Francisco Amich

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Arribes del Duero, western Spain.

AIM OF THE STUDY We studied traditional knowledge (TK) and current uses of medicinal plants among the inhabitants of the Arribes del Duero-ARD-(Spain), documenting traditional medical practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS We interviewed 80 key informants (44 men and 36 women). Their average age was 72 years (range 48-98 years). We calculated the cultural importance for each species cited. To analyze how TK varies with the characteristics of the different informants, we performed an ANCOVA, taking the number of use-reports (URs) provided by each informant as a variable to model, and age and gender as explanatory variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 156 medicinal remedies were recorded; they were based on a single species and were cited by at least three independent informants, and half of them are still in use today. These remedies are related to nine major organ systems and 54 therapeutic uses, and 70 species (belonging to 39 families) are used, most of which are herbs (64%). The most relevant family is the Lamiaceae (23 remedies, 8 species) and the species employed in the greatest number of remedies (8) is Urtica dioica L. However, the taxon with the greatest cultural value is Hypericum perforatum L. (CI=0.71). 31% of the variability of the TK can be explained in terms of the age and gender of the informants (R(2)=0.315), the age factor having a positive effect. Most of the remedies are related to the treatment of unimportant ailments, referring to disorders of the skin, and the respiratory and digestive systems. The leaves and fruits are the most frequently sought plant parts (40 and 17% of the plants mentioned, respectively), and infusions (34%) and decoctions (28%) are the main methods used for preparing the remedies. Likewise, we recorded remedies based on plant mixtures and ethnomedicinal novelties or rare uses, and comment on the influence exerted by superstition. Currently, many people preserve a rich TK about medicinal plants, and it may be affirmed that the folk medicine is still very much alive in the ARD, above all as regards the treatment of certain common afflictions or unimportant ailments.

The consumption of wild and semi-domesticated edible plants in the Arribes del Duero (Salamanca-Zamora, Spain): an analysis of traditional knowledge

The collection and consumption of wild (including naturalized) and semi-domesticated (cultivated and reverted to wild status, and neglected cultivated plants for food) edible plants in the rural communities of the Arribes del Duero (western Spain), a highly heterogeneous Mediterranean agroecosystem, were analysed. Through semi-structured interviews with 80 informants, data on the gathering, preparation and consumption of 76 wild edible plant species were acquired. To analyze how traditional knowledge varies with the characteristics of the informants, we performed an ANCOVA. The “age” variable was found to have a significant effect. The most frequently cited species in the study area (i.e. Rubus ulmifolius, Foeniculum vulgare, Quercus ilex, Laurus nobilis, Origanum vulgare) are widely consumed in the Mediterranean region. Also, from a cluster analysis it was observed that the grouping succession this territory matches those of analysed areas of the Iberian southwest. Certain species have traditionally been consumed as an important supplement to the diet, particularly during food shortages (i.e. Rumex induratus, Chondrilla juncea). Several species are ethnobotanical novelties, among which are Erodium botrys and Astragalus pelecinus, whose immature fruits are eaten raw as a snack. Some ecological and cultural aspects of the gathering of wild plants for food are discussed.

Ethnoveterinary medicine in the Arribes del Duero, western Spain

Currently, traditional ethnoveterinary practices are rare in Europe and the plants used previously have been replaced by the modern drugs used by national veterinary services. However, in some rural areas of the Mediterranean basin these traditional practices persist. Here we analyze the plant resources still used, or that have been used up until recently, for the treatment of the health and comfort of animals in a region in the central-western part of the Iberian Peninsula, the Arribes del Duero. We document the use of 84 species, belonging to 39 families (with a total of 2243 use-reports), and 62 herbal remedies based on the use of a single plant species (43) and cited by at least three independent informants. The veterinary use of the Ranunculaceae Clematis campaniflora is reported for the first time. We also identify several plants used as bedding or fodder for livestock and discuss the relevance of some toxic plants and some “magical-curative” aspects reported in the territory.

Traditional plant-based remedies to control insect vectors of disease in the Arribes del Duero (western Spain): an ethnobotanical study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In several Spanish rural communities, simple and effective plant-based remedies are employed for the control of vector-borne diseases. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and usage custom of traditional insect control in the Arribes del Duero-ARD-(Salamanca-Zamora, W Spain). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2005 and 2009, 116 semi-structured interviews of 80 non-specialist people (44 men and 36 women; mean age, 72) were conducted. This community was located in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, representative of a highly heterogeneous Mediterranean landscape with a strong decline in the population and a significant proportion (almost 40%) age 65 or greater. We calculated the cultural importance for each species cited. To analyze how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) varies with the characteristics of the informants, we performed an ANCOVA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We documented the traditional use of 22 vascular plants as remedies to prevent or treat external parasites, and control mosquitoes, flies and other nuisance insects. There were described 27 plant remedies, of which 16 (59%) continue to be in use, including basil (Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum minimum L.) as a repellent for mosquitoes and houseflies. Most of the plant species contain phenols and/or terpenoids, and in several investigations bioassays have been performed to test their repellent and/or insecticidal properties. Three taxa (Ballota nigra L., Cicer arietinum L. and Ocimum minimum) have not been tested and these may offer excellent natural remedies. As well as allowing the discovery of new chemical compounds with insecticidal activity, this traditional knowledge may be paramount in the control of potential populations of vectors of emerging diseases in the Mediterranean region without harming the environment.

