Rad Redzic Wild Medicinal

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 4(11), pp.
1003-1027, 4 June, 2010

Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR
ISSN 1996-0875© 2010 Academic Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Wild medicinal plants and their usage in traditional

human therapy (Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, W.
Balkan)
Sulejman Redzic
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
E-mail: [email protected]. Tel/Fax: +387 33 649 196.
Accepted 9 April, 2010
Both Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina are known for very
prominent traditional usage of wild medicinal and aromatic plants for the treatment of various diseases.
Ethno botanical interview method was used to collect information from the sample population
comprised of 55 adults, of different religious background (Catholics, Muslims, and Orthodox), with an
average age of 63. This resulted in the collection of 96 wild plants from 46 different plant families. These
plants are used in preparation of up to 200 different ethno pharmaceuticals and used for 430 different
treatments, mainly of chronic diseases: respiratory system (63 species), stomach and intestinal system
(55 species), liver and gall bladder (60 species), urinary system (33 species), genital system (42
species), nervous system (30 species), cardiovascular system (27 species), skin conditions (56
species). 60 species are being used for the treatment of some other health disorders. In ecological
sense, 40% of these species are constituents of meadow and rock debris communities, 34% of
termophilous forest and shrub communities, while 20% of species are constituents of abandoned
places.
Key words: Biodiversity, botanical medicine, ethno therapy, ethno biology, ethno pharmacology, herbal
anthropology, pharmaceutical ethno botany, preparations of traditional medicines.
INTRODUCTION
Traditional herbal medicine has played an important role 2005; Abella et al., 2000; Bodeker et al., 2005). At
in the life of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian population. present, ethno botanical and ethno pharmacological
This is especially true for Herzegovinian population experiences of certain nation are used in the treatment of
(Redzic, 2007), whose geographical area is generally wide range of diseases (Matavelle and Habib, 2000;
very rich in medicinal plants (Redzic, 2009). Medicinal Sheng-Ji, 2001; Vivienne et al., 2005; Muthu et al., 2006;
plants of this area have been used in treatment of various Uniyal et al., 2006) including treatments for the difficult to
diseases since ancient times (Gluck, 1892; Sadikovic, cure diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s
1928). Etnobotanical research in Herzegovina is an disease, alcoholism, etc. (Perry et al., 1999; Carai et al.,
important link to similar researches in the other parts of 2000; Bedoya et al., 2001; Donaldson and Rex, 2004;
the world, including both, third world countries (Girach et Bailly et al., 2005; Heinrich and Bremner, 2006; Sajem
al., 1998; Lev and Amar, 2002; Fernandez et al., 2003; and Gosai, 2006). Today, a major breakthrough in a fight
Giday et al., 2003; Hattarai et al, 2006) and the against stress is reached with the phytotherapy that is
developed ones (Kenny, 2002; Applequist, 2004; Stobart, based on traditional ethno botanical knowledge gained
2005; Pieroni et al., 2005a). Men have always used through experiences of almost all nations of the world
natural resources of healing substances in a search for a (van-Wyk, 2002; Nigro et al., 2004; Norscia and
cure for a many pathological human condition. Effort to Borgognini-Tarli, 2006).
heal the sicknesses by means of traditional phyto-therapy Each geographical area is characterized by its unique
has been made in all parts of the world (Heinrich, 2003; biodiversity, people, culture, specific history and its living
1004 J. Med. Plant. Res.
needs. This results in many different forms of interaction endemic pine Pinus heldreichii can be found. This area is
between a man and environment, through the characterized by an enormous heterogeneity and the
nourishment needs (Redzic, 2006a, b), and basic high level of habitat's diversity, as well as biodiversity in
medicinal healing treatments (Redzic et al., 1991; 1998). general. It also posses richness of endemic and relict
Isolation of some geographical regions over longer plants. 60% of 450 endemic plants of BiH are found in the
periods of time, due to the relief dynamism or a presence territory of Herzegovina (Redzic et al., 2003).
of large rivers, has led to the development of trends in
usage of wild plants in medicinal treatment and
supplementary nourishment (Leporatti and Corradi, 2001; Population
Leporatti and Ivancheva, 2003; Bonet and Vales, 2003;
Leduc et al., 2006). An area of Mediterranean and sub The territory of Herzegovina, around Neretva River, was
Mediterranean part of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) inhabited by humans during a Neolithic Era (Fukarek,
named Herzegovina, extremely dynamic in its 1954) and their settlements were mainly located around a
biodiversity, relief, climate, anthropogenesis and other river beds. Some evidences prove existence of a pill
factors, developed unique culture and tradition with dwelling. All investigated sites in the area of interest have
specific ethno botanical and ethno pharmacological way (spanning from Adriatic Sea to Mostar city) revealed
of practice. remains of the Roman culture and civilization. Later in
Even though Herzegovina has been inhabited since the history, these attractive areas were visited by many
ancient times and is known to possess a long tradition in individuals arriving from the North, South, West, and
ethno botany, there are scarce records on respective East. The culture and tradition of the region were heavily
experiences concerning medicinal or edible wild plants. influenced by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and the
This paper points out certain aspects of traditional Ottoman Empire. The area has been inhabited by
medicinal plants practice in phytotherapy by human Catholics and Muslims and later by Orthodox too. Similar
community in the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean population structure is maintained nowadays. This is
region of BiH. confirmed by an existence of many sacral places, that are
The main aim of this paper is to make an inventory and known beyond borders of BiH - Medjugorje (Sveta
to record medicinal and aromatic plants practices in Gospa, Catholic), Manastir Žitomislici (Orthodox), and
human therapy in Mediterranean and sub- Mediterranean Tekija on Buna river (Islamic). Since the early days of
region of BiH. This paper also includes data gathering on civilization, the population was orientated to agriculture-
preparatory procedures for some herbal drugs. (growing vegetables and Mediterranean fruits), and at
higher altitudes - cattle breeding, especially goats. Since
ancients, vine and tobacco were also grown here
Study area (Begovic, 1960). Over the last twenty years tangerine,
kiwi, tomato, sweet pepper, watermelon, peach, and
The area of interest is located between N 43° - 44° and E apricot have been planted as well.
17° - 19° (Figure 1). It includes Mediterranean and sub
Mediterranean zone belt, as well as one part of Southern
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Herzegovinian high Mediterranean region. Mediterranean
belt includes 30 km of Adriatic coastline. Sub The intensive ethno botanical research has been conducted
Mediterranean belt extends to north towards Mostar city continuously from a year 2000 to the year 2005. Significant amount
including area around Ljubuski in the west, and Stolac in of data was gathered during the long-termed ethno botanical and
the east. Altitude of the investigated area spans from 0 - floristic investigations in this part of BiH, which was carried out by
1,800 m above the sea level with an average altitude of the author during the last 15 - 20 years. They include all
important transects (Figure 1): from the Adriatic Sea coast to
around 300 m. Hutovo blato (17 informants), surrounding of Stolac (9 informants),
Natural vegetation of this area comprises of remnants surrounding of Ljubuski, villages Vitina and Klobuk (12 informants),
of woods and shrubs with evergreen oak Quercus ilex, surrounding of Čapljina (6 informants) and surrounding of Mostar,
deciduous oak forests with Quercus pubescens, Carpinus Podveležje and Buna (11 informants).
orientalis, Fraxinus ornus and Quercus frainetto. In the Ethno botanical interview has been used as a basic method for
colder habitats, vegetation includes shrubs of Ostrya data gathering. All informants have given their consent to
participate in the research. The ethno botanical interview form
carpinifolia and Fagus moesiaca. Characteristic of sub contained: name and age of informants, area/village, time the
Mediterranean region is an occurrence of shrubs interview took place, local name of medicinal herbs, herbal part
composed of endemic Balkan species Petteria being used, preparation procedure, purpose of usage, habitat type
ramentacea (Redzic, 1999; 2000). Secondary vegetation and estimation of conservation status.
types include shrubs, xeric grasslands and meadows. The survey included interviews of over 55 informants. Average
age of informants is 63 (ranging from 48 - 83). They had to be
Significant number of medicinal plants quite commonly involved in collection and application of medicinal plants with the
grows in the habitats of the abandoned places (around therapeutic purpose in any way. Informants were identified through
roads and arable land). Moving towards the high the local community authorities. Local community’s representatives
mountain region, wood communities including the provided data on persons which could have certain experience in
Sulejman 1005
interviewed by the author. Printed forms containing following

