An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Administered for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia in Bushehr, South Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is recognized as a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal plants possess various biological properties for the treatment of diseases. Hence, the present study was carried out to collect ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal plants used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in Bushehr, South Iran. Methods: This study was performed in Bushehr, South Iran. Ethnobotanical information was collected through interviews and questionnaires among 25 traditional healers. Demographic information was also received from traditional healers. Ultimately, the data were analyzed in Excel. Results: Findings showed that eight medicinal plants from seven families were administrated for the management of hyperlipidemia. Our results also highlighted that the medicinal plants in the Asteraceae family (Cichorium intybus L. and Silybum marianum L. Gaerth.) exerted the most application in the management of hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, it has been concluded that aerial parts were the most usable part of the plant (50%). Seeds (25%), leaves (12.5%), and fruits (12.5%) were other usable parts of the medicinal plants. Moreover, it has been observed that decoction (56.25%) and fresh (43.75%) were the most important types of preparation methods for medicinal plants, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the studied medicinal plants showed beneficial effects against hyperlipidemia. Therefore, further studies about the biological role of active ingredients present in these medicinal plants could increase the acceptance of the use of these herbs.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Hyperlipidemia, Bushehr