Gumush515

 == Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine of the Caucasus and North America ==

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants and preparations derived from plants in the Caucasus and North America regions have for a long time been used for the treatment and prevention of virtually all human afflictions. Even today, countries and people of these areas continue to test and use plants as medicine. Indeed, the study and application of medicinal plants and plant extracts has formed the basis for treatment of several diseases, pain, and other afflictions. Research has revealed that many plants synthesize and accumulate natural constituents that have active physiological and psychological effects on the human body. A number of plant extracts that have been used as medicines over hundreds of years are constituents in most modern prescription drugs. The arrays of environments within the Caucasus Mountains and North America have produced a diverse flora with an assortment of medicinal properties. Due to curative powers, a number of these plant species continue to be used in folk medicines.

INTRODUCTION

Medicinal plants are an important source of medicines for use in traditional herbal remedies and in the development of modern pharmaceuticals. During the past 30 years, constituents from a number of plants have been used in the industrial development of chemotherapeutic drugs to treat human afflictions, such as cardiovascular diseases<ref>Соколов, gastrointestinal problems , respiratory afflicttions, and cancer . Indeed, approximately 25 percent of drugs used in medical treatments originated from plants . Flora of the Caucasus are very diverse with more than 6000 known species of higher plants. Among these plant materials, an estimated 1000 species have medicinal applications used in traditional folk medicines and approximately 180 species used in scientific medicine. Many of the species used in folk medicine plant materials can be used to supplement commercial pharmaceuticals . Plants with medicinal applications are spread widely across the Caucasus range in forests, steppes, semi-deserts, deserts, grasslands, rocky exposures, and as weeds in farm fields, orchards, and gardens. Undoubtedly, the diversity of the natural environments in the Caucasus led to the diversity of plant species within the region, more than 600 of which are collected in the wild and about 300 of which are cultivated for medical use. Among the flora of the Caucasus, several plants and plant extracts continue to be used in the folk medicine of China, India, Korea, Tibet, and other areas. Folk medicines remain popular due to their curative properties, family traditions, and a lack of available pharmaceuticals. These plant-based folk medicines are used in home, veterinary practice, and homeopathic products . Country pharmacopoeias list a number of plant species for use as medicine . The current work was to develop an informationalanalytical study of the chemical composition and areas of application of some species of medicinal plants in the flora of the Caucasus and North America in official and folk medicine. The information-analytical analysis allowed us to identify 31 species of medicinal plants . The particular interest is a comparative analysis of the spectrum of medical applications of these 31 species in the official and traditional medicine of, not only the Caucasus and North America, but also the medicine of different countries.

Family: Alliaceae J. Agardh - Onion family One genera (Allium L.) with one medicinal species identified in this family.

Allium vineale L. Crow garlic – a perennial plant that reaches a height of 40 to 80 cm. The plant range covers Western, Eastern, and Southern Caucasus, growing in meadows, on grassy slopes, and among shrubs in the subalpine and alpine zone. The plant also grows as a weed in fields and vineyards . Traditional medicine use. The aerial parts of A.vineales were used by native North Americans as an anthelmintic for children, antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, and tonic. The underground parts were used for treatment of dyspnea and hypertension. Practical applications. An ointment made from underground parts is used for treatment of felons, paronychia, and tumors . The above ground parts are used in food.

Family: Asteraceae L. - Aster family. Six genera (Ambrosia L., Arctiuim L. Cirsium Hill, Inula L., Leucanthemum Hill, Onopordum L.) with seven medicinal species identified within the family.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Common ragweed – an annual weed plant that reaches a height of 20 to 200 cm. Introduced from North America, the plant covers two regions of the Caucasus, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, growing in the foothills, among crops, along roads, ditches, and waste places. Traditional medicine use. The aerial parts of A. artemisiifolia were used for therapeutic purposes by native North Americans. In the traditional medicines of early settlers, the aerial parts of A.artemisiifolia were used as an astringent for dysentery, antipyretic, anthelmintic, and to induce menses. The plant was also used externally as an antiseptic, poultice, and emollient in the treatment of tumors. Aerial parts of the plant contain an essential oil. The roots, leaves, and pollen contain sesquiterpenoids. Anti-testicular atrophy and antibacterial action have been experimentally proven. The collective sum of the sesquiterpenoids in the plant has prodistocidic action; psilostachine and dihyroparthenoid exhibit cytotoxic activity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The pollen is an allergen, causing hay fever with symptoms of asthma.

Arctium lappa L. Greater burdock – a biennial plant that reaches a height of 60-150 cm. The plant covers all areas of the Caucasus, growing along rivers, stream banks, waste areas, roadsides, housing, and especially in the middle mountain and subalpine zones. Traditional medicine use. The aerial parts and roots of A. lappa in the traditional medicine of Russia and a vine infusion of the aerial parts are used for treatment of hemorrhoids and alopecia. In Chinese medicine, a decoction of the aerial parts and the leaves were used as a diuretic and a complex mixture with other herbs to treat the hemorrhages, syphilis, and leprosy. The plant was also used as external treatment for skin diseases and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the  genitals. The fruit were included in prescriptions along with other plant materials for treatment of cancer, diabetes, hyper-tension, and nephritis . In traditional Georgian medicine, the plant fruit are used as an antitumor agent. Conversely, the roots of the plant are used in folk medicine. The presence of biologically active substances in the plant determines the therapeutic effect. Experimentally, the aerial parts have a tonic and an antitumor effect. Linarin, isolated from the aerial parts, has antiulcer, akatsetin – antispasmodic, and antiherpetic action. Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Spear Thistle – a biennial weed plant that is 40-150 cm in height. The range of the species, similar to the previous one, covers all areas of the Caucasus. The plant grows along river valleys, thickets, meadows, wastelands, rocky slopes, roads, and houses. The species is also a weed, growing at altitudes of up to 1700 m above sea level. Folk medicine use. In folk medicine, the most commonly used portion of the plants include the aerial parts and roots. In traditional medicine of the indigenous populations of North America, an infusion and decoction of the aerial parts of C. vulgare were used for rheumatism, cancer, hemorrhoids, and bad breath. In Germany, the aerial parts of this plant are used internally for diarrhea. In traditional medicine of Russia and Poland, the plant is used internally and in the form of baths for neuroses in children and intestinal colic. In Tajik folk medicine, the aerial parts are used topically as a wound-healing agent Aerial parts exhibit antibacterial activity.

