Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants of Joopar Mountains of Kerman Province, Iran

Background & Aims: Access to the non-documented experiences and information is one of the valuable ways for developing pharmaceutical sciences and a basis for production of new drugs. Ethnobotany is the science of recovering endangered non-documented traditions. Protection of these traditions would be a precious guide to gain access to new drug sources. The aim of this study was to identify and introduce the ethnobotany of Joopar mountain region in Kerman province, Iran. Methods: Traditional knowledge and belifes of ethnic groups were documented using a questionnaire and by interview. Documentary studies of medical and pharmaceutical sources and identification and scientific nomination of medicinal plants were done. Ethnobotanic information of the plants was recorded and some of the plants were used for phytochemical studies. Results: The presence of 65 plant species belonging to 30 plant families was proved. Laminaceae family constituted the major flora of the region (15.85%). The most use of the plants was in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. From about 65 plant specices, a number of 35 speciea were tannin and flavonoid positive, 26 plants exhibited positive reaction to alkalods and 15 species exhibited positive reaction to saponins. Conclusion: Considering the originality of the region and non-documented information about the plants of this region, using our findings can design appropriate programs for developing the medicinal plants compatible with the ecological conditions of this region