an ethnobotanical study on the usage of wild medicinal herbs from kopaonik mountain (central serbia)
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Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175
An ethnobotanical study on the usage of wild medicinalherbs from Kopaonik Mountain (Central Serbia)
Snezana Jaric a, Zorica Popovic a,, Marina Macukanovic-Jocic b, Lola Djurdjevic a,Miroslava Mijatovic a, Branko Karadzic a,c, Miroslava Mitrovic a, Pavle Pavlovic a
a Department of Ecology, The Sinisa Stankovic Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade,
Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegrob Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
c The Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry for Science and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia,
Ruze Jovanovic 27a, 11160 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
Received 17 July 2006; received in revised form 2 November 2006; accepted 7 November 2006
Available online 12 November 2006
Abstract
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the territory of the highest mountain in Central Serbia, Kopaonik, which is characterized by
great plant diversity. In total, 83 wild species from 41 families and 96 preparations for use in human therapy were recorded. Among those
wild plants which are most commonly used for medicinal purposes, Hypericum perforatumL., Urtica dioicaL., Achillea millefoliumL., Matri-
caria chamomilla L., Sambucus nigra L., and Thymus serpyllum L. were particularly highly recommended by the majority of informants as
being beneficial for all ailments. The most frequently reported medicinal uses were for treating gastrointestinal ailments (50%), skin injuries
and problems (25.6%), followed by respiratory, urinary-genital and cardiovascular problems (20.5%, 20.5%, 19.2%, respectively). Plants with
unusual phytotherapeutic uses are Galium verumL. (sedative properties) and Eupatorium cannabinum L. (influenza-like illnesses), while plants
with interesting but lesser-known properties include Daphne laureola L. (rheumatism and skin ailments) and Ficaria verna Huds. (tubers
for treating haemorrhoids). In addition, 10 wild species used in veterinary medicine, as well as 25 herbs used for human nourishment were
noted. 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Biodiversity; Wild medicinal herbs; Kopaonik; Ethnomedicine; Phytotherapy
1. Introduction
At the present time, when there is a tendency to respect
nature and natural processes more and more, the value of local
knowledge on the stability of ecosystem dynamics in sensu lato
deserves the most scientific attention (Cunningham, 2001).To
this end, an ethnobiological survey is of great interest as it can
mean new insights into ecological processes, or provide new
directions for conservation monitoring with significant benefits
for resource management. Since ancient times, ecological rela-
tions between co-existing organisms have provided the most
obvious demonstration of natures principles for people liv-
Corresponding author. Tel.: +381 11 2078 360; fax: +381 11 2761 433.
E-mail address:[email protected](Z. Popovic).
ing in the wild. In addition to their essential function as the
most available food source, plants, which have been waging a
co-evolutionary war against herbivores for 300 million years
by means of various secondary metabolites, were certainly the
main source of medicinal treatment. These powerful sources of
metabolites with their biological activities, alongside the differ-
ent practices in terms of preparing and applying herbal remedies
that have been developed by certain ethnic groups throughout
the centuries, have become the most useful database for the
evaluation of new pharmaceuticals.
The incorporation of local knowledge concerning ecological
relations into biological and ecological studies strengthens the
links between man and the environment, leading to the global
conservation of biodiversity. At the same time, this guides sci-
entific research in a new direction in the sense of determining
lesser-known biological material from the wild.
0378-8741/$ see front matter 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.007
mailto:[email protected]://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.007http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.007mailto:[email protected] -
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S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175 161
Traditional pharmacopoeia and the use of wild and cul-
tivated plant species in different areas of Serbia have been
investigated by some authors. However, data from these reports
was limited to specific localities (Tucakov, 1978; Mihajlov,
1988; Milojevic, 1988; Igic et al., 2000; Radulovic, 2000;
Stamenkovic et al., 2000)or generalised (Jancic et al., 1995).
Therefore, this study was undertaken in order to compose
detailed documentation on wild medicinal flora, its ecologi-
cal status and usage based on ethnobotanical knowledge in a
locality with the most diverse flora and vegetationKopaonik
Mountain.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Research area
Kopaonikis a mountain in thecentral part of Serbia(4315N
2050E) (Fig. 1). It extends 80 km in a straight line running
northwestsoutheast and climatic conditions are moderately
continental. The average minimum air temperature is 0.6 C
while the average maximum air temperature is +6.6 C. Over-
all, the average annual air temperature is +2.7 C. The absolute
minimum temperature for the last 30 years is 24.8 C and
Fig. 1. Map of study area. (A) Investigated localities: Osredci (1), Radmanovo (2), below 1000m a.s.l.; Brzece (3), Vlajkovci (4), Grasevci (5), Donje levice (6)
10001300 m a.s.l.; Lisinac (7), Blazevo (8), Iricici (9), Kriva reka (10), Celici (11), Lipovac (12), Djerekare (13), 13001500 m a.s.l.; Batote (14), Zunje (15)
Lepa gora (16), 12001300m a.s.l.; Livadje (17), 1400m a.s.l. (B) Map of Serbia with position of investigated area. (C) Position of investigated area on the Balkan
Peninsula.
