (= Leaves Decoction Topical Rhagades De Feo et al., 1992b No data found Not reported Lycopersicon esculentum Miller) Solanum tuberosum L. Tubers Raw Topical To whiten the Pieroni et al., 2004a Not reported (Solanaceae) skin of the hands Leaves Decoction Vaginal De Feo et al., 1992b No data found infections Solidago virgaurea L. Flowers Decoction Oral Cystitis Coassini Lokar et al., 1983 Diterpenes show Not reported (Asteraceae) moderate antibacterial activity (Starks et al., 2010; Kołodziej et al., 2011) Spartium junceum L. Flowers Raw Topical Galactagogue De Feo et al., 1992b No data found Not reported (Fabaceae) Stellaria media Aerial parts (Juice) Raw Topical Galactofuge Guarino et al., 2008 No data found Not reported 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum (L.) Willd. (Caryophyllaceae) Tanacetum parthenium Whole plant Decoction Oral Against Guarino et al., 2008 Terpenoids, especially Not reported (L.) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) menstrual sesquiterpenes and pains sesquiterpene lactones, parthenolide, flavonoid glycosides and pinenes show multiple pharmacologic properties (Abad et al., 1995; –

Pareek et al., 2011) 972 Aerial parts Cooked Uterine diseases Coassini Lokar et al., 1983 See above u cl(09 47:941 (2019) Ecol Hum Table 1 (continued)

Species Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Toxicity or clinical studies

Tanacetum vulgare L. Aerial parts Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 See T. parthenium Not reported (Asteraceae) Taxus baccata L. (Taxaceae) Branches Decoction Oral Abortive Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Taxines are the –

active, poisonous 972 constituents and have been implicated in animal and human poisonings (Wilson et al., 2001). Emmenagogue Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Dysmenorrhea Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Teucrium chamaedrys L. Aerial parts Infusion Oral Dysmenorrhea Bellia and Pieroni, 2015 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) Teucrium montanum L. Leaves Not reported Not reported Menstrual cycle Fossati et al., 1999 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) disorders Teucrium polium L. Leaves Decoction Oral Menopause Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Not reported (Lamiaceae) disorders Tilia cordata Miller Flowers Infusion Topical Vaginal Camangi et al., 2003 No data found Not reported (Malvaceae) infections Tilia platyphyllos Scop. Flowers Decoction Oral Cystitis Fortini et al., 2016 No data found Not reported (Malvaceae) Tribulus terrestris L. Aerial parts Decoction Oral Galactagogue Bruni et al., 1997 No data found Not reported (Zygophyllaceae) Trifolium pratense L. Leaves Decoction Oral Emmenagogue Leporatti et al., 1985 No data found Not reported (Fabaceae) Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae) Fruits Pasta Oral Galactagogue Guarrera et al., 2005a No data found Not reported Ulmus minor Miller (=Ulmus Leaves Not reported Not reported Galactagogue Fossati et al., 1999 No data found Not reported campestris Auct. non L.) (Ulmaceae) Bark Decoction Topical Vaginal Leporatti et al., 1985 U. campestris Not reported infections extract shows, analgesic and anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Flavonoids, tannins and phenols are probably responsible for observed activities (Boudaoud-Ouahmed et al., 2015). Leaves Decoction Topical Breast Barone, 1963 No data found engorgement Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) Roots Decoction Topical Abortive bath Cornara et al., 2014 No data found Not reported Aerial parts Oral Cystitis Coassini Lokar et al., 1983; Water extract Coassini Lokar and shows antimicrobial Poldini, 1988 properties (Gülçin et al., 2004) Emmenagogue Chimenti Signorini No data found and Fumagalli, 1983 Boiled Dysmenorrhea Ranfa et al., 2013 The analgesic activities of nettle being related to its antioxidant activity (Gülçin et al., 2004). Raw Menorrhagia Coassini Lokar et al., 1983 No data found Whole plant Decoction Vaginal Barbagallo et al., 1979 Water extract shows infections antimicrobial properties (Gülçin et al., 2004) 961 Urtica spp. (Urticaceae) Aerial parts Infusion Oral Galactagogue Bianchi and Gallifuoco, 2004 No data found Not reported 962 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972

been widely documented that M. chamomilla is effective at relieving dysmenorrhoea symptoms (Jahanian et al. 1999; Jenabi and Ebrahimzadeh 2009;Modaresset al. 2011). Adiantum capillus-veneris contains a number of com- pounds belonging mainly to the classes of triterpenoids, fla- Not reported Toxicity vonoids, phenyl propanoids, phenolics, coumarins, and phy- tosterols, and its organic extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and thus the plant is frequently used to treat inflammatory diseases (Ibraheim et al. 2011; Haider et al. 2011; Yuan et al. 2013;Rastogiet al. 2018). Achillea millefolium is rich in bioactive compounds such as

) flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives (Glasl et al. 2002; Benedek et al. 2007) that contribute to a wide range of medic- 2012 , inal properties. This species produces an antispasmodic effect

have shown remarkable bioactivities as effective diuretic agent (Hasanudin et al. (Chandler et al. 1982) mediated through calcium channel No data foundNo data foundNo data found Not reported Not reported Not reported No data foundNo data found Not reported Not reported No data found Not reported Corn silks as or clinical studies blockade (Yaeesh et al. 2006). The antiphlogistic properties of yarrow are mediated by sesquiterpenes (Kastner et al. 1993). ; ; Laurus nobilis leaves contain several classes of secondary 2013 1988 , 2004

, metabolites such as sesquiterpenes, lactones, alkaloids and 2013 , 2015 2015 , , ,

2008 ’ 2015 et al. glycosylated flavonoids (Dall Acqua et al. 2006). The essen- 2004a 2004b , et al. , , 1992; , , et al. et al. et al. ; et al. tial oil derived from laurel exhibits significant analgesic and et al. et al. et al. et al. et al. ;Leto anti-inflammatory properties (Patrakar et al. 2012). 1977 Antonone Vitalini 1990 Dei Cas Maccioni Several plants are used to regulate the menstrual cycle. The Pieroni Di Novella most commonly reported are marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), shepherd’s bag (Capsella bursa-pastoris L. Medicus), horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.). and perfume abortifacient Pharmacological studies have shown that Calendula officinalis exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (Basch et al. 2006;Muleyet al. 2009;Aroraet al. 2013) The main constituents of C. officinalis include steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, flavo- noids, phenolic acids, and carotenes (Loescher et al. 2014). Faradiol, rutin, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid isolated from C. officinalis exhibit biological activity (Masullo et al. 2015) but there is no clinical evidence of effects on the men- decoction Oral Cystitis De Feo strual cycle. Aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris contain flavonoids, polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, and tyramine (Kweon et al. 1996;Khare2008;Songet al. 2007), which, when used in traditional medicine for the treat- ment of menstrual disorders, seem to be mediated through an increased contraction of smooth muscles, thus showing a uteromimitic effect (Miraldi et al. 2001; Al-Snafi 2015). Leaves, fruits Not reported Not reported Emmenagogue Guarino Roots Raw Topical In vagina as Marrubium vulgare is well known for its antimicrobial, im- munomodulatory, analgesic, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties, which have been related to the presence of diterpenes, sterols, phenylpropanoids and flavo- L. noids (Nawwar et al. 1989;Schlemperet al. 1996;Morteza- L. (Violaceae) Flowers Macerate Topical Facial skin toner L. (Vitaceae) Fruits (Wine) Raw Oral Galactagogue Pieroni L. (Urticaceae) Aerial parts Raw Topical Galactagogue Vitalini L. (Apocynaceae) Leaves Raw Topical Galactofuge Leporatti and Pavesi, L. (Apocynaceae) Whole plant, leaves Infusion, decoction Oral Galactofuge Ferri, Semnani et al. 2008; Boudjelal et al. 2012). Although the (continued) L. (Poaceae) Stigmas Infusion, plant is used in folk medicine to treat menstrual irregularities (Lodhi et al. 2017), there is no clinical evidence on its effec- (Lamiaceae) L. (Caprifoliaceae) Vitex agnus-castus Vinca major Vinca minor Viola odorata Vitis vinifera Zea mays Table 1 SpeciesUrtica urens Part used Preparation Administration Uses References Phytochemical and Valeriana officinalis tiveness in regulating menses. The healing properties and Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 963

