Diversity and Ethnomedicinal Use of Medicinal Plants of the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae L.) Family in Adjara–South Colchis

Abstract

    The present paper discusses the species diversity of medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae L.) family found in Adjara–South Colchis, as well as the aspects of their use in ethnomedicine. The systematic structure of the Lamiaceae species distributed in this region has been determined. Ethnobotanical data were studied, and valuable traditional remedies commonly known and effectively used by the local population were collected.

    The research was conducted using the traditional field expedition-excursion method, which included plant collection and identification, along with interviews with local residents based on a structured ethnobotanical questionnaire.

    Medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae family in Adjara–South Colchis are represented by 12 genera and 17 species. The genera Calamintha and Mentha each comprise three species; the genus Clinopodium includes two species; while the genera Glechoma, Lamium, Leonurus, Melissa, Origanum, Scutellaria, Salvia, Satureia, and Stachys are represented by one species each. All are perennial herbaceous plants, primarily rich in essential oils, which makes them widely applicable in medicine.

    The medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae family occurring in Adjara–South Colchis are traditionally used for the following conditions: Choleretic agents: Calamintha grandiflora, C. nepeta, C. officinalis; Sedative and cardiotonic agents: Leonurus quinquelobatus, Melissa officinalis, Mentha longifolia, Mentha aquatica, Satureia spicigera; Sedative and antihypertensive agents: Clinopodium umbrosum, C. vulgare, Origanum vulgare; Respiratory ailments: Glechoma hederacea, Satureia spicigera; Hemostatic agents: Lamium album; Gastrointestinal disorders: Mentha pulegium, Satureia spicigera, Salvia glutinosa; Chronic diarrhea: Satureia spicigera; Sedative agents: Origanum vulgare, Scutellaria galericulata; Anti-inflammatory agents: Stachys officinalis, Salvia glutinosa.