Iranian Medicinal Plants: From Ethnomedicine to Actual Studies

Abstract

Iran has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, consisting of a complex traditional medicine deeply rooted in the history of the territory that goes back to the Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations. The ethnomedical practices that can be identifiable nowadays derive from the experience of local people who have developed remedies against a wide range of diseases handing down the knowledge from generation to generation over the millennia. Traditional medicine practices represent an important source of inspiration in the process of the development of new drugs and therapeutic strategies. In this context, it is useful to determine the state of the art of ethnomedical studies, concerning the Iranian territory, and of scientific studies on plants used in traditional Iranian medicine. Data regarding 245 plants used in Iranian ethnomedical practices and scientific studies conducted on 89 plants collected in the Iranian territory have been reported. All of the scientific studies here reported draw inspiration from traditional medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly called for an intensification of the scientific validation processes of traditional medicines intended as an important contribution to public health in various parts of the world. The process of study and validation of Iranian ethnomedical practices appears to be at an early stage.

1. Introduction

Traditional medicine practices represent an important and often underestimated part of healthcare around the world. Moreover, traditional knowledge is a source of inspiration for researches on biological activities of vegetal extracts and pure compounds that can be obtained from them. A great number of lifesaving therapeutic assets belonging to modern medicine and new active compounds are derived from traditional knowledge and traditional uses of plants.

The awareness of this fact led to the drawing up of the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution on Traditional Medicine (WHA62.13) and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002–2005 and 2014–2023. These documents aim to integrate at the international level national healthcare systems with traditional knowledge and practices through an assessment of safety, efficacy, and quality of the treatments. In order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to properly carry out scientific researches; the biological activities of the plants used must be tested, and the effectiveness of the treatments both “in vitro” and “in vivo” must be assessed considering the risk/benefit profile. Thus, one of the main raised issues—related to the use of traditional practices in national policies and regulations—is the lack of research data [1].

WHO defines traditional medicine as follows: “Traditional medicine has a long history. It is the sum total of the knowledge, skill, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness” [2].

In light of a literature search, the traditional Iranian medicine (also known as Persian medicine) results, particularly rich in information, which can justify new studies regarding the therapeutic use of plants and vegetal extracts; it consists of the totality of the knowledge passed down through the generations and of the practices based entirely on observations and practical experience used, from ancient times to nowadays, in diagnosis, prevention, and elimination of diseases in the Iranian territory [3].

In this context, it was of great interest for us to collect scientific reports/studies, deriving from traditional practices, regarding health properties: biological activities of native Iranian plants proper to the medicinal, dermo-cosmetic, and nutriceutical use, in order to provide a complete overview of the scientific knowledge and establish a starting point for further research. Particular attention was paid to works that open up research possibilities on new therapeutic assets that deserve a follow-up to determine the efficacy of the reported biological activities in vivo.

2. Materials and Methods

The Present Review Was Performed Adopting The Following Databases: Scifinder, Pubmed, Google Scholar

Selection criteria were defined, including articles regarding ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants traditionally used in the Iranian territory and articles reporting scientific studies on plants grown and collected in Iran, including biological activities that can be spent in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic/cosmeceutical, nutraceutical fields. Particular attention was paid to works that may open up research paths to new therapeutic assets. All the studies reported in this review draw inspiration from Iranian traditional medicine practices.

The following keywords were selected: “Iran plants”, “Iranian medicinal plants”, “Iranian plants biological activities”. Only articles in the English language were selected, and data from patents, symposiums, and congress abstracts were excluded because not enough complete to warrant an effective comparison with full papers. Papers that did not show a clear botanical identification were rejected. The database www.theplantlist.org was used to check the correctness of the nomenclature of the reported plant species.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in Iran

Iran has a history of great importance in the field of traditional medicine practices; this knowledge heritage goes back to the time of Babylonian-Assyrian civilization; every generation added his experience and new elements to this “cultural database”. Nowadays, medicinal plants are still used in Iran as curatives for various types of health problems [4]. A great part of this traditional knowledge has not been considered by the scientific point of view yet, and it would be advisable to check the effectiveness of the traditional treatments, especially when there are no supporting data in the scientific literature.

A bibliographic search was performed, selecting ethnobotanical studies conducted through questionnaires and personal interviews with traditional healers and local people in the Iranian territory that include clear botanical identification of the plants, traditional uses, and type of administration.

Table 1 collects reports of plants used for medicinal purposes in the Iranian territory, their local name, the part of the plant used, type of extraction/preparation, the territory where the plant use is reported.

Table 1.

Plants traditionally used as medicinal remedies in the Iranian territory. Local name, part of the plant used, type of extraction/preparation, the area where the use of the plant is reported. (N.r. = not reported).