Table 2 Percentage therapy, Urtica dioica is reported for its anti-inflammatory Menstrual cycle 34.8 frequency of use-reports and antirheumatic effects, the analgesic activities of nettle be- covering different use Dysmenorrhea 52.1 ing related to its antioxidant properties (Gülçin et al., 2004). categories Emmenagogue 28.6 Grauso et al. (2019a), in a recent metabolomic study, identi- To regulate menstrual cycle 10.1 fied several antioxidant metabolites in nettle based on a flavo- Menorrhagia 5.9 noid and caffeoyl derivative chemical structure. However, no Amenorrhea 3.4 scientific studies are available that demonstrate the effective- Breastfeeding 21.5 ness of nettle in regulating the menstrual cycle. Flavonoids Galactagogue 43.7 along with terpenes are reported for Salvia officinalis leaves Mastitis 19.7 (de Falco and Lanzotti 2018) as the compounds that most Galactafuge 18.3 likely contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive Fissures 11.3 properties of the herb (Ghorbani and Esmaeilizadeh 2017). Breast engorgement 7.0 Breast milk is considered the optimal food source for new- 9.6 Cosmetic borns through at least one year of age (Forinash et al. 2012), 8.4 Vaginal inflammations while reduced breast milk production is reported as the most Abortive 8.1 frequent cause of breastfeeding failure (Sjölin et al. 1977). Cystitis 6.6 Milk production can be increased in postpartum mothers by Pregnancy 6.3 the use of synthetic or natural products. Galactagogues are To facilitate childbirth 50.0 substances or medicines either proven or believed to induce, Post-partum disorders 50.0 increase, or maintain human breast milk production. The Menopause disorders 2.1 galactagogue effects of plants could be mediated by phytoes- Contraceptive 1.3 trogen action (Wilinska and Schleußner 2015). Among the many galactagogue plants mentioned in this review, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) and goat’srue(Galega medical uses of Petroselinum crispum are mostly related to a officinalis L.) are among the most cited. The widespread use wide range of active biomolecules present in the plant Agyare of fennel may be due to the presence of anethole, considered a et al. 2017. The properties of aerial parts of parsley are well weakly oestrogen-like compound. It may increase breast milk known as a uterine tonic, due to the presence of flavonoids production or assist with the ‘let-down’ reflex and promote (apiin and apigenin) (Yoshikawa et al. 2000; Farzaei et al. growth of breast tissue (Albert-Puleo 1980; Agarwal et al. 2013). Ethnomedicinal use of parsley to regulate menses 2008; Foong et al. 2015). Goat’sruehaslongbeenusedin could be related to its anti-platelet, anti-coagulant, spasmolyt- folk medicine to treat diabetes and as a galactagogue; it con- ic, analgesic, and oestrogenic properties (Farzaei et al. 2013; tains galegin, a precursor to metformin. Several Chauhan and Aishwarya 2018). The myristicin and apiole phytoestrogens have been isolated from methanol extracts of contained in the plant increase the production of oestrogens, goat’s rue such as flavonol triglycosides, kaempferol, and which makes their use important in menopause. However, quercetin (Champavier et al. 2000; González-Andrés et al. large amounts can have a uterotonic effect and its use may 2004). According to Penagos Tabares et al. (2014), a daily lead to miscarriage (Awe and Banjoko 2013). In traditional diet including goat’s rue is reported to increase milk yield in

Fig. 1 Number of use-reports for each species 964 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 cows and sheep. No clinical trials are available to demonstrate are customarily used for abortive purposes. C. maculatum its galactagogue property in breastfeeding women. The L., for example, contains very poisonous piperidine alkaloids German Commission E refused approval of the use of this and is reported to be one of the most toxic species in the plant species as a galactagogue because its effectiveness has not kingdom (Vetter 2004). Helleborus species are considered to been documented (Blumenthal et al. 1998). be toxic, although poisonings are usually related to incorrect The use of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) and lettuce dosage. Toxic features of hellebores are determined mostly by (Lactuca sativa L.) to treat mastitis is due to their anti- the aglycons of cardiac steroids but protoanemonin - a γ– inflammatory properties (Ahmad et al., 1992;Linet al. 2008; lactone, is also a toxic compound (Corea et al. 2004; Maior Araruna and Carlos 2010; Rokayya et al. 2013;Mizgieret al. and Dobrotă 2013). Euphorbia characias L. is administered 2016). Scientific investigation of B. oleracea indicated 3- orally, but it is commonly recognized that the latex of several methylsulfinylpropyl isothiocyanate, called iberin, as the active members of the Euphorbiaceae family is caustic and toxic ingredient of the plant and demonstrated its ability to target (Barbieri et al. 1983). Rue (Ruta chalepensis L.; TLRs, to disrupt TLR dimerization and to inhibit the inflamma- R. graveolens L.) is the plant most widely used by women tory responses (Shibata et al. 2014). From L. sativa two to induce abortion (e.g., Ballero and Fresu 1991; Camangi triterpene lactones, 3,14-dihydroxy 11,13-dihydrocostunolide and Tomei 2003;Martelliet al., 2015–2016; Tuttolomondo and 8-tigloyl-15-deoxyl-actucin, were isolated, showing et al. 2014b), although it can cause multiple organ system lipoxygenase inhibition and significant in-vivo anti-inflamma- failure and death (De Freitas et al. 2005). tory activity on carrageenan-induced paw oedema (Araruna and Carlos 2010). Malva sylvestris L. and M. neglecta Wallr. are reported to Conclusions treat both mastitis and fissures; the properties of these species are well-known as they are widely used in Mediterranean and The studies we included in this systematic review demonstrate European traditional medicine to treat external and internal the established tradition in Italy of using wild plants as addi- inflammation, as well as wounds (Cutillo et al. 2006; Barros tional or alternative treatments to conventional drugs in order et al. 2010;Gasparettoet al. 2012). Phytochemical screening to cure various female disorders and diseases. The role of of M. sylvestris has led to the detection of scopoletin, querce- ethnobotanical research is to avoid the loss of traditional tin, and malvidin 3-glucoside in the plant extract. The latter knowledge concerning medicinal plant lore and, at the same compound was also able to inhibit ear oedema and leukocyte time, provide the basis for developing new drugs from phyto- migration. The former were able to prevent the formation of chemical and biochemical research. This review has shown oedema and cell infiltration, although less effectively than that only by conducting studies on bioactivity and toxicolog- hydroalcoholic extract and malvidin 3-glucoside (Prudente ical properties of the plants used in folk phytotherapy will in- et al., 2013). No data are available in the literature on the depth understanding of their effectiveness, manner of use, phytochemicals responsible for the anti-inflammatory proper- posology, and side effects be ultimately achieved. ties of M. neglecta. Among the plants used for cosmetic purposes, the most Acknowledgements We would like to thank Mark Walters for fine- frequently cited are those for cellulite treatment. Cellulite, also tuning the original draft of the manuscript. known as adiposis edematosa or dermopanniculosis deformans, mainly affects postpubertal females and is charac- Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. terized by alterations to the skin surface, presenting as dim- pled or puckered skin of the buttocks and posterior and lateral Compliance with Ethical Standards thighs, and seems to be attributable to structural, inflammato- ry, morphologic, and biochemical alterations in the subcuta- Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of neous tissue (Draelos 2005; Hexsel and Soirefmann 2011; interest. Friedman et al. 2017). One the most reported species for cel- lulite treatment is common ivy (Hedera helix L.), whose leaves are rich in flavonoids, such as rutinoside and rutoside, References and saponins, such as hederacoside, hederagenin, and hederin (Grauso et al. 2019b). Saponins improve venous and lymphat- Abad, M. J., Bermejo, P., and Villar, A. (1995). An approach to the genus ic drainage and reduce oedema; hederin, in particular, has Tanacetum L.(Compositae): Phytochemical and pharmacological analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (Hexsel et al. 2005). review. Phytotherapy Research 9(2): 79–92. Among the 197 plant species used, 17 contain toxic con- Agarwal, R., Gupta, S. K., Agarwal, S. S., Srivastava, S., and Saxena, R. (2008). Oculohypotensive effects of Foeniculum Vulgare in exper- stituents that may put women and their unborn children at imental models of glaucoma. Indian Journal of Physiology and more or less serious risk. The majority of the toxic species Pharmacology 52: 77–83. Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 965