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162 S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175
the absolute maximum temperature is +27.6 C. The foot of
the mountain, lying in the valley of the Ibar River, is situated
at an altitude of 400 m, and Pancics summit is 2017 m high.
Its relatively isolated position from the other mountains in the
central part of the Balkan Peninsula, its massiveness, varied geo-
logical composition, etc., have all contributed to the richness of
life forms, primarily in terms of plants and vegetation. Having
been designated a National Park, the best preserved and rich-
est part of Kopaonik has been placed under protection due to it
being of the utmost importance for the conservation of biodi-
versity. The flora and vegetation of Kopaonik make it one of the
richest and most diversified mountains in the Balkans, with 1350
species of vascular plants (91 endemic and 82 sub-endemic plant
species) (Lakusic, 1993, 1995). The significant floristic diversity
and the presence of a large number of endemic species make the
Kopaonik region a sub-centre of mountain endemism in the
Balkans.
The Kopaonik massif is part of the Moesian floral province
and the Central European biogeographic region. As it is a moun-
tain with a great difference in altitude between its foot and itshighest peaks, the sequence of various climatic ranges and veg-
etation zones is visible on its vertical profile. On the lowest parts
of the mountain there is a zone of warm hillside oak forest, rich
in shrubbery, underbrush, meadows and bare rocky terrains, with
marked influences of a sub-Mediterranean climate and vegeta-
tion, too. Typical plant forest communities that are present in
this range are: Quercetum confertae-cerris serbicum, Querce-
tum montanum,and Querceto-Carpinetum serbicum. Mesophyll
beech forests begin at 1200 m a.s.l., which are interspersed
with fir and then spruce as low as 12501300 m a.s.l. Plant
forest communities found within this range are: Fagetum mon-
tanum, Fageto-Abietum serbicum, Fageto-Luzuletum typicum,Fagetum subalpinum serbicum, and Fagetum subalpinum sub-
ass. piceetosum. Above the line of beech forests, there are
spruce forests with the following forest communities: Picee-
tum excelsaesubass.myrtilletosum,Arctostaphylleto-Piceetum,
Piceetum excelsae serbicum, Vaccinieto-Junipereto-Piceetum
subalpinum, Vaccinietum myrtilli, and Abieti-Piceetum ser-
bicum subass. vaccinietosum.Theseplantcommunities(Table 1)
comprise the majority of plants reported in this study (Perisic et
al., 2004);our phytocoenological analysis regarding the degree
of presence of each species is based on their presence in these
typical communities.
Other wild medicinal plants are meadow species incorpo-
rated into the following plant communities:Agrostiedetum vul-garis (Stachys officinallis L., Erythraea centaurium Pers.),
ArtemisioAchnatheretum calamagrostis and Carici humilis
Festucetum pancicianae (Teucrium montanum L., Rumex
sp., Achillea millefolium, Galium verum, Potentilla erecta
(L.) Rausch., Rubus idaeus L.), EricoSeslerietum rigidae
(Teucrium montanum, Rubus idaeus), PotentilletoCaricetum
humilis (Viola tricolor L., Stachys officinalis, Teucrium
chamaedrys L., Teucrium montanum), and Poetum violaceae
(Achillea millefolium). Above the forest range, there are
CariciSphagnetoEriophoretumandHygro-Nardetum strictae
communities, where Polygonum bistorta L. was found. Some
of the plants recorded are ruderal species, i.e. can be found
near roads, fields, ruins, rubbish heaps, etc. (Arctium lappa L.,
Artemisia vulgaris L., Artemisia absinthium L., Aristolochia
clematitisL., Calendula officinalis L., Capsella bursa pastoris
L., Chelidonium majus L., Cichoriumintybus L.,Echium vulgare
L., Equisetum arvense L., Galium verum, Helianthus tubero-
sus L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Malva silvestris L., Matricaria
chamomilla,Melissa officinalisL., Origanum vulgareL.,Ono-
nis spinosa L., Pastinaca sativa L., Foeniculum vulgare L.,
Physalis alkekengiL.,Sambucus ebulusL.,Sempervivum tecto-
rumL.,Solanum nigrumL.,Tussilago farfaraL.,Urtica dioica,
Verbascum phlomoides L., Verbena officinalis L., andXeranthe-
mum annumL.).
2.2. Localities and population
The villages investigated are located at different elevations
(6001500 m a.s.l.). They are relatively small in terms of their
given area andthe numberof inhabitants.The native residentsare
ethnic Serbs,who speak Serbian, a Slavic language.In their local
dialect, they call their native mountain Kopanik. Houses aremainly isolated because of the impassable andhilly terrain. In all
the villages visited, young people under the age of twenty were
in the minority due to the migration of the younger population
to nearby towns, which has been a growing trend over the past
decades.
Seventeen villages (spread over approximately 150 km2)
were included in this research (Osredci, Radmanovo, Vlajkovci,
Brzece, Djerekare, Grasevci, Lipovac, Iricici, Celici, Donje
levice, Blazevo, Kriva reka, Lisinac, Batote, Zunje, Lepa gora,
and Livadje) through directly interviewing the inhabitants.