Inula helenium L. Elecampane – a perennial plant that is 60-250 cm tall. The plant is distributed in all regions of the Caucasus and grows in forests, meadows, steppe slopes, forest clearings, along the banks of mountain rivers and lakes, orchards and fields at an altitude of 570-2000 m above sea level. Aerial parts, rhizomes and roots are used for medicinal purposes. In folk medicine of the Caucasus and other former Soviet republics, a decoction, an infusion and a tincture of the rhizomes and roots of I. helenium are commonly used in wound healing and as an expectorant, hemostatic, sedative, choleretic, diuretic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, and as a treatment in the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, diabetes, jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis, malaria, cystitis, ascites, goiter, boils, carbuncles, septic wounds, itching dermatoses. A decoction of the rhizomes is used as an analgesic and for scabies, in powder form – for venous ulcers . Roots, leaves and flowers are used in folk medicine for the treatment of cancer. In folk medicine of North America, a decoction of the aerial parts is used for colds, fevers and typhoid. An infusion is typically used for lung diseases. A decoction of the rhizomes and roots is often utilized as a treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, and flatulence, and as an expectorant and diuretic. The plant may be applied topically as a poultice for rheumatism and arthritis. In folk medicine of Canada, the rhizomes and roots are used for angina, herpes fever, and headache. In traditional medicine of Azerbaijan, an infusion of the leaves and inflorescences is used as an expectorant in bronchitis, acute respiratory diseases, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Onopordum acanthium L. Cotton thistle – the biennial plant is 30-200 cm tall. The species is common throughout all the regions of the Caucasus and is considered as a weed. The species grows individually, in groups in forest clearings, steppe slopes, waste dumps, waste lands, fields, and in the gorges at altitudes up to 2100 m above sea level . Traditional medicine use. The aerial parts and roots of plant are used for medicinal purposes. The aerial parts of O. acanthium have been used as an emetic by the peoples of North America and in Tibetan medicine. Folk medicine. In Russian folk medicine, a decoction of the aerial parts is used orally as an expectorant, anti-asthmatic, and diuretic to treat nervousness, tetanus, and carcinomas. The plant is also utilized externally in baths for gonorrhea. Juice and powder are used topically for scabies, dermatoses ulcers, and tuberculosis cutis. Aerial parts have long been used in folk medicine to treat various tumors. The plant is also effective in the rehabilitation period (after cancer surgery) in malignant tumors, skin cancer, scrofula, and purulent skin diseases. An infusion and a decoction of the aerial parts are useful in diseases of the gallbladder, respiratory infections, and for hemostasis. An infusion of aerial parts is helpful to the diseases of the kidneys and the bladder. Bulgarian phytotherapists prescribe Onopordum acanthium as a tonic which may stimulate the central nervous system. In Bulgaria and France, a decoction of the roots is considered effective for lung diseases and hypo-secretion of the stomach. As an astringent, the plant helps treat metrorrhagia, uterine cancer, paralysis, and rheumatism. Topically (as an ointment), the plant is used for itching dermatoses. In the Caucasus and Bulgaria, the leaf juice of Onopordum acanthium is widely used for long-term healing of purulent wounds, ringworm of the scalp, and abrasions.

Family: Athyriaceae Aist. - Lady fern family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Brittle blade fern – a perennial plant, 6-40 cm in height is distributed from lowlands to alpine zones in all regions of the Caucasus and grows on rocks, screes, placers, rivers and in shady coniferous forests. Use in folk medicine. The roots and leaves of the fern are used medicinally. In folk medicine of the indigenous populations of the United States, South Africa, and India, a decoction of the roots was used as an anthelmintic. The leaves are used in the United States for diseases of the chest, and as a tonic, emollient, expectorant and febrifuge. In folk medicine of Russia, particularly in the Crimea, the leaves are used for intestinal diseases. However, in the Urals, the plant is used as an analgesic during physical exertion and for smoking as a treatment of asthma. Pharmacological properties. Studies have determined that an aqueous and alcoholic extract of the rhizomes and leaves exhibits bacteriostatic  activity. In veterinary medicine, the fresh leaves are effective topically for poultices and as a decoction when taken orally for dislocation of the shoulder joint in horses.