Agrahari, P., and Singh, D. K. (2014). A review on the pharmacological Arcidiacono, S., Napoli, M., Oddo, G., and Pavone, P. (2007). Piante aspects of Carum carvi. Journal of Biology and Earth Sciences 4(1): selvatiche d’uso popolare nei territori di Alcara li Fusi e Militello M1–M13. Rosmarino (Messina, N-E Sicilia). Quad. Bot. Amb. Appl 18: 105– Agyare, C., Appiah, T., Boakye, Y. D., and Apenteng, J. A. (2017). 146. Petroselinum crispum: a Review. In Medicinal Spices and Arora, D., Rani, A., and Sharma, A. (2013). A review on Phytochemistry Vegetables from Africa: 527–547. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0- and Ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula. 12-809286-6.00025-X. Pharmacognosy Reviews 7(14): 179–187. https://doi.org/10.4103/ Ahmad, F., Khan, R. A., and Rasheed, S. (1992). Study of analgesic and 0973-7847.120520. anti-inflammatory activity from plant extracts of Lactuca Scariola Arsene, C. C., and Draghia, L. (2014). Allergenic and toxic compounds in and Artemisia Absinthium. Journal of Islamic Academy of Sciences ornamental plants-a review. Bulletin of University of Agricultural 5(2): 111–114. Sciences and veterinary medicine Cluj-Napoca. Horticulture 71(2): Ahumada,C.,Sáenz,T.,García,D.,DeLaPuerta,R.O.C.I.O., 180–194. Fernandez, A., and Martinez, E. (1997). The effects of a triterpene Asgarpanah, J., and Khoshkam, R. (2012). Phytochemistry and pharma- fraction isolated from Crataegus Monogyna Jacq. On different acute cological properties of Ruta graveolens L. Journal of Medicinal inflammation models in rats and mice. Leucocyte migration and Plant Research 6(23): 3942–3949. phospholipase A2 inhibition. Journal of Pharmacy and Avallone, R., Zanoli, P., Puia, G., Kleinschnitz, M., Schreier, P., and Pharmacology 49(3): 329–331. Baraldi, M. (2000). Pharmacological profile of Apigenin, a flavo- Akihisa, T., Yasukawa, K., Oinuma, H., Kasahara, Y., Yamanouchi, S., noid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochemical Takido, M., et al (1996). Triterpene alcohols from the flowers of Pharmacology 59: 1387–1394. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006- Compositae and their anti-inflammatory effects. Phytochemistry 2952(00)00264-1. 43(6): 1255–1260. Awe, E. O., and Banjoko, S. O. (2013). Biochemical and Haematological Akin, M., Aktumsek, A., and Nostro, A. (2012). Antibacterial activity assessment of toxic effects of the leaf ethanol extract of and composition of the essential oils of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Petroselinum crispum (Mill) Nyman ex AW Hill (parsley) in rats. Dehn. And Myrtus communis L. growing in northern Cyprus. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 13(1): 75. https:// African Journal of Biotechnology 9: 531–535. doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-75. Albert-Puleo, M. (1980). Fennel and anise as estrogen agents. Journal of Baccini, M., Cuzzolin, L., Camerlengo, T., Velo, G., and Benoni, G. – Ethnopharmacology 2: 337–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378- (2008). Phytotherapic compounds. The consumer pharmacist rela- – 8741(80)81015-4. tionship. Drug Safety 31: 424 427. https://doi.org/10.2165/ Aleo, M., Cambria, S., and Bazan, G. (2014). Tradizioni 00002018-200831050-00008. Etnofarmacobotaniche in Alcune Comunità Rurali dei Monti di Badgujar, S. B., Patel, V. V., Bandivdekar, A. H., 2014. Foeniculum Trapani (Sicilia occidentale). Quad Bot Amb Appl 24: 27–48. vulgare Mill: A review of its botany, Phytochemistry, pharmacolo- gy, contemporary application, and toxicology. BioMed Research Ali, M., Thomson, M., and Afzal, M. (2000). Garlic and onions: Their International. effect on eicosanoid metabolism and its clinical relevance. Bakht, J., Khan, S., and Shafi, M. (2013). Antimicrobial potentials of Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 6(2): 55–73. fresh Allium cepa against gram positive and gram negative Alipour, G., Dashti, S., and Hosseinzadeh, H. (2014). Review of pharma- Bacteria and fungi. Pakistan Journal of Botany 45(S1): 1–6. cological effects of Myrtus communis L. and its active constituents. Balick, M. J., Kronenberg, F., Ososki, A. L., Reiff, M., Fugh-Berman, A., Phytotherapy Research 28(8): 1125–1136. Roble, M., et al (2000). Medicinal plants used by Latino healers for Ali-Shtayeh, M. S., Jamous, R. M., and Jamous, R. M. (2015). Plants Women’s health conditions in new York City. Economic Botany used during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and infant healthcare 54(3): 344–357. in Palestine. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 21(2): Ballero, M., and Fresu, I. (1991). Piante medicinali impiegate in 84–93. fitoterapia nel territorio del Marganai (Sardegna sud occidentale). Al-Snafi, A. E. (2013). The pharmaceutical importance of Althaea Fitoterapia 62: 524–531. Officinalis and Althaea Rosea: A review. Int J Pharm Tech Res Ballero, M., and Fresu, I. (1993). Le piante di uso officinale nella – 5(3): 1387 1385. Barbagia di Seui (Sardegna centrale). Fitoterapia 64: 141–150. Al-Snafi, A. E. (2015a). The chemical constituents and pharmacological Ballhorn, D. J., 2011. Cyanogenic Glycosides in Nuts and Seeds. In Nuts effects of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris-a review. Asian Journal of and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, Academic Press, pp. – Pharmaceutical Science and Technology 5(2): 106 111. 129–136 Al-Snafi, A. E. (2015b). The chemical constituents and pharmacological Barbagallo, C., Grillo, M., and Meli, R. (1979). Nota Sulle Piante effects of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris - a review. International Journal of Officinali Spontanee e Coltivate del Territorio di Cesarò – Pharmacology and Toxicology 5(2): 76 81. (Messina). Fitoterapia 50: 57–66. Al-Snafi, A. E. (2016). The medical importance of Cydonia oblonga-a Barbieri, L., Falasca, A., Franceschi, C., Licastro, F., Rossi, C. A., and review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy 6(6): 87–99. Stirpe, F. (1983). Purification and properties of two lectins from the Amico, F. P., and Sorce, E. G. (1997). Medicinal plants and Phytotherapy latex of the euphorbiaceous plants Hura crepitans L.(sand-box tree) in Mussomeli area (Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy). Fitoterapia 58(2): and Euphorbia characias L. (Mediterranean spurge). Biochemical 143–159. Journal 215(3): 433–439. Antonone, R., De Simone, F., Morrica, P., and Ramundo, E. (1988). Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and Phillipson, J. D. (2001). St John’swort Traditional Phytotherapy in the Roccamonfina volcanic group, (Hypericum perforatum L.): A review of its chemistry, pharmacol- Campania, southern Italy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 22(3): ogy and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 295–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(88)90240-1. 53(5): 583–600. Appendino, G., Maxia, L., Bettoni, P., et al (2006). Antibacterial Barone, R. (1963). Le piante della medicina popolare nel territorio di Galloylated Alkylphloroglucinol glucosides from Myrtle (Myrtus Falconara e San Lucido (Calabria). Webbia 17: 329–357. https:// communis). Journal of Natural Products 69: 251–254. doi.org/10.1080/00837792.1963.10669749. Araruna, K., and Carlos, B. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activities of Barros, L., Carvalho, A. M., and Ferreira, I. C. (2010). Leaves, flowers, triterpene lactones from Lactuca sativa. Phytopharmacology 1(1): immature fruits and leafy flowered stems of Malva sylvestris: A 1–6. comparative study of the nutraceutical potential and composition. 966 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972