2.3. Ethnobiological survey
The survey was conducted during the period 20022005.
Data was collected from 60 peasants, mostly around 60 years
old, engaged in agriculture and cattle-breeding, and plants were
collected during our visits to the mountain villages. The moni-
toring of plant distribution and the presence of particular species
across differentphytocoenoses (meadows, pastures, woods, etc.)
and the collecting of plants provided enough of an excuse to
enter into conversation with local peasants and herdsmen, whose
knowledge of medicinal plants was both extraordinary and valu-
able. In this, the first phase of study, people were asked to list
all the plants they use (or know were used by their parents or
grandparents). Each plant listed was compared with a fresh spec-imen and a picture from literature to establish different local
names or different phenological phases of the same species.
More specific information was recorded later on in the second
phase of investigation by means of a detailed interview with
specific questions. This data provided us with precise informa-
tion on the specific vegetative phase that the plant was collected
in, which plant parts were used, and precise ways for prepar-
ing herbal remedies and the means for consuming or applying
them.
It was notedthat localpeoples ethnobotanicaland ethnophar-
macological knowledge was based on the collective tradition of
the village community and the memories of their direct ances-
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S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175 163
Table 1
Wild medicinal plants in forest plant communities
Plant community with the altitude of its
distribution (m a.s.l.)
Plant species
Querceto-Carpinetum serbicumRudski
(550700)
Agrimonia eupatoriaL.,Asarum europaeumL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Crataegus oxyacanthaL.,Daphne
laureolaL.,Dryopteris filix-masL., Erythrea centauriumPers.,Ficaria vernaHuds.,Fragaria vescaL.,Galium
verumL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Hypericum perforatumL.,Malus sylvestrisMill.,Melissa officinalisL.,
Melitis melissophyllumL.,Plantago lanceolataL.,Prunus aviumL.,Prunus spinosaL.,Rosa caninaL.,Rumex
acetosaL.,Rumexsp.,Ruscus aculeatusL.,Sambucus nigraL.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Taraxacum officinale
Web.,Teucrium chamaedrysL.,Tilia cordataMuller,Ulmus campestrisL.,Verbena officinalisL.
Quercetum montanumJov. (600850) Achillea millefoliumL.,Agrimonia eupatoriaL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Crataegus oxyacanthaL.,Erythraea
centaurium Pers.,Ficaria vernaHuds., Filipendula hexapetalaGilib.,Fragaria vescaL.,Galium verumL.,
Geranium robertianumL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Hypericum perforatumL.,Juglans regiaL.,Malus
sylvestrisMill.,Origanum vulgareL.,Plantago lanceolataL.,Plantago majorL.,Plantago mediaL.,Primula
acaulisL.,Prunus aviumL.,Prunus spinosaL.,Rumex acetosaL.,Rumexsp.,Ruscus aculeatusL.,Salix caprea
L.,Solanum nigrum(L.) Mill.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Sorbus domesticaL.,Tamus communisL.,Teucrium
chamaedrys L.,Ulmus campestrisL.,Urtica dioicaL.,Verbascum phlomoidesL.,Veronica officinalisL.,Viola
tricolorL.
Quercetum confertae-cerris serbicum
Rudski (400800)
Achillea millefoliumL.,Agrimonia eupatoriaL.,Castanea sativaMill.,Cornus masL.,Crataegus oxyacantha
L.,Erythraea centauriumPers.,Ficaria vernaHuds., Filipendula hexapetalaGilib., Filipendula ulmaria(L.)
Maxim, Fragaria vescaL.,Galium verumL.,Hedera helixL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Hypericum perforatum
L.,Inula heleniumL.,Juglans regiaL.,Malus sylvestrisMill.,Plantago lanceolataL.,Primula acaulisL.,
Prunus aviumL.,Prunus cerasiferaEhrh.,Prunus spinosaL.,Rhamnus catharticusL.,Rosa caninaL.,Rubus
fruticosusL.,Rubus ideusL.,Rumexsp.,Ruscus aculeatusL.,Salix albaL.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Sorbus
domesticaL.,Stachys officinalis(L.) Trev.,Tamus communisL.,Teucrium chamaedrysL.,Ulmus campestrisL.,
Veronica officinalisL.,Viola tricolorL.
Fagetum montanumJov. (11001600) Allium ursinumL.,Asarum europaeumL.,Cornus masL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Daphne laureolaL.,Daphne
mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL., Eupatorium cannabinumL.,Ficaria vernaHuds.,Geranium robertianum
L.,Hedera helixL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Inula heleniumL.,Malus sylvestrisMill.,Prunus aviumL.,Rubus
ideusL.,Sambucus nigraL.,Solidago virgaaureaL.,Tilia cordataMuller, Ulmus campestrisL.,Veronica
officinalis L.
