Constipation: An ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants used for constipation in Shahrekord city, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province, Iran

Abstract

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in society, both in children and in adults, which imposes stupendous costs on society. For centuries, people have used medicinal plants, herbal teas, and teas to relieve digestive problems, including to stimulate the digestive system and reduce constipation. Therefore, in this study we sought to investigate the indigenous and ethnobotanical knowledge regarding constipation in children and infants in Shahrekord. The present ethnobotanical study was carried out through a questionnaire in Shahrekord. This study was conducted from April 2017 to February 2018 through face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire among 29 traditional therapists. The results of this study showed that medicinal plants such as Descurainia sophia (L.) Prantle., Rumex pulcher L., Alyssum spp.Stead. Ex Boiss., Prunus amygdalus L., Astragalus adscendens Bioss. & Hausskn, Echinops persicus Stev. & Fisch., Plantago major L., Rheum ribes L., Stachys lavandulifolia, Plantago major, Alcea spp., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Peganum harmala L., Pistachia atlanta Desf. and Prangos ferulacea L. are traditionally used to treat constipation in children and infants

Keywords

• gastrointestinal diseases
• constipation
• iran