	Scientific Name	Family	Local Name	Part Used	Type of Extract	Medicinal Uses	Area	Author (s)
1.	Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench	Malvaceae	Bamieh	Seed	n.r.	Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
2.	Acanthophyllum sordidum Bunge ex Boiss.	Caryophylaceae	Choobak	Root	n.r.	Warts, Washing	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
3.	Acanthophyllum spp.	Caryophyllaceae	Chobak	Aerial parts	Herbal tea/decoction	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
4.	Achillea millefolium L. Achillea millefolium L.	Asteraceae Asteraceae	n.r. Boomadaran	Inflorescence Aerial parts	Boiled, steamed Herbal tea/decoction	Antidiabetic Antiparasitic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran Shiraz, Fars province	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014 [6] Bahmani et al. 2016
5.	Achillea santolinoides subsp. wilhelmsii (K. Koch) Gruter	Asteraceae	Bumadaran	Aerial parts	n.r.	Anti-hemorrhoids, Antidiarrhea, Hypoglycemic, Anthelmintic, Mastitis, Antacid, Dyspepsia, Nerve Tonic, Treatment of Osteoarthritis, Treatment of Blood Flooding, Appetizer	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
6.	Adiantum capillus-veneris L.	Pteridaceae	Parsiavashan	Aerial parts	n.r.	Antitussive, Anti-hemorrhoid, Treatment of Sore Throat, Febrifuge, Jaundice, Laxative, Anti-thirst, Treatment of Orchitis	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
7.	Alcea spp.	Malvaceae	Gole Khatmi	Flower	n.r.	Antitussive, Febrifuge, Treatment of Pimples, Laxative, Depurative, Treatment of Gum Swelling	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
8.	Alhagi graecorum Boiss.	Fabaceae	Taranjabin	Manna	n.r.	Jaundice, Laxative, Febrifuge, Thirst, Aphthous Ulcers	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
9.	Alhagi maurorum Medik.	Fabaceae	Khar Shotor- Taranjabin	Aerial parts - Manna	n.r.	Appetite Suppressant, Diuretic, Jaundice, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
10.	Allium altissimum Regel	Amaryllidaceae	Musir	Bulb	n.r.	Antiseptic, Appetizer, Digestive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
11.	Allium cepa Allium cepa L.	Amaryllidaceae Amaryllidaceae	Piaz Piaz	Bulb Seed	Herbal tea/decoction n.r.	Antiparasitic Treatment of Trichoptlosis	Shiraz, Fars province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
12.	Allium haementhoides Bioss. & Ruet. Ex Regel	Liliaceae	Sorpa	Leaf, flower stem	Brew	Peptic Ulcer	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
13.	Allium sativum L.	Amaryllidaceae	Sir	Bulb	n.r.	Hypoglycemic, Cardiac Diseases, Antiseptic, Toothache, Antihyperlipidemia, Anthelmintic, Antihypertensive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
14.	Althaea officinalis L.	Malvaceae	Charme giah	Root	n.r.	Mouth Wounds, Bone Fracture, Treatment of Bruises, Treatment of Dysuria	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
15.	Alyssum alyssoides (L.) L.	Brassicaceae	Ghodumeh	Seed	n.r.	Pharyngitis, Antitussive, Febrifuge, Laxative, Treatment of Hoarseness	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
16.	Alyssum desertorum Stapf.	Brassicaceae	n.r.	Seed	Boiled, herbal fumigation	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
17.	Amaranthus caudatus L.	Amaranthaceae	Taj Khorus	Aerial parts	n.r.	Disinfectant Treatment of Enteritis, Febrifuge, Antitussive, Antidiarrhea, Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
18.	Amygdalus commonis Amygdalus communis	Rosaceae Rosaseae	Badam-e shirin Baadam	Green fruit and seed Fruit	Boiled, brewed, raw Herbal tea/decoction	Anti-hair Loss Antiparasitic	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo Shiraz, Fars province	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015 [6] Bahmani et al. 2016
19.	Anacamptis morio (L.) R. M. Bateman	Orchidaceae	Saalab gholveh	Root	n.r.	Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
20.	Anastatica hierochuntica L.	Brassicaceae	Change mayam	Aerial parts	n.r.	Bring Luck to Pregnant Women, Menstrual Regulator	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
21.	Anchusa italica	Boraginaceae	Gole-gazou	Leaf, flower	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
22.	Anethum graveolens L	Apiaceae	Shevid	Fruit	n.r.	Abortion, Anti-dysmenorrhea, Galactogogue, Antihyperlipidemia, Carminative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
23.	Anthemis tinctoria L.	Asteraceae	Baboone-ye zard	Flowering shoot	Boiled, brewed, paste	Beauty and Clarity of the Skin, Strengthening of Hair Roots	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
24.	Apium graveolens L.	Apiaceae	Karafs	Fruit	n.r.	Emmenagogue, Diuretic, Carminative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
25.	Arctium lappa L. Arctium lappa L.	Asteraceae Asteraceae	Baba Adam n.r.	Leaves - Root Root, leaf	n.r. Boiled, steamed	Diuretic Cholagogue, Depurative, Hypoglycemic Antidiabetic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
26.	Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M.Johnst.	Boraginaceae	Havachoobeh	Root	n.r.	Treatment of Dermal Disorders, Hair Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
27.	Artemisia absinthium Artemisia absinthium L.	Asteraceae Asteraceae	Ofsantin Afsantin	Leaf Aerial parts	Herbal tea/decoction n.r.	Antiparasitic Anthelmintic, Appetizer, Indigestion	Shiraz, Fars province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
28.	Artemisia dracunculus L.	Asteraceae	Tarkhun	Leaves	n.r.	Appetizer, Dyspepsia, Anthelmintic, Antacid, Carminative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
29.	Artemisia sieberi Besser	Asteraceae	Dermaneh	Flowering shoot	Boiled, brewed, paste	Baldness	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
30.	Artemisia vulgaris L.	Asteraceae	Baranjasef	Flower	n.r.	Nerve Tonic, Sexual Impotency, Menstrual Regulator	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
31.	Arundo donax L.	Poaceae	Tabashir ghalam	Latex	n.r.	Aphthous Ulcer, Anti Thirst, Depurative, Treatment of Pimples, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
32.	Astragalus adscendens Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss.	Fabaceae	Gazangabin	Manna	n.r.	Laxative, Febrifuge Digestive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
33.	Astragalus fasciculifolius subsp. arbusculinus (Bornm. & Gauba) Tietz	Fabaceae	Anzerut	Gum	n.r.	Antitussive, Jaundice, Laxative, Anthelmintic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
34.	Astragalus hamosus L.	Fabaceae	Nakhonak	Fruit	n.r.	Anodyne, Repel of Kidney Stone, Diuretic, Arthrodynia, Carminative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
35.	Astragalus sieversianus Pall.	Fabaceae	Gol Sefid	Fruit	n.r.	Menstrual Disorders	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
36.	Astragalus spp.	Fabaceae	Katira	Gum	n.r.	Mouth Wounds, Aphrodisiac, Cystitis, Hair Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
37.	Atropa belladonna L.	Solanaceae	Beladon	Leaves	n.r.	Antispasmodic, Sedative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
38.	Avena sativa L. Avena sativa L.	Poaceae Poaceae	Jo dosar n.r.	Seed Seed, glumelle	n.r. Boiled	Treatment of Acne Blood Refining	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
39.	Berberis integerima Bunge. Berberis integerima Bunge	Berberidaceae Berberidaceae	n.r. Zereshk Kuhi	Fruit, leaf, skin Fruit	Boiled, steamed n.r.	Antidiabetic Hypoglycemic, Antihypertensive, Blood and Liver Cleanser, Jaundice, Febrifuge, Antigout	Urmia county, Northwest Iran Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
40.	Berberis sp.	Berberidaceae	Zereshk	Fruit	n.r.	Antigout, Blood and Liver Cleanser, Febrifuge, Anthelmintic, Treatment of Dysentery	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
41.	Borago officinalis	Boraginaceae	Gholegavzaban	Flower	Herbal tea/decoction	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
42.	Brassica napus Brassica napus L.	Brassicaceae Brassicaceae	Kolza Shalgham	Leaf Seed	Decoction n.r.	Stomach Ache Antiseptic, Treatment of Cold, Tonic	Lorestan province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[8] Delfan et al. 2015 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
43.	Brassica nigra (L.) K.Koch	Brassicaceae	Khardal	Seed	n.r.	Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
44.	Bunium cylindricum (Boiss. & Hohen.) Drude	Apiaceae	Zireh Siah	Fruit	n.r.	Carminative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
45.	Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch.	Apiaceae	Zireh Siah	Fruit	n.r.	Obesity, Galactogogue, Flavoring, Carminative, Calmative, Appetizer, Indigestion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
46.	Caccinia macranthera (Banks & Sol.) Brand	Boraginaceae	Gavzaban sabz	Aerial parts	n.r.	Sedative, Treatment of Cough, Expectorant	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
47.	Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze	Theaceae	Chai Sabz	Leaves	n.r.	Obesity, Anticancer, Antihypertensive, Hepatitis, Antihyperlipidemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
48.	Cannabis sativa L.	Cannabinaceae	Shahdaneh	Seed	n.r.	Sedative, Tonic Treatment of Osteoarthritis, Treatment of Ear Pain	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
49.	Capparis spinosa L.	Capparaceae	Kavar	Fruit-Root	n.r.	Liver Tonic, Hepatitis, Appetizer, Anthelmintic, Stomach Tonic, Emmenagogue, Antigout	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
50.	Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.	Brassicaceae	Kiseh Keshish	Seed	n.r.	Period Regulator, Anti-hemorrhage, Antidiarrhea	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
51.	Capsicum annuum L.	Solanaceae	Felfel Ghermez	Fruit	n.r.	Appetizer, Spice, Treatment of Osteoarthritis, Tonic, Stimulant, Aphrodisiac	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
52.	Carthamus tinctorius L.	Asteraceae	Golrang (Kajireh)	Flower - Seed	n.r.	Emmenagogue, Flavoring Luxative, Treatment of Rheumatism	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
53.	Centaurea behen L.	Asteraceae	Bahman Sefid	Root	n.r.	Aphrodisiac, Anti-lithiasis	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
54.	Centaurea depressa M. Bieb.	Asteraceae	Gole Gandom	Aerial parts	n.r.	Digestive, Febrifuge, Cholagogue, Blood Cleanser, Antigout	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
55.	Cerasus avium (L.) Moench	Rosaceae	Dome Gilas	Pedicel	n.r.	Anti-lithiasis, Prostate Disorders Kidney Stone, Anti-inflammatory	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
56.	Cerasus microcarpa	Rosaceae	n.r.	Fruit	Boiled, raw use	Blood Refining	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
57.	Ceterach officinalis	Phillicineae	Sarakhs	Aerial parts	Paste	Head Itching	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
58.	Cichorium intybus L. Cichorium intybus L.	Asteraceae Asteraceae	Kasni Kasni	Aerial parts Root, leaves, flower, and seeds	n.r. Boiled	Treatment of Palpitation, Appetizer, Depurative, Treatment of Furuncles, Jaundice, Febrifuge, Anti-allergic Head Itching	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
59.	Cinnamomum verum Cinnamomum verum	Lauraceae Lauraceae	n.r. Darchin	Skin Fruit shells	Boiled Herbal tea/decoction	Antidiabetic Antiparasitic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran Shiraz, Fars province	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014 [6] Bahmani et al. 2016
60.	Citrulluscolocynthis (L.) Schrad. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.	Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitaceae	n.r. Hanzal	Fruit Fruit-Seed	Boiled n.r.	Antidiabetic Purgative, Anodyne, Hypoglycemic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