Family: Berberidaceae Juss. - Barberry family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Berberis vulgaris L. European barberry – the shrub may grow up to 2.5 m and is distributed in the Northern part of the Caucasus. The plant grows on forest edges, bush land, mixed and deciduous forests, rocky slopes, and from lowlands to the middle mountain zone . Use in folk medicine. Roots, the bark, branches, leaves and fruits are all used in medicine. In the Caucasus, a fruit decoction is used as a diuretic and for malaria. In Russian folk medicine, an infusion of the roots is used for colds, stomach diseases, scurvy, antipyretic, and diaphoretic. The broth may treat fever, diseases of the eye and mouth, tuberculosis, pleurisy and increases appetite. Furthermore, the leaves are used to treat cancer; roots and the bark are recommended to treat gout, rheumatism, liver disease, gallstones, jaundice, and inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. Barberry fruits are used for high blood pressure. A decoction of the roots can be used as medicine in healing female genital system diseases. In folk medicine of Belarus, the fruits are used for hypertension. In China, Mongolian and Tibetan medicine is used to treat tuberculosis, diseases of the mucous membranes of various organs, and as a diuretic. In Indian medicine, the roots are used as a laxative and antiseptic to treat general weakness, scarlet fever, and mental disorders. The roots may also be formed into a tonic. The content of alkaloids in all parts of B. vulgaris, determines the pharmacological properties. In addition, literature indicates that alkaloids isolated from the root bark of B. vulgaris have antibacterial activity; berbamin and oxiacantin have hypotensive action; berberine and yatrorritsin have a tonic effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine; and chlorides of columbamine and palmatine have antiprotozoal activity. Azerbaijani scientists discovered that the preparation from the bark of the branches is effective in treating post-partum bleeding. An alcoholic extract of the bark and branches is very potent and contains a sum of alkaloids possessing sympathicotropic properties . Family: Betulaceae S.F.Gray - Birch family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Corylus avellana L. Common hazel – the shrub is approximately 2-5 m tall and rarely reaches 7-9 m in height. The habitat includes all areas of the Caucasus, such as river banks, lakes, thickets, and in mixed deciduous forests (especially comprised of oak, hornbeam, beech and lime). Occasionally, the plant forms thickets . The wood, bark, leaves, fruits, fruit oil and pollen are all used in medicine. Use in folk medicine. In the Caucasus, the bark is used as an astringent for dysentery and antipyretic. C. Avellana acts as a decoction of the roots for malaria, while the broth and fruit powder may be used for colitis. The leaves help treats intestinal diseases. The fruit oil is very effective in cholelithiasis. Furthermore, when the plant is combined with honey, rheumatism and anemia may be treated. Native Americans used the bark of C. avellana in the form of a patch and fruit oil to treat tumors. An ointment may also be derived from leaves and have the ability to treat cancer. In Russian folk medicine, the leaves of hazel are used as a decoction for anemia, vitamin deficiency, and rickets. The literature also contains data on the use of hazelnut oil fruits to treat ascariasis. Scientific studies revealed that the essential oil and other constituent parts of the cortex have a vasoconstrictor effect. Alcoholic extracts and alkaloids isolated from the leaves exhibit antibacterial activity. A liquid called "L-2 forests" obtained by dry distillation of the wood is used to treat various skin diseases, such as eczema, neurodermatitis, streptococcus, psoriasis, and dermatophytosis. Bark infusion is prescribed for varicose veins and varicose ulcers. A decoction of the leaves may also help cure prostatic hypertrophy. In veterinary medicine, pollen is used as an effective treatment against diarrhea.

Family: Capryophyllaceae Juss. - Carnation family. One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Cerastium holosteoides Fries or С. Caespitosum Golib Common mouse-ear – a perennial plant, approximately10-30 cm in height, is distributed throughout the Caucasus. Frequenly, C. holosteides grows in meadows, bushes, along river banks, shingles, weedy places, and across mountain belts . Use in folk medicine. In North America, the roots are used in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Family: Euphorbiaceae Juss. - Spurge family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Euphorbia maculata L. Spotted spurge – an annual plant, 10-20 cm in height, has a habitat covering the regions of Azerbaijan and Georgia. The general distribution includes Western Europe and North America. The plant grows up to the middle mountain belt, throughout weedy places, along roads, and sea shores. The milky sap is used in the United States and Mexico as an anti-carcinogenic and to destroy warts.

Family: Fabaceae Lind L. Leguminosae Juss.- Bean family. Three genera and three medicinal species were identified in this family.

Amoria repens L. C. Presl. Trifolium repens L. Dutch clover – a perennial plant, 10-40 cm in length, is distributed in all regions of the Caucasus. The plant frequently grows in wet meadows, along streams, ditches, gravel, and to the top of mountain belts. Use in folk medicine. The aerial parts and roots are primarily used for medicinal purposes. In the folk medicine of Russia and Ukraine, aerial parts of A.repens are applied topically for treatment of felons, an infusion is used to treat bronchial asthma, headaches, and dizziness. The plant is also used as a general tonic, analgesic, antitoxic, diuretic and wound-healing agent. In Siberia, a water-alcohol tincture of the inflorescences and flowers is used in epilepsy, hernia, pulmonary tuberculosis, gynecological disease, colds, gout, poisoning, suffocation, and externally, as an antiinflammatory poultice and paronychia. In the United States, aerial parts of A. repens are prescribed as an anti-carcinogenic in the form of compresses and ointments. In Germany, the aerial parts are used for gynecological diseases. The inflorescence and flowers treat rheumatism, gout and glands tumors. The experimental data. The aerial parts of A.repens have a strong P-vitamin activity, are bactericidal with respect to mycobacteria, and have a vasoconstriction effect.