Cytotaxonomic study of some taxa of the subtribe Orchidinae (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Chromosome numbers in 29 populations belonging to 21 species of Orchidinae from the Iberian Peninsula have been counted. For four Iberian endemic species, Anacamptis coriophora subsp. carpetana, Dactylorhiza caramulensis, Orchis tenera, and Serapias perez-chiscanoi, the number of chromosomes is reported here for the first time. For another three, Anacamptis champagneuxii, Himantoglossum hircinum, and Orchis langei, this number has been established in Iberian representatives. Moreover, new ploidy levels have been obtained for Anacamptis champagneuxii and Dactylorhiza sambucina. Some taxonomic, phylogenetic, and phytogeographic comments are made for several species or groups of species from the Western Mediterranean region.

Taxonomic composition and ecological characteristics of the endemic flora of the lower Duero Basin (Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract The taxonomical composition and an analysis of four ecological characteristics of the 46 endemic species occurring in the lower Duero Basin (CW Iberian Peninsula) have been made. A comparative analysis of the results reveals that this endemic flora does not comply with the general patterns previously observed in other floras. Predominant life forms are hemicryptophytes (43%) and chamaephytes (22%). As far seed-dispersal is concerned, 54% of the endemic species lack any noteworthy adaptative feature. 89% of the endemic species are pollinated by animals (mostly by insects) and only 1 species is dioecious. Following binary classification of the above characteristics have been used to plot statistically significant associations.

The plant communities of the Rumici indurati-Dianthion lusitani alliance in the Lusitan Duriensean biogeographical sector (NE Portugal and CW Spain).

Abstract The rupicolous vegetation of the alliance Rumici indurati-Dianthion lusitani in the central-western Iberian Peninsula is analysed using the methods of the Zürich-Montpellier school. This paper provides phytosociological tables and biogeographical, ecological and floristic data for this alliance. Two new syntaxa are also described: Rumici indurati-Anarrhinetum durimini and Phagnalo saxatilis-Antirrhinetum lopesianii. These Lusitan Duriensean phytocenoses are compared with those of other biogeographical sectors of the Iberian Peninsula using numerical analysis.

Phylogenetic relationships of Mediterranean Neottieae and Orchideae (Orchidaceae) inferred from nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences

Abstract Sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA were collected from 27 terrestrial Mediterranean orchid species. These data were included in parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses. Tree topologies from the parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses were largely congruent. Both topologies shows that Neottieae are strongly supported as monophyletic (MP = 100% and ML = 86%). Within Orchideae, Dactylorhiza + Orchis + Neotinea are sister groups; the Himantoglossum + Anacamptis clase is well delimited by the cytological synapomorphy of n = 18, in both parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis; Serapias is monophyletic according to molecular evidence, though it does not exist unequivocal distinction between the tetraploid S. lingua and the remaining diploid species; section Pseudophrys of genus Ophrys is isolated, showing unequivocal morphological (type of labellum and pollination) and karyological (tetraploid species with 2n = 72) cohesion.

Karyological and taxonomical notes on three species of the genusEpipactis (Neottioideae, Orchidaceae) in the central-western Iberian Peninsula

Studies on the karyotypes and chromosome numbers of species ofEpipactis from the central-western Iberian Peninsula show that the species harbour enormous chromosome variability, have very asymmetric karyotypes and possess extraordinary diversity of aneuploidy. This paper provides the first report of a chromosome number forE. fageticola (2n=36, 40 + 0–2 B), as well as the first counts for Portuguese populations ofE. helleborine (2n=18, 32, 38) and first counts for Iberian populations ofE. tremolsii (n=20, 30, 2n=16, 24, 32, 34, 36, 38 + 1B, 40 + 1B, 52, 60). Among populations ofE. tremolsii there is a significant differentiation in ecology and somatic chromosome number, suggesting that there may be two different taxa in the region studied. Chromosomes are large to small, ranging in length from 10.8 μm to 1.8 μm. Karyotype asymmetry is of type 3C inE. fageticola andE. tremolsii and 2C inE. helleborine andE. tremolsii.

The use of wild vertebrates in contemporary Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE This review documents the wide and varied repertoire of traditional practices based on the use of wild vertebrates in Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) from the early 20th century to the present. Empirical practices, both ritual and magical, are recorded, and these EVM data are compared with those of other countries in the Mediterranean Region and Latin America. The data collected here could form a scientific foundation for future inventories of traditional knowledge and help in the discovery of new drugs for livestock. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative systematic review of international and national databases in the fields of ethnobiology, ethnoveterinary medicine, folklore and ethnography was made. Information was obtained from more than 60 documentary sources. RESULTS We recorded the use of 30 wild vertebrates and a total of 84 empirical remedies based on the use of a single species. The two most relevant zoological groups are reptiles and mammals. A wide diversity of body parts or products have been and are used. The meat and skin of snakes are the animal products most commonly used. These zootherapeutic resources have been and are used to treat or prevent ca. 50 animal diseases or conditions, in particular digestive and reproductive ailments, together with some infectious diseases. Sheep, cattle and equines form the group of domestic animals in which the greatest number of useful species are employed. In addition, many remedies and practices of the magical type are documented. In comparison with other culturally related areas, this is a rich heritage. CONCLUSIONS Contemporary Spanish EVM practices amass a great richness of wild animal-based remedies. A diversity of animal parts or products have been used, offering a cultural heritage that could be a fundamental step in the discovery of new and low-cost drugs for treating livestock and alternative materials for pharmaceutical purposes. This overview contributes to the inventory of some uses and rituals seriously threatened by the progressive loss of local veterinary knowledge.