information: common or the most frequently used plant name,
plant’s part being used, usage modes and the purpose of usage
were distributed to all informants. Thereafter, the author collected
indicated plants and confirmed their true identity with informants. In
some cases, the informants were able to provide only dried plant’s
materials and the author himself had to conduct further botanical
identification. Knowledge on medicinal herbs and traditional use
thereof in therapy and ethnology, was transferred from generation
Bosnia to generation. In the Mediterranean area people use wild plants for
healing purposes more often than in any other region. Some
informants stated to practice traditional healing modes with herbs
based on ethno botanical and ethno pharmacological experiences
gained by earlier herbalists. Many of them are very famous and
respected, even today and their work has also been acknowledged
by pharmacological scientists too, such as St. Grga Martić and
Sadik Sadiković.
The informants are the members of different ethnical groups.
Approximately 55% of them are Catholics, 35% are Muslims and
10% are Orthodox. Gender ratio is: approx. 65% female and 35% of
Herzegovina male. In many occasions, the author presented the collected herbal
material the locals, and for the each specimen that was recognized
as the one that is being used in the therapy, relevant data was
collected (including photos and prepared plant material).
Communication with the locals went on smoothly due to the fact
that the entire population of the investigated area uses the same
local language. Moreover, all interviewed persons, with the few
exceptions, readily agreed to participate in ethno botanical dialog.
In the dialogs, the author expressed the deepest respect to each
interviewed person, especially to the respective ethno botanical
skills and knowledge. High level of co-operation was also achieved
Sarajevo
Prozor Hadzici
thanks to the fact that the author is well known to the locals for his
Pale
Hrasnica numerous TV presentations about nature and medicinal herbs.
The entire plant material collected in the course of research is
placed and stored in the Herbaria of medicinal plants of the Center
Jablanica Konjic of Ecology and Natural Resources at the Faculty of Science,
$ University of Sarajevo (CEPRES HERB!) and in the Herbaria of the
Mt. Cvrsnica (2226 m)
National Museum of BiH (SARA!). Each determined specimen is
$ $
assigned with own herbarium number (voucher of specimen).
Mt. Cabulja (1780 m) Prenj (2103 m) Herbal material was identified by the author. Some questionable
taxa were determined by comparing them with the referring
specimens from SARA and CEPRES HERB. The plant nomen-
Mostar $
Velez (1969 m) clature complies with Flora Europea (Tutin et al., 1980). It is
important to point out that in some cases several modes of usage
Nevesinje and preparation procedures for certain herbs were recorded. As a
tvvaa
consequence of this, spectrum of occurring species concerns only

rreet
NNee
the most frequent ones, whereby less frequent species were named
Capljina
in Table 1. Forms of usage of medicinal herbs used for the
Stolac treatments have been created in consultation with the experienced
local herbalists taking into account human organ systems. Here,
like in other areas, some species, or even genera are highly
variable and complex for precise taxonomic determination,
especially in the sense of a modern taxonomic investigation
Bileca
5 0 5 10 15 20 Kilometers (EURO-MED Plant Base, 2006). Therefore, some species are
aggregates that contain some micro-species whose origin are found
within these aggregates. Example of these are Achillea millefolium
Trebinje agg., Thymus serpyllum agg., Taraxacum officinale agg., Rosa
canina agg., Rubus heteromorphus agg.
Figure 1. Investigated area.

RESULTS
During the course of investigations 96 vascular plants

human therapy. The author made an oral interview with each of the
above mentioned persons, explaining the research’s objective and have been recorded belonging to the wild flora and
making a preliminary testing of their knowledge in the field of playing a key role in the phytotherapy of Mediterranean
traditional therapy. Only after they gave their consent, they were and Sub- Mediterranean region of BiH. An overview of
Table 1. Wild medicinal flora of Mediterranean and Sub-Mediterranean region of Bosnia and Herzegovina use in ethno therapy.
Habitat/belonging to plant Scientific name of plant, plant family and Frequency

community* voucher herbarium specimens Local name English name Part (s) used
of citation
Arr./T.-H. Achillea millefolium L.. Kkkkkkkkk Kunica , sporiš Yarrow Aerial part 26
Asteraceae (210101H)
Rhizome 5
Ph. Acrus calamus L. Idjirot Sweet flag
Araceae (220504H)
Ad. Adiantum capillus-veneris L. Vilina vlas Maidenhair fern Aerial part 2

Adiantaceae (310101H)
T.-H. Althaea officinalis L. Bijeli sljez Marsh mallow Leaf, Root 12

Malvaceae (210601H)
B.e. Anthyllis vulneraria L. Ranjenik Kidney vetch Aerial part 4

Fabaceae(210901H)
Q.i. Arbutus unedo L. Planika Strawberry tree Leaf, fruit 10

Ericaceae (210580H)
O. Arctium lappa L. Čičak, repuh Great burdock Root, leaf, fruit 13

O. Artemisia absinthium L. Pelin, pelim Wormwood Aerial part 21

O. Artemisia vulgaris L. Komonjika Mugwort Young shoots 7

O.-C.o. Asparagus officinalis L. Viline metle Asparagus Young shoots 7

Asparagaceae (220605H)
Q.p. Calamintha officinalis Moench Marulja Calamint Aerial part 5

Lamiaceae (210503H)
Sulejman 1007
Table 1. Contd.
Ch. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.)Med. Rusomača Shepherd's purse Aerial part 11

Brassicaceae (210151H)
B.e. Carlina acaulis L. Kravljak, sikavac Stem less carline thistle Root 7
C-B.r. Centaurium maritimum (L.) Fritsch Kantarija, kitica Centaury Aerial part 10
Gentianaceae (210590H)
Amp. Ceterach officinarum DC. Zlatna paprat Scale fern Leaf 7

Aspleniaceae (310102H)
Ch. Chelidonium majus L. Rosopas Greater celandine Aerial part 16

Papveraceae (210190H)
Sis. Cichorium intybus L. Vodopija, ženetrga Chicory Root 14

Sis. Cnicus benedictus L. Blaženi čkalj Blessed Thistle Leaf 6

O.-C.o. Cotinus coggygria Scop. Ruj Smoke tree Leaf 5

Anacardiaceae (210220H)
O.-C.o./ Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Jednosjemeni glog Hawthorn Flower, leaf 31

P.s. Rosaceae (210403H)
Sis. Cynoglossum officinale L. Mišinac, mali gavez Hound's tongue Aerial part, leaf, root 7
Boraginaceae (210240H)
Q.p. Dictamnus albus L. Jasenak Burning bush Aerial part, root 2

Rutaceae (210471H)
P.m. Equisetum arvense L. Preslica Field horsetail Aerial part 7

Equisetaceae (310201H)
Table 1. Contd.
B.e. Eryngium ametystinum L. Kotrljan Blue eryngo Root 10

Apiaceae (210705H)
B.e. Filipendula vulgaris Moench Kraljica polja Dropwort Aerial part 3

Rosaceae (210407H)
Sis. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Komorač Fennel Aerial part 17

Apiaceae (210706H)
P.s. Fragaria vesca L. Jagoda šumska Wild strawberry Leaf, rhizome, fruit 15
Rosaceae (210406H)
O.-C.o. Fraxinus ornus L. Crni jasen Manna ash Leaf 5

Oleaceae (210341H)
Ch. Fumaria officinalis L. Dimnjača Fumitory Aerial part 3

Papaveraceae (210200H)
A.f. Geranium macrorrhizum L. Zdravac planinski Big root geranium Rhizome 3

Geraniaceae (210350H)
T.-H.. Glechoma hederacea L. Dobričica Ground Ivy Aerial part 6

Lamiaceae (210504H)
T.-H. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Sladić Liquorices Root 7

Fabaceae (210903H)
Q.p. Hedera helix L. Bršljan Ivy Leaf 7

Araliaceae (210360H)
S.-Ch. Helichrysum italicum (Roth.) G.Don Smilje Curry plant Flower 10

S.-Ch. Herniaria hirsuta L. Sitnica, kilavica Hairy rupture wort Aerial part 9
Caryophyllaceae (210370H)
Sulejman 1009
Table 1. Contd.
B.e. Hieracium pilosella L. Runjika, zečija loboda Mouse-Ear Aerial part, root 7
Asteraceae (210113H) hawkweed
B.e. Hypericum perforatum L. Bogorodična trava St. John's Wort Aerial part 27
Clusiaceae (210390H)
S.-Ch. Hyssopus officinalis L. Miloduh, isop Hyssop Aerial part 12

Lamiaceae (210505H)
Q.p./P.a. Juglans regia L. Orah Walnut Leaf, immature fruits 9

Juglandaceae (210400H)
Jun. Juniperus oxycedrus L. Crvena kleka Prickly Juniper Fruit 5

Cupressaceae (110302H)
S.-Ch/Ch Lavandula vera DC. Despik Lavender Aerial part 11

Lamiaceae (250531H)
Q.p. Lilium cattaniae (Vis.)Vis. Zlatan Balkan Lily Bulb 2

Liliaceae (220503H)
Ch. Malva neglecta Wallr. Mali sljez Dwarf Mallow Aerial part 7
Malvaceae (211231H)
S.-Ch. Marrubium incanum Dsr. Matočina, očajnica SIVI Aerial part 7

Lamiaceae (210507H) Horehound
Q.p. Melittis melissophyllum L.. Medunika Bastard Balm Aerial part 4

Lamiaceae (250528H)
T.-H. Mentha pulegium L. Verem trava Pennyroyal Aerial part 15

Lamiaceae (210511H)
S.-Ch./ Micromeria thymifolia (Scop.) Fritsch. Timjanoliki vrisić Thyme Savory Aerial part 3
Amph. Lamiaceae (210512H)
Table 1. Contd.
O. Nepeta cataria L. Mačija metvica Catmint Aerial part 17

