Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2006 | Research
Wild Alliumspecies (Alliaceae) used in folk medicine of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine | Issue 1/2006
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Background
Hitherto available sources from literature mentioned several wild growing Allium species as "edible" or "medicinally used" but without any further specification.
Methods
New data were gained during recent research missions: Allium plants were collected and shown to the local population which was asked for names and usage of these plants.
Results
Information was collected about current medical applications of sixteen wild species, nine of which belong to different sections of Allium subgenus Melanocrommyum. These plants are used against headache, cold, and stomach problems, and are mostly applied fresh or after boiling.
Conclusion
Close taxonomic relatives of the common onion were used similar to cultivated onion species, but medical use like garlic was mostly reported for species taxonomically not related to garlic.