Fageto-Abietum serbicumJov. (10001550) Allium ursinumL.,Asarum europaeumL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Daphne mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,
Fragaria vescaL.,Geranium robertianumL.,Hedera helixL.,Helleborus odorusW.K.,Inula heleniumL.,
Solidago virgaaureaL.,Thalictrum aquilegifoliumL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Veronica officinalisL.
Fageto-Luzuletum typicumMis. et Pop.(12001600)
Allium ursinumL.,Corylus avellanaL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Veronica officinalisL.
Fagetum subalpinum serbicumJov.
(15501750)
Allium ursinumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Geranium robertianumL.,Vaccinium myrtilusL.
Fagetum subalpinumsubass.piceetosum
Mis. et Pop. (17001750)
Allium ursinumL., Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(L.) Spreng,Daphne mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Fragaria
vescaL.,Thalictrum aquilegifoliumL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.,Valeriana officinalisL.
Piceetum excelsaesubass.myrtilletosum
Mis. et Pop. (14001950)
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(L.) Spreng,Fragaria vescaL.,Daphne mezereumL.,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus
communis L.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.
Arctostaphylleto-PiceetumJov. (15001950) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.
Piceetum excelsae serbicumMis. et Pop.
(17001950)
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(L.) Spreng,Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.
Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.
Vaccinietum myrtilliR. Jov. (14002000) Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.
Vaccinieto-Junipereto-Piceetum subalpinumMis. et Pop. (17501850)
Dryopteris filix-masL.,Juniperus communisL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.
Abieti-Piceetum serbicumsubass.
vaccinietosumMis. et Pop. (17501850)
Dryopteris filix-masL.,Vaccinium myrtillusL.,Vaccinium vitis-ideaL.
tors (parents, grandparents). Despite the fact that they often
know that in other regions this plant is used for such and such
a purpose (learnt from tourists who also collect plants), they
prefer to do things their own way. The most frequent com-
ment was . . . as my mother/grandmother did. The majority
of informants emphasized that they never visit the doctor; in
terms of medicine they only value surgery, whilst placing their
trust in phytotherapy rather than in conventional drugs. All data
was immediately documented in field notebooks. In this study
we considered only wild flora because cultivated plants have
already been incorporated into official medicinal practice. The
study also included three species which secondary had become
wild (Calendula officinalis, Helianthus tuberosus, Mentha
piperitaL.).
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2.4. Botanical and ecological determination
The plants collected were determined by Mr. S. Jaric,
the Institute for Biological Research, Department of Ecol-
ogy, Belgrade, using professional literature for determination
(Josifovic, 19701986; Javorka and Csapody, 1977; Lakusic,
1995). Voucher specimens were deposited at the Herbarium
of the Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade. A phyto-
geographic analysis was undertaken according toGajic (1980,
1984),whereas plant forms were determined according toKojic
et al. (1997).
Theecological statusof each medicinalplantin this study was
assessed according to its degree of presence (DP) in typical plant
communities, which was gauged by visual estimations (two to
three people independently), according to theBraun-Blanquet
method (1965).
3. Results
3.1. Plants used for medicinal purposes
The results of the survey are presented in Table 2,in which
the plants are arranged in alphabetical order. For each species,
the following ethnobotanical and pharmacognostic elements are
provided: botanical taxa and voucher specimen codes, botanical
family, local names, English name, locality where the plant was
found, the degree of presence, the quotation frequency among
the informants, part(s) used, and usage and preparation.
In this survey, 83 wild plant species reported by informants to
have medicinal properties have been recorded. Of these species,
Hypericum perforatum,Urtica dioica,Matricaria chamomilla,
Sambucus nigra, Thymus serpyllum, and Achillea millefoliumwere cited by all informants, and every informant listed at
least three ailments treated by each of them. We also found
that rare information on specific usage (i.e. Galium verumas a
sedative, Ficaria vernafor haemorrhoids) was significant. The
reported species belong to 69 genera and 41 families, with the
obvious predominance of Asteraceae (15.85%) and Lamiaceae
(15.85%) families. Among the other families that were present
were:Rosaceae (7.32%), Malvaceae (3.66%), Apiaceae (3.66%)
and Plantaginaceae (3.66%), while the rest of the families were
represented by two or one species (2.44% and 1.22%, respec-
tively). Six tertiary relict species were recognized among these
wild medicinal plants: Castanea sativa Mill.,Hedera helixL.,
Juglans regiaL.,Ruscus aculeatusL. (Gajic, 1984),andTamuscommunis L. and Viscum album L. (Turrill, 1929). An areal
type spectrum comprises 19 floral elements (Fig. 2),of which
Eurasian (26.83%) and Sub-Central European (17.07%) floris-
tic elements are dominant, followed by Adventive (6.1%) and
Middle European (6.1%). A life forms spectrum analysis shows
the domination of hemicryptophytes (39.92%) and geophytes
(17.07%) in the medicinal flora of the area researched (Fig. 3).
The most frequently reported medicinal uses were for treating
gastrointestinal ailments (50%), and skin injures and problems
(25.6%), followed by respiratory, urinary-genital and cardiovas-
cularproblems (20.5%, 20.5%, 19.2%, respectively).Thencame
those plants with antiseptic and anti-infective properties and
Fig. 2. Contribution of areal types in wild medicinal flora of Kopaonik area.