61.	Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle	Rutaceae	Limu Amani	Fruit	n.r.	Antihypertensive, Calmative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
62.	Citrus aurantium L.	Rutaceae	Bahar Naranj	Flower	n.r.	Anti-stress, Cardiac Tonic, Food Digestion, Antihypertensive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
63.	Clinopodium graveolens (M. Bieb.) Kuntze	Lamiaceae	Faranjmeshk	Seed	n.r.	Pharyngitis, Gastric Ulcer, Nerve Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
64.	Colchicum autumnale L.	Colchicaceae	Suranjan	Root	n.r.	Antigout, Calmative, Arthrodynia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
65.	Colchicum kotschyi Boiss.	Liliaceae	Gol-e hasrat	Flower	Paste	Lice	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
66.	Conium maculatum L.	Apiaceae	Shokaran	Root	n.r.	Cholagogue, Depilator, Treatment of Dermal Allergies	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
67.	Convolvulus arvensis L.	Convolvulaceae	Pichak-e sahraee	Aerial parts	Paste	Skin Spots	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
68.	Cordia myxa L.	Boraginaceae	Sepestan	Fruit	n.r.	Pharyngitis, Antitussive, Febrifuge, Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
69.	Coriandrum sativum L.	Apiaceae	Geshniz	Fruit	n.r.	Acne, Treatment of Flatulence, Appetizer, Aphrodisiac, Calmative, Jaundice, Antiseptic, Aromatic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
70	Cornus mas L.	Cornaceae	Zoghal Akhteh	Fruit	n.r.	Prostatic Hypertrophy, Anti-hemorrhage, Antidiarrhea, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
71.	Coronilla varia L.	Fabaceae	n.r.	Leaf	Raw use, boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
72.	Corylus avellana L.	Betulaceae	Fandogh	Fruit	n.r.	Treatment of Anemia, Depurative, Appetizer	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
73.	Crataegus aronia (L.) Bosc ex Dc.	Rosaceae	n.r.	Fruit and skin	Raw use, boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
74.	Crataegus oxycantha L.	Rosaceae	n.r.	Fruit, flower root, skin	Raw use, boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
75.	Crataegus sp.	Rosaceae	Sorkhe Valik	Fruit-Leaves	n.r.	Depurative, Repairs Blood Vessel	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
76.	Crocus sativus L.	Iridaceae	Zaffaron	Style	n.r.	Tonic, Dysmenorrheal, Emmenagogue, Nerve Tonic, Premature Ejaculation, Gastric Ulcer, Aphrodisiac	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
77.	Cucumis sativus L.	Cucurbitaceae	Khiar	Seed	n.r.	Diuretic, Anti-lithiasis, Blood Cleansing, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
78.	Cuminum cyminum L.	Apiaceae	Zireh Sabz (Keravieh)	Fruit	n.r.	Treatment of Colic, Galactogogue, Obesity, Digestive, Flavoring, Antiseptic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
79.	Cuscuta epithymum Murray	Convolvolaceae	Aftimun	Aerial parts	n.r.	Laxative, Anti-hemorrhoids	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
80.	Cydonia oblonga Mill.	Rosaceae	Beh Daneh	Seed-Leaves	n.r.	Cardiac Diseases, Antitussive, Sore Throat, Laxative, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
81.	Cyperus rotundus L.	Cyperaceae	Soade Kufi	Root	n.r.	Strengthening of Memory	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
82.	Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski	Orchidaceae	Saalab panjeh	Root	n.r.	Treatment of Sexual Impotency, Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
83.	Datura stramonium L. Datura stramonium L.	Solanaceae Solanaceae	Tatureh Tatureh	Seed Seed	n.r. Boiled and Paste	Sedative, Treatment of Addiction, Treatment of Colic Wound Healing, Wound Disinfection	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
84.	Daucus carota L.	Apiaceae	Havij	Fruit	n.r.	Diuretic, Emmenagogue	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
85.	Delphinium semibarbatum Bien. ex Boiss	Ranunculaceae	Zarir	Flower	n.r.	Treatment of Dermal Allergies, Coloring	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
86.	Descurainia Sophia (L.) Schr. Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl	Brassicaceae Brassicaceae	Khakeshir Khakshir	Fruit Seed	Fresh food n.r.	Antiparasitic Blood and Liver Cleanser, Jaundice, Febrifuge, Treatment of Furuncles, Anti-thirst, Laxative	Shiraz, Fars province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
87.	Dorema ammoniacum D. Don	Apiaceae	Kandal	Gum- Root	n.r.	Cystitis, Digestive, Treatment of Colic, Treatment of Furuncles, Expectorant, Anthelmintic, Emmenagogue, Anticovulsion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
88.	Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn	Asparagaceae	Onsol	Bulb	n.r.	Arthrodynia, Emmenagogue, Hair Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
89.	Dysphania botrys (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants	Amaranthaceae	Dermaneh Torki	Aerial parts	n.r.	Diabetes, Treatment of Sinusitis, Respiratory Disorders, Anthelmintic, Antacid, Antidiarrhea, Carminative, Urinary Antiseptic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
90.	Echinops cephalotes DC.	Asteraceae	Shekar Tighal	Manna	n.r.	Antitussive, Anti-asthmatic, Pharyngitis, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
91.	Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A.Mey.	Boraginaceae	Gole Gavzaban	Flower	n.r.	Antihypertensive, Nerve Tonic, Diuretic, Anti-stress, Blood Cleanser Cardiac Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
92.	Elaeagnus angustifolia L.	Elaeagnaceae	Senjed	Fruit	n.r.	Arthrodynia, Antidiarrhea, Treatment of Rheumatism, Female Aphrodisiac	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
93.	Ephedra major Host	Ephedraceae	Khakestar Koshtar	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Joints Pain	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
94.	Equisetum arvense L. Equisetum arvense L. Equisetum arvense L.	Equisetaceae Equisetaceae Equisetaceae	Dome Asb Dome Asb n.r.	Aerial parts Aerial parts Aeration organ	n.r. Boiled Boiled	Obesity, Anti-lithiasis, Antihypertensive, Prostate Disorders, Treatment of kidney Disorders Hair Loss, Nails Strengthening Antidiabetic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
95.	Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb.	Xanthorrhoeaceae	Serish	Root	n.r.	Dermal Infection, Sticking, Antihyperlipidemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
96.	Eruca sativa (L.) Mill.	Brassicaceae	Mandab (Roghan cheragh)	Seed	n.r.	Sedative, Laxative Diuretic, Stomach Tonic,	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
97.	Euphorbia macroclada Boiss.	Euphorbiaceae	Ferfion	Leaves	Paste	Wart	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
98.	Falcaria vulgaris Bernh.	Apiaceae	Ghaz Yaghi	Leaves - Fruit	n.r.	Treatment of Vitiligo, Cut, Wound	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
99.	Ferula assa foetida L Ferula foetida (Bunge) Regel	Apiaceae Apiaceae	Anghozeh Anghuzeh	Leaf Gum	Herbal tea/decoction n.r.	Antiparasitic Anthelmintic, Treatment of Colic, Emmenagogue	Shiraz, Fars province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
100.	Ferula gummosa Boiss.	Apiaceae	Barijeh	Gum- Root	n.r.	Anthelmintic Anticatarrhal, Anti-allergic, Dyspepsia, Appetizer, Emmenagogue	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
101.	Ficus carica L.	Moraceae	Anjir	Fruit	n.r.	Anti-hemorrhoids, Laxative, Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
102.	Ficus johannis Boiss.	Moraceae	Anjirevahshi	Fruit	Fresh food and herbal tea/decoction	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
103.	Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Foeniculum vulgaris	Apiaceae Apiaceae	Razianeh Raziane	Fruit Seed	n.r. Decoction	Galactogogue, Digestive, Bronchitis, Appetizer, Antacid, Flatulence Peptic Ulcer	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Lorestan province	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [8] Delfan et al. 2015
104.	Fraxinus excelsior L.	Oleaceae	Zaban Gonjeshk	Fruit	n.r.	Aphrodisiac, Treatment of Stammering	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
105.	Fritillaria imperialis L.	Liliaceae	Laleh Sarnegun	Root	n.r.	Treatment of Joints Pain	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
106.	Fumaria asepala Boiss.	Fumariaceae	Shahtareh	Aerial parts	Boiled	Head and Face Itching, Allergy, Face Acne	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
107.	Fumaria vaillantii Loisel.	Papaveraceae	Shatareh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Pimples, Febrifuge, Blood Cleansing, Psoriasis, Appetizer, Antiacid, Jaundice	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
108.	Gentiana olivieri Griseb.	Gentianaceae	Suloo	Flower	n.r.	Cardiac Ailments	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
109.	Glycyrrhiza glabra L.	Fabaceae	Shirin Bayan	Root	n.r.	Antitussive, Antacid, Tonic, Gastric Ulcer, Treatment of Hypotension, Treatment of Anemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
110.	Gundelia tournefortii L.	Asteraceae	Kangar	Aerial parts	n.r.	Liver Tonic, Treatment of Hepatitis	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
111.	Gundeliatournefortii	Asteraceae	Kanghar	Fruit	Fresh food	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
112.	Helichrysum graveolens (M. Bieb.) Sweet	Asteraceae	Afsantin	Aerial parts	n.r.	Anodyne, Anthelmintic, Appetizer, Nerve Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
113.	Heracleum persicum Heracleum persicum Desf.	Apiaceae Apiaceae	Kolpar Golpar	Leaf, flower Fruit	Decoction n.r.	Stomach Ache Treatment of Hiccup, Appetizer, Flavoring, Carminative, Anthelmintic, Stomach Tonic	Lorestan province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[8] Delfan et al. 2015 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
114.	Hibiscus syriacus L.	Malvaceae	Gole Khatmi	Flower	n.r.	Febrifuge, Antitussive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
115.	Hibiscus trionum L.	Malvaceae	Khatmi-e seh rang	Flower	Boiled, boiled and brewed for washing	Head Itching, Strengthening of Hair Root	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
116.	Humulus lupulus L.	Cannabinaceae	Razak	Hops	n.r.	Diuretic, Treatment of Sleeplessness, Kidney Tonic, Calming, Sedative for Digestion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
117.	Hymenocrater spp.	Lamiaceae	Badranjbuyeh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Cardiac Tonic, Hypnotic, Antitussive, Carminative, Dyspnoea, Anti-stress Convulsion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
118	Hyoscyamus niger L.	Solanaceae	Bangdaneh	Seed	n.r.	Sedative, Treatment of Addiction, Treatment of Toothache, Treatment of Headache, Antigout	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
119.	Hypecum pendulum	Apiaceae	Shah tare	flowering shoot	Boiled	Skin Allergy	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
120.	Hypericum scabrum L.	Hypericaceae	Hufarighun	Flower	n.r.	Antimigraine, Gastric Ulcer, Anti hemorrhage, Urinary Incontinence, Treatment of Headache	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
121.	Indigofera argentea Burm.f.	Fabaceae	Rang	Leaves	n.r.	Antifungal, Hair Color, Hair Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
122.	Iris spuria L.	Iridaceae	Zanbagh	Root	n.r.	Arthrodynia, Diuretic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
123.	Ixillirion tataricum (Pall.) Roem et Schult	Amaryllidaceae	Khiarak	Gland, flowering shoot	Paste	Washing of Skin Abscess and Disinfection of Infectious Wounds	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