Food and Chemical Toxicology 48(6): 1466–1472. https://doi.org/ Camangi, F., Stefani, A., and Tomei, P. E. (2003). Il Casentino: Tradizioni 10.1016/j.fct.2010.03.012. Etnofarmacobotaniche nei Comuni di Poppi e Bibbiena (Arezzo, Bartolucci, F., Peruzzi, L., Galasso, G., Albano, A., et al (2018). An Toscana). Atti Soc. tosc. Sci. nat., Mem. Serie B 110: 55–69. updated checklist of the vascular Flora native to Italy. Plant Camangi, F., and Tomei, P. E. (2003). Tradizioni etnofarmacobotaniche Biosystems-An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of nella provincia di Livorno: il territorio della Valle Benedetta. Inf Bot Plant Biology 152(2): 179–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504. Ital 35: 41–54. 2017.1419996. Cappelletti, E. M., Trevisan, R., Foletto, A., and Cattolica, P. M. (1981). Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., et al (2006). Marigold Le piante utilizzate in medicina popolare in due vallate trentine: Val (Calendula officinalis L.) an evidence-based systematic review by di Ledro e Val dei Mocheni. Stud. Trentini Sci. Nat. (Acta Biol.) 58: the natural standard research collaboration. Journal of Herbal 119–140. Pharmacotherapy 6(3–4): 135–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/ Chadwick, L. R., Pauli, G. F., and Farnsworth, N. R. (2006). The phar- J157v06n03_08. macognosy of Humulus Lupulus L.(hops) with an emphasis on es- Beal, M. W. (1998). Women’s use of complementary and alternative trogenic properties. Phytomedicine 13(1–2): 119–131. therapies in reproductive health care. Journal of Nurse-Midwifery Champavier, Y., Allais, D. P., Chulia, A. J., and Kaouadji, M. (2000). 43: 224–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-2182(98)00009-3. Acetylated and non-acetylated Flavonol Triglycosides from Galega Bellia, G., and Pieroni, A. (2015). Isolated, but transnational: The Glocal Officinalis. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 48(2): 281–282. nature of Waldensian ethnobotany, Western Alps, NW Italy. Journal Chandler, R. F., Hooper, S. N., and Harvey, M. J. (1982). Ethnobotany of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 11: 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/ and Phytochemistry of yarrow, Achillea millefolium. Economic s13002-015-0027-1. Botany 36(2): 203–223. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858720. Belser-Ehrlich, S., Harper, A., Hussey, J., and Hallock, R. (2013). Human Chase, M. W., Christenhusz, M. J. M., Fay, M. F., Byng, J. W., et al and cattle Ergotism since 1900: Symptoms, outbreaks, and regula- (2016). An update of the angiosperm phylogeny group classification tions. Toxicology and Industrial Health 29(4): 307–316. for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG IV. Botanical – Benedek, B., Gjoncaj, N., Saukel, J., and Kopp, B. (2007). Distribution of Journal of the Linnean Society 181(1): 1 20. https://doi.org/10. phenolic compounds in middle European taxa of the Achillea 1111/boj.12385. millefolium L. aggregate. Chemistry & Biodiversity 4: 849–857. Chauhan, E. S., and Aishwarya, J. (2018). Nutraceuticals potential of https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790072. Petroselinum Crispum: A review. J Complement Med Alt – Benkeblia, N. (2004). Antimicrobial activity of essential oil extracts of Healthcare 7(2): 1 5. https://doi.org/10.19080/JCMAH.2018.07. various onions (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum). LWT- 555707. Food Science and Technology 37(2): 263–268. Chimenti Signorini, R., and Fumagalli, M. (1983). Indagine etnofarmacobotanica in Valtournanche (Valle d’Aosta). Webbia 27: Berk, S., Tepe, B., Arslan, S., and Sarikurkcu, C. (2011). Screening of the 69–94. antioxidant, antimicrobial and DNA damage protection potentials of Chiovenda-Bensi, C. (1960). Florula medicinale delle Cinque terre. the aqueous extract of Asplenium Ceterach DC. African Journal of Webbia 15: 631–641. Biotechnology 10(44): 8902–8908. Coassini Lokar, L., and Poldini, L. (1988). Herbal remedies in the tradi- Bessette, P. (2001). Natural products and gynecology. Canada Journal 26: tional medicine of the Venezia Giulia region (north East Italy). 57–72. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 22: 231–278. https://doi.org/10. Bhargava, V. (2011). Medicinal uses and pharmacological properties of 1016/0378-8741(88)90238-3. Crocus sativus Linn (saffron). International Journal of Pharmacy Coassini Lokar, L., Poldini, L., and Angeloni Rossi, G. (1983). Appunti and Pharmaceutical Sciences 3: 22–26. di etnobotanica del Friuli Venezia Giulia. Gortonia Atti Museo Friul. Bi, W., Gao, Y., Shen, J., He, C., Liu, H., Peng, Y., et al (2016). Storia Nat 4: 101–152. Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Coco, A. S. (1999). Primary dysmenorrhea. American Family Physician – Acer (maple): A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 189: 31 60. 60(2): 489–496. Bianchi, A., and Gallifuoco, G. (2004). Farmacopea popolare del Conti, F., Abbate, G., Alessandrini, A., and Blasi, C. (2005). An annotat- – Gargano. Natural 1: 54 66. ed checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editori, Roma. Blumenthal, M., Busse, W. R., Goldberg, A., et al (1998). The complete Conti, F., Alessandrini, A., Bacchetta, G., Banfi, E., et al (2007). German commission E monographs, American Botanical Council, Integrazioni alla checklist della flora vascolare italiana. Natura Austin. Vicentina 10: 5–4 http://hdl.handle.net/2318/1537292. Bora, K. S., and Sharma, A. (2011). The genus Artemisia: A comprehen- Corea, G., Fattorusso, E., Lanzotti, V.,Motti, R., Simon, P. N., Dumontet, sive review. Pharmaceutical Biology 49(1): 101–109. C., and Di Pietro, A. (2004). Structure-activity relationships for Boudaoud-Ouahmed, H., Tiab, S. A., Saidani, N., Gherrou, M., Ziane, K., Euphocharacins A-L, a new series of Jatrophane Diterpenes, as in- and Atmani, D. (2015). Phytochemical screening and pharmacolog- hibitors of Cancer cell P-glycoprotein. Planta Medica 70(07): 657– ical activities of Ulmus Campestris bark extracts. Oriental Pharmacy 665. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-827191. and Experimental Medicine 15(4): 353–363. Cornara, L., La Rocca, A., Marsili, S., and Mariotti, M. G. (2009). Boudjelal, A., Henchiri, C., Siracusa, L., Sari, M., and Ruberto, G. Traditional uses of plants in the eastern Riviera (Liguria, Italy). (2012). Compositional analysis and in vivo aNti-diabetic activity Journal of Ethnopharmacology 125: 16–30. https://doi.org/10. of wild Algerian Marrubium vulgare L. infusion. Fitoterapia. 1016/j.jep.2009.06.021. 83(2): 286–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2011.11.005. Cornara, L., La Rocca, A., Terrizzano, L., Dente, F., and Mariotti, M. G. Bozin, B., Mimica-Dukic, N., Samojlik, I., and Jovin, E. (2007). (2014). Ethnobotanical and phytochemical knowledge in the North- Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of rosemary and sage Western Ligurian Alps. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 155: 463– (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) es- 484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.046. sential oils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 55(19): Corrain, C. (1989). Pratiche terapeutiche popolari nelle pendici orientali 7879–7885. del Monte Grappa. Atti e memorie dell'Accademia Italiana di Storia Bruni, A., Ballero, M., and Poli, F. (1997). Quantitative della Farmacia 6(2): 161–175. Ethnopharmacological study of the Campidano Valley and Urzulei Corsi, G., Gaspari, G., and Pagni, A. M. (1981). L’uso delle piante district, Sardinia, Italy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 57: 97–124. nell’economia domestica della Versilia collinare e montana. Atti https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(97)00055-X. Soc tosc Sci nat Mem, Serie B. 1981(87): 309–386. Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 967

Cotton, C. M. (1996). Ethnobotany: Principles and applications, Wiley. Ethnopharmacology 145(1): 328–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. Cutillo, F., D’Abrosca, B., Della Greca, M., Fiorentino, A., and Zarrelli, jep.2012.10.065. A. (2006). Terpenoids and phenol derivatives from Malva silvestris. Di Sanzo, P., De Martino, L., Mancini, E., and De Feo, V. (2013). Phytochemistry 67(5): 481–485. Medicinal and useful plants in the tradition of Rotonda, Pollino Cuzzolin, L., Francini-Pesenti, F., Verlato, G., Joppi, M., Baldelli, P., and National Park, southern Italy. Journal of Ethnobiology and Benoni, G. (2010). Use of herbal products among 392 Italian preg- Ethnomedicine 9(1): 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-9-19. nant women: Focus on pregnancy outcome. Pharmacoepidemiology Draelos, Z. D. (2005). The disease of cellulite. Journal of Cosmetic and Drug Safety 19(11): 1151–1158. https://doi.org/10.1002/pds. Dermatology 4(4): 221–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165. 2040. 2005.00194.x. Dall’Acqua, S., Tomè, F., Vitalini, S., Agradi, E., and Innocenti, G. Edziri, H. L., Smach, M. A., Ammar, S., Mahjoub, M. A., Mighri, Z., (2009). In vitro estrogenic activity of Asplenium trichomanes L. Aouni, M., and Mastouri, M. (2011). Antioxidant, antibacterial, and extracts and isolated compounds. Journal of Ethnopharmacology antiviral effects of Lactuca Sativa extracts. Industrial Crops and 122(3): 424–429. Products 34(1): 1182–1185. Dall’Acqua, S., Viola, G., Giorgetti, M., Loi, M. C., and Innocenti, G. Elio, C., Intilangelo, F., Cavezzi, A., Dimitrova, G., Paccasassi, S., & (2006). Two new Sesquiterpene lactones from the leaves of Laurus Sigismondi, G., 2014. Treatment of Edematofibrosclerotic nobilis. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 54(8): 1187–1189. Panniculitis (Cellulite) and of Localised Adiposity with Extracts of https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.54.1187. Birch, Melilotus, Orthosiphon, Bromelin and Red Vine de Boer, H. J., and Cotingting, C. (2014). Medicinal plants for Women’s Leukocyanidine: Results from a Single-Centre Observational healthcare in Southeast Asia: A meta-analysis of their traditional Prospective Study. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences use, chemical constituents, and pharmacology. Journal of and Applications. Ethnopharmacology 151: 747–767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. Farzaei, M. H., Abbasabadi, Z., Shams Ardekani, M. R., Rahimi, R., and 2013.11.030. Farzaei, F. (2013). Parsley: A review of Ethnopharmacology, De Costa, C. (2002). St Anthony’s fire and living ligatures: A short Phytochemistry and biological activities. Journal of Traditional history of Ergometrine. The Lancet 359(9319): 1768–1770. Chinese Medicine 33(6): 815–826. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254- de Falco, B., and Lanzotti, V. (2018). NMR spectroscopy and mass spec- 6272(14)60018-2. trometry in metabolomics analysis of Salvia. Phytochemistry Ferri, S. (1977). Piante medicinali e fitoterapia nel territorio di Cetona e Reviews 17(5): 951–972. https://doi.org/10.1007/s1110. Sarteano (Siena). Webbia 31: 105–113. De Feo, V., Ambrosio, C., and Senatore, F. (1992a). Traditional Foong, S. C., Tan, M. L., Marasco, L. A., Ho, J. J., and Foong, W. C. Phytotherapy in Caserta Province, Campania, southern Italy. (2015). Oral Galactagogues for increasing breast-Milk production in Fitoterapia 63: 337–349. mothers of non hospitalised term infants. The Cochrane Library 4. De Feo, V., Aquino, R., Menghini, A., Ramundo, E., and Senatore, F. Forgione, G., De Martino, L., and De Feo, V. (2008). Medicinal Plant in (1992b). Traditional Phytotherapy in the peninsula Sorrentina, Samnium Popular Medicine. Pharmacology Online 1: 90–98. Campania, southern Italy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 36(2): Forinash, A. B., Yancey, A. M., Barnes, K. N., and Myles, T. D. (2012). 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(92)90010-O. The use of Galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. The Annals De Feo, V., and Senatore, F. (1993). Medicinal plants and Phytotherapy in of Pharmacotherapy 46: 1392–1404. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph. the Amalfitan coast, Salerno Province, Campania, southern Italy. 1R167. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 39(1): 39–51. https://doi.org/10. Fortini, P., Di Marzio, P., Guarrera, P. M., and Iorizzi, M. (2016). 1016/0378-8741(93)90049-B. Ethnobotanical study on the medicinal plants in the Mainarde De Freitas, T. G., Augusto, P. M., and Montanari, T. (2005). Effect of Mountains (central-southern Apennine, Italy). Journal of Ruta Graveolens L. on pregnant mice. Contraception 71(1): 74–77. Ethnopharmacology 184: 208–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. De Jesus, R. A. P., Cechinel-Filho, V., Oliveira, A. E., and Schlemper, V. 2016.03.010. (2000). Analysis of the Antinociceptive properties of Marrubiin iso- Fossati, F., Bianchi, A., and Favali, M. A. (1999). Farmacopea popolare lated from Marrubium Vulgare. Phytomedicine 7(2): 111–115. del parmense: passato e presente. Informatore Botanico Italiano 31: De Natale, A., and Pollio, A. (2007). Plants species in the folk medicine 171–176. of Montecorvino Rovella (inland Campania, Italy). Journal of García-Herrera, P., Morales, P., Fernández-Ruiz, V., Sánchez-Mata, M. Ethnopharmacology 109(2): 295–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. C., Cámara, M., Carvalho, A. M., et al (2014). Nutrients, phyto- jep.2006.07.038. chemicals and antioxidant activity in wild populations of Allium de Santos Galíndez, J., Díaz Lanza, A., and Fernandez Matellano, L. Ampeloprasum L., a valuable underutilized vegetable. Food (2002). Biologically active substances from the genus Research International 62: 272–279. Scrophularia. Pharmaceutical Biology 40(1): 45–59. Garg, V. K., and Paliwal, S. K. (2011). Anti-inflammatory activity of de Wet, H., and Ngubane, S. C. (2014). Traditional herbal remedies used aqueous extract of Cynodon Dactylon. International Journal of by women in a rural Community in Northern Maputaland (South Pharmacology 7(3): 370–375. Africa) for the treatment of Gynaecology and obstetric complaints. Gasparetto, J. C., Martins, C. A. F., Hayashi, S. S., Otuky, M. F., and South African Journal of Botany 94: 129–139. https://doi.org/10. Pontarolo, R. (2012). Ethnobotanical and scientific aspects of Malva 1016/j.sajb.2014.06.009. sylvestris L.: A millennial herbal medicine. Journal of Pharmacy and Dehdari, S., and Hajimehdipoor, H. (2018). Medicinal properties of Pharmacology 4(2): 172–189. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158. Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. In traditional medicine and modern 2011.01383.x. Phytotherapy: A review article. Iranian Journal of Public Health Gepdiremen, A., Mshvildadze, V., Süleyman, H., and Elias, R. (2005). 47(2): 188. Acute anti-inflammatory activity of four Saponins isolated from ivy: Dei Cas, L., Pugni, F., and Fico, G. (2015). Tradition of use on medicinal Alpha-hederin, Hederasaponin-C, Hederacolchiside-E and species in Valfurva (Sondrio, Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology Hederacolchiside-F in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. 163: 113–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.054. Phytomedicine 12(6–7): 440–444. Di Novella, R., Di Novella, N., De Martino, L., Mancini, E., and De Feo, Ghorbani, A., and Esmaeilizadeh, M. (2017). Pharmacological properties V. (2013). Traditional plant use in the National Park of Cilento and of Salvia officinalis and its components. Journal of Traditional and Vallo di Diano, Campania, southern Italy. Journal of Complementary Medicine 7(4): 433–440. 968 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972

