Ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal plants used for skin diseases in the urban ecosystem of Niš city (South-Eastern Serbia)

Skin disorders are common and impact quality of life. Medical plants are often used for mild cases due to their lower side effects compared to conventional drugs. Even in Europe, homemade treatments for skin conditions remain popular. However, ethnobotanical research on skin diseases in diseases in the urban ecosystem of Niš city (South-Eastern Serbia) is limited. The use of medicinal plants in urban ecosystems is of significant importance, as it highlights the interaction between urban environments and the surrounding flora.

A semi-structured, anonymous ethnobotanical interview was conducted with 49 participants (35 women and 14 men) to collect ethnopharmacological knowledge from the Niš community regarding skin diseases.

The most commonly treated skin conditions were skin wounds (11 reports, 22%), burns (9 reports, 18%) and fungal infections and facial care (4 reports each, 8%). Among plant parts, the flower (20 reports, 36.36%) and leaf (14 reports, 25.45%) are the most commonly used, while the most prevalent preparation forms are oil (12 reports, 21.81%), poultices (9 reports, 16.36%), and fresh (8 reports, 14.54%). Among the plants mentioned, Hypericum perforatum (10 reports, 20%), Plantago lanceolata (9 reports, 18%), and Achillea millefolium as well as Calendula officinalis (5 reports, 9.09%) were the most commonly used. The study also found that place of residence and gender influenced the choice of plant species. Although the Committee for Herbal Medicinal Products of Euroean Medicine Agency recognizes the traditional use of these herbs for minor skin inflammations and as an aid in healing minor wounds, it is important to consider contraindications and special warnings and precautions for their use.

Despite advances in modern medicine, there is a growing trend in the use of medicinal plants to treat skin diseases. This trend reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of conducting ethnobotanical studies to document plant-based remedies, which continue to complement conventional medical approaches.

Acknowledgments: this research was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Grant No. 451-03-65/2024-03/200113, 451-03-66/2024-03/200113, 451-03-65/2024-03/200178, 451-03-66/2024-03/200027