124.	Juglans regia Juglans regia Juglans regia L.	Juglandaceae Juglandaceae Juglandaceae	Gerdou n.r. Gerdu	Fruit, trunk palm, leaves Fruit, leaf, and skin Fruit- Leaves	Boiled Boiled n.r.	Anti-allergic, Hematopoietic Antidiabetic Eczema, Antidiarrhea, Hair Color	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley Urmia county, Northwest Iran Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
125.	Juniperus sabina L.	Cupressaceae	Abhal	Fruit	n.r.	Diuretic, Anti-lithiasis, Food Digestion, Urinary Antiseptic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
126.	Lamium album L.	Lamiaceae	n.r.	Flowering offshoot	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
127.	Lactuca sativa L.	Asteraceae	Kahu	Seed	n.r.	Anti-thirst, Hypnotic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
128.	Lagenaria vulgaris	Cucurbitaceae	Kadoo	Seed	Herbal tea/decoction	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
129.	Lallemantia iberica (M.Bieb.) Fisch. & C.A. Mey.	Lamiaceae	Tokhm Sharbati	Seed	n.r.	Gastric Ulcer, Antitussive, Laxative, Hoarseness, Anti-thirst	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
130.	Laurus nobilis L.	Lauraceae	Barg Bu	Leaves	n.r.	Carminative Appetizer, Flavor	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
131.	Lawsonia inermis L.	Lythraceae	Hana	Leaves	n.r.	Hair Color, Treatment of Headache, Hair Tonic, Washing, Antifungal, Antiseptic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
132.	Lepidium sativum L.	Brassicaceae	Shahi (Tartizak)	Seed	n.r.	Appetizer, Anthelmintic, Laxative, Sore Throat	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
133.	Levisticum officinale W.D.J.Koch	Apiaceae	Angedane roomi	Fruit	n.r.	Nerve Diseases, Heart Tonic, Indigestion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
134.	Linum usitatissimum L. Linum usititassimum L.	Linaceae Linaceae	Katan Katan	Seed Seed	n.r. Boiled	Cholesterol-lowering, Antitussive, Laxative, Obesity Bedsore	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
135.	Malva neglecta Wallr.	Malvaceae	Nan Kalagh	Flower - Fruit	n.r.	Sore Throat, Antitussive, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
136.	Malva sylvestris L.	Malvaceae	Panirak (Khatmi khabbzi)	Flower - Fruit	n.r.	Pharyngitis, Furuncles, Aphthous Ulcers, Febrifuge, Antitussive, Jaundice, Laxative, Gastric Ulcer, Treatment of Wounds	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
137.	Marrubium vulgare L.	Lamiaceae	Ferasion	Aerial parts	n.r.	Liver Tonic, Antitussive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
138.	Matricaria chamomilla L.	Asteraceae	Gole babooneh	Flower	n.r.	Eczema, Antitussive, Anticatarrhal, Hair Tonic, Treatment of Colic, Menstrual Pains	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
139.	Matricaria recutita	Asteraceae	Babooneh	Flower, leaf	Herbal tea/decoction	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
140.	Medicago sativa L.	Fabaceae	Yunjeh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Appetizer, Tonic, Osteomalacia, Anti-hemorrhage	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
141.	Melissa officinalis L.	Lamiaceae	Badranjbuyeh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Nerve Tonic, Cardiac Tonic, Hypnotic, Antitussive, Carminative, Anti-stress, Convulsion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
142.	Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson	Lamiaceae	Puneh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Herpes, Anthelmintic, Antacid, Carminative, Antidiarrhea, Digestive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
143.	Mentha spicata L.	Lamiaceae	Naana	Aerial parts	n.r.	Appetizer, Antacid, Carminative, Antidiarrhea, Digestive, Anodyne, Anthelmintic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
144.	Morus nigra L.	Moraceae	Shatut	Root	n.r.	Abortion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
145.	Myrtus communis L.	Myrtaceae	Murd	Leaves - Fruit	n.r.	Psoriasis, Treatment of Sinusitis, Mouth Ulcers, Antifungal, Treatment of Cold, Strengthening of Hair, Herpes	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
146.	Nasturtium officinale R. Br.	Brassicaceae	Alafe cheshmeh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Diabetes, Dyspepsia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
147.	Nasturtium officinalis (L.) R. Br.	Cruciferae	n.r.	Leaf, root	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
148.	Nepeta binaloudensis Jamzad	Lamiaceae	Ostokhodus	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Cold, Carminative, Nerve Tonic, Treatment of Sinusitis, Pulmonary Infections, Treatment of Rheumatism, Anti-asthmatic, Antitussive, Cardiac Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
149.	Nepeta bracteata Benth. Nepeta bracteata Benth.	Lamiaceae Lamiaceae	Zufa n.r.	Aerial parts Flowering offshoot	n.r. Boiled, steamed	Pulmonary Infections, Anti-asthmatic, Treatment of cold, Febrifuge, Treatment of Colic, Antitussive Antidiabetic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
150.	Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse	Lamiaceae	Ostokhodus	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Cold, Nerve Tonic, Expectorant	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
151.	Nepeta meyeri Benth.	Lamiaceae	n.r.	Flowering offshoot	Boiled, steamed	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
152.	Nigella sativa Nigella sativa L.	Ranunculaceae Ranunculaceae	Siah doom Siah Daneh	Seed Seed	Herbal tea/decoction n.r.	Antiparasitic Kidney Stone, Carminative, Antacid, Galactogogue, Anthelmintic, Food Digestion, Antitussive, Treatment of Colic	Shiraz, Fars province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
153.	Nymphaea alba L.	Nymphaeaceae	Nilufar Abi	Flower	n.r.	Expectorant, Hypnotic, Antitussive, Calmative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
154.	Ocimum basilicum L.	Lamiaceae	Reyhan (Tokhm sharbati)	Seed	n.r.	Aphthous Ulcers, Antiseptic, Antidiarrhea, Antitussive, Carminative, Laxative, Digestive, Antacid	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
155.	Origanum vulgare L.	Lamiaceae	Marzanjush	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Colic, Treatment of Sinusitis, Sedative, Cardiac Tonic, Nerve Tonic, Treatment of Dyspnoea	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
156.	Oryza sativa L.	Poaceae	Chaltooke Berenj	Seed coat	n.r.	Hair Tonic, Treatment of Anemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
157.	Papaver rhoeas L. Papaver rhoeas L.	Papaveraceae Papaveraceae	Shaghayegh n.r.	Flower Seed, capsule	n.r. Boiled	Treatment of Addiction, Calmative, Sleeplessness, Sedative, Expectorant, Antitussive, Anti-asthmatic Antidiabetic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
158.	Papaver somniferum L.	Papaveraceae	Khashkhash	Fruit- Seed	n.r.	Anodyne, Laxative, Tonic, Hypnotic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
159.	Peganum harmala L.	Nitrariaceae	Espand	Seed	n.r.	Diabetes, Antiseptic, Hypnotic, Treatment of Rheumatism and Sciatica Disorders, Anthelmintic, Emmenagogue	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
160.	Perovskia abrotanoides Kar.	Lamiaceae	Gol Kabud	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Sinusitis, Treatment of Toothache, Antitussive, Nerve Tonic, Carminative, Sedative, Antiseptic, Anthelmintic, Treatment of Colic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
161.	Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman ex A. W. Hill	Apiaceae	Jafari	Fruit	n.r.	Emmenagogue, Diuretic, Carminative, Kidney Disorders	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
162.	Phleum pratense L.	Poaceae	Kalake-gorbe	Branch	Brew	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
163.	Physalis alkekengi L.	Solanaceae	Arusak Posht Pardeh	Fruit	n.r.	Emmenagogue, Treatment of Kidney Stones, Blood Cleansing	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
164.	Pimpinella anisum L.	Apiaceae	Anison (Badian roomi)	Fruit	n.r.	Treatment of Flatulence, Anthelmintic, Treatment of Colic, Antacid, Stomach Ache, Antidiarrhea	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
165.	Pistacia atlantica Desf. ssp. kurdica	Anacardiaceae	Saghez	Oleore sin	n.r.	Appetizer, Digestive, Antacid	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
166.	Pistacia atlantica Desf. ssp mutica	Anacardiaceae	Baneh	Fruit	n.r.	Laxative, Tonic Stimulant, Treatment of Anemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
167.	Plantago major L.	Plantaginaceae	Barhang	Seed- Leaves	n.r.	Eczema, Anti-allergic, Febrifuge, Jaundice, Antitussive, Antidiarrhea, Toothache, Depurative, Gastric Ulcer	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
168.	Plantago ovata Forssk.	Plantaginaceae	Esfarzeh	Seed	n.r.	Obesity, Depilator, Tonsillitis, Antacid, Antitussive, Gastric Ulcer, Febrifuge, Laxative, Jaundice, Anti-hemorrhoids	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
169.	Platanus orientalis L.	Platanaceae	Chenar	Fruit	n.r.	Prostate Diseases	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
170.	Polygonatum orientale Desf.	Asparagaceae	Shaghaghol	Root	n.r.	Tonic, Diuretic, Nerve Tonic, Aphrodisiac	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
171.	Polygonum aviculare L. Polygonum aviculare L.	Polygonaceae Polygonaceae	Alaf Haftband n.r.	Aerial parts Aeration organ	n.r. Boiled	Diabetes, Treatment of Colic, Antidiarrhea Antidiabetic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
172.	Polypodium vulgare L.	Polypodiaceae	Baspayak	Root	n.r.	Expectorant, Jaundice, Digestive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
173.	Portulaca oleracea L.	Portulacaceae	Khorfeh	Seed- Leaves	n.r.	Antitussive, Febrifuge, Anti-thirst, Food Digestion, Depurative, Diuretic, Anti-hemorrhoids	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
174.	Punica granatum Punica granatum L.	Punicaceae Punicaceae	Anar-doun Gole Anar	Seed Flower-Root	Pomegranate fruits cooked under hot wood ashes and eat n.r.	Peptic Ulcer Anti-hemorrhage, Blood Flux, Anthelmintic	Lorestan province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[8] Delfan et al. 2015 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
175.	Quercus branti	Fagaceae	Bali	Pith leaf peel	Oak fruit crushed and mixed with yogurt and eat	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
176.	Quercus infectoria Oliv.	Fagaceae	Mazuye sabz	Insect gull	n.r.	Nosebleed, Anti-hemorrhage, Uterus Ailments, Mouth Wounds, Anti-hemorrhoids	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
177.	Quercus spp.	Fagaceae	Balut (Mazu)	Fruit	n.r.	Antidiarrhea, Anti-hemorrhage	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
178.	Rheum ribes L.	Polygonaceae	Rivas	Fruit- Petiole	n.r.	Jaundice, Urinary Antiseptic, Diuretic, Depurative, Liver Tonic, Antiseptic, Hair Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
179.	Rheum turkestanicum Janisch.	Polygonaceae	Eshghan	Root	n.r.	Diabetes, Antihypertensive, Anticancer, Depurative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
180.	Rhus coriaria L. Rhus coriaria L.	Anacardiaceae Anacardiaceae	Somagh n.r.	Fruit Fruit, leaf, resin	n.r. Boiled	Jaundice, Cholesterol-lowering, Diabetes, Antihypertensive, Antidiarrhea, Anti-hemorrhage, Flavoring, Blood Refining	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
181.	Ribes khorasanicum Saghafi & Assadi	Grossulariaceae	Ghareh Ghat	Fruit	n.r.	Antihypertensive, Diabetes, Depurative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