Lamiaceae (210513H)
Ch Nigella damascena L. Čurekot, mačkov Love-In-A-Mist Seed 2

Ranunculaceae (210205H) brk
B.e. Orchis morio L. Salep, kaćun Green-Winged Orchid Tuber 17

Orchidaceae (220502H)
O.-C.o. Origanum heracleoticum L. Mravinac Oregano Aerial part 10

Lamiaceae (250530H)
Pal./ Paliurus spina-christi Mill. Drača Christ's thorn Fruit 2

O.-C.o. Rhamnaceae (210294H)
B.e. Pimpinella saxifraga L. Bedrenika Burnet Saxifrage Root 6

Apiaceae (210708H)
P.h.-n. Pinus heldreichii H. Christ Munika Resin 2

Pinaceae (110103H)
P.h.-n.
Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold Crni bor Austrian pine Resin 10
Pinaceae (110105H)
Q.i.
Pistacia lentiscus L. Tršlja Mastic tree Leaf, bark 3
Anacardiaceae (210145H)
B.e. Plantago media L. Srednja bokvica Hoary plantain Leaf 10

Plantaginaceae (210461H)
Q.p. Polygonatum odoratum Pokosnica Solomon's seal Rhizome 5

(Mill.) Druce Convallariaceae (220604H)
P.m. Polygonum aviculare L. Troskot Knotweed Aerial part 12

Polygonaceae (210321H)
Sulejman 1011
Table 1. Contd.
Amph. Polypodium vulgare L. Slatka paprat Polypody Rhizome 4

Polypodiaceae (310103H)
T.-H. Potentilla anserine L. Guščija trava Polypody Leaves 3

Rosaceae (210416H)
B.e. Prunella laciniata (L.) L. Bijela celinčica Self-Heal Aerial part 4

Lamiaceae (250531H
C.-B.r. Psoralea bituminosa L. Djetelinjak Silver leaf Aerial part 2

Fabaceae (210904H)
O.-C.o. Punica granatum L. Nar Pomegranate Bark 5

Punicaceae (210300H)
Q.p. Quercus pubescens Willd. Hrast medunac Downy Oak Bark, fruit 7
Fagaceae (210273H)
O.-C.o. Rhamnus cathartica L. Pasdrijen Common buckthorn Bark 6

Rhamnaceae (210290H)
P.s. Rosa canina L. Šipurak Dog rose Fruit 12

Rosaceae (210410H)
Q.i. Rubia peregrina L. Broćac Wild madder Aerial part 3

Rubiaceae (210112H)
O.-C.o. Rubus heteromorphus Dalm.kupina Dalmatic Leaf, fruit 9

/P.s. Ripart ex Genev. blackberry
Rosaceae (210415H)
O.-C.o. Ruscus aculeatus L. Veprina Butcher's broom Rhizome 3

Liiaceae (220605H)
S.-Ch. Ruta chalepensis L. Ruta, sedef Egyptian rue Aerial part 9

Rutaceae (210470H)
Table 1. Contd.
P.a. Salix alba L. Bijela vrba White willow Bark 6

Salicaceae (210332H)
B.e. Salvia bertoloni Vis. Kadulja livadska Grassland sage Leaf 8

Lamiaceae (210529H)
S.-Ch. Salvia officinalis L. Kadulja Sage Leaf 31

Lamiaceae (210528x)
O. Sambucus ebulus L. Apta, burjan Dwarf Elder Leaf, root, fruit 5

Caprifoliaceae (210480H)
B.e. Sanguisorba minor Scop. Dinjica Salad Burnet Fresh leaf 9

Rosaceae (210417H)
S.-Ch. Satureia montana L. Vrijesak bijeli Winter Savory Aerial part 12

Lamiaceae (210516H)
S.-Ch. Satureia subspicata Bartl. Vrijesak crveni Red Savory Aerial part 12
ex Vis. Lamiaceae (210517H)
S.-Ch. Sedum acre L. Žuti žednjak Common Stonecrop Aerial part 11

Crassulaceae (210490H)
Amph. Sedum maximum ( L.) Debelo more Orpine Fresh leaf 15

Suter Crassulaceae (210491H)
S.-Ch. Sedum sexangulare L. Bradajuščak Small Stonecrop Fresh leaf 5

Crassulaceae (210492H)
T.-H. Symphytum officinale L. Gavez Comfrey Root, leaf, fresh juice 21

Boraginaceae (210243H)
Arr./O. Taraxacum officinale Weber Maslačak, žučanik Dandelion Root, leaf, flower 31
Sulejman 1013
Table 1. Contd.
A.f. Teucrium arduini L. Velika iva Arduin’s Germander Aerial part 2

Lamiaceae (210519H)
S.-Ch. Teucrium montanum L. Iva trava Common Germander Aerial part 21

Lamiaceae (210521H)
C.-B.r. Teucrium polium L. Iva mediteranska Mediterranean Aerial part 2

Lamiaceae (210522H) Germander
Aerial part
B.e. Thymus serpyllum L. Čubra, majkina dušica Wild Thyme 32
Lamiaceae (210524H)
S.-Ch. Thymus pulegioides L. Timijan, majkina dušica Broad-Leaved Thyme Aerial part 23
Lamiaceae (210525H)
Q.p. Tilia cordata Miller Sitnolisna lipa Small Leaved Lime Flower 31
Tiliaceae (210500H)
O. Tussilago farfara L. Podbjel Coltsfoot Leaf, flower 23

O. Urtica dioica L. Kopriva, žara Stinging Nettle Leaf, root, seeds 31

Urticaceae (210510H)
O. Verbascum thapsus L. Divizma, vučiji rep Great Mullein Leaf, Flower 5

Scrophulariaceae (210256H)
O-C.o. Viola alba L. Ljubičica bijela White Violet Flower, leaf 10

Violaceae (210552H)
O.-C.o. Viola odorata L. Ljubica mirisna Sweet Violet Flower, leaf 12

Violaceae (210551H)
Q.p. Viscum album L. Imela bijela Mistletoe Aerial part 10

Violaceae (210560H)
Table 1. Contd.
S.p. Vitex agnus-castus L. Fratarski biber Agnus Castus Aerial part, seed 4
Verbenaceae (210570H)
*Q.i. - Quercetalia ilicis Q.p.- Quercetalia pubescentis O.-C.o.- Ostryo-Carpinetalia orientalis P.s. -Prunetalia spinosae .Jun. - Juniperetalia Pal. - Paliuretalia aculeatae P.h.-n.- Pinetalia
heldreichii-nigrae P.a. - Populetalia albae S.p. - Salicetalia purpureae Arr. - Arrhenatheretalia, T.-H. Trifolio-Hordetalia B.e. - Brometalia erecti S.-Ch. - Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia C.-B.r. -
Cymbopogo-Brachypodietalia Ph. - Phragmitetalia Ad. - Adiantetalia M.p. -Moltkaeetalia petraeae (incl. Amph. - Amphoricarpetalia) D.j. - Drypeetalia jacquinianae (Incl. A.f. - Arabidetalia
flavescentis) Ch. - Chenopodietalia O. - Onopordetalia Sis. - Sisymbrietalia P.m. Plantaginetalia majoris
** E.r.–Edibility rating ***M.r.–Medicinal rating
Table 1. Contd.
Use in human therapy Preparation and or/

Administration process
Wound, leucorrhea, chapped breast nipple, stomach, liver, hear palpitation, liver inflammation, gall disorder,
Fresh juice, infusion, oil
purify of blood, strengthen of spleen and pancreas, hard diabetes
Fever, strengthen of nervous system, stomach, for better digestion, heart palpitation, cough, disagreeable felling, hepatitis Infusion, powder
Plug, kidney, menstruation problem Infusion
Cough, skin, tonic, voice improvement, fever, coldness, strengthen of liver, gall, inflammation of pancreas, hard hemorrhoids, Maceration, light infusion
Wound, contusion, cough, skin disorders Infusion
Kidney, urinary disorder, skin diseases, constipation Decoction, fresh fruit
Skin, regeneration root of hair, with vine eliminate of tapeworm, melting of kidney stone, effective urination
Decoction, wine and “lozovaca” tincture
Diabetes, when to bite of fury dog, at stomach intoxication, venereal diseases, inflammation of facial nervous
Asthma, Appetite, leucorrhea, heart disorders (arrhythmia), liver, gall, hepatitis Infusion, tincture, powder
Leucorrhea, digestive disorders, water disease, psychotic disorders Infusion, “lozovaca” Tincture
Urinary infection, prostate inflammation Infusion
Sedative, tonic, cough, liver disorders Infusion, tincture
Leucorrhea, Internal bleeding, skin disorders, Menstrual blooding Fresh juice, infusion
Catalyze of urination, strengthen of kidney, nervous system, at water disease, hepatitis, furuncle and skin diseases Infusion, fresh juice, infusion in vinegar
Stomach disorders, recovery, genital disorder, leucorrhea Infusion, tincture, infusion with honey
Urinary infections, skin diseases, cough Infusion
Cough, asthma, constipation, Wart on skin, cancer of lung, hepatitis, against to uterus convulsions, melting of gall stone Fresh juice, infusion, tincture
Water disease, anemia, inflammation of uterus, strengthen of liver and spleen Infusion, tincture in lozovaca
Cancer of stomach, strengthen of liver and spleen Infusion, tincture
Skin diseases, fever, hair regeneration Infusion
Heart disease, sedative, relaxation Infusion, tincture
Sulejman 1015
Table 1. Contd.
Burn, bone fracture external, skin disorders Maceration, decoction in milk