Ghorbani, A., Naghibi, F., and Mosaddegh, M. (2006). Ethnobotany, Harlow, S. D., Campbell, O. M., 2004. Epidemiology of menstrual dis- Ethnopharmacology and drug discovery. Iranian Journal of orders in developing countries: A systematic review. BJOG: An Pharmaceutical Sciences 2(2): 109–118. International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology: REVIEW, Gilca, M., Gaman, L., Panait, E., Stoian, I., and Atanasiu, V. (2010). 111(1), 6–16. Chelidonium Majus–an integrative review: Traditional knowledge Hasanudin, K., Hashim, P., and Mustafa, S. (2012). Corn silk (stigma versus modern findings. Complementary Medicine Research 17(5): maydis) in healthcare: A phytochemical and pharmacological re- 241–248. view. Molecules 17(8): 9697–9715. Glasl, S., Mucaji, P., Werner, I., Presser, A., and Jurenitsch, J. (2002). Heinrich, M., Ankli, A., Frei, B., Weimann, C., and Sticher, O. (1998). Sesquiterpenes and flavonoid Aglycones from a Hungarian taxon of Medicinal plants in Mexico: Healers’ consensus and cultural impor- the Achillea Millefolium group. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung 57c: tance. Social Science & Medicine 47(11): 1859–1871. 976–982. https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2002-11-1203. Hexsel, D., Orlandi, C., and Zechmeister Do Prado, D. (2005). Botanical González, J. A., García-Barriuso, M., and Amich, F. (2010). extracts used in the treatment of cellulite. Dermatologic Surgery 31: Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants traditionally used in the 866–873. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31733. Arribes del Duero, Western Spain. Journal of Ethnopharmacology Hexsel, D., Soirefmann, M., 2011. Cosmeceuticals for cellulite. In: 131(2): 343–355. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. WB Saunders p. González-Andrés, F., Redondo, P. A., Pescador, R., and Urbano, B. 167–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sder.2011.06.005 (2004). Management of Galega Officinalis L. and preliminary re- Howard, P., 2005. The Major Importance of ‘Minor’ Resources: Women sults on its potential for Milk production improvement in sheep. and Plant Biodiversity. Gatekeeper series no.112. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 47(2): 233–245. Huang, Y.S., and Ho, S. C. (2010). Polymethoxy flavones are responsible https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2004.9513591. for the anti-inflammatory activity of Citrus fruit Peel. Food Grauso, L., Emrick, S., Bonanomi, G., and Lanzotti, V. (2019a). Chemistry 119(3): 868–873. Metabolomics of the Alimurgic plants Taraxacum Officinale, Iacovides, S., Avidon, I., and Baker, F. C. (2015). What we know about Papaver Rhoeas and Urtica Dioica by combined NMR and GC– primary dysmenorrhea today: A critical review. Human MS analysis. Phytochemical Analysis 30(5): 535–546. https://doi. Reproduction Update 21(6): 762–778. https://doi.org/10.1093/ org/10.1002/pca.2845. humupd/dmv039. Grauso, L., Zotti, M., Sun, W., de Falco, B., Lanzotti, V., and Bonanomi, Ibraheim, Z. Z., Ahmed, A. S., and Gouda, Y. G. (2011). Phytochemical G. (2019b). Spectroscopic and multivariate data-based method to and biological studies of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. Saudi Pharm. assess the Metabolomic fingerprint of Mediterranean plants. J19:65–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2011.01.007. Phytochemical Analysis 30(5): 572–581. https://doi.org/10.1002/ Idolo, M., Motti, R., and Mazzoleni, S. (2010). Ethnobotanical and pca.2862. Phytomedicinal knowledge in a long-history protected area, the Guarino, C., De Simone, L., and Santoro, S. (2008). Ethnobotanical study Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (Italian Apennines). of the Sannio area, Campania. Southern Italy Ethnobotany Research Journal of Ethnopharmacology 127(2): 379–395. https://doi.org/ & Applications 6: 255–317 http://hdl.handle.net/10125/12485. 10.1016/j.jep.2009.10.027. Guarrera, P. M., Lucchese, F., and Medori, S. (2008). Jafari-Sales, A., Jafari, B., Sayyahi, J., and Zohoori-Bonab, T. (2015). Ethnophytotherapeutical research in the high Molise region (cen- Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Ethanolic extract of Malva tral-southern Italy). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine Neglecta and Althaea Officinalis l. on antibiotic-resistant strains of 4(1): 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-4-7. staphylococcus aureus. J Biol Today World 4(2): 58–62. Guarrera, P. M., Forti, G., and Marignoli, S. (2005a). Ethnobotanical and Jahanian, M., Rakhshandeh, H., and Teimuri, M. (1999). The effect of Ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the district of Acquapendente chamomile extract on dysmenorrhea. Med. J. Mashad Uni. Med. Sci (Latium, Central Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 96(3): 42: 33–40. 429–444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.09.014. Jan, N., and John, R. (2017). Calendula officinalis-an important medici- Guarrera, P. M., Savo, V., and Caneva, G. (2015). Traditional uses of nal plant with potential biological properties. Proceedings of the plants in the Tolfa–Cerite–Manziate area (Central Italy). Indian National Science Academy 83(4): 769–787. Ethnobiology Letters 6(1): 119–161 https://www.jstor.org/stable/ Jeelani, S., and Khuroo, M. A. (2012). Triterpenoids from Arctium lappa. 26423613. Natural Product Research 26(7): 654–658. Guarrera, P. M., Forti, G., and Marignoli, S. (2005b). Ethnobotanical and Jena, J., and Gupta, A. K. (2012). Ricinus Communis Linn: A Ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the district of Acquapendente Phytopharmacological review. International Journal of Pharmacy (Latium, Central Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 96(3): and Pharmaceutical Sciences 4(4): 25–29. 429–444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.09.014. Jenabi, E., and Ebrahimzadeh, S. (2009). The effect of Matricaria Gülçin, I., Küfrevioǧlu, Ö. I., Oktay, M., and Büyükokuroǧlu, M. E. Chamomilla tea on primary dysmenorrheal. J Med Plants 8: 39–42. (2004). Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic activities Johnson, P. J., Kozhimannil, K. B., Jou, J., Ghildayal, N., and Rockwood, of nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 90(2–3): T. H. (2016). Complementary and alternative medicine use among 205–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.028. women of reproductive age in the United States. Womens Health Güven, K., Yücel, E., and Cetintaş, F. (2006). Antimicrobial activities of Issues: official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health fruits of Crataegus and Pyrus. Species. Pharmaceutical Biology 26(1): 40–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2015.08.009. 44(2): 79–83. Ju, H., Jones, M., and Mishra, G. (2014). The prevalence and risk factors Haider, S., Nazreen, S., Alam, M. M., Gupta, A., Hamida, H., and Alam, of dysmenorrhea. Epidemiologic Reviews 36: 104–113. https://doi. M. S. (2011). Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of org/10.1093/epirev/mxt009. Ethanolic extract and its various fractions from Adiantum capillus Kaleeswaran, B., Ilavenil, S., and Ravikumar, S. (2010). Screening of veneris Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 138(3): 741–747. phytochemical properties and antibacterial activity of Cynodon https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.012. dactylon L. International Journal of Current Research 3: 83–88. Hall, H. G., Griffiths, D. L., and McKenna, L. G. (2011). The use of Kastner, U., Sosa, S., Tubaro, A., Breuer, J., Rücker, G., Della, L. R., and complementary and alternative medicine by pregnant women: A Jurenitsch, J. (1993). Anti-edematous activity of Sesquiterpene lac- literature review. Midwifery 27: 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. tones from different taxa of the Achillea millefolium group. Planta midw.2010.08.007. Medica 59(S1): A669–A669. Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 969