182.	Ricinus communis L.	Euphorbiaceae	Karchak	Seed	n.r.	Purgative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
183.	Rosa beggeriana Schrenk	Rosaceae	Nastaran	Fruit	n.r.	Antihypertensive, Diuretic, Kidney Stone	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
184.	Rosa damascena Mill.	Rosaceae	Gole Mohammadi	Flower	n.r.	Anti-hemorrhoid, Laxative, Calmative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
185.	Rosa foetida Hermam. Rosa foetida Herrm.	Rosaceae Rosaceae	n.r. Gole Zard	Petal Flower	Boiled n.r.	Antidiabetic Ovary Tonic, Emmenagogue	Urmia county, Northwest Iran Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
186.	Rubia tinctorum L. Rubia tinctorum L.	Rubiaceae Rubiaceae	Ronas Ronnas	Root Root, fruit	n.r. Boiled	Strengthening of Hair, Hair Color Hair Loss, Hair Coloring	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
187.	Rumex acetosella L.	Polygonaceae	Sagh Torshak	Root	n.r.	Jaundice, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
188.	Rumex sculantus L.	Polygonaceae	n.r.	Fruit, leaf	Raw use, boiled	Blood Refining	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
189.	Ruta graveolens L.	Rutaceae	Sodab	Aerial parts	n.r.	Abortion, Sedative, Emmenagogue	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
190.	Salix aegyptiaca L.	Salicaceae	Bidmeshk	Flower	n.r.	Calmative, Cardiac Tonic, Painful Menstruation	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
191.	Salix alba L.	Salicaceae	Bid	Leaves-Bark	n.r.	Menstrual Pains, Anodyne, Jaundice, Antitussive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
192.	Salix excelsa J.F. Gmel.	Salicaceae	Bidkhesht	Manna	n.r.	Febrifuge, Jaundice, Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
193.	Salvia leriifolia Benth.	Lamiaceae	Noruzak	Aerial parts	n.r.	Diabetes, Period Regulator	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
194.	Salvia macrosiphon Boiss.	Lamiaceae	Kenocheh	Seed	n.r.	Jaundice, Antitussive, Febrifuge, Gastric Ulcer, Pharyngitis, Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
195.	Salvia nemorosa L.	Lamiaceae	n.r.	Flowering offshoot	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
196.	Sanguisorba minor Scop. Sanguisorba minor Scop.	Rosaceae Rosaceae	Tout-e roubahi n.r.	Fruit Fruit, leaf	Boiled and edible raw Raw use, boiled	Skin Wounds Disinfection Antidiabetic	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
197.	Satureja hortensis L.	Lamiaceae	Marzeh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Indigestion, Anthelmintic, Appetizer, Antacid, Antidiarrhea	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
198.	Satureja khozistanica	Lamiaceae	Jataneh	Branch	Dried leaves poured on food	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
199.	Scrophularia striata Boiss.	Scrophulariaceae	Mokhallaseh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Kidney Troubles, Antidiarrhea, Treatment of Colic, Carminative, Treatment of Joints Pain	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
200.	Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen & Dorfl.	Fabaceae	Gandeh Talkheh	Seed	n.r.	Diabetes, Antihyperlipidemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
201.	Sesamum indicum L.	Pedaliaceae	Konjed	Seed	n.r.	Blood Tonic, Hair Loss, Strengthening of Memory, Increase Sperm Count, Treatment of Skin’s Split, Laxative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
202.	Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.	Asteraceae	Khare Maryam	Seed	n.r.	Jaundice, Febrifuge, Antihepatitis, Liver Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
203.	Solanum americanum Mill.	Solanaceae	Tajrizi	Fruit	n.r.	Treatment of Osteoarthritis, Mastitis, Expectorant, Hypnotic, Sedative, Treatment of Gastritis	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
204.	Sophora alopecuroides	Fabaceae	n.r.	Inflorescence	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
205.	Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl	Lamiaceae	Chai Kuhi	Flower	n.r.	Nerve Tonic, Treatment of cold, Cardiac Tonic, Treatment of Colic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
206.	Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. Bip.	Asteraceae	Gole babooneh	Flower	n.r.	Antitussive, Anticatarrhal, Hair Tonic, Treatment of Colic, Menstrual Pains	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
207.	Teucrium orientale L.	Lamiaceae	n.r.	Leaf	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
208.	Teucrium polium Teucrium polium L. Teucrium polium L.	Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae	Maryam-nokhodi Kalpureh n.r.	Flower, Seed Aerial parts Flowering offshoot	Brew n.r. Boiled	Stomach Ache Antacid, Indigestion, Diabetes, Treatment of Colic, Antidiarrhea Antidiabetic	Lorestan province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[8] Delfan et al. 2015 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
209.	Thalictrum sultanabadense Stapf	Ranunculaceae	Parsiavashan	Aerial parts	n.r.	Antitussive, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
210.	Thymus daenensis	Lamiaceae	Azboue	Flower, leaf, branch	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
211.	Thymus kotschyanus	Lamiaceae	Azboue	Flower, leaf, branch	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
212.	Thymus pubescens	Lamiaceae	Azboue	Flower, leaf, branch	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
213.	Thymus fallax	Lamiaceae	Azboue	Flower, leaf, branch	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
214.	Thymus. eriocalyx	Lamiaceae	Azboue	Flower, leaf, branch	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
215.	Tilia cordata Mill.	Malvaceae	Zirfun	Leaves - Fruit	n.r.	Nerve Tonic, Sudorific, Diuretic, Calmative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
216.	Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague	Apiaceae	Zenyan (Khordaneh)	Fruit	n.r.	Carminative, Anthelmintic, Antidiarrhea, Treatment of Colic, Antacid, Galactogogue	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
217.	Tragapogon caricifolius	Compositae	Sheng	Flower	Brew, raw, dried	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
218	Tribulus terrestris L.	Zygophyllaceae	Kharkhasak	Aerial parts	n.r.	Diuretic, Kidney Stone, Tonic, Treatment of Prostate, Hypertrophy, Anthelmintic, Jaundice, Treatment of Flooding, Treatment of Dysuria, Urinary Antiseptic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
219.	Trichodesma incanum (Bunge) A. DC.	Boraginaceae	Alaf-e-simkesh	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Bone Fracture	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
220.	Trifolium pratense L.	Fabaceae	n.r.	Flowering offshoot	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
221.	Trifolium purpureum Loisel.	Fabaceae	n.r.	Flowering offshoot	Boiled	Antidiabetic	Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[7] Bahmani et al. 2014
222.	Trigonella foenum- graecum L.	Fabaceae	Shanbalileh (Holbeh)	Seed	n.r.	Diabetes, Bronchitis, Osteomalacia, Antihyperlipidemia, Tonic, Treatment of Anemia	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
223.	Tripleurospermum disciforme (C. A. Mey.) Sch.Bip.	Asteraceae	Gole babooneh	Flower	n.r.	Treatment of Cough, Febrifuge	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
224.	Tussilago farfara L.	Asteraceae	Pa Khari	Aerial parts	n.r.	Expectorant, Antitussive, Mouth Wounds, Treatment of Furuncles	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
225.	Urtica dioica L. Urtica. dioica L.	Urticaceae Urticaceae	Gazaneh n.r.	Whole plant Seed, aeration organ	n.r. Boiled	Hypoglycemic, Enlarged Prostate, Anemia, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive Antidiabetic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran Urmia county, Northwest Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 [7] Bahmani et al. 2014
226.	Urtica pilulifera L.	Urticaceae	Anjareh	Seed	n.r.	Laxative, Treatment of Cough	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
227.	Vaccaria oxyodonta Boiss.	Caryophyllaceae	Sabounak-e dane-ye zard	Flower	Boiled	Skin Allergy and Constipation	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
228.	Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.	Ericaceae	Ghareh Ghat	Fruit	n.r.	Diabetes, Depurative, Antihypertensive, Calmative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
229.	Verbascum agrimonifolium	Scropholariacae	Gol-e mahour	Leaves, flower	Boiled	Wound Microbial Infection	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
230.	Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss.	Scrophulariaceae	Dome Gav	Aerial parts	n.r.	Dyspepsia, Antidiarrhea, Expectorant, Antiacid, Stomach Tonic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
231.	Verbascum macrocarpum Boiss.	Scropholariacae	Gol-e mahour	Leaves, flower	Boiled	Nails Fungal Infection	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
232.	Verbascum speciosum Schord.	Scropholariacae	Gol-e mahour	Leaves, flower	Paste	Wound Microbial Infection	Khiregah-e Jangali, Ghasemloo valley	[9] Baharvand-Ahmadi et al. 2015
234.	Verbena officinalis L.	Verbenaceae	Shahpasand	Aerial parts	n.r.	Appetizer, Indigestion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
235.	Viola odorata L.	Violaceae	Banafsheh	Flower	n.r.	Eczema, Febrifuge, Anti-allergic, Blood Cleansing, Jaundice, Treatment of Cold, Expectorant	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
236.	Viola tricolor	Umbelliferae	Gole- benoushe	Flower branch	Decoction	Stomach Ache	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
237.	Vitex negundo L.	Lamiaceae	Felfel Kuhi	Fruit	n.r.	Menstrual Regulator, Obesity, Treatment of Sinusitis	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
238.	Zataria multiflora Boiss.	Lamiaceae	Avishan Shirazi	Aerial parts	n.r.	Treatment of Sinusitis, Menstrual Pains, Dysmenorrheal, Anthelmintic, Antacid, Treatment of Colic, Anti-asthmatic, Dyspnoea, Arthrodynia, Carminative	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
239.	Zataria multiflora	Lamiceae	Avishan	Leaf	Herbal tea/decoction	Antiparasitic	Shiraz, Fars province	[6] Bahmani et al. 2016
240.	Zea mays L.	Poaceae	Kakole Zorat	Style	n.r.	Obesity, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-lithiasis, Kidney Disorders, Prostate Disorders, Diuretic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
241.	Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam.	Lamiaceae	Avishan kuhi	Aerial parts	n.r.	Kidney Pain, Antacid, Carminative, Treatment of Colic, Anthelmintic, Antitussive, Antidiarrhea, Digestive	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
242.	Ziziphora teniuor L.	Lamiaceae	Kakuti	Aerial parts	n.r.	Digestive, Treatment of Colic, Calefacient, Antacid, Antiseptic	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
243.	Ziziphus jujuba Miller	Rhamnaceae	Annab	Fruit	n.r.	Depurative, Febrifuge, Laxative, Jaundice, Antitussive, Treatment of Thirst	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
244.	Ziziphus spina-christi Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd.	Rhamnaceae Rhamnaceae	Konar Sedr	Flower, leaf Leaves	Decoction n.r.	Stomach Ache Eczema, Hair Tonic, Antifungal, Antipruritic, Washing	Lorestan province Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[8] Delfan et al. 2015 [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013
245.	Ziziphus nummularia	Rhamnaceae	Melim	Leaf, root	Decoction	Peptic Ulcer	Lorestan province	[8] Delfan et al. 2015
246.	Zosima orientalis Hoffm.	Apiaceae	Angedane roomi	Fruit	n.r.	Nerve Diseases, Indigestion	Mashhad city, Northeastern Iran	[5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013

