Volume 155, Issue 1, 8 August 2014, Pages 463–484
Ethnobotanical and phytomedical knowledge in the North-Western Ligurian Alps
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The
ethnobotany of European alpine regions is much diversified and scarcely
investigated. These regions retain a well-developed heritage culture
and botanical traditional knowledge, favored by the isolated montane
location. We carried out a study of therapeutic and traditional uses of
native plants of a poorly explored area of the Western Italian Alps in
the Ligurian region (NW Italy). The area has been the object of human
activities since prehistoric ages, and an obliged crossroad for people
moving across Provence, Liguria and Piemonte.
Methodology
The
investigation was conducted in the upper Tanarello and Arroscia Valleys
by using semi-structured, open interviews. Data were summarized by
different indices – Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Value
Index (CV), Ethnobotanicity Index (EI) and Informant Consensus Factor (Fic).
Results and discussion
A
group of 65 informants were interviewed, yielding an inventory of 199
botanical taxa from 64 families, and a total of 2661 citations. A total
of 13 categories of use were found, of which the most frequent ones were
medicinal and food. In addition, 12 main medicinal subcategories were
recorded. Botanicals were mainly used to treat digestive system,
respiratory system, and the skin. A relevant role was played by plants
with digestive and remineralizing properties. On the basis of
quantitative analysis (RFC and CV indices) among the 30 most relevant
plants are included rare and/or protected species, such as Achillea ligustica, Arnica montana, Gentiana ligustica, Gentiana lutea, and Achillea erba-rotta.
Conclusions
An
exhaustive prospect of the ethnobotanical knowledge in North-Western
Ligurian Alps has been achieved through the recording of a large number
of data. About 50% of the recorded uses have survived in the area. A
great traditional importance is retained by species such as Artemisia absinthium, Lavandula angustifolia and Arnica montana
which were formerly cultivated and marketed for their therapeutic
virtues. A substantial role is also attributable to the tree species Pinus sp. pl., Castanea sativa and Olea europaea
that have been exploited as sources of wood/food since long ago. These
plants are a natural resource deserving reevaluation among local
agriculture and commercial activities.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Cultural Value Index (CV);
- Ethnobotany;
- Ethnobotanicity Index (EI);
- Informant Consensus Factor (Fic);
- Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC);
- Traditional medicine
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