Planta Med 2011; 77 - PL58
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1282707

Biodiversity of high mountain flora as a source of new medicines – Dinaric Alps (W. Balkan)

S Redzic 1
  • 1Dep.of Botany, Fac. of Science University of Sarajevo

The biodiversity of high mountain flora is very rich [1]. It still pharmacologically poorly investigated.

This is especially true in areas that are rich in endemic species like this Dinarides (Western Balkans).

This is an important resource in getting new drugs [2]. The aim is to make identification of potentially endemic medicinal plants and their biochemical background. In order to achieve of objectives, the following methodology was applied: field research on different profiles, including ethnobotanical interviews, followed at the end by comparative taxonomic-biochemical method.

In the mountainous zone of the western Balkans was found 2500 species [3]. Very small number used in the official pharmacy and medicine. As potentially are 1500 species of medicinal plants. On the basis of their taxonomic similarity is expected and biochemical similarity, the pharmacological activity, as well.

As a real or potential sources of alkaloids are the species of the genera: Onosma, Moltkaea, Colchicum, Senecio, Cynanchum, Astragalus, Oxytropis, Vicia, Papaver, Euphorbia, Edraianthus, Campanula; heterosides are species of genera: Arctous, Ferulago, Atamantha, Pancicia, Bupleurum, Seseli, Genista, Gentianella, Gentiana, Frangula, Rhamnus; saponosides are: Verbascum, Scrophularia, Primula, Soldanella, Dianthus, Silene, Arenaria, Minuartia, Knautia, Scabiosa, Viola, etc.; tannins are: Geum, Potentilla, Sibirea, Crataegus, Dryas, Saxifraga, Geranium, Asplenium, etc.; terpenoides are species of genera: Centaurea, Hieracium, Hypochoeris, Amphoricarpos, Petasites, Homogyne, Stachys, Satureja, Micromeria, Scutellaria, Euphrasia, Pedicularis, Veronica, Iris, Pinus, etc.; carbohydrates are: Orchis, Gymnadenia, Dactylorhiza, etc. and lipids are species of genus Linum. It opens new possibilities in modern phytotherapy [4].

References: [1] Redzic S (2007) Planta Med 73: 1013–1013. [2] Redzic S (2008) Planta Med 74: 1143–1144. [3] Redzic S (2007) Planta Med 73: 1013–1013. [4]. Redzic SS (2007) Coll Antropol 31: 869–890.