Sedative, stomach disorder, cough Infusion
Furuncles, sin diseases, cough, melting of kidney stones, skin disorders, urinary infections, face pimples, inflammation of
Infusion
urinary bladder
Water disease, hepatitis Infusion
Rheumatism, circulation, fever, cough Infusion, fresh juice
Cough, Stomach and respiratory disorders Tincture, infusion, fresh juice
Recovery, diarrhea, strengthen of heart, melting of kidney stone and gallstone, ayes inflammation Infusion, decoction
Constipation, fever, cough Infusion, fresh fruit
Blood recovery, tonic Infusion, fresh juice
Stomach disorder, menstruation disorders Infusion, decoction
Respiratory system, hysteria, stone and sand kidney, hepatitis, infected stomach Infusion, extract in oil olive
Asthma, Stomach disease, liver, skin disorders Infusion, powder
Hepatitis, hard lung diseases, for better urination gall, skin disease Infusion, extract in cooked wine
Liver, gall, cough, stomach and liver disorders Infusion
Urinary system, kidney, prostate inflammation Infusion
Urinary system, prostate gland inflammation Infusion
Lung diseases, Stomach, skin disease, neurosis, kidney inflammation, venereal diseases, inflammation of spleen Infusion, oil
Lung disease, tonsillitis, strengthen of potency Infusion
Leucorrhea, liver disease, skin, strengthen, throat inflammation, strengthen of muscles, fore better breast , strengthen of male
Decoction, infusion
sex organs
Asthma, skin disease, urinary infection, tuberculosis, rheumatism, gall stone melting, nervous disorders Decoction, macerate, infusion, tincture in lozovaca
Asthma, uterus pains and inflammation, vaginal infections, rheumatism Infusion, extract in olive oil
Wound, gall disorder, circulation Extract in olive oil, infusion
Cough, skin disorder, catalyze of digestion, mouth diseases Maceration, infusion
Anemia, heart disease, stomach disease Infusion, tincture
Cough, stomach, sedative Infusion
Vaginal infections, neural disease, headache Infusion
Stomach and lung diseases, liver and gall disorders, against to hysteria, relaxation Infusion, tincture
Hysteria, for barren woman, vaginal chronic infections Infusion
Excretion of urine, prostate gland inflammation Infusion, powder
Cough, sex power, constipation Decoction
Cough, improvement potency, stomach, liver disorders Infusion, tincture in lozovaca
Diarrhea, recovery, strengthen of stomach, skin disorders Powder, decoction
Table 1. Contd.
Chronic vaginal infection, cough, stomach hardship purify of blood, strengthen of nervous system, regulate of menstruation,
Infusion, maceration
eliminate gas in stomach
Contusion, wound, asthma, heart disorders Resin, traditional balm
Wounds, rheumatism Resin, traditional balm
Psoriasis, skin disorders Decoction in wine
Hemorrhoids, blooding from trachea, Cough, wound, liver disorders, uterus disorders, leucorrhea Fresh juice, infusion
Bone fracture, skin diseases Decoction, infusion
Vaginal infections, prostate gland, urinary infection, kidney inflammation, spleen, ulcer, hard cough, blooding of lung Infusion
Cough, skin disorder Decoction, infusion
Asthma, diarrhea, liver, strengthen of heart Decoction, infusion
Cough, liver, gall, hard skin disorder Infusion
Constipation, skin disorder Infusion
Diarrhea, stomach warm Decoction, infusion
Vaginal chronic infections, recovery, skin disease, tonsillitis, fistulae and hemorrhoids Decoction, maceration, powder
Chronic constipation, skin diseases, liver and
Infusion, decoction
Spleen disorders, hemorrhoids
Diarrhea, roundworm, recovery, fever, cough Infusion, maceration, decoction
Kidney disease, hepatitis Decoction, infusion
Cough, diarrhea, against uterus blooding, skin disorders, balance of body temperature Decoction, juice
Hemorrhoids, blood vessels Decoction, infusion
Heart disorder, against to hysteria and epilepsy Fresh juice, infusion
Heart disorder, skin diseases, “swam fever” (malaria), corn at foot Decoction, extract in wine
Skin disease, cough, liver and gall disorders Infusion
Respiratory and skin disease, strengthen of nervous system, clean of liver, strengthen of kidneys, heard,
Infusion, extract in wine, tincture in lozovaca
inflammation of mouth mucous membrane, toothache, recovery and strengthen of organism
Eliminate of toxic liquids by urine, clean of kidneys, water diseases, inflammation of urinary bladder,
Infusion, potion
Cough, Rheumatism, stomach disorder
To bite of poisonous snakes, Diabetes, melting of kidney stone, skin disorders, diabetes Fresh juice, infusion
Blood – leukemia, lung diseases, live, spleen, skin diseases, potency improvement Infusion, powder, tincture in lozovaca
Blood disease, plug disease, potency, cough, liver and gall disorders, skin cleaning Infusion, powder, tincture in lozovaca
Plug serious disease, skin wart, liver regeneration Fresh juice
Liver, skin, wounds Fresh leaves, mixture with honey
Chronic vaginal infections Powder
Bone fracture, lung inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, kidney mucous elimination, baldness, hard fever Decoction with milk, fresh juice
Anemia, Liver, diabetes, kidney stone melting, hemorrhoids, recovery, hepatitis Infusion, decoction with milk
Sulejman 1017
Table 1. Contd.
Stomach disease, liver and gall stone Infusion, tincture in lozovaca

