Articles

Plant Biodiversity in the Ethnopharmacology of Salento. Bibliometric Networks for its Re-Evaluation


Abstract


This study explores the historical evolution of ethnopharmacology, a discipline rooted in the earliest stages of human civilisation and still practiced globally. Central to this field is humanity’s deep understanding of plants—used for nourishment, healing, and toxicity—and the transmission of this knowledge across generations. In the Salento region, the rich biodiversity of native flora has long supported diverse therapeutic applications, with traditional methods of medicinal preparation preserved to the present day. Recent bibliometric analyses highlight a significant surge in scientific interest in ethnopharmacology, particularly in the search for novel bioactive compounds that enhance the pharmacological value of indigenous plant species To re-evaluate this local knowledge, bibliometric analysis was applied to three key Salento species: borage (Borago officinalis L.), sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), and poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.). Scientific investigation confirmed traditional uses while revealing a high number of secondary metabolites. Noteworthy findings include borage's high γ-linolenic acid content, sea fennel's potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, and the reclassification of poppy as a biocide plant.

Keywords


Bibiometric networks, biodiversity, ethnopharmacology, medicinal plants

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2423/i22394303v15Sp93

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