Kekesi,G.,Dobos,I.,Benedek,G.,andHorvath,G.(2003). limitations. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 98: Antinociceptive activity of Sempervivum tectorum L. extract in rats. 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2014.04.023. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Loi, M. C., Frailis, L., and Maxia, A. (2002). Le piante utilizzate nella Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product medicina popolare nel territorio di Gesturi (Sardegna centro- Derivatives 17(9): 1032–1036. meridionale). Atti Soc Tosc Sci Nat Mem Serie B 109: 167–176. Khalil, R., and Li, Z. G. (2011). Antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Loi, M. C., Maxia, L., and Maxia, A. (2005). Ethnobotanical comparison Salvia officinalis L. collected in Syria. African Journal of between the villages of Escolca and Lotzorai (Sardinia, Italy). Biotechnology 10(42): 8397–8402. Journal of Herbs Spices & Medicinal Plants 11(3): 67–84. https:// Khare, C.P., 2008. Indian medicinal plants: An illustrated dictionary. doi.org/10.1300/J044v11n03_07. Springer Science & Business Media. Loi, M. C., Poli, F., Sacchetti, G., Selenu, M. B., and Ballero, M. (2004). Kołodziej, B., Kowalski, R., and Kędzia, B. (2011). Antibacterial and Ethnopharmacology of Ogliastra (Villagrande Strisaili, Sardinia, Antimutagenic activity of extracts aboveground parts of three Italy). Fitoterapia 75(3–4): 277–295. Solidago species: Solidago virgaurea L., Solidago canadensis L. Maccioni, S., Monti, G., Flamini, G., Cioni, P. L., Morelli, I., and Guazzi, and Solidago gigantea Ait. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research E. (2004). Ricerche etnobotaniche in Liguria. La Val Lerrone e la – 5(31): 6770 6779. bassa Valle Arroscia. Atti Soc Tosc Sci Nat Mem Serie B 11: 129– ł ł Krauze-Baranowska, M., Majdan, M., Ha asa, R., G ód, D., Kula, M., 134. ł Fecka, I., and Orze , A. (2014). The antimicrobial activity of fruits Maior, M. C., and Dobrotă, C. (2013). Natural compounds with important from some cultivar varieties of Rubus Idaeus and Rubus medical potential found in Helleborus sp. Central European Journal – occidentalis. Food & Function 5(10): 2536 2541. of Biology 3: 272–285. Kweon, M. H., Kwak, J. H., Ra, K. S., Sung, H. C., and Yang, H. C. Mandalari, G., Bennett, R. N., Bisignano, G., Trombetta, D., Saija, A., (1996). Structural characterization of a flavonoid compound scav- Faulds, C. B., et al (2007). Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids enging superoxide anion radical isolated from Capsella Bursa extracted from bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) Peel, a byproduct – Pastoris. Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 29: 423 of the essential oil industry. Journal of Applied Microbiology 428. 103(6): 2056–2064. Lanzotti, V. (2005). Bioactive saponins from Allium and Aster plants. Martelli, I., Braca, A., and Camangi, F. (2015-2016). Tradizioni Phytochemistry Reviews 4(2–3): 95–110. etnofarmacobotaniche nel territorio del Gabbro (Livorno-Toscana). Lapi, F., Vannacci, A., Moschini, M., Cipollini, F., et al (2008). Use, Quad. Mus. St. Nat. Livorno 26: 15–38. attitudes and knowledge of complementary and alternative drugs Masullo, M., Montoro, P., Mari, A., Pizza, C., and Piacente, S. (2015). (CADs) among pregnant women: A preliminary survey in Medicinal plants in the treatment of Women’s disorders: Analytical Tuscany. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative strategies to assure quality, safety and efficacy. Journal of Medicine 7(4): 477–486. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nen031. Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 113: 189–211. https:// Leporatti, M. L., and Corradi, L. (2001). Ethnopharmacobotanical re- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2015.03.020. marks on the province of Chieti town (Abruzzo, Central Italy). Maxia, A., Lancioni, M. C., Balia, A. N., Alberghetti, R., Pieroni, A., and Journal of Ethnopharmacology 74(1): 17–40. https://doi.org/10. Loi, M. C. (2008). Medical ethnobotany of the Tabarkins, a northern 1016/S0378-8741(00)00325-1. Italian (Ligurian) minority in South-Western Sardinia. Genetic Leporatti, M. L., and Pavesi, A. (1990). New or uncommon uses of Resources and Crop Evolution 55: 911–924. https://doi.org/10. several medicinal plants in some areas of Central Italy. Journal of 1007/s10722-007-9296-4. Ethnopharmacology 29(2): 213–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378- 8741(90)90058-2. Menale, B., Amato, G., Di Prisco, C., and Muoio, R. (2006). Traditional Leporatti, M. L., Pavesi, A., and Posocco, E. (1985). Phytotherapy in the uses of plants in North-Western Molise (Central Italy). Delpinoa 48: – Valnerina Marche (Central Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 29 36. 14(1): 53–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(85)90028-5. Menale, B., De Castro, O., Cascone, C., and Muoio, R. (2016). Leto, C., Tuttolomondo, T., La Bella, S., and Licata, M. (2013). Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants in the Vesuvio Ethnobotanical study in the Madonie Regional Park (Central National Park (Campania, southern Italy). Journal of – Sicily, Italy) - medicinal use of wild shrub and herbaceous plant Ethnopharmacology 192: 320 349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. species. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 146(1): 90–112. https:// 2016.07.049. doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.042. Menale, B., and Muoio, R. (2014). Use of medicinal plants in the south- Lin, C. C., Lin, J. M., Yang, J. J., Chuang, S. C., and Ujiie, T. (1996). eastern area of the Partenio Regional Park (Campania, southern – Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 153: 297 307. https://doi. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 24(02): 127–137. org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.039. Ozturk, S., and Ercisli, S. (2007). Antibacterial activity of aqueous and Mikaili, P., Mojaverrostami, S., Moloudizargari, M., and Aghajanshakeri, methanol extracts of Althaea officinalis. And Althaea cannabina. S. (2013). Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha From Turkey. Pharmaceutical Biology 45(3): 235–240. Longifolia L. and its Main constituent, menthol. Ancient Science Lin, J. Y., Li, C. Y., and Hwang, I. F. (2008). Characterisation of the of Life 33(2): 131. pigment components in red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var.) juice Millezi, A. F., Caixeta, D. S., Rossoni, D. F., Cardoso, M. D. G., and and their anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated murine Piccoli, R. H. (2012). In vitro antimicrobial properties of plant es- Splenocytes. Food Chemistry 109(4): 771–781. https://doi.org/10. sential oils thymus vulgaris, Cymbopogon Citratus and Laurus 1016/j.foodchem.2008.01.039. Nobilis against five important foodborne pathogens. Food Science Lodhi, S., Vadnere, G. P., Sharma, V. K., and Usman, M. R. (2017). and Technology 32(1): 167–172. Marrubium vulgare L.: A review on phytochemical and pharmaco- Mirabi, P., Alamolhoda, S. H., Esmaeilzadeh, S., and Mojab, F. (2014). logical aspects. J Intercult. Ethnopharmacol 6(4): 429–452. https:// Effect of medicinal herbs on primary Dysmenorrhoea-a systematic doi.org/10.5455/jice.20170713060840. review. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research: IJPR 13(3): 757. Loescher, C. M., Morton, D. W., Razic, S., and Agatonovic-Kustrin, S. Miraldi, E., Ferri, S., and Mostaghimi, V. (2001). Botanical drugs and (2014). High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and preparations in the traditional medicine of West Azerbaijan (Iran). high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the qualitative Journal of Ethnopharmacology 75(2–3): 77–87. https://doi.org/10. and quantitative analysis of Calendula officinalis. Advantages and 1016/S0378-8741(00)00381-0. 970 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972