Liver, stomach disease, gall disorders Infusion, tincture in lozovaca
Stomach disease, liver and gall disorders Infusion, tincture in lozovaca
Neurosis, cough, stomach disease, irregular menstruation, strengthen of heart, stomach, anemia, hands tremor, paralysis of Infusion, powder, tincture in lozovaca, extract in
legs and hands olive oil
Neurosis, cough, stomach disease Infusion, powder
Cough, fever, lean of blood, recovery of nervous, epilepsy, hysteria Infusion
Cough, serious lung disease, skin disorders Infusion, maceration in honey
Anemia, kidney and skin, cough, gall and liver disorders, better urinate, hepatitis, fever Fresh juice, infusion, decoction
Decoction in milk Infusion, powder Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, lung tuberculosis and serious wounds, cough, nose irrigation
Infusion, extract in olive oil
Cough, skin disorder, liver disorders Infusion, tincture
Cough at children, skin disease, gas in stomach elimination, scarlet fever Infusion, decoction, tincture
Epilepsy, heart hardship, nematode elimination at children, blooding in uterus and lung Maceration, infusion, tincture
Menstrual disorders, against high potency, for nervous balance, hysteria. Infusion, decoction, powder
these plants along with their main features is recorded. Preparations made of detected species is traditionally used for treatment of heart
given in Table 1. All recorded species belong to medicinal plants are used for the treatment of malfunctions, especially rhythm
vascular plants. The most frequently used plants wide spectrum of human diseases. The majority of disorders, myocardial ischemia and circulation
in the whole region are: Thymus serpyllum (32 species (63 of them) are used for the treatment of disorders, as well as for the treatment of skin
times), Crataegus monogyna (31 times), Salvia different respiratory disorders (cough, inflamma- conditions, wounds, diseases of nervous system
officinalis (31 times), Tilia cordata (31 times), tion of throat, various infections, malicious kind of (youth madness, depression, and fear), liver and
Urtica dioica (31 times), Taraxacum officinale illnesses etc.). Significant share of plants (75 gall diseases and metabolic disorders (Figure 2).
(31), Hypericum perforatum (27 times) Achillea species) is used for the treatment of chronic Shoot system (stem and leaves) is the most
millefiolium (26 times), Thymus pulegioides (23 illnesses of urinary and genital system, most frequently used in medicinal purposes (Table 2),
times), Artemisia absinthium (21 times), Teucrium commonly inflammation of urinary paths, inflam- where usage of dried floral parts (34%) and dried
montanum (21 times), Nepeta catharia (17 times), matory processes in the kidneys, formation of leaves (around 21%) is predominant. Share of use
Orchis morio (17 times) and others (Table 1). For stone in the kidneys and the urinary bladder, then of root system (rhizome, root, bulb and tuber) is
the first time in BiH, the following species are fungal or bacterial infections and as a preventive approximately around 17% (Table 2).
recorded as ones used by ordinary people as measure against the sterility, especially in The most frequent preparations for medicinal
medicinal herbs: Dictamnus albus, Origanum females, as well as for treatment and rising of treatments from plants are usually very simple
heracleoticum, Pinus heldreichii, Psoralea male potency. About 55 of analyzed species are where infusion comprise around 44%, then
bituminosa, Rubia peregrina, Teucrium polium primary used for treatment of gastrointestinal diversity of decocts (around 19%), fresh juices
and Vitex agnus-castus. For the first time use of illnesses (ulcers of stomach and duodenum, (around 8%), and others (macerations, oils,
Sedum sexangulare, Lilium cattaniae and digestion disorders, regulation of stomach acidity, tincture, etc.) (Table 3).
Micromeria thymifolia in Mediterranean area is bettering of appetite etc.). Significant number of In the sense of taxonomy, plants that are being
used for therapeutic purpose in this region belong to after the tooth extraction and wound healing, while in the
divisions of Pteridophyta (one species from investigated area it is used to treat, first of all, heart
Equisetaceae, Aspleniaceae and Adiantaceae) and diseases and then nervous system illnesses and kidney
Spermatophyta with its two subdivisions: Coniferophytina and liver problems (Lalićević and Djordjevic, 2004; Edi et
(one species from Cupressaceae and Pinaceae) and al., 2005). This is also true for Thymus serpyllum. While
Magnoliophytina (with two classes Magnoliopsida and the people of other areas use it as an excellent bronchial
Liliopsida, including 35 families all together). Domination dilatators (Rasoli and Mirmostafa, 2002), in this region it
of Magnoliopsida has been very noticeable with its 32 is used to treat heart diseases, hand tremor or to regulate
families comprised of 84 species that are used in the period. Species with wide distribution Urtica dioica is
therapeutic purposes. Labiatae family (Lamiaceae) usually applied as a mean against anemia and
represents the highest portion 20, followed by cardiovascular diseases (Testai et al., 2002), but people
Compositae (Asteraceae) 11, Rosaceae 7, Leguminosae in the area of interest also use it against a cough, fever,
(Fabaceae) 4 and Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) 4. Class liver and gall diseases. In the entire world, Taraxacum
Liliopsida is represented by five families, 2 species are officinale is known as a plant with the underlined healing
Liliaceae and one species each from Asparagaeceae, character and here it is also used to treat anemia,
Convallariaceae, Araceae and Orchidaceae. The rest of hemorrhoids and jaundice. Hypericum perforatum is
the families are represented by one or two species only being used to treat different skin conditions in many
(Table 1 and 4). countries, but in the area of investigation, its main
According to the EUNIS classification (EUNIS, 2006), purpose is to heal lung diseases and inflammation of
22 different habitats have been detected in the area of kidneys. Next good example represent usage of Tilia
interest and they can be divided into several groups: cordata and Tilia argentea inflorescence that are used to
woods and shrubs, meadows and rock debris communi- treat illnesses of nervous system, such as epilepsy and
ties, rock crevices and scree, swamps and abandoned hysteria, while in other parts of the world they are used
places (Figure 3). The majority of medicinal plants (40%) as a medicine against a cough, mean to provoke
are being found by people in open places, such as sweating and in recent time for anti inflammatory effects
Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean rock debris (Anesini et al., 1999; Toker et al., 2004).
communities from the orders Thero-Brachypodietalia and Comparative analysis of the ethno botanical practice
Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia, termophilous meadows between investigated area and other territories in the
from order Brometalia erecti and wet meadows from the region (Capasso et al., 1982; De Feo et al., 1991; 1992;
orders Arrhenatheretalia and Trifolio-Hordeetalia secalini. 1993; Malamas and Marselos, 1992; Bonet at al., 1999;
About 30% of species grows in the evergreen woods Ballero et al., 2001; Comejo-Rodrigeus et al., 2003;
belonging to the order Quercetalia ilicis, termophilous Guarrera, 2005; Ghorboni, 2005; Everest and Ozturh,
broadleaved woods and shrubs from the orders 2005; Azaizeh et al., 2006; Avci et al., 2006) has shown
Quercetalia pubescentis and Ostryo-Carpinetalia that some identified plants possess many healing
orientalis and black pine woods from the order Pinetalia properties as they are being used to treat different
heldreichii-nigrae. Significant number of species (about diseases that are often diseases of completely different
20%) inhabits abandoned places (Figure 3). physiological systems. Thus, there is a group of plants
that locals call "plants used for the treatment of any
sickness" that is comprised of following species: Achillea
DISCUSSION millefolium, Acorus calamus, Althaea officinalis, Arctium
lappa, Artemisia absinthium, Centaurium maritimum,
Through the analysis of records of plant based medicinal Chelidonium majus, Equisetum arvense, Hypericum
treatments (Table 1), it becomes obvious that some of perforatum, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juglans regia,
the plants are being used more frequently than the others Pimpinella saxifraga, Polygonum aviculare, Salvia
(Achillea millefolium, Hypericum perforatum, Salvia officinalis, Sambucus ebulus, Thymus serpyllum
officinalis, Taraxacum officinale, Thymus serpyllum, Tilia (including several species of the same genus) and
cordata, and Urtica dioica). These species were the most Teucrium montanum. The good example is Arctium lappa
quoted by the informants in the entire area of that is used to treat skin conditions, to strengthen the hair
investigation. Besides this, majority of these species play root, against intestinal parasites, for dissolution of kidney
an important role in therapy of other regions, too stone, for improved urination, against diabetes and
(Antonone et al., 1988; Merzouki et al., 2000; Agelet and rabies, dog's bites, to release stomach gases, against
Valles's, 2001, 2003a, b; Bnouham et al., 2003; Loi et al., sexually transmitted diseases, to treat facial nerve
2004; Gülcin et al., 2004; Novais et al., 2004; Guarrera et inflammation etc. Leaves of walnut Juglans regia, in
al., 2005a, b; Daher et al., 2006). Some of these species addition to common healing the wounds are also used for
are used in a different way than in any other country. One the treatment of bacterial infections of female repro-
such case is Salvia officinalis that in majority of ductive organs, liver diseases, various inflammations,
Mediterranean countries is being used for throat rinsing, strengthening the muscles and enlargement of the female
Sulejman 1019
70
63
60 56 55
50
Number of species
42 41
40
33 32
29
30
20 18
15
12 12
10
10
5 4
2 1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Use in human therapy
Figure 2. The frequency of wild medicinal plants used in human therapy. 1. Respiratory
system, 2. Skin and hair, 3. Gastrointestinal system, 4. Genital system, 5. Liver, 6.
Urinary system, 7. Miscellaneous, 8. Nervous system, 9. Gall disorders, 10. Blood
system, 11. Heart disorders, 12. Bon and muscles, 13. Mouth, nose and throat, 14.
Pancreas, 15. Spleen, 16. Bites of animals, 17. Eyes.
Table 2. Plant parts used in preparation.
Plant part Number of plant part Proportion (%)

Aerial part (all plant with flower) 42 34.15
Leaf 26 21.14
Fresh leaf 3 2.44
Young shoots 2 1.63
Flower 8 6.50
Fruit 9 7.32
Immature fruit 1 0.81
Seed 3 2.44
Rhizome 5 4.06
Root 14 11.38
Tuber and bulb 2 2.08
Bark 5 4.06
Resin 2 1.62
Fresh juice 1 0.81
Total: 123 100
breasts, raising a male potency, etc. christi, Cnicus benedictus and Vitex agnus-castus.
It has also been noticed that some medicinal plants, Medicinal plants of the investigated area are being used
which are very popular in the Mediterranean area and to prevent and heal 140 different “diseases”. In the
wider, are rarely used in human therapy of population course of this research, 527 ways of herbal usage in
from the area of interest, such as: Ruscus aculeatus, human phytotherapy have been identified (Table 1 and
Punica granatum, Verbascum thapsus, Fraxinus ornus, Figure 2). It is common that the same species is used for
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Herniaria hirsuta, Paliurus spina- the treatment and prevention of several different
Table 3. Preparations.
Type of preparation Number of species Proportion (%)

Infusion 78 41.71
Light infusion 1 0.53
Infusion in vinegar 1 0.53
Infusion with honey 1 0.53
Infusion in cooked wine 1 0.53
Extract in Olive oil 3 1.60
Extract in wine 2 1.07
Decoction 23 16.67
Decoction in milk 3 1.60
Decoction in wine 1 0.53
Beverage 1 0.53
Fresh fruit 2 1.07
Fresh juice 14 8.33
Maceration 9 4.17
Maceration in honey 1 0.53
Powder 13 2.08
Resin 2 2.08
Tincture 25 1.04
Oil 2 1.04
Traditional balm 2 1.07
Fresh crushed leaves 1 0.53
Crushed leaves with honey 1 0.53
Total: 187 100
Table 4. Taxonomy belonging of medicinal plants to botanical family.
No Plant family Number of species Proportion (%)