Trifolium pratense L. Red clover – a perennial plant, 20-50 cm tall, has a habitat covering all the areas of the Caucasus. The plant grows in meadows, grassy slopes, woods, gravel, and the subalpine zone . The roots and aerial parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. The people of Caucasus used the infusion of the aerial parts of T. pratense for the treatment of gynecological diseases. The tincture of flowers is used to treat gout and poisonings. The water-alcohol tincture may treat pulmonary tuberculosis, gynecological problems, and hernias. Flowers are used externally as a wound-healing agent as well as paronychia, ear and eye diseases. The U.S. and UK utilize a decoction externally in the form of patches, compresses, and poultices prescribed for malignant tumors. For example, the aerial parts of T. pratense are prescribed as an anti-sclerotic for headaches and dizziness. The plant is also used as an antiseptic, antiscorbutic, anti-rickets, astringent, antimalarial, and diuretic agent. Boiled roots are useful for hernias, inflammation of the appendages and as an antitumor agent. Fresh leaves that are used externally have hemostatic and wound-healing effects. Decoctions of the leaves are used topically and are effective for abscesses, burns, an antitumor agent, emollient, anti-inflammatory and as an analgesic agent. In folk medicine, the roots, leaves, aerial parts, and inflorescences are used to treat cancer. The pharmacological activity of T.pratense is associated with the presence of a large number of biologically active substances. Scientific studies found that alcohol precipitated a fraction of the aqueous extract, which inhibits the growth of malignant tumors in rats. The sum of flavonoids collected from the aerial parts has anti-atherosclerotic action and delays the development of hypercholesterolemia.

Vicia angustifolia Reichard Common vetch – Annual plant, 15-80 (90) cm tall. The species is distributed in all the regions of the Caucasus, up to the middle mountain zone. The plant grows in meadows, bushes, and as a weed in crops . Native Americans primarily used the plant as an analgesic agent for headache. Researchers determined that the leaves are active against yeast cells.

Castanea sativa Mill. Chestnut – a tree up to 30-35 m in height and 1.5-2 m in diameter with a wide spreading crown. The range of the plant includes the Caucasus, Western, Eastern and Southern Transcaucasia. The plant grows in deciduous forests, mainly on the northern slopes at altitudes of 800-1800 m above sea level and forms groves along the canyons and mountain valleys. The leaves, fruits, the pollen and the peels of C. sativa are used in medicine. Use in folk medicine. In the Caucasus folk medicine, the fruit is used as a diuretic and boiled for dyspepsia. Fruit oil is also used for medical purposes. 50 The cupule is used as an astringent. Information about the use of the pollen of Castanea sativa for stagnation in the liver, prostatitis and varicose veins is found in literature. Pollen also regulates blood circulation and improve the composition of blood.The aqueous extract of Castanea sativa has antibacterial activity. Preparations of leaves have tonic, astringent and styptic properties. The species is used to treat fever and malaria during strong coughs of varying origin, respiratory diseases and rheumatism. Use in official medicine. Castanea sativa leaves are officinal in the U.S. and are used in homeopathy.

Family: Hypericaceae L. -St. John’s wort family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Hypericum perforatum L. St. John’s wort – a perennial plant 30-100 cm in height that is distributed in all regions of the Caucasus. The plant grows in forests, shrubs, meadows, rocky slopes, subalpine meadows, mountain forests, steppes, crops, up to the medium, but rarely on the upper mountain zone . The aerial parts may also be used in medicine. St. John's wort has been used to treat external wounds for over a thousand years. The first information about the healing properties of H. perforatum was found in the works of Hippocrates, Theophrastus, Paracelsus, Phapius, and Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna). In Azerbaijan, the aqueous extract of H. perforatum is used inside for light and medium forms of diabetes. Infusion of flowers used internally for intestinal disorders, such as an analgesic for pain in the abdomen and a tonic and sedative for diseases of the nervous system. In North America, the plant is used for wound healing. In traditional Indian medicine, H. perforatum is commonly used for treatment of snakebite wounds. In French folk medicine, the plant is widely used for burns. In folk medicine of Bulgaria, the species has long been used for increased gastric acidity, gout, sciatica, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, nocturnal enuresis in children, diarrhea and nervous disorders. On the British Isles, the plant is used for lesions of the skin and as an anthelmintic (Vickery, 1981). In traditional medicine of Russia, the juice from the aerial parts of H. perforatum are used to treat asthma, colds, gastric and duodenal ulcers. An aqueous infusion is also used for the prevention of scurvy. St. John's wort is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cancer. In folk medicine of Lithuania and Ukraine, an infusion of H. perforatum is used for the treatment of cancer of the liver, stomach, ovaries, and goiter. In Moldova, the infusion is used in chronic colitis, and tincture for gingivitis and stomatitis. For Uzbek folk medicine, the ash of the plant in cottonseed oil is used to prepare an ointment for the treatment of skin diseases. According to previous studies, leaves of H. perforatum heal wounds, malignant ulcers, and have a diuretic effect. Infusions made from the flowers are used orally for coughs, dyspnea, ascites, congestive heart failure, and externally, for the treatment of rheumatism. Emulsions are often used for treating burns, pityriasis leg ulcers, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcers. The fruits are used as an emollient, laxative, and for the antibacterial activity. In veterinary practice, H. perforatum is used as anthelmintic agent. Pharmacological properties. The experimental data. H. perforatumpharmacological activity is due to the presence of a large number of biologically active substances such as flavonoids, alkaloids, essential oils, vitamins C and E, coumarins, tannins, saponins, nitrogen compounds, phenols, phenol carboxylic acids, catechins, and anthraquinones. Scientific studies suggest that 10% broth has bacteriostatic properties against dysentery bacteria. According to experimental data, infusions and extracts of the aerial parts stimulate the heart and increase blood pressure. Researchers determined that the volatile fraction and the juice have protistocidic and bacteriostatic properties, and an acetone extract of the ripe pericarp has a bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella and Shigella. St. John’s wort is one of the most popular medicinal plants. The plant is GRAS and is included in the pharmacopoeias of many countries. In the former USSR, a drug named Novoimanin was developed from the plant. The species was prescribed topically for treatment of infected wounds, burns, abscesses, ulcers, pioderminis, mastitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis. In the form of aerosols, the plant was used for pneumonia and pneumoempyema. Furthermore, the species has a positive effect in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous laryngitis. St. John’s wort also has the ability to lower blood pressure and treats acute catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. A medication made in Czechoslovakia named "Florists" is used for the treatment of gynecological diseases. In Romania and Poland, St. John's wort is used for neurasthenia, neuralgia, wound healing, and as a haemostatic. In France, the plant is used for stimulating the activity of the heart, tissue regeneration, and as a diuretic. In Germany, a drug with a tonic effect wasp produced with the assistance of St. John’s wort. In homeopathy, H. perforatum is prescribed for acute pains of neuralgic character and nerve trauma. Lastly, St. John’s wort may be used in the treatment of thrombophlebitis and venous leg ulcers.