3.2. Biological Activities of Plants Grown and Collected in Iran

A bibliographic search was conducted, focusing on biological activities of plants collected in the Iranian territory. The purpose of this section is to collect data related to scientific studies in order to evidence potential correlations between traditional treatments and proved biological activities of plants and phytocomplexes obtained from them. The results are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.

Biological activities of plants collected in the Iranian territory. Scientific name, family, type of extract, part of the plant used, Authors. (N.r. = not reported).

	Family	Plant Extract	Plant Part (s) Used	Author (s)
Antibacterial Activity
Achillea millefolium	Asteraceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[10] Lotfipour et al. 2008
Alhagi maurorum Medik.	Leguminosae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Beta vulgaris	Amaranthaceae	Ethanolic extract	Aerial parts	[12] Koochak et al. 2010
Cuminum cyminum L.	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Dorema ammoniacum	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract	Seeds	[13] Abedini et al. 2014
Echinophora orientalis	Apiaceae	Aqueous extract	Leaves	[14] Sepahi et al. 2014
Etchium italicum	Boraginaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[10] Lotfipour et al. 2008
Ferula assa-foetida	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract	Seeds	[13] Abedini et al. 2014
Ferula foetida Regel	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract	Roots	[15] Chitsazian-Yazdi et al. 2015
Ferula gummosa	Apiaceae	Aqueous extract	Leaves	[14] Sepahi et al. 2014
Ferulago contracta	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract	Seeds	[13] Abedini et al. 2014
Lawsonia inermis L.	Lythraceae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Malva sylvestris L.	Malvaceae	Methanolic extract	Flowers	[16] Razavi et al. 2011
Nasturtium microphyllum	Brassicaceae	Aqueous extract	Leaves	[14] Sepahi et al. 2014
Nymphaea alba L.	Nymphaeaceae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Perovskia abrotanoides	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[13] Abedini et al. 2014
Polygonum patulum M. Bieb.	Polygonaceae	Ethanolic extract	Aerial parts	[12] Koochak et al. 2010
Rheum ribes L.	Polygonaceae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Rhus coriaria L.	Anacardiaceae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Rumex obtusifolius	Polygonaceae	Ethanolic extract	Aerial parts	[12] Koochak et al. 2010
Salvia sahendica	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[10] Lotfipour et al. 2008
Satureja bachtiarica	Lamiaceae	Hydro-distillation and ethanolic extract	Leaves and flowers	[17] Pirbalouti et al. 2010
Thalictrum minus	Ranunculaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[10] Lotfipour et al. 2008
Thymus daenensis	Lamiaceae	Hydro-distillation and ethanolic extract	Leaves and flowers	[17] Pirbalouti et al. 2010
Trachyspermum ammi L.	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Trachyspermum copticum	Apiaceae	Aqueous extract, Methanol/petroleum benzene/diethyl ether extract	Aerial parts	[18] Nariman et al. 2004
Trigonella foenum-graecum L.	Leguminosae	Methanolic extract (Lyophilized)	Leaves	[11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Verbascum Thapsus	Scrophulariaceae	Aqueous extract	Leaves	[14] Sepahi et al. 2014
Xanthium brasilicum	Compositae	Aqueous extract, Methanol/petroleum benzene/diethyl ether extract	Aerial parts	[18] Nariman et al. 2004
Antifungal Activity
Satureja bachtiarica	Lamiaceae	Hydro-distillation	Leaves	[19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Scrophularia striata	Scrophulariaceae	Infusion	Leaves and stems	[19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Thymus daenensis	Lamiaceae	Hydro-distillation	Leaves	[19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Trachyspermum ammi	Apiaceae	Hydro-distillation	Fruits	[19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Zhumeria majdae	Lamiaceae	Hydro-distillation	Aerial parts	[20] Imani et al. 2015
Ziziphus spinachristi	Rhamnaceae	Infusion	Fruits	[19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Antimalarial Activity
Citrullus colocynthis	Cucurbitaceae	Methanolic extract	Fruits	[21] Feiz Haddad et al. 2017
Physalis alkekengi	Solanaceae	Methanolic extract	Leaves and fruits	[21] Feiz Haddad et al. 2017
Scrophularia frigida	Scrophulariaceae	Dichloromethane extract	Aerial parts	[22] Afshar et al. 2018
Solanum nigrum	Solanaceae	Methanolic extract	Fruits	[21] Feiz Haddad et al. 2017
Antioxidant Activity
Convolvulus persicus	Convolvulaceae	Methanol extract	Roots	[23] Dehghan et al. 2016
Heracleum persicum	Apiaceae	n-Hexane extract (subsequently fractionated)	Roots	[24] Dehghan et al. 2017
Hyssopus angustifolius	Lamiaceae	Ethyl acetate extracts	Stems, Leaves, Owes	[25] Alinezhad et al. 2012
Hyssopus officinalis L.	Lamiaceae	Ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts	Aerial parts	[26] Fathiazad et al. 2011
Mellilotus officinalis	Leguminosae	Methanolic extract	Whole plant	[27] Pourmorad et al. 2006
Primula heterochroma	Primulaceae	Methanolic extract Ethyl acetate extract Methanolic extract	Leaves Roots	[23] Dehghan et al. 2016
Pyrus boissieriana	Rosacee	Methanolic extract	Leaves and steams	[23] Dehghan et al.2016
Quercus infectoria	Fagaceae	Methanolic extract	Galls	[28] Khazaeli et al. 2009
Salix aegyptiaca L.	Salicaceae	Methanolic extract	Male inflorescences	[29] Sonboli et al. 2010
Stachys inflata	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract polar and non-polar fractions	Aerial parts	[30] Ebrahimabadi et al. 2010
Terminalia chebula	Combretaceae	Methanolic extract	Fruits	[28] Khazaeli et al. 2009
Tetrataenium lasiopetalum	Apiaceae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Laminas, Stems, Petioles, Fruits, Peduncle, Flowers	[31] Dehshiri et al. 2013
Anticancer/Cytotoxic Activity
Anthemis mirheydari	Compositae	Dichloromethane extract	Whole plant	[32] Jassbi et al. 2016
Euphorbia szovitsii Fisch. & C.A. Mey.	Euphorbiaceae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Aerial parts	[33] Asadi-Samani et al. 2018
Ferula foetida Regel	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract	Roots	[15] Chitsazian-Yazdi et al. 2015
Ferula szowitsiana	Apiaceae	Methanolic extract (fractionated)	Roots	[34] Sahranavard et al. 2009
Hypericum scabrum	Hypericaceae	Methanolic extract (fractionated)	Leaves	[35] Hamzeloo-Moghadam et al. 2015
Malva sylvestris L.	Malvaceae	Methanolic extract	Flowers and leaves	[16] Razavi et al. 2011
Medicago sativa	Leguminosae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Aerial parts	[33] Asadi-Samani et al. 2018
Mentha lonigfolia	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Satureja bachtiarica	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Satureja hortensis	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Thymus daenensis	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Thymus vulgaris	Lamiaceae	Methanolic extract	Aerial parts	[36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Urtica dioica	Urticaceae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Aerial parts	[33] Asadi-Samani et al. 2018
Antidiabetic Activity
Heracleum persicum	Apiaceae	n-hexane extract n-hexane extract (subsequently fractionated)	Aerial parts, roots Roots	[23] Dehghan et al. 2016 and [24] Dehghan et al. 2017
Parrotia persica	Hamamelidaceae	Ethyl acetate and methanolic extract	Leaves	[23] Dehghan et al.2016
Primula heterochroma	Primulaceae	Methanolic and ethyl acetate extract	Leaves and roots	[23] Dehghan et al. 2016
Pyrus boissieriana	Rosacee	Methanolic, n-hexane, Ethyl acetate extract	Leaves and stems	[23] Dehghan et al.2016
Salvia officinalis L	Lamiaceae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Leaves	[37] Hasanein et al. 2016
Smilax excelsa	Smilacaceae	Ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract	Stems and leaves	[23] Dehghan et al.2016
Iron Chelating Activity
Epilobium hirsutum	Onagraceae	n.r.	Leaves	[38] Ebrahimzadeh et al. 2008
Feijoa sellowiana	Myrtaceae	Infusion and methanolic extract	Fruits and leaves	[38] Ebrahimzadeh et al. 2008
Melilotus arvensis	Fabaceae	n.r.	Leaves	[38] Ebrahimzadeh et al. 2008
Pistacia lentiscus	Anacardiaceae	n.r.	Gum	[38] Ebrahimzadeh et al. 2008
Anti-Platelet Aggregation Activity
Allium atroviolaceum	Amaryllidaceae	Hydro-distillation	Aerial parts	[39] Lorigooini et al. 2014
Inhibition of Mushroom Tyrosinase
Quercus infectoria	Fagaceae	Methanolic extract	Galls	[28] Khazaeli et al. 2009
Terminalia chebula	Combretaceae	Methanolic extract	Fruits	[28] Khazaeli et al. 2009
Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibitory Activity
Brassica nigra	Brassicaceae	Aqueous-methanolic extract	Seeds	[40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Camellia sinensis	Theaceae	Aqueous-methanolic extract	Leaves	[40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Citrus aurantifolia	Rutaceae	Aqueous-methanolic extract	Fruits	[40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Peganum harmala L.	Nitrariaceae	Methanolic extract, Dichloromethane extract	Seeds	[41] Adhami et al. 2011
Prangos ferulacea	Apiaceae	n-hexane extract	Aerial parts	[42] Abbas-Mohammadi et al. 2018
Rosa damascena	Rosaceae	Aqueous-methanolic extract	Flowers	[40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Zizyphus vulgaris	Rhamnaceae	Aqueous-methanolic extract	Fruits	[40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Antihyperlipidemic and Antihypertensive Activities
Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch	Compositae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Aerial parts	[43] Asgary et al. 2000
Gastric Antiulcerogenic Activity
Portulaca oleracea L.	Portulacaceae	Aqueous extract Ethanolic extract	Leaves	[44] Karimi et al. 2004
Anti-Dyspepsia Activity
Mentha pulegium L.	Lamiaceae	Hydro-alcoholic extract	Leaves	[45] Khonche et al. 2017
Inhibitory Effect on Gastric Acid Output
Achillea wilhelmsii	Compositae	Aqueous-ethanolic extract	Aerial parts	[46] Niazmand et al. 2010
Anti-Colitic Activity
Rosmarinus officinalis	Lamiaceae	Hydro-alcoholic extract and hydro-distillation (EO)	Leaves	[47] Minaiyan et al. 2011

3.2.1. Antibacterial Activity

Abedini et al. (2014) [13] tested the antimicrobic activity of forty-four methanolic extracts, obtained from plants grown and collected in the Iranian territory, against thirty-five pathogenic bacteria and one yeast. The biological activity was evaluated with Müller–Hinton agar in Petri dishes seeded by a multiple inoculator and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) method. The authors identified four candidates that deserve further chemical characterization and biological evaluation: Dorema ammoniacum, Ferula assa-foetida, Ferulago contracta (Seeds), and Perovskia abrotanoides (Aerial parts). These plants showed broad-spectrum activity and interesting MIC values against one or several strains (MIC= 78 μg/mL). The lowest MIC value of 78 μg/mL was achieved by Dorema ammoniacum against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Ferula assa-foetida against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Ferulago contracta against Staphylococcus epidermidis [13].

Bonjar (2004) [11] evaluated the antibacterial properties of forty-five plant species used in Iranian traditional medicine practices against eleven bacterial species. The extracts were prepared by maceration of the plant material with methanol for three days, and the result was lyophilized after filtration. The lyophilized methanol extracts were diluted to a concentration of 20 mg/mL in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO): methanol (1/1: v/v) solvent in order to perform antimicrobial bioassay. The author declared that the following plant extracts showed broad spectra antimicrobial activity:

Rhus coriaria L., Trachyspermum ammi L., Alhagi maurorum Medik., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Lawsonia inermis L., Rheum ribes L., and Cuminum cyminum L. Further studies are needed to find out which compounds are responsible for this activity. Particular plants, such as Lawsonia inermis L., which is active against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trachyspermum ammi L., Nymphaea alba L. active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are proper candidates for further studies as possible sources of active compounds [11].

Chitsazian-Yazdi et al. (2015) [15] studied an Iranian medicinal plant known for its various biological activities, including antispasmodic and anthelmintic, named Ferula foetida Regel (Apiaceae).