Mizgier, P., Kucharska, A. Z., Sokół-Łętowska, A., Kolniak-Ostek, J., Petroselinum crispum extract. Acta Pharmaceutica Hungarica 82(1): Kidoń, M., and Fecka, I. (2016). Characterization of phenolic com- 3–14. pounds and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of red cab- Pareek, A., Suthar, M., Rathore, G. S., and Bansal, V. (2011). Feverfew bage and purple carrot extracts. Journal of Functional Foods 21: (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review. Pharmacognosy 133–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.12.004. Reviews 5(9): 103. Modaress, M., Mirmohhamad, M., Oshireh, Z., and Mehran, A. (2011). Passalacqua, N. G., De Fine, G., and Guarrera, P. M. (2007). Contribution Comparison of the effect of Mefenamic acid and Matricaria to the knowledge of the veterinary science and of the ethnobotany in Chamomilla capsules on primary dysmenorrhea. J Babol Uni Med Calabria region (southern Italy). Journal of Ethnobiology and Sci 13: 50–58. Ethnomedicine 2: 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-2-52. Montesano, V., Negro, D., Sarli, G., De Lisi, A., Laghett, I. G., and Patrakar, R., Mansuriya, M., and Patil, P. (2012). Phytochemical and Hammer, K. (2012). Notes about the uses of plants by one of the pharmacological review on Laurus nobilis. International Journal of last healers in the Basilicata region (South Italy). Journal of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences 1(2): 595–602. https://doi. Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 8: 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/ org/10.1248/cpb.54.1187. 1746-4269-8-15. Penagos Tabares, F., Bedoya Jaramillo, J. V., and Ruiz-Cortés, Z. T. Morteza-Semnani, K., Saeedi, M., and Babanezhad, E. (2008). The es- (2014). Pharmacological overview of Galactogogues, Veterinary sential composition of Marrubium vulgare L. from Iran. Journal of Medicine International. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/602894. Essential Oil Research 20(6): 488–490. https://doi.org/10.1080/ Petrovic, J., Stanojkovic, A., Comic, L. J., and Curcic, S. (2004). 10412905.2008.9700065. Antibacterial activity of Cichorium Intybus. Fitoterapia 75(7–8): Motti, R., Antignani, V.,and Idolo, M. (2009). Traditional plant use in the 737–739. Phlegraean fields Regional Park (Campania, southern Italy). Human Pieroni, A., and Quave, C. L. (2005). Traditional pharmacopoeias and Ecology 37: 775–782. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-009-9254-1. medicines among Albanians and Italians in southern Italy: A com- Motti, R., Ippolito, F., and Bonanomi, G. (2018). Folk Phytotherapy used parison. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 101(1–3): 258–270. in Paediatric health Care in Central and Southern Italy Regions: A Pieroni, A., Quave, C. L., and Santoro, R. F. (2004b). Folk pharmaceuti- review. Human Ecology 46: 573–585. https://doi.org/10.1007/ cal knowledge in the territory of the Dolomiti Lucane, inland south- s10745-018-0005-z. ern Italy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 95: 373–384. https://doi. Motti, R., and Motti, P. (2017). An ethnobotanical survey of useful plants org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.08.012. in the agro Nocerino Sarnese (Campania, southern Italy). Human Pieroni, A., Quave, C. L., Villanelli, M. L., Mangino, P., et al (2004a). Ecology 45: 865–878. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-017-9946-x. Ethnopharmacognostic survey on the natural ingredients used in Muley, B. P., Khadabadi, S. S., and Banarase, N. B. (2009). folk cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and remedies for healing skin dis- Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of eases in the inland marches, central-eastern Italy. Journal of Calendula officinalis Linn (Asteraceae): A review. Tropical Ethnopharmacology 91(2–3): 331–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 8(5): 455–465. https://doi.org/ jep.2004.01.015. 10.4314/tjpr.v8i5.48090. Prudente, A.S., Loddi, A.M., Duarte, M.R., Santos, A.R., … .Cabrini, Mulholland, D. A., Schwikkard, S. L., and Crouch, N. R. (2013). The D.A.., 2013. Pre-clinical anti-inflammatory aspects of a cuisine and chemistry and biological activity of the Hyacinthaceae. Natural medicinal millennial herb: Malva Sylvestris L. Food and Chemical Product Reports 30(9): 1165–1210. Toxicology 58, 324–331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.04.042 Murphy, P. A., Kronenberg, F., and Wade, C. (1999). Complementary and Radulović, N., Stojanović, G., and Palić, R. (2006). Composition and alternative medicine in Women’s health: Developing a research antimicrobial activity of Equisetum arvense L. essential oil. agenda. Journal of Nurse-Midwifery 44: 192–204. https://doi.org/ Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to 10.1016/S0091-2182(99)00035-X. Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., and Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus Derivatives 20(1): 85–88. Bergamia essential oil: From basic research to clinical application. Raikhlin-Eisenkraft, B., and Bentur, Y. (2000). Ecbalium elaterium Frontiers in Pharmacology 6: 36. (squirting cucumber)—Remedy or poison?.Journal of. Toxicology: Nawwar, M. A. M., El-Mousalamy, A. M. D., Barakat, H. H., Buddrus, J., Clinical Toxicology 38(3): 305–308. and Linscheid, M. (1989). Flavonoid lactates from leaves of Ranfa, A., Maurizi, A., Romano, B., and Bodesmo, M. (2013). The im- Marrubium Vulgare. Phytochemistry 28: 3201–3206. https://doi. portance of traditional uses and nutraceutical aspects of some edible org/10.1016/0031-9422(89)80307-3. wild plants in human nutrition: The case of Umbria (Central Italy). Naz, R., and Bano, A. (2012). Antimicrobial potential of Ricinus Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Communis leaf extracts in different solvents against pathogenic bac- Aspects of Plant Biology: Official Journal of the Societa Botanica terial and fungal strains. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Italiana 148: 297–306. Biomedicine 2(12): 944–947. Rasekh, H. R., Nazari, P., Kamli-Nejad, M., and Hosseinzadeh, L. (2008). Nemeth, E., and Bernath, J. (2008). Biological activities of yarrow spe- Acute and subchronic oral toxicity of Galega Officinalis in rats. cies (Achillea spp.). Current Pharmaceutical Design 14(29): 3151– Journal of Ethnopharmacology 116(1): 21–26. 3167. Rastogi, S., Pandey, M. M., and Rawat, A. K. S. (2015). Medicinal plants Nordeng, H., and Havnen, G. C. (2004). Use of herbal drugs in pregnan- of the genus Betula—Traditional uses and a phytochemical– cy: A survey among 400 Norwegian women. pharmacological review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 159: 62– Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 13: 371–380. https://doi. 83. org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.09.002. Rastogi, S., Pandey, M. M., and Rawat, A. K. S. (2018). Pagni, A. M., and Corsi, G. (1979). Studi sulla Flora e vegetazione del Ethnopharmacological uses, Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Monte Pisano (Toscana Nord-Occidentale). 2. Le piante della genus Adiantum: A comprehensive review. Journal of medicina popolare nel versante lucchese. Webbia 33: 471–509. Ethnopharmacology 215: 101–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. Panth, N., Paudel, K. R., and Karki, R. (2016). Phytochemical profile and 2017.12.034. biological activity of Juglans Regia. Journal of Integrative Medicine Rather, M. A., Dar, B. A., Sofi, S. N., Bhat, B. A., and Qurishi, M. A. 14(5): 359–373. (2016). Foeniculum Vulgare: A comprehensive review of its tradi- Pápay, Z. E., Kósa, A., Boldizsár, I., Ruszkai, A., Balogh, E., Klebovich, tional use, Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety. Arabian I., and Antal, I. (2012). Pharmaceutical and formulation aspects of Journal of Chemistry 9: S1574–S1583. Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972 971

