Solanaceae as medicinal plants in Israel

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Medicinal Plant Research
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• The Solanaceae family encompasses numerous plants with historical medicinal applications.
• Traditional uses of Solanaceae in Israel include applications as narcotics, sedatives, and anesthetics.
• The contemporary role of these plants in traditional healing practices requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the current use of Solanaceae as medicinal plants by local healers in Israel.
• To identify which Solanaceae species remain in common use and which have been largely abandoned.
• To understand the patterns of use, including application methods and geographical distribution.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted involving 106 local healers in Israel.
• Interviews were conducted to gather information on the use of Solanaceae species for medicinal purposes.
• Data collected included plant species used, application methods, and observed patterns of use.

Main Results:

• Four Solanaceae species (Lycium europeaum, Solanum nigrum, Hyoscyamus aureus, Hyoscyamus albus) are currently extensively used.
• The use of certain traditional Solanaceae plants, such as Datura spp., Mandragora autumnalis, and Withania somnifera, has significantly declined.
• Current applications are predominantly external, with rare use as narcotics. Usage is mostly local, with limited uniform application nationwide or across ethnic groups.
• The widespread availability of modern pharmaceuticals has led to a decrease in the use of Solanaceae for anesthetic, sedative, and narcotic purposes.

Conclusions:

• The medicinal use of Solanaceae in Israel has shifted towards external applications for a limited number of species.
• Traditional uses, particularly for narcotic and anesthetic purposes, have been largely superseded by modern medicine.
• Ethnobotanical research highlights the evolving role of medicinal plants in contemporary healthcare systems.