Leaf anatomical traits of Crataegus orientalis Pall. ex M.Bieb. (Rosaceae) from Turkey

Crataegus orientalis Pall. ex M.Bieb., is a widespread species of the genus Crataegus L. (Rosaceae), which has an important place in traditional folk medicine. In this study, Crataegus orientalis subsp. orientalis and Crataegus orientalis subsp. szovitsii (Pojark.) K.I.Chr. from Turkey were investigated with regard to leaf anatomy. For this reason, transverse sections and surficial sections were taken from samples. Leaves of the both taxa was found as dorsiventral, hypostomatic and mesomorphic. Cyclocytic type stomata, simple single non-glandular trichomes and calcium oxalate crystals were defined as significant anatomical features of these taxa. All results were compared with leaf anatomical features of the Rosaceae family and the characteristics of the genus Crataegus were elucidated by detecting similarities and differences

A cross-sectional survey of herbal remedy taking to prevent Covid-19 in Turkey

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented challenges for human life. During this pandemic, Turkish people have used various herbal remedies for both the prevention of Covid-19 and the alleviate of its symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the herbal remedies used to prevent Covid-19 in Turkey and to determine whether the usage of herbal remedies was associated with sociodemographic properties. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted between November and December 2020. A total of 871 individuals (15 years of age or older) who lived in various provinces of Turkey participated in this study. Analysis was made in SPSS version 26.0 software using the descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of statistical significance for the comparisons. About 54.4% (n = 474) of the participants reported that they have used herbal remedies during the pandemic period. We identified a total of 45 plant species, the most frequently cited were ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), linden (Tilia spp.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), sage (Salvia spp.), and rosehip (Rosa canina L.), respectively. It has been found that the usage of herbal remedies was associated with several demographic variables. A considerable proportion of the participants reported the use of herbal remedies in order to prevent disease. This paper demonstrated the potential herbal remedies that can be used against Covid-19. Further research should be carried out to evaluate the efficacy of these medicinal plants and should control the flow of misleading information

Ethnoveterinary medicine in Turkey: a comprehensive review

Today, traditional societies throughout the world possess a wealth of ethnoveterinary knowledge, which they have accumulated during prolonged interaction with nature. Turkey has ample resources of ethnoveterinary medicines as evident from its rich floral diversity and traditional botanical knowledge from the past. This review aims to compile herbal remedies used in ethnoveterinary medicine in Turkey with comprehensive usage information and to compare our findings with pharmacological studies. The botanical, family, and local names; used parts; preparation methods; administration/dosage and duration of the treatment; and ailments treated/therapeutic effects were presented by screening ethnobotanical and ethnoveterinary studies. The most cited plant families, the medicinal plants, and the most common animal diseases were determined and presented in graphics. A total of 251 taxa belonging to 67 families were reported as being traditionally used to treat animal diseases in Turkey. Fabaceae (25 taxa), Asteraceae (24 taxa), Lamiaceae (19 taxa), Rosaceae (19 taxa), Apiaceae (9 taxa), Poaceae (8 taxa), and Solanaceae (7 taxa) were found as the most cited plant families. The most cited medicinal plants were Helleborus orientalis Lam. (9), Allium sativum L. (9), Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus var. oxycedrus (9), Berberis crataegina DC. (8), Pinus brutia Ten. var. brutia (7), Sambucus ebulus L. (6), Cydonia oblonga Mill. (6), and Olea europaea L. (6), respectively. These plants are frequently used to cure various animal ailments such as dermatological, gastrointestinal, and parasitic diseases. The pharmacological studies of the said plant species were also gathered and reviewed to convey the efficacy of these plants in the treatment of animal diseases. Considering the traditional usage of the reported medicinal plants, more pharmacological studies are required for confirming the effectiveness of these herbal remedies

The anatomical properties of Scabiosa atropurpurea L. (Caprifoliaceae)

Scabiosa atropurpurea L. (Caprifoliaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally known as "Mor uyuzotu or Seytanotu" in Turkey, has been used for treating acne, bronchitis, cold, and cough. Although phytochemical studies are available, there are no taxonomic studies related to this plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of leaf, stem, and root of S. atropurpurea. Detailed photographs of plant parts were taken, and measurements of the leaf, stem, and root were carried out. The cross section of the stem revealed a single-layered epidermis containing one-celled simple eglandular trichomes and rarely one-celled hook-shaped eglandular trichomes. The cortex showed multilayered parenchymatous cells and a single-layered endodermis. The phloem was followed by the cambium, and the xylem was lignified. The pith was made up of parenchymatous cells. The leaves are bifacial and amphistomatic and stomata are mesomorphic in the cross section and also stomata are anomocytic in the surface section

Comparative Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Morus Species (Moraceae) in Turkey

Objectives: Morus alba L., Morus nigra L., and Morus rubra L. are widely cultivated in many countries due to their nutritive, economic, and medicinal value. In this study, comparative morphological and anatomical studies on three common Morus L. species found in Turkey were carried out. According to the results, differences regarding the morphological and anatomical features of these species were described, and the data were displayed in detailed photographs

The preliminary ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Develi (Kayseri/Turkey)

Background and Aims: In Turkey, there is a growing interest in ethnobotany due to the wealth of biological and cultural diversity. The main purpose of this study is to record and highlight the medicinal plants used therapeutically in the Develi district