Rauha, J. P., Remes, S., Heinonen, M., Hopia, A., Kähkönen, M., Kujala, Speroni, E., Cervellati, R., Costa, S., Dall'Acqua, S., Guerra, M. C., T., et al (2000). Antimicrobial effects of Finnish plant extracts con- Panizzolo, C., et al (2007). Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory activ- taining flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. International ity of cyclamen Repandum S. et S. Phytotherapy Research: An Journal of Food Microbiology 56(1): 3–12. International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Ravikumar, C. (2015). Therapeutic potential of Brassica oleracea (broc- Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives 21(7): coli)–a review. Int J Drug Dev & Res 7(2): 009–010. 684–689. Razavi, S. M., Zarrini, G., Molavi, G., and Ghasemi, G. (2011). Srithi, K., Trisonthi, C., Wangpakapattanawong, P., and Balslev, H. Bioactivity of Malva sylvestris L., a medicinal plant from Iran. (2012). Medicinal plants used in Hmong Women’s healthcare in Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences 14(6): 574. northern Thailand. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 139: 119–135. Rokayya, S., Li, C. J., Zhao, Y., Li, Y., and Sun, C. H. (2013). Cabbage https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.028. (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) phytochemicals with antioxidant Starks, C. M., Williams, R. B., Goering, M. G., O’Neil-Johnson, M., and anti-inflammatory potential. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Norman, V. L., Hu, J. F., .. Eldridge, G.R., 2010. Antibacterial Prevention 14(11): 6657–6662. https://doi.org/10.7314/APJCP. Clerodane Diterpenes from goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). 2013.14.11.6657. Phytochemistry, 71(1), 104–109. Sacco, T., Frattini, C., and Bicchi, C. (1983). Constituents of essential oil Steenkamp, V. (2003). Traditional herbal remedies used by south African of Artemisia Arborescens. Planta Medica 47(01): 49–51. women for Gynaecological complaints. Journal of – Saeidnia, S., Gohari, A. R., Mokhber-Dezfuli, N., and Kiuchi, F. (2011). Ethnopharmacology 86: 97 108. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378- A review on Phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus 8741(03)00053-9. Achillea. Daru: Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University Street,R.A.,Sidana,J.,Prinsloo,G.,2013.Cichorium intybus: of Medical Sciences 19(3): 173. Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. Salhab, A. S. (2013). Human exposure to Ecballium Elaterium fruit juice: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Š č Fatal toxicity and possible remedy. Pharmacology & Pharmacy vehlíková, V., and Rep ák, M. (2006). Apigenin Chemotypes of 4(05): 447. Matricaria chamomilla L. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology – Savo, V., Caneva, G., Guarrera, P. M., and Reedy, D. (2011). Folk 34: 654 657. ć ć ć đ ć ć Phytotherapy of the Amalfi coast (Campania, southern Italy). Tadi ,V.M.,Dobri , S., Markovi , G. M., Ðor evi ,S.M.,Arsi ,I.A., ć ć Journal of Ethnopharmacology 135: 376–392. https://doi.org/10. Menkovi ,N.R.,andStevi, T. (2008). Anti-inflammatory, 1016/j.jep.2011.03.027. Gastroprotective, free-radical-scavenging, and antimicrobial activi- ties of hawthorn berries ethanol extract. Journal of Agricultural and Savo, V.,Salomone, F., Bartoli, F., and Caneva, G. (2019). When the local Food Chemistry 56(17): 7700–7709. cuisine still incorporates wild food plants: The unknown traditions Tuttolomondo, T., Licata, M., Leto, C., Bonsangue, G., Gargano, M. L., of the Monti Picentini Regional Park (southern Italy). Economic Venturella, G., and La Bella, S. (2014b). Popular uses of wild plant Botany: 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-018-9432-4. species for medicinal purposes in the Nebrodi Regional Park (North- Scherrer, A. M., Motti, R., and Weckerle, C. S. (2005). Traditional plant Eastern Sicily). Italy J Ethnopharmacol 157: 21–37. https://doi.org/ use in the areas of Monte Vesole and Ascea, Cilento National Park 10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.039. (Campania, southern Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 97: 129– Tuttolomondo, T., Licata, M., Leto, C., Gargano, M. L., Venturella, G., 143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.11.002. and La Bella, S. (2014a). Plant genetic resources and traditional Schlemper, V., Ribas, A., Nicolau, M., and Cechinel Filho, V. (1996). knowledge on medicinal use of wild shrub and herbaceous plant Antispasmodic effects of hydro alcoholic extract of Marrubium species in the Etna Regional Park (eastern Sicily, Italy). Journal of Vulgare on isolated tissues. Phytomedicine 3: 211–216. https://doi. Ethnopharmacology 155: 1362–1381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. org/10.1016/S0944-7113(96)80038-9. 2014.07.043. Scortegagna, S., 2016. Flora popolare veneta. Nomi e usi tradizionali Tuttolomondo, T., Licata, M., Leto, C., Savo, V., et al (2014c). – delle piante nel Veneto. WBA Monographs 3, Verona: 1 704. Ethnobotanical investigation on wild medicinal plants in the Monti Sharma, M., and Kumar, A. (2013). Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal Sicani Regional Park (Sicily, Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology – plants: A review. Int J Life Sci Pharm Res 3(2): 52 57. 153: 568–586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.032. Shibata, T., Nakashima, F., Honda, K., Lu, Y. J., et al (2014). Toll-like Uncini Manganelli, R. E., Camangi, F., Tomei, P. E., and Oggiano, N. receptors as a target of food-derived anti-inflammatory compounds. (2002). L’uso delle erbe nella tradizione rurale della Toscana, Voll. I- – Journal of Biological Chemistry 289(47): 32757 32772. https://doi. II. ARSIA - Regione Toscana, Firenze. org/10.1074/jbc.M114.585901. Uncini Manganelli, R. E., and Tomei, P. E. (1999). Shokrzadeh, M., and Saravi, S. S. (2010). The chemistry, pharmacology Ethnopharmacobotanical studies of the Tuscan archipelago. and clinical properties of Sambucus ebulus: A review. J med plants Journal of Ethnopharmacology 65(3): 181–202. https://doi.org/10. res 4(2): 95–103. 1016/S0378-8741(98)00177-9. Singh, R., Verma, P. K., and Singh, G. (2012). Total phenolic, flavonoids van Andel, T., de Boer, H. J., Barnes, J., and Vandebroek, I. (2014). and tannin contents in different extracts of Artemisia absinthium. Medicinal plants used for menstrual disorders in Latin America, Journal of Complementary Medicine Research 1(2): 101–104. the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, south and Southeast Asia and Sjölin, S., Hofvander, Y.,and Hillervik, C. (1977). Factors related to early their uterine properties: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology termination of breast feeding. A retrospective study in Sweden. Acta 155(2): 992–1000. Paediatrica Scandinavica 66(4): 505–511. https://doi.org/10.1111/j. Vetter, J. (2004). Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.). Food and 1651-2227.1977.tb07935.x. Chemical Toxicology 42(9): 1373–1382. Soejarto, D.D., Gyllenhaal, C., Riley, M.C., Zhang, H., 2009, Vitalini, S., Iriti, M., Puricelli, C., Ciuchi, D., Segale, A., and Fico, G. Ethnobotany of natural products. In: Pezzuto, J., Kato, M.J. (Eds.), (2013). Traditional knowledge on medicinal and food plants used in Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), Developed under Val san Giacomo (Sondrio, Italy) - an Alpine ethnobotanical study. the Auspices of the UNESCO. Eolss Publishers, Oxford, UK Journal of Ethnopharmacology 145: 517–529. https://doi.org/10. [〈http://www.eolss.net〉]. 1016/j.jep.2012.11.024. Song, N., Xu, W., Guan, H., Liu, X., Wang, Y., and Nie, X. (2007). Vitalini, S., Puricelli, C., Mikerezi, I., and Iriti, M. (2015). Plants, people Several flavonoids from Capsella Bursa-Pastoris (L.) medic. Asian and traditions: Ethnobotanical survey in the Lombard Stelvio Journal of Traditional Medicines 2(5): 218–222. National Park and neighbouring areas (Central Alps, Italy). Journal 972 Hum Ecol (2019) 47:941–972

of Ethnopharmacology 173: 435–458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. Yoshikawa, M., Uemura, T., Shimoda, H., Kishi, A., Kawahara, Y., and 2015.05.036. Matsuda, H. (2000). Medicinal foodstuffs. XVIII. Phytoestrogens Wilinska, M., and Schleußner, E. (2015). Galactogogues and from the aerial part of Petroselinum Crispum MIll. (parsley) and breastfeeding. Focus on new natural solutions for Hypogalactia. structures of 6’-Acetylapiin and a new monoterpene glycoside, Nutrafoods 14: 119–125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13749-015- Petroside. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 48(7): 1039–1044. 0034-9. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.48.1039. Wilson, C. R., Sauer, J. M., and Hooser, S. B. (2001). Taxines: A review Yuan, Q., Zhang, X., Liu, Z., Song, S., Xue, P., Wang, J., and Ruan, J. of the mechanism and toxicity of yew (Taxus spp.) alkaloids. (2013). Ethanol extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. suppresses Toxicon 39(2–3): 175–185. the production of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting NF-κBac- Yabesh, J. M., Prabhu, S., and Vijayakumar, S. (2014). An ethnobotanical tivation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 147: 603–611. https://doi. study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Silent Valley org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.046. of Kerala, India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 154(3): 774–789. Zanoli, P., and Zavatti, M. (2008). Pharmacognostic and pharmacological Yaeesh, S., Jamal, Q., Khan, A. U., and Gilani, A. H. (2006). Studies on profile of Humulus lupulus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology Hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities 116(3): 383–396. of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea Millefolium. Živković, S., Skorić,M.,Šiler, B., Dmitrović,S.,Filipović, B., Nikolić, – Phytotherapy Research 20: 546 551. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr. T., and Mišić, D. (2017). Phytochemical characterization and anti- 1897. oxidant potential of rustyback fern (Asplenium ceterach L.). Yazbek, P. B., Tezoto, J., Cassas, F., and Rodrigues, E. (2016). Plants used Lekovite sirovine 37: 15–20. during maternity, menstrual cycle and other Women’s health condi- tions among Brazilian cultures. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 179: ’ 310–331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.054. Publisher sNoteSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to Yilmaz, B., Yilmaz, B., Aktaş, B., Unlu, O., and Roach, E. C. (2015). jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Lesser Celandine (pilewort) induced acute toxic liver injury: The first case report worldwide. World Journal of Hepatology 7(2): 285.