Family: Juncaceae Juss. - Rush family One genus and two medicinal species were identified in this family.

Juncus bufonius L. Toad rush – an annual plant that is 10-50 cm tall and is distributed in all regions of the Caucasus. The plant may be found on sandbanks along rivers, ditches, fields, damp and shady areas. Use in folk medicine. The aerial parts of the plant are used in medicine. In North America, these portions are used orally as a means of stimulating the central nervous system, as a diuretic, and externally as a lotion for skin diseases. In Tibetan medicine, the aerial parts of J. bufonius are believed tobe useful in obstetric practice for women's diseases. In folk medicine of Russia (Siberia), the plant is used as a diuretic in nephrolithiasis, a laxative, analgesic agent, and as a lactogenic. In the Caucasus, the fruits of Juncus bufonius are used in ascites, diarrhea and metrorrhagia. The experimental data. The protistocidic activity of this plant is associated with the presence of carotenoids, flavonoids and steroids in the above-ground parts of the plant.

Juncus effusus L. Soft rush – a perennial plant 50-100 cm in height. The habitat covers all the areas of the Caucasus. The plant grows in bogs, marshy meadows, river banks, and in ditches from the lowlands up to the subalpine zone . Use in folk medicine. The aerial and underground parts of the plant are used for therapeutic purposes. A decoction of the aerial parts of J.effusus is used in North America to increase salivation. Additionally, the plant contributes to infusion in the form of lotions, which are used for disorders of the musculoskeletal system in children. In Japanese medicine, J. effusus aerial parts are used for gonorrhea. In traditional medicine of Russia (Far East), an infusion of the aerial parts of this plant is used as an analgesic, diuretic for urolithiasis and nephritis, and disurethic phenomena. A decoction of the core of the stems is utilized for pleural effusion, respiratory diseases, and urolithiasis. Applications are typically applied to ulcers and boils. The underground parts of the plant are effective as a diuretic and a haemostatic agent. In the Caucasus, the underground parts and flowers of J. effuses are used in the form of infusions as a diuretic for nephrolithiasis, dysuria, ascites, diarrhea, and metrorrhagia. In homeopathy, a tincture from the underground parts is used in diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract, and gall stones.

Family: Lamiaceae Lindl - Mint family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Stachys palustris L. Marsh woundwort – a perennial plant 60-110 cm in height. The weed is distributed in all regions of the Caucasus. The plant grows in forests, forest edges, wet meadows, river banks, and among the bushes. The aerial parts and the roots are used in medicine. Use in folk medicine. In folk medicine of the Caucasus, the leaves of S. palustris are used as a wound-healing agent, treatment of sore throat, and scrofula. In traditional medicine of Russia, S. palustris has a wide and diverse application. Aerial parts of the plant are an effective sedative during hysteria, epilepsy, and hyperkinesis. The plant is also used as a choleretic, anti-toxic, antiexudativ, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic. An infusion of the aerial parts is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, stroke, fainting and flatulence. Grass is also used for the treatment of cancer. The experimental data. The spectrum of S. palustris pharmacological activity is believed to be due to the presence of a large number of biologically active substances. Research indicates that the extract of the flavonoids sum and phenol carboxylic acids has sedative and hypotensive properties. The volatile fraction exhibits antibacterial activity. The results of research showe that the liquid extract has inflammatory properties due to the α- adrenolitic and myotropic action. Scientists also discovered that the aerial parts exhibit antihypoxic activity in various forms of hypoxia. The extract also results in nematicidal and antifungal activity. Experimentally, researchers noticed that a decoction, tincture, and extract of S. palustris possess antidiabetic properties. Experiments in rats and mice showed that the aboveground part of plant has hepatoprotective properties. Use in practical medicine. In modern medical practice of Western Europe, S. palustris is used as a wound healing agent and in the U.S. as an antispasmodic, emetics and dysmenorrhea.

Family: Orchidaceae Juss. - Orchid family Four genera and four medicinal species were identified in this family.

Corallorhiza trifida Chatel Yellow coralroot – a perennial plant 10-30 cm tall that is distributed in two regions of the Caucasus (Azerbaijan and Armenia). The plant grows in damp shady forests and scrublands in the middle and upper mountain belt. Use in folk medicine. Above ground and underground parts of the plant are used in medicine. Native Americans used the aerial parts of C.trifida as a diaphoretic and sedative. In traditional medicine of Russia (Far East), an infusion of the aerial parts is used as an antihypertensive and rheumatic. The underground parts are used as a sedative, antipyretic and for fevers.