Eur., Eurasian; Sub.M.E., Sub-Middle-European; Adv., Adventive; Sub.E., Sub-
Eurasian; SubAtl.-SubMed., Sub-Atlantic-Sub-Mediterranean; SubSSib., Sub-
South-Siberian; MEur., Middle-European; SubMed., Sub-Mediterranean; Circ.,
Circumpolar; Cosm., Cosmopolitan; SubArc.-Circ., Sub-Arctic-Circumpolar;
Others, eight areal types represented with one or two species.
those with sedative features (15.4% and 14.1%, respectively).
The study found a relatively small number of plant species
used to treat metabolic disorders (5.1%) or to increase immunity
(2.6%). A beneficial effect on only one group of ailments was
recorded for 35.9% of the plants, whereas 47.4% heal two dif-
ferent groups of medicinal problems. It was rare that the same
plant could be used for three (10.2% of the plants recorded), four
(3.8%), five (1.3%) or six (1.3%) different groups of ailments. It
is noticeable that the preference is for plants used in phytother-
apy to be taken internally in the form of tea. 60.3% of plants
were reported as being only consumed internally by informants,
while 16.6% were only applied externally, whereas 23.1% of the
plants recorded could be used both internally and externally. As
far as internal consumption is concerned, informants responses
showed that the dominant method by far is tea (84.6%), followedto a much lesser degree by eating a fresh plant part (5.6%) and
taking a tonic preparation (5.6%). Only in rare cases was data
on the dosage for the preparation and usage of some recipes
obtained. External application depended on the ailments to be
treated: a powdered plant part, a plant part dipped in brandy or
oil, tea for gargling or rinsing. Dosages were mainly arbitrary.
The most common answers and comments were tea is perfect
for. . . or it is mostly used for. . .. The majority of plants (72)
are used as the sole raw material in various preparations (tea,
ointment, oil, and tincture), while a few plants (3) are used for
Fig. 3. Life grown forms of wild medicinal species from Kopaonik area. H,
hemicryptophytes; G, geophytes; Th, therophytes/chamaephytes; P, phanero-
phytes; NP, nano-phanerophytes; WC, wooden chamaephytes; HC, herbaceous
chamaephytes; T, therophytes; Sp, semi-parasites.
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VeronicaofficinalisL.
(Scrophullariaceae)(KOP-VERO)
Ces
toslavica,Razgon
Common
speedwell
117
IV
***
A.p.
Expectorant(combinedwithotherherbs),wea
kdiureticproperties;for
stomachupsets
ViolatricolorL.(Violaceae)
(KOP-VIO)
Dan
inoc
Wildpansy
117
IV
***
A.p.
Alaxativeanddiuretic,cleansestoxinsandreducesinflammation.
Externallyforskincomplaints,swellingandvaricoseulcers(tea).
Internallyasagargleformouthandthroatinfections(tea)
ViscumalbumL.(Loranthaceae)
KOP-VIS)
Belaimela
Mistletoe
11,17
II
***
A.p.
Pungent,sedativeanddiureticproperties.Internallyfornervous
tachycardiaandinsomniaandarteriosclerosis,
lowershighblood
pressure(twohandfulsoffreshmistletoeando
nehandfulofgarlicbulb
cutintosmallpiecesandpouredinto1lofgra
pebrandy,leftfor10
daysandthenshakenwellbeforeusing.Takeonetablespoonofthe
filteredsolutionthreetimesadaybeforemeals)
L
oc,localitieswherethespeciesisfound,deno
tedwithnumbersonthemapoftheareainves
tigated;DP(degreeofpresencebasedonpresenceofspeciesintypicalcommunities):V,80
100%;IV,6080%;III,
4
060%;II,2040%;I,020%;QI(quotationfrequency)basedonthenumberspontaneouslymentioned:*quotedbylessthan10%informan
ts;**quotedbymorethan10%andlessthan40
%informants;***quoted
b
ymorethan40%informants.PU(part(s)used):A.p.,aerialpart;Ba,bark;B,buds;Fl,flowers;Fr,fruits;Ft,floweringtops;L,leaf;Ne,needles;R,root;Rh,rhizome;Se,seed;Tu,tuber;Wh.p.,wholeplant.
tea only when combined with other ingredients and some (7) are
used in both ways (as the sole raw material and combined).
3.2. Plants used in veterinary medicine
Ten plant species used in veterinary medicine, taken inter-
nally (five) or applied externally (five), were recorded. Latin
names, local names, English names, the locality where the plant
was found, the degree of presence, the quotation frequency,
parts used, and the preparation and usage for some symptoms
are given inTable 3. All the plants listed were in the highest
index band in terms of the frequency they were quoted by infor-
mants. Parasites, which can easily be transmitted from host to
host through the consumption of contaminated food and water
are treated by consuming herbs internally (Artemisia absinthium
andDryopteris filix-mas L.), even though these plants are not
used by humans. The same is noted for certain plants used for
intestinal ailments in animals (Thalictrum aquilegifolium L. and
Geranium robertianumL.).