Sulfur compounds obtained by methanolic extract of the roots of the plant were isolated and characterized to test their antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activity. Six compounds were isolated: foetithiophene C, foetithiophene F, foetithiophene A, foetithiophene B, coniferaldehyde, and sinapic aldehyde.

Their antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity were evaluated using broth microdilution method and Alamar blue assay. Antimicrobial activity was evidenced against Gram-positive bacteria, more in particular foetithiophene F, which showed interesting antimicrobial activity with MIC value 50 mg/mL against the Gram-positive Bacillus cereus. No cytotoxic activity was detected against MCF-7 and K562 cells [15].

Koochak et al. (2010) [12] conducted a preliminary study regarding the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts obtained by four plant species used in traditional medicinal practices in Iran. The studied plants were Beta vulgaris L., Amaranthus graecizans L., Rumex obtusifolius L., Polygonum patulum M. Bieb. The antibacterial activity was tested using the agar disc diffusion method against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. No one of the used extracts had significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The highest activity was evidenced by the ethanolic extract of Polygonum patulum against Streptococcus pyogenes (inhibitory zone = 28 mm) followed by Beta vulgaris against Staphylococcus epidermidis (inhibitory zone = 23 mm) and Rumex obtusifolius against Streptococcus pyogenes. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) = 5 mg/mL. Further studies are needed to define which compounds contained in the extracts are responsible for the antimicrobial activity [12].

Lotfipour et al. (2008) [10] tested the antimicrobial activity of thirty-six extracts obtained from ten plans collected in north-west Iran against some Gram-negative strains.

Among them, the methanol extract of Thalictrum minus was the most active one with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.3125 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus.

Furthermore, the broad spectra of activity of some plant extracts (especially methanolic extracts) studied, obtained by the plants Thalictrum minus, Salvia sahendica, Achillea millefollum, and Echium italicum, were promising [10].

Mehdi Razavi et al. (2011) [16] tested the in vitro antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activity of different extracts obtained by the plant Malva sylvestris L. (flowers and leaves); this plant is commonly used in traditional medicine practices in Iran. Flowers and leaves of the plant were collected from Tabriz, Iran. The flowers methanolic extract showed high antibacterial effects against some human pathogenic bacteria strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, with MIC values of 192, 200, and 256 μg/mL, respectively. Further studies are needed to identify the main active compounds [16].

Nariman et al. (2004) [18] tested the antibacterial activity of six plants collected (and endemic) in Iran, against Helicobacter pylori: Glycyrrhiza aspera, Juglans regia, Ligustrum vulgare, Thymus kotschyanus, Trachyspermum copticum, and Xanthium brasilicum. A disk susceptibility assay was used for the evaluation. All of the studied extracts showed anti-H. pylori activity; the most active were obtained from Xanthium brasilicum and Trachyspermum copticum; the solvents used to obtain the extracts were water and an equal mixture of methanol, petroleum benzene, diethyl ether. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts obtained from the two plants range from 31.25 to 250 μg/mL [18].

Pirbalouti et al. (2010) [17] tested the antibacterial activity of essential oils and ethanolic extracts obtained by ten plants traditionally used as medicaments grown and collected in Iran. The tested vegetal extracts were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae by agar disc diffusion assay. Most of the samples showing antibacterial activity were considered as interesting by the authors against the tested bacteria with the diameter of inhibition zone ranging between 8 and 23 mm. The most interesting plants were Satureja bachtiarica and Thymus daenensis (leaves and flowers), with MIC values ranging from 0.039 to 10 mg/mL [17].

Sepahi et al. (2014) [14] tested the antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts obtained by four plants collected in Iran: Ferula gummosa, Echinophora orientalis, Nasturtium microphyllum, and Verbascum thapsus. The radial diffusion assay was performed using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli; moreover, hemolysis assay was used to test eventual toxic effects on human red blood cells. All the studied extracts showed interesting activity with MIC values lower than 750 μg/mL, and these extracts deserve further studies to identify the main active compounds [14].

3.2.2. Antifungal Activity

Imani et al. (2015) [20] studied the essential oil obtained by hydro-distillation of aerial parts of Zhumeria majdae, which is a traditionally used medicinal plant endemic in Iran. The antifungal activity was determined using the serial dilution method. The essential oil (EO) was tested on six pathogenic fungal species and one yeast, and all of them resulted as sensitive to Z. majdae essential oil. Moreover, in particular, the essential oil was interestingly effective against Candida albicans, with a MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of 0.031 μL/mL. This evidence confirmed the value of Zhumeria majdae as an antifungal agent, and further studies are needed to identify the compounds responsible for this biological activity [20].

In a study conducted by Pirbalouti et al. (2009) [19], the anti-Candida activity of essential oils and extracts of nine plants grown and collected in Iran was tested by agar disc diffusion assay. The studied plants are used in ethnomedical practices. Most of the tested samples showed diameters of inhibition zone ranging from 7 to 46 mm; moreover, in particular, the extracts of Ziziphus spinachristi and Scrophularia striata and the essential oil of Satureja bachtiarica showed the best anti-Candida activity, followed by the essential oils of Thymus daenensis and Trachyspermum ammi [19].

3.2.3. Antimalarial Activity

Afshar et al. (2018) [22] studied the in vitro antimalarial activity of different extracts of three Iranian endemic species belonging to the Scrophularia genus, including Scrophularia frigida, Scrophularia subaphylla, and Scrophularia atropatana. The antimalarial activity was tested by the cell-free β-hematin formation assay. Among the studied extracts, the dichloromethane one, obtained by aerial parts of Scrophularia frigida, exhibited strong antimalarial activity with inhibitory capacity (IC₅₀) value of 0.67 ± 0.11 mg/mL. Scrophularia frigida represented a deserving candidate for further studies focused on the identification of the main active compounds [22].

Feiz Haddad et al. (2017) [21] tested the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of ten Iranian plants used in traditional medicine practices. All the plants’ samples were collected in the Iranian territory. Methanolic extracts were tested for in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 and multi-drug resistant K1 strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The in vivo activity against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice was determined. Citrullus colocynthis fruits, Physalis alkekengi leaves and fruits, and Solanum nigrum fruits displayed potent in vitro antimalarial activity against both 3D7 and K1 strains; the in vivo studies comparisons between mice treated with the three plant extracts and untreated controls showed reduced parasitemia by 65.08%, 57.97%, and 60.68%, respectively [21]. Moreover, no toxicity was evidenced. Further studies can be designed to identify the active constituents and clarify their mechanism of action.

3.2.4. Antioxidant Activity

Alinezhad et al. (2012) [25] tested the antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate extracts of stems and leaves and owes of the plant Hyssopus angustifolius, collected in Iran. Antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated with six different tests: nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), metal chelating, reducing power activities, and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system. The results confirmed the interesting antioxidant profile of this plant; it could be a natural source of active compounds. Further studies are necessary to identify the main active compounds present in the different parts of the plant [25].

Dehghan et al. (2016) [23] evaluated the antioxidant activity and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts obtained by various parts of eleven plants grown and collected in Hyrcania region, Iran. As regards the antioxidant activity, methanolic extract of Convolvulus persicus roots (IC₅₀ = 38.9 mg/mL), methanolic extract of Pyrus boissieriana stems (IC₅₀ = 39.3 mg/mL), and methanolic extract of Primula heterochroma leaves, and ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of its roots (IC₅₀ = 41.7 mg/mL, 37.9mg/mL, and 30.1 mg/mL, respectively) evidenced strong activity if compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC₅₀ = 16.7 mg/mL; used as a positive control) [23].

Dehghan et al. (2017) [24] evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of extracts obtained by the plant Heracleum persicum. This work led to the isolation of eleven furanocoumarins. These compounds were identified as psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin, iso-pimpinellin, angelicin, isobergapten, sphondin, pimpinellin, heratomin, 5-methoxyheratomin, moellendorffiline, and fraxetin. As the antioxidant activity concerns, among the listed compounds, moellendorffiline exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ = 0.2 μM, a value that was interesting if compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC₅₀ = 0.1 µM; used as a positive control) [24].

Ebrahimabadi et al. (2010) [30] tested the antioxidant activity of polar and non-polar fractions of the methanolic extract obtained by the plant Stachys inflata. Aerial parts of the plant were collected from Kashan area, Isfahan province, Iran. The biological activity was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. In the DPPH test, interesting results were shown by the methanolic extract polar subfraction with an IC₅₀ of 89.50 μg/ mL, indicating an antioxidant potency of about 22% of that of butylated hydroxytoluene (IC₅₀ = 19.72 μg/mL). In β-carotene/linoleic acid assay, the best inhibition belonged to the nonpolar subfraction, with an inhibition percentage of 77.08%. Further studies are needed to identify the main active compounds [30].

Fathiazad et al. (2011) [26] studied the ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts obtained by aerial parts of the plant Hyssopus officinalis L., a medicinal herb collected from north of Iran. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were tested by Folin–Ciocalteau and DPPH tests. Apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucuronide was also isolated as the major flavon. Phenolic content of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts was determined and expressed as milligrams of gallic acid equivalents—246 mgGAE/g and 51 mg GAE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucuronide, ethyl acetate extract, and the n-butanol extract was determined, obtaining IC₅₀ values of 116×10⁻³, 103×10⁻³, 25×10⁻³ mg/mL, respectively. The purified apigenin 7-O-β- D-glucuronide showed weak activity. The extract that showed interesting antioxidant activity values, because of the highest content of total phenolic compounds, was the n-butanol one [26].

Khazaeli et al. (2009) [28] tested five traditional medicinal plants from Iran on free radicals scavenging activity and on the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity. Focusing on the radical scavenging activity, methanolic extracts of Quercus infectoria and Terminalia chebula showed a strong radical scavenging effect in the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with values of IC₅₀ (concentration providing 50% inhibition of the DPPH radical) of 15.3 and 82.2 μg/mL, respectively. This study encouraged further investigations on Quercus infectoria and Terminalia chebula in the field of solar protection (due to the radical scavenging activity) and of skin depigmentation agents (due to inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase) [28].