1 Lamiaceae 20 20.83
2 Asteraceae 11 11.46
3 Rosaceae 7 7.29
4 Fabaceae 4 4.17
5 Apiaceae 3 3.12
6 Crassulaceae 3 3.12
7 Liliaceae 2 2.08
8 Malvaceae 2 2.08
9 Papaveraceae 2 2.08
10 Anacardiaceae 2 2.08
11 Boraginaceae 2 2.08
12 Rutaceae 2 2.08
13 Rhamnaceae 2 2.08
14 Pinaceae 2 2.08
15 Violaceae 2 2.08
16 The other 29 families have been 31 32.29
presented by one plant species
Total: 96 100
diseases as its healing properties influences different same plant is approximately 4 - 5. For example Arctium
functional systems. Thus the study has shown that the lappa is applied in 12 cases, Achillea millefolium in 11,
average number of health disorders being treated by the Salvia officinalis in 9, Polygonum aviculare and Juglans
Sulejman 1021
40 38
35
31
30
Number of species
25
20 19
15
10
6
5
2
0
1 2 3 4 5
Type of habitat and community
Figure 3. Wild medicinal plants in relate to their habitat and community. 1. Forest and scrubs; 2.
Grassland and rocky grasslands; 3.Wetlands; 4. Cliffs and scree; 5. Abandoned habitats.
regia in 8, Sambucus ebulus, Pimpinella saxifraga and (19 species) and digestion disorders on such as
Centaurium maritimum in 7 etc. Most of the plants are constipation and diarrhea (11 species). 41 species are
being used for medicinal treatment of five different being used in the treatment of lever sicknesses, including
illnesses. There are only few species which usage is jaundice and the gall. Treatment comprised of five plants
limited to only one, two or three diseases (Adiantum has achieved a great success in the maintenance of
capillus-veneris, Eryngium campestre, Geranium stable sugar level in the bloodstream.
macrorrhizum, Lilium cattaniae, Pinus nigra, Pistacia Traditional phytotherapy provides excellent results in
lentiscus, Polygonum odoratum, Polypodium vulgare, the treatment of diverse cardiovascular disorders,
Punica granatum, Sedum maximum, Sedum especially arrhythmia, heart fibrillation and the diseases
sexangulare). Some plants treat disorders of a single of blood vessels. In the investigated area, unlike other
functional system, such as entire genus Teucrium (T. parts of BiH (Redzic, 2006b) or wider (Ivancheva and
montanum, T. chamaedrys, T. arduini, and T. polium) that Stantcheva, 2000; Pieroni et al., 2003; Jaric et al., 2007),
is only used for the treatment of digestive system. different heart disorders have been cured with great
Through the comparative record's analysis (Table 1 success. For this, preparations of Satureja montana
and Figure 2), one comes to the conclusion that despite and S. subspicata have been used, while in other regions
being uneducated or lacking basic medicinal knowledge, Artemisia absinthium is used for the same purpose, as
common people make a positive difference in the well as for treatment of arrhythmia. Acorus calamus is
treatments of numerous unfavorable health conditions used for the treatment of heart fibrillation while Salvia
(over 140). Majority of species are being used to fight officinalis is well known in the investigated area as a
respiratory system difficulties (63), especially against „cardiac treatment plant“used to strengthen heart muscle
cough (even 32 species) and asthma and lung diseases and to treat arrhythmia. Thymus serpyllum strengthens
(16). There are few species, such as Chelidonium majus, heart muscle, etc. There are many species that regulate
Sedum acre and Satureja subspicata that are commonly nervous system and by that positively regulate
used to treat tuberculosis or lung cancer. Digestive cardiovascular system too.
system is often an object of herbal medicinal treatment There are several plants used for the treatment of
too and over 30 different diseases or disorders are diseases that affect blood, mainly in terms of «blood
prevented and cured by herbal preparations. 55 species cleansing» and against anemia, while some of them,
are used for stomach and intestinal therapy of which such as Satureja montana and local endemic species
major proportion is for the stomach difficulties Satureja subspicata, are used to treat leukemia and
syndromes of lymphatic nodes since long ago. There is species have been used. The most efficient are:
an interesting story of a 70 years old man from nearby Hypericum perforatum, Acorus calamus, Vitex agnus-
Stolac, who was as a 23 old boy dismissed from the castus, Dictamnus albus, Glechoma hederacea,
military academy in Belgrade for his bad health, with a life Micromeria thymifolia, Nepeta cataria, Mentha pulegium,
expectancy of only 2 - 3 months. Afterwards, he was Thymus pulegioides, and Viscum album.
subjected to the intense therapy of powder and infusion About 20 plants are used to treat the diseases of
prepared with Satureja montana and S. subspicata muscles and skeletal system, mouth, nose and throat
(combined with goat's milk). The final result had (Table 1). It should be emphasized that Sanguisorba
astonished doctors in the region and he started his new minor is used to treat bites of the most venomous snakes
life as a healthy man where medicinal plants became an in the area, such as Vipera berus and Vipera ammodytes.
obligatory part of it. This characteristic of Sanguisorba minor arises from its
Thirty-three plants are applied in the treatment of content of unique phenol carboxylic acids (Nahla, 2003).
kidney and urinary system diseases, mainly as a mean to In the region of high biological diversity, where poisonous
dissolve a stone in kidneys, for the treatment of urinary animal bites occur, seeking for a plant that can treat
infections and inflammation processes, or to improve these states is a specially protruding (Otero et al., 2000).
urination. The best effects have been reached by Similar to other countries (Bandeira et al., 2001;
following species: Arbutus unedo, Adiantum capilus- Palmese et al., 2001; Passalacqua et al., 2007) in terms
veneris, Arctium lappa, Asparagus officinalis, Carlina of plant's part being used, the most prominent practice is
acaulis, Hieracium pilosella, Hypericum perforatum, use of aerial parts where usage of flowering plants (about
Polygonum aviculare, Sambucus ebulus and others. 34%) and leaves (about 22%) dominate. This proportion
At present, plants are being used for the treatment of correlates with the general domination of hemi
kidney and urinary system diseases in other regions too cryptophytes in the area (meaning perennial plants), as
(Abu-Rabia, 2005; Lans, 2006). 42 plant species have well as the simple way of collecting them. This isn’t the
been used in the treatments of conditions affecting case with trees or plants developing massive root system
genital system. Informants have suggested 21 different organs, making a collection more complicated, in a karsts
modes of usage of these plants, covering all possible dominated territory (substratum is very hard to
unfavorable conditions of genital system. Majority of penetrate). Even though the proportion of geophytes in
plants (13 species) are used for the healing of female the investigated area is much higher, the usage of the
genital infections (Achillea millefolium, Artemisia vulgaris, root system (root, bulb and rhizome) for the medicinal
Capsella bursa-pastoris, Juglans regia, Pimpinella treatments comes from only 19 plants. Similar to the
saxifraga, Plantago meda, Quercus pubescens, Potentilla other territories in BiH (Redzic et al., 1989; 1991; 2006b),
anserina, Mentha pulegium, and especially Sedum usage of coniferous tree's resin as an important
sexangulare). 5 species have been used for the ingredient of some traditional pharmaceutics is very
treatment of prostate inflammatory processes (Asparagus popular here. Pharmaceutical preparations are often
officinalis, Hieracium pilosella and especially Nigella prepared from several species of plants, (usually mixing
damascena). The underlined use of plants as an three, five or up to seven). It is believed that the effect of
aphrodisiac aimed to raise male potency (Juglans regia, cure is better if more plants are used in its preparation.
Satureja montana, Hyssopus officinalis, especially Orchis Majority of plant parts, which are usually aerial parts,
morio and Origanum heracleoticum) reflects southern are being used to prepare diverse infusion. These
temperament of the people in the investigated area. preparations are made with simple boiling of plant leaves
Significant experiences in the usage of traditional herbal or flowers in the water, removing it from a heat and
remedies for female gynecological disorders have also leaving it covered until cooled. Afterwards, the infusion is
been recorded in the other parts of the world (Arnel- filtrated and served in a traditional manner with the sage
Schnebelen et al., 2004; Vidyasagar and Prashantkumar, honey. A cup of this should be taken several times a day.
2007). It can also be consumed instead of water or any other
Fifty-six species have been used for the treatment liquid, such as infusion of Teucrium montanum (usually 2
of different skin conditions of which the most significant - 3 L of tea are made in one go). Jaundice is very
are: Althaea officinalis, Arctium lappa, Carlina acaulis, successfully treated in this way, as well as liver and
Cotinus cggygria, Pinus nigra, Pistacia lentiscus, stomach diseases, depression etc. Maceration is
Polypodium vulgare, Sedum maximum and Viola alba. prepared in way where a crushed plant has been sunk in
Emphasized use of medicinal plants for the treatment of the warm water over the night.
skin conditions has been recognized in some other Homemade tinctures, also frequently used for
regions as well (Burnstock et al., 1999; Onanga et al., treatments, are prepared in the way that plant parts are
1999; Saikia et al., 2006). sunk into brandy, kept on the sunlight for 7 - 10 days and
Significant results are also being reached in terms of applied in a form of drink or cataplasm to cure stomach
treatments of nervous system disorders such as hysteria, aches, respiratory system diseases and skin conditions.
epilepsy and psychotic state of mind for which 29 plant Unique preparations are creams known as “mehlemi”
Sulejman 1023
whose traditional use in this area is very long. They are and Vipera berus subsp. bosniaca. It is also used for the
prepared using fresh plant parts or pine's resin and mixed treatment of diabetes.
with cow's butter or pig's fat. Mehlems are common cure Species such as Satureja subspicata (used to treat the
for hard healing wounds. most severe blood diseases, such as leukemia), Sedum
Apart from home made medicinal preparations, maximum and Sedum sexangulare (used to treat skin
medicinal plants are commonly used for a traditional conditions and complicated vaginal infections) have also
nutrition. The dishes are mainly made with olive oil been unknown to the world's ethno botanical databases:
(Redzic, 2006a). Further ethno pharmacological research is needed to
Compared to the international databases on medicinal confirm true potential of these plants in medicinal
and edible plants (PFAF, 2006), and to the other treatment in the above named or any other pathological
countries in Mediterranean region (Ivancheva and condition in human health.
Stantcheva, 2000; Pieroni et al., 2002b; 2003; El-Hilaly et The comparison of the generated data with the
al., 2003; Pieroni and Quave, 2005; Scherrer et al., 2005) international databases in the pertaining field (PFAF,
to the area of interest, significant difference regarding 2006) and mentioned references revealed that the
plant diversity has been detected, including its species of Centaurium maritimum (L.) Fritsch (Syn:
taxonomical position, ecological character, way of Centaurium discolor (Gand.) Ronniger) have not been
preparing medicinal substances and forms of its registered previously to have any use in the traditional
application in traditional human therapy. therapy. Comparative studies of this plant to the one
Comparison of obtained results to the most preformed on very popular species in ethno botany
encompassing database plants for the future (PFAF, Centaurium umbellatum (Grujic-Vasic et al., 2005)
2006), has lead to discovery of 17 species whose showed that the species C. maritimum have a
therapeutic usage was mentioned for the first time. This significantly higher degree of bitterness. This may
represents an important contribution to the advancement indicate its potentially higher phytochemical capacities,
of ethno botany and pharmaceutics on global scale and should be confirmed in a concrete pharmacological
(Table 1). Special attention, in terms of being valuable research. The traditional tincture of „grape brandy“with an
