Identification of the Most Important Medicinal Plants Used for Wound Healing: An Ethnobotanical Study of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Skin damage is a serious problem that has attracted remarkable attention. Recently, the healing of wounds has become a serious problem. Hence, the aim of this study was to conduct an ethnobotanical study about medicinal plants used for the healing of wounds in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran. Methods: This study was performed in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran. Ethnobotanical information was collected through interviews and questionnaires among 20 traditional healers. Demographic information was also obtained from traditional healers. The data were analyzed by Excel. Results: Eleven medicinal plants from nine families were used for wound healing. The medicinal plants from the Fabaceae family (Alhagi persarum Boiss. & Buhse. and Medicago sativa L.) had the most application for wound healing. It has been observed that topical administration was the most important type of preparation method for the used medicinal plants. According to the new results, most plant families belong to Zygophyllaceae and Fabaceae. The most used plant organ was the leaf (53%) and the most used method was as topically. Conclusion: The mentioned medicinal plants showed wound-healing effects. Further research is needed for the suitable application of these plants and their phytochemical constituents in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Fabaceae, Medicinal plants, Wound healing, Sistan and Baluchestan