Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants in Karaisalı and its surrounding (Adana-Turkey)

This study identifies wild plants collected for medical purposes by local people of Karaisalı County in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, together with the uses and local names of these plants. A field study was carried out over a period of approximately 2 years (2008–2010). During this period, 129 vascular plant specimens were collected. Demographic characteristics of participants, local plant names, parts used and methods of preparation of the plants were investigated and recorded. Within the scope of the study, relevant plant species were collected; herbarium materials were prepared; and the specimens were labelled. In addition, the use-value of the species was determined and calculated for the medicinal plants included in the study. A total of 129 medical plants belonging to 59 families were identified in the region. The most common families were: Lamiaceae (14 plants), Asteraceae (11 plants), Rosaceae (10 plants), Apiaceae (5 plants), Euphorbiaceae (5 plants). A comparison of the data obtained in this study with experimental data obtained in previous laboratory studies, confirmed most of the ethnobotanical uses. The plant flora of Karaisalı is threatened by such factors as grazing, expansion of new agricultural lands, and unsustainable harvesting of plants to generate income. Steps should be taken immediately to ensure the inclusion of relevant flora within conservation designations.