therapeutic resource, should be paid to: Teucrium aerial part of the species C. maritimum has been proved
montanum (that according to local people beliefs «heal to have an excellent influence on heart strengthening as
every disease»), Teucrium arduini (endemic species), well as on elimination of stomach discomfort. It is also
Centaurium maritimum (very popular plant when it comes very popular as an everyday aperitif.
to stomach and «female» sickness) and Eryngium There is no previous record of species Eryngium
amethystinum (used to treat «water sickness» and amethystinum L. (Syn.: Eryngium multifidum Sibth. and
hepatitis). Despite being SE European endemic species, Sm.; Eryngium glomeratum Lam.) in the human therapy.
Eryngium amethystinum posses wide distribution in the This generates the need for more detailed both phyto-
investigated area, representing therefore secure resource chemical and bio-assay research efforts aimed at this
for further research and modern therapeutic practice. productive species, because complex researches of
Using the above mentioned database, it appears that similar species of the genus Eryngium (in particular
Helichrysum italicum hasn't been known for its medicinal Eryngium campestre, Eryngium maritimum) indicate
characteristics so far and it was only recorded as a spice. obvious anti-inflammatory activity (Kupeli et al., 2006). As
Nevertheless, in the area of interest, this is the mostly a matter of fact, some species of this genus such as the
used medicinal plant used in traditional therapy for liver, more widely distributed Eryngium campestre contains
gall and stomach sickness, plus it works as an excellent cyclohexenone and cyclohexadienone glycoside
insecticide. The list of species with so far less known or (Clemens et al., 1986).
even completely unknown therapeutic use includes the So far, species Marrubium incanum Desr. (Syn.:
following: Lilium cattaniae (local endemic plants), Marrubium candidissimum auct., non L.) was not
Marrubium incanum (excellent anti-arrhythmic), registered in human therapy even though, according to
Micromeria thymifolia (has an odor similar to that of this research, has shown to be very effective in the
genus Mentha and Thymus), Origanum heracleoticum treatment of not only stomach diseases but also heart
(has a luscious smell), resin of the endemic kind of pine conditions such as arrhythmia. It is extremely important to
Pinus heldreichii, then Prunella laciniata, Psoralea identify pharmacological effects of this species, the more
bituminosa (used in the treatment of skin conditions), so because a seed of Marrubium candidissimum contains
Rubus heteromorphus (used in the treatment of diarrhea anti Tn (Bird and Wingham, 1981).
and cough) and Salvia bertolonii (used in the treatment of Lilium cattaniae (Vis.) Vis. (Syn.: Lilium martagon L.
skin conditions and cough). Comparing to the same var. cattaniae Vis.; Lilium. martagon L. var.
database, Sanguisorba minor has been used rarely in the atropurpureum Neilr.; Lilium dalmaticum Vis. in Sched.) is
therapy and yet, in the area of interest, this plant is used an endemic, very decorative species. It grows in
to treat bites of the most venomous snakes that thermofilous forests and shrubs of Herzegovina. So far, it
frequently occur in this area, such as Vipera ammodytes was neither recorded in traditional therapy, nor it was
researched from the phytochemical aspect. It represents 2005; Eidi et al., 2005), contains lupeol derivates (Anaya
an important resource both for phytochemical and et al., 1989). It is also necessary to make a thorough
pharmacological research, because its closest species investigation of pharmacological effects of the species
Lilium martagon in the neighboring Albania is being used Salvia bertoloni, which may have been unjustifiably left
in therapy „to eliminate lipids from the blood“, to treat out in favor of the more popular medicinal plant Salvia
every liver disease (Pieroni et al., 2005b), and it also officinalis, since the two frequently share same habitats.
contains pyrroline glycoside ester and steroidal saponins Red heather Satureja subspicata (Syn.: Satureja illyrica
(Satou et al., 1996). Host; Satureja montana L. subsp. illyrica Nyman) is a
Origanum heracleoticum L. (Syn.: Origanum hirtum Balkan endemic species with its center of distribution in
Link) is an endemic species of strong odor. So far, it was the investigated area (Silic, 1984). So far, its official
not recorded in the human therapy in the Mediterranean usage in a therapy has not been recorded. It was
region. The research that was conducted on this species probably pushed out from the use by the species
showed that its essential oil has a significant antimicrobial Satureja montana, which is more widely distributed and
activity on Pseudomonas putida (Oussalah et al., 2006), more popular among people. Having in mind an
Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurinum, extremely prominent chemical diversity and antimicrobial
Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria onocytogenes activity of the species Satureja subspicata from the
(Oussalah et al., 2007). It also contains very unique habitat of the neighboring Croatia (Skočibušić et al.,
chemical compositions such as 4, 5-epoxy-p-menth-1- 2006), it is necessary to do more detailed pharmacolo-
ene (Lawrence et al., 1974), and a series of other organic gical researches, because of a belief that this species
compositions (Nhu-Trang et al., 2006). This indicates a successfully treats and „protects“ from very serious
need for thorough bio-assay research of these very diseases.
popular species in BiH coastline. Species of the genus Sedum such as Sedum
Pinus heldreichii H. Christ (Syn.: Pinus leucodermis sexangulare (Syn.: Sedum mite auct.; Sedum boloniense
Antoine p.p.), endemic Balkan-Apennine pine with its Loisel.), as well as Sedum maximum (L.) Suter (Syn.:
distribution in the Central and Western Balkans, is used Sedum telephium L. subsp. maximum (L.) Krock) have
in the human therapy in the area of interest. Its usage in not been registered in the therapy of either BiH region or
the other areas has not been recorded. Tree sap is in the wider Mediterranean region. Having in mind their
mainly used from this species. This may indicate a role in treating skin diseases, infections, vaginal
medicinal value of both twigs and bark because it discharge and liver, it would be necessary to complete
contains cembratrienols and other organic compounds at pharmacological researches on these species. The
white bark of this species (Werner et al., 1994). reason for this is mostly because of flavonol glycosides
Species Prunella laciniata (L.) L. (Syn.: Prunella alba (Mulinacci et al., 1995) that were isolated in the leaves of
Pall. ex M. Bieb.), which mainly inhabits warmer habitats Sedum maximum, which have been used to treat wounds
of open sub-Mediterranean meadows, so far hasn’t been during the last war in BiH.
recorded in human phytotherapy either. In the surveyed Although the popular Teucrium montanum L. (Syn.:
area, this species is used for making infusions for the Teucrium pannonicum A. Kern.; Teucrium praemontanum
cough treatment, gall and skin diseases. Its closest Klokov; Teucrium helianthemoides Adamovic; Teucrium
relative species, the more widely distributed Prunella jailae Juz.) has been in use for a long time, its effects are
laciniata, is used externally „for cleaning open sores and yet to be sufficiently pharmacologically researched and
wounds“(Rivera and Obon, 1995). Given that Prunella its medicinal effects confirmed. Available phyto chemical
laciniata inhabits ecologically clean habitats and it is researches pointed at the presence of neo-clerodane
numerous, it could be considered as a serious resource diterpenoids (Malakov et al., 1992), and the populations
in modern phytotherapy. of this species from the region of the neighboring Serbia,
Bitumen trefoil Psoralea bituminosa L. is Mediterranean has indicated the antimicrobial and free radical
species which so far has not been used by humans in scavenging activities (Djilas et al., 2006). In particular, it
BiH. However, it was recorded in therapy of Madeira and would be necessary to examine its pharmacological
Porto Santo, where they use its leaves for making effects on the human liver.
„decoction with alcohol and iodine that is applied Dinaric endemic species Teucrium arduinii L. (Syn.:
externally as a hair restorer“(Rivera and Obon, 1995). Teucrium hircanicum auct. eur., non L.) is a sort of
For the first time, Salvia bertoloni Vis. (Syn.: Salvia novelty in the therapy but it deserves a full attention in the
pratensis L. subsp. bertoloni (L.) Visiani) has been sense of both more detailed phyto chemical and
mentioned in human therapy of Mediterranean countries pharmacological researches, because of neo-cleodane
where this species is located. There are several diterpenoids indication of a anti-feedant activity (Bruno et
indicators that this is truly a medicinal plant because its al., 2002).
closest relative, a typical meadow sage Salvia pratensis True significance of possible usage of the
L. in addition to a series of compositions which have an abovementioned wild plants can be revealed through
antioxidant effect (Miliauskas et al., 2004; Lima et al., modern tendencies in the ethno pharmacology (Gilani
Sulejman 1025
and Rahman, 2005) and through the stronger connection Ethnopharmacol. 107: 418-423.
Azaizeh H, Saad B, Khalil K, Said O (2006). The state of the art of
between the ethno botany and ethno pharmacology
traditional Arab herbal medicine in the Eastern Region of the
(Heinrich et al., 2006). Mediterranean: A Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat. Med. 3:
229-235.
Bailly F, Queffelec C, Mbemba G, Mouscadet JF, Cotelle P (2005).
Synthesis and HIV-1 integrase inhibitory activities of caffeic acid
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
dimers derived from Salvia officinalis. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 15:
5053-5056.
This paper was co-financed by means from the scientific- Ballero M, Poli F, Sacchetti G, Loi MC (2001). Ethnobotanical research
investigation project: “Procjena ugroženosti i obrasci in the territory of Fluminimaggiore (South-western Sardinia).
održive zaštite genofonda endema u razvojnom centru Fitoterapia 72: 788-800.
Bandeira SO, Gaspar F, Pagula FP (2001). African ethnobotany and
Prenj-Čvrsnica-Čabulja” (“Assessment of threats and
healthcare: emphasis on Mozambique. Pharm. Biol 39(1): 70-73.
patterns for the sustainable protection of endemic gene Bedoya LM, Sanchez-Palomino S, Abad MJ, Bermejo P, Alcami J
pool in the development centre Prenj-Čvrsnica-Čabulja”), (2001). Anti-HIV activity of medicinal plant extracts. J.
Project Number: 03-39-5980-67-2/08, co-financed by the Ethnopharmacol. 77: 113-116.
Begovic B (1960). Strani kapital u sumskoj privredi Bosne i Hercegovine
Federal Ministry of Education and Science of Federation za vrijeme otomanske vladavine./ Foreign capital in the forest
of Bosnia and Herzegovina. economy of BiH during the Ottoman empery. Radovi Sumarskog
The author owes his gratitude to the people who have fakulteta i Instituta za sumarstvo i drvnu industriju u Sarajevu/Papers
supported me during the challenging field investigation, of Faculty of Forestry and Institute for forestry and wood industry, (In
Serbo-Croatian). Sarajevo 5: 3-272.
especially to Mr. Sedik Velic, technician of the Dep. of Bird GWG, Wingham J (1981). Anti-Tn from Marrubium candidissimum.
Botany of the Faculty of Science University of Sarajevo. I Rev. Fr. Transfus. Immunohematol. 24: 347-348.
am also very thankful to the English language experts Bnouham M, Merhfour FZ, Abderrahim Z, Mekhfi H, Aziz M, Legssyer A
Ms. Sabina Trakic, Mr. Mirnes Zukanovic and Miss. (2003). Antihyperglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of Urtica
dioica. Fitoterapia 74: 677-681.
Fadila Muftic, for their efforts made during the translation
Bodeker C, Ong CK, Grundy C, Burford G, Shein K (2005). WHO
of this paper to English, and the entire revision of original Global atlas of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine.
text written in Bosnian language. World Health Organization, Center for Health Development, Kobe,
Japan.
Bonet MA, Parada M, Selga A, Valle`s J (1999). Studies on
pharmaceutical ethnobotany in the regions of L’Alt Emporda` and Les
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Redzic S (2009). Biodiversity of endemic plants as a source of new