Сypripedium calceolus L. Lady-slipper orchid – a perennial plant 20-50 cm tall with a range covering two areas of the Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Armenia. The plant grows in sparse forests, shrubs, and forest meadows. Use in folk medicine. Aboveground and underground parts of the plant are used in medicine. In North America, the aerial parts of this plant are used for pulmonary tuberculosis and scrofula. The underground parts are utilized in the treatment of kidney disease, women's diseases, diabetes, respiratory infections, headache, and fatigue. The plant is used as an antispasmodic, antipyretic, and anthelmintic. In folk medicine of Russia (Far East, Transbaikalia), an infusion of the aerial parts of C.calceolus helps treat epilepsy, headaches, and metrorrhagia. The plant contributes to a broth for neuroses in children, jaundice, and gastritis. The plant is often used as a diuretic and antispasmodic. In Transbaikalia and Tibetan medicine, the aerial parts are considered very useful for women's diseases, gonorrhea, and as a diuretic and cordial. According to research, underground parts of the plant act like V. officinalis L., which is a sedative and analgesic. In Mongolian medicine, researchers believe that the above-ground parts are effective in hypertension and blood diseases. Conversely, the flowers are more effective in treating anuria by normalizing the activity of the kidneys and are also used as a cardiac.

Goodyera repens (L.) R. Br. Dwarf rattlesnake plantain – a perennial plant, 8-35 cm in height that covers all areas of the Caucasus and can be found in coniferous and mixed forests in the middle and upper mountain belt . Use in folk medicine. In folk medicine of North America, the aerial parts are used orally for the diseases of the stomach, bladder, kidneys, eyes, women's diseases, scrofula, and to improve appetite. Externally, the plant is used for detoxification of snake bites. In folk medicine of Russia (Far East), the plant is used as an emollient and antiscorbutic. Orchis fragrans (Pollini) L. Show orchis – the perennial plant that grows 30-50 cm in height located in the Caucasus is only distributed in Talysh (Azerbaijan). The plant grows in the coastal strip of the Lankaran lowland thickets . The underground parts of the plant are used in the United States as a means of stimulating the central nervous system.

Family: Phytolaccaceae R.Br. - Pokeweed family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Phytolacca americana L. American pokeweed – the perennial plant grows 1-3 m tall. In the Caucasus area, the habitat spans across the Western, Eastern, and Southern Transcaucasia. The plant is an adventive species from North America, growing near roads, dwellings, and forms thickets. Aerial parts and roots of the plants are typically used in medicine. Use in folk medicine. In folk medicine of North America, Mexico, Cuba and some European countries, P. americana is used to treat a variety of tumors . In the folk medicine of the Caucasian, the roots are used as an emetic, antirheumatic, and treatment of syphilis. Aerial parts are used for skin diseases, fever, and as a laxative. Interestingly, pharmacological tests exhibit preparations containing fitolaccsin. The plant also depresses the central nervous system and stimulates the respiratory center. Research results show that saponins of the plant act against amoebas in vitro; the essential oil of the roots has fungistatic activity against Microsporon lanosum in vitro; and the aerial parts have antibacterial activity. A tincture of fresh roots in a 1:10 dilution is included in the preparations "Merifit", "Anginol", which also contain the infusion of the leaves. The treatments are used for diseases of the vocal cords, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. The drug "Akofit" is used for radiculitis. Application in official medicine. Preparations from P. americana. The plant is officinal in Japan and is included in the British Pharmacopoeia. Fitolaccin is used in rheumatism, syphilis, and in cholagogue. In the United States, practical medicine, P.americana is used as a purgative and for skin diseases. In homeopathy, the aerial parts are used in the treatment of diphtheria, and preparations of fresh roots are used for laryngitis, sore throat, for the treatment of vocal cords, rheumatism, sciatica, and diphtheria.

Family: Plantaginaceae Juss.-Plantain family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Plantago ovata Forssk Desert Indian wheat – an annual or biennial plant that is 3-20 cm tall. The plant grows only in eastern Caucasus on dry sand and debris slopes. The seeds of this plant are used in medicine. Use in folk medicine. In the Caucasus, Plantago ovata seeds are used for conjunctivitis. Use in traditional medicine. In Russia, the seeds are believed to be useful as an effective wound healing agent. In Indian medicine, the seeds are to be useful against diarrhea, for gonorrhea, hemorrhoids, kidney, and bladder diseases. The literature contains information on the appointment of P. ovata seeds for rheumatism, respiratory infections, bacillary and amoebic dysentery. In the United States and Western Europe, the plants are appointed as a laxative for chronic constipation, sedation and emollient.

Family: Poaceae Barnhart-Grass family Two genera and two medicinal species were identified in this family.

Hordeum glaucum Steud Smooth barley – the annual plant grows 13-80 cm tall and is considered a weed. The species grows from the lowlands to the lower and middle mountain zones in all areas of the Caucasus. The plant is a part of the semi-desert ephemeric flora, occuring at roadsides, pastures, along the edges of crops, in waste places, dry meadows, and coastal sands. Use in folk medicine. Native Americans used the plant for diseases of the blood. In folk medicine of the Caucasus, this species is used for diarrhea and as an antitumor agent. Setaria pumila (Boir.) Schult Yellow foxtail – an annual plant, 4-50 cm in height that grows in all regions of the Caucasus. The species grows in fields, plantations, along roadsides, in settlements, on river sands, gravels, in the woods, and up to the middle mountain zone. In North America, the aerial parts are used for skin diseases and the fruits are edible.