3.3. Wild plants in human nourishment (culinary use)
Twenty-five wild species were recorded as being used for
non-medicinal purposes (Table 4),12 of which were also reg-
istered as being used as a medicine. However, the plant parts
used for medicinal and non-medicinal purposes often differed
i.e. fresh or prepared fruit was most frequently used for human
nutrition, whereas the leaves of the same species were used for
tea in phytotherapy.
4. Discussion
4.1. Phytocoenological and ecological status of medicinal
plants
Both the diversified abiotic environment and the patchy dis-
tribution of tree and meadow communities provided a great
heterogeneity of ecological conditions for the existence of eco-
logically divergent plant species. In light of the current protected
status of the research area, the natural vegetation hasfor the most
part been conserved. However, due to activity occurring before
thearea wasproclaimed a protectedarea (1981), certain commu-
nities have been disturbed irreversibly (Tucakov and Mihajlov
1977). The majority of the informants in this study state that cer-
tain habitats that include some of the plants recorded have beendamaged or disappeared totally. Harvesting the entire plant or
its underground organs is the most dangerous way of collecting
plant material in terms of disturbing the natural plant commu-
nities and environmental diversity. Although half of the plants
recorded have a high degree of presence in typical communities
(7.23% of species are categorised as having the highest degree
of presenceV; 27.71% of species have a relatively high degree
of presenceIV; 37.35%III, 22.89%II, and 4.82%I), the
people participating in this investigation showed a great sense
of awareness for their environment. Besides its medicinal prop-
erties, most informants commented on a plants abundance, its
ecological demands (soil properties, sun/shade preferences) and
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172 S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175
Table 3
Plants from wild flora used in veterinary medicine
Botanical taxa and family Local name English name Loc DP QI PU Preparation and usage
Asarum europaeumL.
(Aristolochiaceae)
Kopitnjak Asarabacca 117 III *** L For worms in calves (leaf boiled in water is
given to bull calves to drink)
Artemisia absinthiumL.
(Asteraceae)
Pelin Wormwood 14, 7, 14, 15 III ** A.p., L Internally for worm infestations. Aerial part
rubbed into the cattles skin is used as arepellent for flies. Ground fresh leaves mixed
with pig fat, applied to cattles skin
Dryopteris filix-masL.
(Polypodiaceae)
Navala Male Fern 117 V *** Tr For intestinal parasites (extract of taproot)
Geranium robertianumL.
(Geraniaceae)
Zdravac, Ziva trava Herb Robert 317 IV ** A.p. For guke in pigs (aerial part boiled in water,
given to pigs to drink)
Helleborus odorusW.K.
(Ranunculaceae)
Kukurek Hellebore 117 IV *** St Put cleansed stem in sick sheeps ear
perforated with a knife, leave until the whole
area surrounding the perforation becomes
torrid; whole treated area falls off, with only
the hole remaining
Hypericum perforatumL.
(Hypericaceae)
Kantarion St Johns wort 117 III *** A.p. For bloating of cattle and sheep (aerial part
boiled in water is given to sheep and cows to
drink)
Rumexsp. (Polygonaceae) Zelje,Stavinjak Dock, Sorrel 117 IV *** Se For diarrhoea (boiled seeds in water given to
hogs to drink)
Sambucus ebulusL.
(Sambucaceae)
Aptovina, Burjan Danewort 117 IV *** L For snake bites (juice from ground leaf
directly applied to bite)
Teucrium montanumL.
(Lamiaceae)
Trava iva, dupcac Mountain germander 4, 5, 9, 11, 17 III *** A.p. For foot-rot (tea is taken for washing wounds
on cows)
Thalictrum aquilegifolium
L. (Ranunculaceae)
Ocobajka Meadow Rue 517 I ** Wh.p. Improves appetite in sheep (give tea to sheep
in the case that they are unable to graze)
Ulmus campestrisL.
(Ulmaceae)
Brest Common elm 14, 14, 15 II *** R For neck pains (tea made from ground root
used to anoint cows neck)
Loc, localities where the species is found, denoted with numbers on the map of the area investigated; DP, degree of presence in typical plant communities; QI(quotation frequency) based on the number spontaneously mentioned: ** quoted by more than 10% and less than 40% informants; ***quoted by more than 40%
informants. PU (part(s) used): A.p., aerial part; L, leaf; Se, seed; St, stem; Tr, taproot; Wh.p., whole plant.
its method of reproduction, emphasizing that they prefer to pick
a plant where it is the most numerous.
