Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria

Throughout history, many plant species have been used as natural medicines to prevent and treat human diseases. Due to its geographical location, climate, and history, Syria contains a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants. However, in recent years a prolonged period of conflict has resulted in...

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Main Authors: Munzer Aldarvish, Anas Al Kaddour, Akram Bourgol, Yasser Ramazan, Yousef Hallak, Stephen Cavers, Joan Cottrell
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Bioversity International 2025-02-01
Series:Genetic Resources
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Online Access:https://www.genresj.org/index.php/grj/article/view/217
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author Munzer Aldarvish
Anas Al Kaddour
Akram Bourgol
Yasser Ramazan
Yousef Hallak
Stephen Cavers
Joan Cottrell
author_facet Munzer Aldarvish
Anas Al Kaddour
Akram Bourgol
Yasser Ramazan
Yousef Hallak
Stephen Cavers
Joan Cottrell
author_sort Munzer Aldarvish
collection DOAJ
description Throughout history, many plant species have been used as natural medicines to prevent and treat human diseases. Due to its geographical location, climate, and history, Syria contains a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants. However, in recent years a prolonged period of conflict has resulted in widespread ecosystem destruction, human population displacement, and disruption of farming practices. Although poorly documented this is believed to have resulted in a significant decline in medicinal plant populations. ex situ conservation initiatives, the locations of medicinal plants exposed to deterioration were identified from the results of a questionnaire. Seeds from seven species: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), wild thyme (Thymus capitatus L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), caper (Capparis spinosa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) were collected for the establishment of ex situ collections in the future. We discuss the potential for recovery initiatives to protect and conserve these species and to support the sustainable use of medicinal plant genetic resources in Northern Syria. Such endeavours are vital for the continued well-being of the Syrian population and humanity as a whole.
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spelling doaj-art-c4824dcd573e44c88c2c36b9f8fa33872025-08-20T03:13:10ZengBioversity InternationalGenetic Resources2708-37642025-02-0161110.46265/genresj.GBCL6863Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern SyriaMunzer AldarvishAnas Al Kaddour0Akram BourgolYasser RamazanYousef Hallak1Stephen Cavers 2Joan Cottrell3General Organization for Seed Multiplication, SyriaMinistry of Agriculture, SyriaUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian. EH26 0QB. UKForest Research, Northern Research Station, UK Throughout history, many plant species have been used as natural medicines to prevent and treat human diseases. Due to its geographical location, climate, and history, Syria contains a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants. However, in recent years a prolonged period of conflict has resulted in widespread ecosystem destruction, human population displacement, and disruption of farming practices. Although poorly documented this is believed to have resulted in a significant decline in medicinal plant populations. ex situ conservation initiatives, the locations of medicinal plants exposed to deterioration were identified from the results of a questionnaire. Seeds from seven species: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), wild thyme (Thymus capitatus L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), caper (Capparis spinosa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) were collected for the establishment of ex situ collections in the future. We discuss the potential for recovery initiatives to protect and conserve these species and to support the sustainable use of medicinal plant genetic resources in Northern Syria. Such endeavours are vital for the continued well-being of the Syrian population and humanity as a whole. https://www.genresj.org/index.php/grj/article/view/217Plant genetic resourcesmedicinal plantsgenetic erosionin situ conservationex situ conservation
spellingShingle Munzer Aldarvish
Anas Al Kaddour
Akram Bourgol
Yasser Ramazan
Yousef Hallak
Stephen Cavers
Joan Cottrell
Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria
Genetic Resources
Plant genetic resources
medicinal plants
genetic erosion
in situ conservation
ex situ conservation
title Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria
title_full Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria
title_fullStr Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria
title_full_unstemmed Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria
title_short Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria
title_sort survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of northwestern syria
topic Plant genetic resources
medicinal plants
genetic erosion
in situ conservation
ex situ conservation
url https://www.genresj.org/index.php/grj/article/view/217
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