Family: Rosaceae Juss.-Rose family One genus and one medicinal species were identified in this family.

Geum allepicum Jacq. Common avens – a perennial plant, 20-80 cm tall. Except for Dagestan, the plants are distributed in all regions of the Caucasus, growing along river banks, in sparse forests, forest edges, grassy slopes, along roads, in housing, and up to the middle mountain zone . Use in folk medicine. The aboveground and underground plant parts are often used in treatments. In Tibetan medicine, individuals believe that the aerial parts of G. allepicum are used for tachyarrhythmia and

gynecological diseases. In traditional medicine of Russia (Siberia), a decoction of the aerial parts is used for dizziness, sore throat, malaria, insomnia, and as a hemostatic, antipyretic. The plant, which also grows in the elevated areas, is effective for gastrointestinal diseases, hepatitis, kidney disease, the dermatitis, and scrofula. In the traditional medicine of Nanai people, the plant is topically applied to treat pyoderma. A decoction of the plant leaves was used by Native Americans as a veterinary medicine for horse spasms, cramps, and colic In the folk medicine of Russia, the leaves are used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, bruises, tumors, abscesses, and stomatitis. The flowers have antipyretic, laare, choleretic, anti-emetic, and tonic effects. Flowers also used in the production of decoctions, infusions, tinctures and, powders that are used in treatment of liver diseases, gall bladder problems, hemorrhoids, nocturnal hyperhidrosis, and to strengthen labor. Native Americans use the decoction of the underground parts against convulsions, false croup, and pneumonia. Rhizomes infusion assembly with other plants can treat vomiting. In Tibetan medicine, rhizomes are used for diarrhea . Decoction and tincture in folk medicine in Russia is used as hemostatic, antipyretic, astringent, laxative, securing, analgesic and anticonvulsant. This species has been widely used internally for rheumatism, scrofula, rickets, and epilepsy. Externally, the plant is used for infected wounds and ulcers.

Family: Viburnaceae Rafin. - Water elder family One genus and one of medicinal plant were identified in this family.

Viburnus opulus L. Guelder rose – this shrub grows to a height of 4 m within a habitat that covers most areas of the Caucasus. The plant, singly or in small groups, flourishes in undergrowth on the edges of forests, river valleys, lake shores, marshes, cliffs, canyons, lower and middle mountain zones. The fruit, bark, inner bark and roots are used in medicine. Native Americans used a decoction of the roots for respiratory infections in children, for kidney diseases, to regulate the heart, and as a tonic for women during childbirth. A decoction of the bark was used as an analgesic, laxative, for fevers, and laryngitis. The plant is given to obese people that have difficulty breathing. An infusion lotion made from the bark is considered helpful for diseases of the eye. In Russian folk medicine, the fruit is used for psoriasis, and (in complexes) for thrush in children. A decoction of the bark is used for respiratory diseases, women's diseases, as a sedative, haemostatic, and anticonvulsant for the neuroses, hysteria, and epilepsy. The species also treats hypertension, acts as a contraceptive, and is used externally as an antiseptic. A decoction of the leaves and fruits is used locally during dermatomycosis of the scalp. In traditional medicine of Russian, the fruit juice is used for cancer treatment. Research results indicate that the aqueous extract of the bark is active against the Herpes virus and acts as an antihypoxic agent for the treatment of hypoxia. Viburnin, which is isolated from the bark, has cardiotonic, vasoconstrictor, analgesic, haemostatic, and antiseptic properties. The species also increases diuresis. The plant has a 10% leaf infusion, a liquid extract and a hypotensive, sedative and hemostatic effect. Fruit juice in the experiment exhibits antibacterial activity against the agent of dysentery and anthrax and bactericidal activity against the pathogen of European foulbrood. Phytoncides, isolated from the leaves have antibacterial properties, exhibit protistocidic, and show antibacterial activity. Bark of V. opulus is officinal raw material. The plant’s extract is a hemostatic in metrorrhagia. In practical medicine, a bath of barks decoction is effective in pseudo-furunculosis in children. When experiencing complications, the bark decoction is used in treatment for bronchial asthma. The broth and the bark extract are used against menorrhagia, menopause , inflammatory and hemostatic hemorrhoids, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Infusion of the bark is prescribed as a sedative and hypotensive agent in the neuroses, hysteria, epilepsy, and hypertension . The species can be used for complex treatment of diabetes in the form of irrigation and drops. Inhalation may also be used for chronic catarrhal IOI acute rhinitis and for the prevention of acute tonsillitis, laryngitis, and traheobronhite. Fresh fruits in the form of an infusion are used as a tonic, diaphoretic, laxative, edema of cardiac, renal origin, hypertension, nervousness, gastritis, colitis, liver diseases, and dermatitis. Viburnum fruit are recommended for people working in conditions of radiation and living in territory contaminated with radionuclides . Fruit juice is effective in vasculitis and impetigo. Poultices are used fortreatment of breast cancer and broth for menorrhagia. In homeopathy, the essence of the bark is prescribed for dysmenorrheal and as an antispasmodic. In veterinary medicine, the bark and fruits of Viburnum sp. are used for FMD. Analyses indicate the majority of studied medicinal plant species in the flora of the Caucasus and North America contain flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, alkaloids, phenol carboxylic acids, vitamin C, tannins, and fatty oils. A significant number of species also contain saponins, coumarins, anthocyanins, and essential oils. The species with the lowest number of constituents primarily contain sesquiterpenoids, nitrogen and sulfur compounds, polyacetylene compounds, carotene, and other chemicals. The above content described biologically active compounds that determine the therapeutic effect of these medicinal herbs. Therefore, in the analysis, we grouped the plants used in folk and official medicine according to their therapeutic properties. The analysis indicated that the majority (45.16%) of medicinal plants exhibit a diuretic effect. A significant portion of the plants (19.36-32.26%) can be utilized as a sedative, tonic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, diaphoretic, wound-healing, hemostatic, analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, anthelmintic, and antibacterial agent. A smaller number of species are characterized by antineoplastic, antiseptic, emollient, analgesics, bracing, cholagogue, vasoconstrictors, sedatives, and other radioprotective properties. An analysis of the biological effects allows grouping of plants arbitrarily in accordance with their most important pharmacological actions. The majority of the medicinal plants (35.48-41.94%) are used for skin diseases, rheumatism, gastric and women's diseases. Smaller portions of the species (22.58-29.03%) are used for treatment of malignant tumors, scrofula, kidney diseases, tumors and hemorrhoids. The smallest portions of plants (16.13%) are used for liver diseases, diarrhea, intestinal diseases, septic wounds, neurosis, and other medical problems.