4.2. The most cited medicinal plants and plants with
lesser-known properties
The majority of the plants were in the highest band on the
quotation frequency index (68.67%), whereas 27.71% of the
plants were cited by less than half of the informants, and only
3.62% were cited by only a few informants. Certain speciesrecorded in this survey were categorized as a panacea, more
than a medicine and were cited by all informantsHypericum
perforatum, Urtica dioica, Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea
millefolium,Thymus serpyllum,Tilia cordataMuller, andSam-
bucus nigra. Dried parts of these plants were found in every
household, and people had a tendency to make them into teas,
which were consumed just for pleasure and prevention even
when there was no need for a cure. Aside from being the most
frequently cited species, each of them was also said to be a
treatment for more than three ailments. Generally, it was rec-
ommended that they be prepared by scalding the plant parts in
order to preserve the active substances. Besides the fact that
Tilia cordata and Sambucus nigra are not frequently cited in
medicinal literature (although they have been noted in numer-
ous ethnopharmacological studies, inTucakov, 1997),the uses
reported for the most cited plants completely conform to their
well-known pharmacology profiles (Luppold, 1984;Haas, 1996;
Gunes et al., 1999; De Silva and Torres, 2001; Popovic et
al., 2002; Kubin et al., 2005). However, some of the plants
reported were used for treating ailments other than those known
from literature (i.e. Galium verum is known as an antioxi-
dant, but its sedative properties have not been reported untilnow). Furthermore, in this survey we recorded certain species
that have not been used medically (as far as we know), such
as Daphne laureola and Ficaria verna. These reports could
indicate the necessity for further phytotherapeutical research
on plants that have not yet been exploited for their beneficial
properties.
4.3. Plants used in veterinary medicine and in human
nourishment
Artemisia absinthiumhas been used for centuries as a ver-
mifuge (an agent that expels parasites), especially against
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S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175 173
Table 4
Plants from wild flora used in human nourishment (culinary use)
Botanical taxa and family Local name English name Loc DP PU Preparation and usage
Allium ursinumL. (Liliaceae) Sremus Ramsons 717 IV L, Bu Fresh or boiled leaves are used to add taste to
salads, soups, sauces and savoury dishes as a
vegetable. Bulbs are used as a spice for some
dishes, salads and meat
Cornus masL. (Cornaceae) Dren Cornel tree 1, 2 III Fr Mature fresh fruits are used as food, or used
to make tasty desserts: juice, compote, jelly,
jam
Corylus avellanaL. (Betulaceae) Leska Hazel 117 III Fr Fruits are eaten and often used for making
cakes
Fragaria vescaL. (Rosaceae) Sumska jagoda Wild strawberry 13, 5, 7, 9, 11 III Fr Mature fruits are eaten (rich in Vitamin C),
fresh or made into juices, syrups, compotes,
desserts, preserves called slatko, jam and
cakes
Foeniculum vulgareMill.
(Apiaceae)
Morac Fennel 117 IV Fl, Fr Dry or fresh umbels are used as a spice in
delicatessen. Seeds lend flavour to rice and
other dishes (often added at the end of
cookingbeans, cabbage, etc.) for improved
digestion
Juglans regiaL. (Juglandaceae) Orah Walnut 14 II Fr Fruits are eaten raw and frequently used as
ingredients in various dishes (cakes,
desserts, biscuits). From the unripe shell a
well-known precious brandy is made named
orahovaca as well as fruit preserve. Leaves
and husks yield brown dye used in wool tints
Juniperus communisL.
(Cupressaceae)
Kleka Juniper 517 III Fr Berries are used for making and flavouring
the brandy known as klekovaca, also used
for disinfection owing to antibacterial
properties
Malus sylvestrisMill. (Rosaceae) Divljaka, Divlja
jabuka
Crab apple 16, 15 III Fr Fruits are eaten and used for making juices
and also for apple vinegar
Mentha piperita(Lamiaceae) Pitoma nana Peppermint 13 II L Leaves are used for flavouring savoury
dishes (spices) and tea
Morus albaL. (Moraceae) Beli dud White mulberry 1, 2 II Fr Fruits are eaten fresh. They are a favourite
culinary ingredient because of their sweet
taste (jams, syrup). Fruits are made into tasty
brandy
Morus nigraL. (Moraceae) Crni dud Common mulberry 13 III Fr Fruits are eaten fresh
Prunus aviumL. (Rosaceae) Divlja tresnja Cherry 117 IV Fr Fruits are eaten fresh
Prunus cerasiferaEhrh.
(Rosaceae)
Vidovka Cherry plum 117 II Fr Fruits are eaten fresh; made into preserves,
jams and juice
Prunus spinosaL. (Rosaceae) Trnjina, Crni trn Mountain cherry 1, 2 II Fr Astringent fruits used after hoarfrost and firs
frost, fresh or dried
Rosa caninaL. (Rosaceae) Divlja ruza, Sipak Dog-rose 117 IV Fr Ripe fruits are used for making aromatic
vitamin tea, preserves and jams
Rubus fruticosusL. (Rosaceae) Kupina, Ostruga Blackberry 117 IV L, Fr Dried leaves are made into tea. Fruits are
eaten raw or cooked and prepared as syrup,
fruit preserve slatko, jams, jellies,
compotes. Also used to flavour red wine
Rubus ideusL. (Rosaceae) Planinska malina Raspberry 117 IV L, Fr Leaves are used to make tea. Fresh fruits are
eaten raw, or cooked and made into juices,
syrups, compotes, jams, and slatko
Rumex acetosaL. (Polygonaceae) Zelje,Stavljak,
Livadsko zelje
Sorrel 117 IV L Fresh young leaves are added to salads,
sauces and soups and used to make a cheese
and egg pie called zeljanik or zeljanica
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174 S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175
Table 4 (Continued)
Botanical taxa and family Local name English name Loc DP PU Preparation and usage
Sambucus nigraL.