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 4(11), pp.

1003-1027, 4 June, 2010

Full Length Research Paper

Wild medicinal plants and their usage in traditional

interviewed by the author. Printed forms containing following

consequence of this, spectrum of occurring species concerns only

Figure 1. Investigated area.

During the course of investigations 96 vascular plants

Habitat/belonging to plant Scientific name of plant, plant family and Frequency

Ad. Adiantum capillus-veneris L. Vilina vlas Maidenhair fern Aerial part 2

T.-H. Althaea officinalis L. Bijeli sljez Marsh mallow Leaf, Root 12

B.e. Anthyllis vulneraria L. Ranjenik Kidney vetch Aerial part 4

Q.i. Arbutus unedo L. Planika Strawberry tree Leaf, fruit 10

O. Arctium lappa L. Čičak, repuh Great burdock Root, leaf, fruit 13

O. Artemisia absinthium L. Pelin, pelim Wormwood Aerial part 21

O. Artemisia vulgaris L. Komonjika Mugwort Young shoots 7

O.-C.o. Asparagus officinalis L. Viline metle Asparagus Young shoots 7

Q.p. Calamintha officinalis Moench Marulja Calamint Aerial part 5

Ch. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.)Med. Rusomača Shepherd's purse Aerial part 11

Amp. Ceterach officinarum DC. Zlatna paprat Scale fern Leaf 7

Ch. Chelidonium majus L. Rosopas Greater celandine Aerial part 16

Sis. Cichorium intybus L. Vodopija, ženetrga Chicory Root 14

Sis. Cnicus benedictus L. Blaženi čkalj Blessed Thistle Leaf 6

O.-C.o. Cotinus coggygria Scop. Ruj Smoke tree Leaf 5

O.-C.o./ Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Jednosjemeni glog Hawthorn Flower, leaf 31

Q.p. Dictamnus albus L. Jasenak Burning bush Aerial part, root 2

P.m. Equisetum arvense L. Preslica Field horsetail Aerial part 7

B.e. Eryngium ametystinum L. Kotrljan Blue eryngo Root 10

B.e. Filipendula vulgaris Moench Kraljica polja Dropwort Aerial part 3

Sis. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Komorač Fennel Aerial part 17

O.-C.o. Fraxinus ornus L. Crni jasen Manna ash Leaf 5

Ch. Fumaria officinalis L. Dimnjača Fumitory Aerial part 3

A.f. Geranium macrorrhizum L. Zdravac planinski Big root geranium Rhizome 3

T.-H.. Glechoma hederacea L. Dobričica Ground Ivy Aerial part 6

T.-H. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Sladić Liquorices Root 7

Q.p. Hedera helix L. Bršljan Ivy Leaf 7

S.-Ch. Helichrysum italicum (Roth.) G.Don Smilje Curry plant Flower 10

S.-Ch. Hyssopus officinalis L. Miloduh, isop Hyssop Aerial part 12

Q.p./P.a. Juglans regia L. Orah Walnut Leaf, immature fruits 9

Jun. Juniperus oxycedrus L. Crvena kleka Prickly Juniper Fruit 5

S.-Ch/Ch Lavandula vera DC. Despik Lavender Aerial part 11

Q.p. Lilium cattaniae (Vis.)Vis. Zlatan Balkan Lily Bulb 2

S.-Ch. Marrubium incanum Dsr. Matočina, očajnica SIVI Aerial part 7

Q.p. Melittis melissophyllum L.. Medunika Bastard Balm Aerial part 4

T.-H. Mentha pulegium L. Verem trava Pennyroyal Aerial part 15

O. Nepeta cataria L. Mačija metvica Catmint Aerial part 17

Ch Nigella damascena L. Čurekot, mačkov Love-In-A-Mist Seed 2

B.e. Orchis morio L. Salep, kaćun Green-Winged Orchid Tuber 17

O.-C.o. Origanum heracleoticum L. Mravinac Oregano Aerial part 10

Pal./ Paliurus spina-christi Mill. Drača Christ's thorn Fruit 2

B.e. Pimpinella saxifraga L. Bedrenika Burnet Saxifrage Root 6

P.h.-n. Pinus heldreichii H. Christ Munika Resin 2

B.e. Plantago media L. Srednja bokvica Hoary plantain Leaf 10

Q.p. Polygonatum odoratum Pokosnica Solomon's seal Rhizome 5

P.m. Polygonum aviculare L. Troskot Knotweed Aerial part 12

Amph. Polypodium vulgare L. Slatka paprat Polypody Rhizome 4

T.-H. Potentilla anserine L. Guščija trava Polypody Leaves 3

B.e. Prunella laciniata (L.) L. Bijela celinčica Self-Heal Aerial part 4

C.-B.r. Psoralea bituminosa L. Djetelinjak Silver leaf Aerial part 2