CONCLUSIONS

In folk and official medicine, the most commonly used parts of the plant include the above ground parts (grass - 21 Flowers - 13 leaves - 13 species) and the roots (9 species). Analysis in the course of this study demonstrates that the majority of species represented contain flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, alkaloids, phenol carbonic acids, vitamin C, tannins, fatty oils, saponins, coumarins, anthocyanins, and essential oils. During the study, researchers discovered that the main types of therapeutic actions of the species studied are diuretic, sedative, tonic, laxative, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and anthelmintic. The informational-analytical study analyzes the chemical composition and the range of applications of some species of medicinal plants in the flora of the Caucasus and North America in official and folk medicine. Investigating the plants of different countries allows scientists to predict their possible value when searching for new therapeutic agents with the desired biological activity.

Getting Help

Hello Gumush515, the page Medicinal plants of Caucasus and North America you are working on seems that you are still working. So I added the {{Under construction}} tag. When you are done feel free to remove it. A. Shohag 14:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC)

Please, make me understand that what you are doing! First you created the page and added a lot descriptions in a short period, also you have blanked it right now. Will you please explain what you are doing or trying to do? A. Shohag 14:19, 30 July 2020 (UTC)

Please stop. And if you are having any problem then, talk here. Don't do something what might get you blocked from editing. If you need help, You simply can ask here. I will try to help you. A. Shohag 14:31, 30 July 2020 (UTC)

Hello A. Shohag. I am trying to write this article as a separate article.

Hello @Gumush515: Thanks for your response. But you have tried several times doing some unnecessary things. And If you wish to publish this article, I will have to ask you some question. And please do not do anything you don't understand. Did you write this article in your own word, I mean not copy pasting? Also you must need to provide some sources. If you keep responding, I will help you. ~regards A. Shohag 15:20, 30 July 2020 (UTC)

@Gumush515: Hello again. I have reverted you edits here. Page Medicinal plants of Caucasus and North America has a tag named {{Under construction}} which means the user is still editing the article and hasn't been finished to publish. I request you to copy, paste and edit necessary things from this page to that page. And don't unnecessarily create or move any pages. Hope you understand me. And Keep responding. A. Shohag 15:39, 30 July 2020 (UTC)

A. Shohag can I write this article as a special article? The title of the article here is User talk: Gumush515. but I want this article to be called Medicinal plants of Caucasus and North America. could i explain my opinion? I also wrote this article in my own language. Is it possible to link these two articles?

@Gumush515: There should be only one article, I mean you won't just want to link this page with a mainspaced article. This is your user talk page, means it's a talk page where people can talk to you and you can reply. Obviously you can create a main article without being tag before 'User talk'. Someone moved your page to a draft page, draft pages are usually pages where users work on a page. The draft page is here, with a 'Draft' prefix. Wikipedia likes users own word, cause it doesn't violate copyright. You can write the article in your own language, but remember not to give your personal opinion there, like 'I know it doesn't work' or something like this. You can edit the draft freely. And if you think you are finished then hit the submit button and it will take some time to review. After it is reviewed the 'page movers' will move the page to mainspace article where the page won't have any prefix like 'User talk' or 'Drafts'. If you need any help, you can leave message to me here or even to my talk page. Thanks. A. Shohag 04:16, 31 July 2020 (UTC)

A. Shohag Thank you very much. You helped me a lot. I will still worry you a lot, with similar questions )))

@Gumush515: Doen't matter. If you have any question, I will try my best to answer. A. Shohag 06:55, 31 July 2020 (UTC)

Medicinal plants of Caucasus and North America moved to draftspace

An article you recently created, Medicinal plants of Caucasus and North America, does not have enough sources and citations as written to remain published. It needs more citations from reliable, independent sources. (?) Information that can't be referenced should be removed (verifiability is of central importance on Wikipedia). I've moved your draft to draftspace (with a prefix of "Draft:" before the article title) where you can incubate the article with minimal disruption. When you feel the article meets Wikipedia's general notability guideline and thus is ready for mainspace, please click on the "Submit your draft for review!" button at the top of the page. CommanderWaterford (talk) 16:20, 30 July 2020 (UTC)

Speedy deletion nomination of Draft:Medicinal plants of Caucasus and North America

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