(Sambucaceae)
Zova Elder 14 IV Fl Fresh flowers are made into tasty summer
juices and syrup. Dried flowers are made
into tea
Sorbus domesticaL. (Rosaceae) Oskorusa Service tree 13 II Fr Fresh fruits picked after hoarfrost and first
frost
Taraxacum officinaleWeb.
(Asteraceae)
Maslacak Dandelion 117 IV L Fresh young leaves (before flowering) are
eaten in salads or blanched or cooked as a
vegetable pulse and fruit preserve
Urtica dioicaL. (Urticaceae) Kopriva Stinging nettle 117 V L Fresh young leaves are cooked as a
spinach-like vegetable, made into soup,
syrup and drinks. Leaves are dried for tea
Vaccinium myrtillusL.
(Ericaceae)
Borovnica Blue berry 317 IV Fr Fresh ripe berries are eaten and made into
jams, slatko, juices and compotes
Vaccinium vitis-idaeaL.
(Ericaceae)
Brusnica Red Whortleberry 17 III Fr The same asVaccinium myrtillusL.
Loc, localities where the species is found, denoted with numbers on the map of the area investigated; DP, degree of presence in typical plant communities; PU (part(s)
used): Bu, bulb; Fl, flowers; Fr, fruits; L, leaf. Recorded plant species are cited by all informants.
roundworms and pinworms. It is extremely bitter due to its
volatile oil, which contains absinthin and thujone. Due to its
extreme potency, even a tiny dose can induce a coma or cause
death in an adult animal. Thus, dried plant material should be
used instead of the essential oil.
Dryopteris filix-masis one of the most potent remedies for
tapeworms (Taenia saginata, Taenia solidum) and liver fluke
(Fasciola hepatica) ever recorded in the history of medicine.
People use the oil extracted from the rhizome of the Male Fern
to treat these intestinal parasites. Filicin and filmarone foundin the oil are toxic to the worms, and oleoresin paralyzes them
and prevents them from attaching to the intestine. This specific
treatment works by paralyzing the muscles of the worm, forc-
ing it to relax its hold on the gut wall. Used internally, a Male
Fern rhizome is so poisonous in high doses that experts do not
recommend its use, advising less toxic treatments instead.
4.4. Plants used for other purposes
Agrimonia eupatoria L. (petrovac)the aerial part of this
plant is also used for rinsing out wooden dishes and buckets used
for preparing and storing milk, cheese and other dairy products.
Theyoung shoots ofSalix alba L. (bela vrba) and Salix caprea L.(gorska vrba) are used for binding grain into sheaves in summer
and cornstalks in autumn, as well as for making different-shaped
and sized baskets for various purposes. The fresh plant Aris-
tolochia clematitis (kokotinja) is often put into bed linen as a
repellent for the human flea and other insects and the husks of
Juglans regia L.fruit (orah) are usedto dye wool brown (for knit-
ting clothing). The aerial part ofArtemisia annua L. is mainly
used for washing barrels intended for brandy storage (the plant
is put into the barrel, steamed with hot water and left for a while;
the washed barrel then retains the scent of this plant). The com-
plete aerial part of the plant Xeranthemum annum is used to
make household brooms.
5. Conclusion
An ethnobotanical investigation into the usage of wild herbs
on the territory of Kopaonik shows the significance of medicinal
herbs in the lives of thepeasantsof this region. Themain features
of this survey were the preservation of tradition, the collective
harvesting at specific stages in plants lifecycles, and the high
homogeneity of statements on usage and dosage that informants
provided us with.
In addition, significant diversity in plant species and theirhabitats was recorded in this study, with particular emphasis
on tertiary relict species (six). An analysis of the ecolog-
ical status of the species recorded highlights the fact that
most of them do not fall into the category of endangered
species (some of them are widely dispersed, i.e. ruderals).
A phytosociological analysis was also undertaken, which is
presented through the data on their geographic origin and
abundance in certain plant communities. From the numerous
wild plants recorded that are used in traditional medicine,
a number were poly-functional, and some have unusual or
lesser-known phytotherapeutic uses. This makes Kopaonik an
interesting area from the ethnobotanical point of view, and
could be indicative of the direction further phytotherapeuticalresearch in the Balkans and Eastern Europe in general should
take.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Ministry for Science
and Environmental Protection of Serbia, grant no. 143025.
The anonymous reviewers gave valuable comments for the
improvement of this paper and are gratefully acknowl-
edged. We thank Jonathan Pendlebury, lector at Belgrade
Universitys Faculty of Philology, for proofreading this
paper.
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S. Jaric et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007) 160175 175
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