Alpine ethnobotanical knowledge in Sondalo (SO, Lombardy, Italy)

Background: Whereas Alpine populations have been geographically isolated from major cities since ancient times, they long learned to make use of the features their own territory and its resources, especially autochthonous spontaneous plants. In such areas there is still a wide traditional plant species; this heritage, however, risks becoming extinct. Our work gathered processed information on plants used for medicinal, veterinary, cosmetic, domestic, ritual, religious purposes by inhabitants Sondalo (Valtellina, SO, Lombardy, Italy). Methods: The survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews. All data entered within database. Extensive bibliographic research performed in scientific literature biological activity species human medicinal purposes. Results: We interviewed 101 people aged 25-98. 112 were mentioned, belonging 52 families. 87 spontaneous, 25 cultivated. most cited Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg., Sambucus nigra L., Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson. frequently parts flowers/inflorescences, leaves, fruits. common preparation forms infusion, decoction, syrup. uses covered different aspects daily life: 73 cooking, 62 purposes, 27 domestic field, 17 agropastoral activities, 13 animal healthcare. evaluation allowed us find 36 plants, linked territory. Conclusions: This enhances mosaic ethnobotanical studies carried out region highlights importance kind surveys search new natural potentially active compounds. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Northern Italy, Alps, Medicinal Biocultural heritage.