Dehshiri et al. (2013) [31] tested the antioxidant activity of laminas, stems, petioles, fruits, peduncles, and flowers in the hydro-alcoholic extracts from the plant Tetrataenium lasiopetalum. The plant samples were collected from Oshtoran Kuh, Azna, Lorestan, Iran. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were examined by different in vitro assays: 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelating, reducing power activities, and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system. All the tested extracts showed interesting antioxidant activity, confirming hypotheses based on traditional knowledge. Moreover, in particular, the hydro-alcoholic extract of the flower showed the highest activity in the DPPH test (IC₅₀ = 170 ± 7 μg/mL). In the metal chelating assay, lamina extract showed the best iron ion chelating activity among the other extracts (IC₅₀ = 230 ± 10 μg/mL). Lamina hydro-alcoholic extract demonstrated better activity in the hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system test than other parts of T. lasiopetalum [31]. Further studies could identify the main active compounds.

Pourmorad et al. (2006) [27] worked on the antioxidant activity, phenol, and flavonoid content of five plants (Mellilotus officinalis, Equisetum maximum, Plantago major, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Urtica dioica) collected from Northern provinces of Iran (Gilan and Mazandaran). Methanolic extraction was performed after drying at room temperature, and the result was freeze-dried. The extract of Mellilotus officinalis showed a high amount of flavonoid (57 ± 5.4 mg/g) and phenolic compounds (289.5 ± 5 mg/g) and exhibited the greatest radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 0.018 mg/mL) in a DPPH test among the tested extracts [27].

Sonboli et al. (2010) [29] assessed antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents of methanolic extracts obtained from male inflorescences of Salix aegyptiaca L., grown and collected in Ashena Abad village, Urmia (West Azarbaijan province), Iran. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and Folin–Ciocalteu method were performed on the whole methanolic extract and on three fractions (water fraction, butanol fraction, and chloroform fraction) obtained from it. The butanol fraction evidenced, among the others, the best antioxidant activity and the highest phenolic content with an IC₅₀ value of 27.7 μg/ mL and total phenols of 313.8 ppm; the results were interesting because this extract was comparable with the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC₅₀ = 26.5 μg/mL) [29]. The detected antioxidant activity encouraged the use of this plant for its antioxidant properties in food industries and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations.

3.2.5. Anticancer Activity/Cytotoxic Activity

Asadi-Samani et al. (2018) [33] tested the in vitro antiproliferative activity of twenty Iranian medicinal plants against prostate cancer. The plant samples were collected in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces, Iran. The extraction of the powdered aerial parts was conducted by maceration in ethanol 70% for 72 h and was concentrated under reduced pressure. Antiproliferative activity of the tested extracts on PC-3, DU145 (prostate cancer cell lines), and HDF (non-cancer cell line) cell lines was evaluated by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The hydro-alcoholic extract obtained by the plant Euphorbia szovitsii Fisch. & C. A. Mey showed good antiproliferative activity against PC-3 and DU145 cell lines. Urtica dioica and Medicago sativa resulted active only on the DU-145 cell line. These results could be a starting point in the development of new anticancer drugs, and further studies are needed in order to identify the main active compounds [33].

Esmaeilbeig et al. (2015) [36] tested the in vitro anticancer activities of ten species of plants grown and collected in southern Iran using the MTT colorimetric assay. Methanolic extracts obtained by aerial parts of the plants Arctium lappa, Cichorium intybus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alhagi psuedalhahi, Mentha longifolia, Thymus daenensis, Thymus vulgaris, Satureja bachtiarica, Satureja hortensis, and Rheum ribes were tested against five tumor cell lines: K562 (myelogenous leukemia), Jurkat (T cell leukemia), and Raji (Burkitt’s lymphoma), Fen (bladder carcinoma), and HeLa (human cervical epithelioid carcinoma). No activity was detected against solid tumor cell lines Fen and HeLa, and leukemic cell lines demonstrated to be more sensitive to the extracts. Satureja hortensis, Satureja bachtiarica, Thymus vulgaris, Thymus daenensis, and Mentha longifolia showed strong inhibitory activity on Jurkat cells with inhibition values higher than 80% at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. At the same concentration, these extracts inhibited the K562 cell line with more than 50% of inhibition [36]. Further studies are needed to identify the main active compounds.

Hamzeloo-Moghadam et al. (2015) [35] tested the cytotoxic activity and the apoptosis induction activity of different fractions obtained by methanolic extract of Hypericum scabrum leaves. The plant was collected from Alborz province, Iran. The petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and methanol fractions were evaluated for cytotoxicity against M-CF7, A-549, HT-29, and HepG-2 cell lines. The apoptosis induction ability was assessed by activated caspase-3 inspection and Annexin V FITC/PI (propidium iodide) assays.

The results evidenced strong cytotoxicity against HT-29 and HepG-2 cell lines and interesting apoptosis induction ability; the authors suggested further studies in this field [35].

Jassbi et al. (2016) [32] tested the cytotoxic activity, against three human cancer cell lines (LS180, MCF-7, and MOLT-4), of dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Anthemis mirheydari, an endemic plant from Iran. The plant samples were collected in Jahrom in Fars province, Iran, and the whole plant was used for the extraction. The dichloromethane extract evidenced interesting IC₅₀ values, 30.8, 25.2, and 8.6 mg/mL for the three cell lines, respectively. Four compounds were isolated from the dichloromethane extract: taraxasterol, pseudotaraxasterol, β-sitosterol, and 7-methoxycoumarin. Taraxasterol and 7-methoxycoumarin are known in scientific literature to present anticancer properties; this fact, along with the encouraging results of the study, makes Anthemis mirheydari a new potential anticancer medicinal plant that certainly deserves further investigations [32].

Mehdi Razavi et al. 2011 [16] tested the in vitro cytotoxic activity of different extracts obtained by the plant Malva sylvestris L. (flowers and leaves); this plant is commonly used in traditional medicine practices in Iran. Flowers and leaves of the plant were collected from Tabriz, Iran. The methanolic extracts of flowers and leaves evidenced interesting cytotoxic activity against the MacCoy cell line, reducing their viability with IC₅₀ values of 265.3 and 311.0 μg/mL, respectively. The authors declared that Malva sylvestris L. plant extracts could be considered as an antiproliferative agent [16]. Further studies are needed to identify the main active compounds.

Sahranavard et al. (2009) [34] tested the cytotoxic activity of methanolic extracts of fifteen Iranian medicinal plants against three cancer cell lines (MCF7, HepG2, WEHI164). The extract obtained by Ferula szowitsiana root showed IC₅₀ values lower than 100 μg/mL in all the tested cell lines, and it was chosen for further studies. Fractionation was performed, which led to the isolation of two monoterpenoids; both of them were bornyl esters that were identified as Chimganin and Chimgin. These compounds showed interesting cytotoxic effects with values of IC₅₀ significantly lower if compared to the whole extract; they performed a little less than tamoxifen, which was used as a positive control. These results demonstrated that the two compounds were mostly responsible for the cytotoxic activity of this plant [34].

3.2.6. Antidiabetic Activity

Dehghan et al. (2016) [23] evaluated α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts obtained by various parts of eleven plants grown and collected in Hyrcania region, Iran.

The n-hexane extract of Heracleum persicum (aerial parts, roots), ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract of Smilax excelsa (stem and leaves), methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate extract of Pyrus boissieriana (leaves and steam), ethyl acetate and methanolic extract of Parrotia persica (leaves), and methanolic and ethyl acetate extract of Primula heterochroma (leaves and roots) exhibited significant antidiabetic activities in α- glucosidase and α-amylase assays, more effective than acarbose used as a positive control [23]. These plants, in conclusion, are deserving candidates for further studies in the antidiabetic field.

Dehghan et al. (2017) [24] evaluated the antidiabetic activity of extracts obtained by the plant Heracleum persicum. This work led to the isolation of eleven furanocoumarins. These compounds were identified as psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin, iso-pimpinellin, angelicin, isobergapten, sphondin, pimpinellin, heratomin, 5-methoxyheratomin, moellendorffiline, and fraxetin. Among them, moellendorffiline showed significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 17.9 nM, and it was more active than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 23.5 nM; used as a positive control) [24].

Hasanein et al. (2016) [37] studied the effects of Salvia officinalis L. against learning and memory deficit induced by diabetes. This plant has been used in Iranian traditional medicine practices against diabetes. The plant samples were collected in Hamedan, Iran. The effects of the leaves’ hydro-alcoholic extract on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in streptozocin-induced diabetic and non-diabetic rats were evaluated. Administration for thirty days demonstrated to alleviate the negative influence of diabetes on learning and memory. Positive effects on hyperglycemia and oxidative stress were evidenced. Therefore, Salvia officinalis L. and its constituent rosmarinic acid represented a potential therapeutic option against diabetic memory impairment, and further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms involved in this activity [37].

3.2.7. Iron chelating Activity

Ebrahimzadeh et al. (2008) [38] tested the iron chelating activity, phenol, and flavonoid content of eleven medicinal plants from Iran. The extraction was performed by maceration of the vegetal dried material for three days. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and then lyophilized. Epilobium hirsutum leaves and Melilotus arvensis showed the best chelating activity with IC₅₀ values of 0.49 ± 0.01 mg/mL and 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/mL, respectively. These plant extracts also showed high phenol and flavonoid contents. Feijoa sellowiana leaves and Pistacia lentiscus showed good chelating activity [38].

3.2.8. Anti-Platelet Aggregation Activity

Lorigooini et al. (2014) [39] studied the essential oil obtained by aerial parts of Allium atroviolaceum. The plant was collected in Rig mountain, Shahr-e-kord province, Iran. In this work, the anti-platelet aggregation activity of the essential oil was examined using arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as platelet aggregation inducers.

The essential oil evidenced dose-dependent inhibitory effect against AA and ADP-induced aggregation with IC₅₀ values of 0.25 mg/mL and 0.47 mg/mL, respectively [39]. Further studies are required to identify the main active compounds of the essential oil.

3.2.9. Mushroom Tyrosinase Inhibition Activity

Khazaeli et al. (2009) [28] tested five traditional medicinal plants from Iran on the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity. Methanolic extracts obtained from Quercus infectoria galls and Terminalia chebula fruits showed inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase in the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine (85.9% and 82.2% of inhibition, respectively). Furthermore, these two plants inhibited the oxidation of Levodopa (L-DOPA), performing similarly to kojic acid (used as a positive control) with values of IC₅₀ = 102.8 and 192.6 μg/mL, respectively [28]. This study encouraged further investigations on the two plants in the field of solar protection due to the radical scavenging activity and of skin depigmentation agents due to inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase.

3.2.10. Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibitory Activity

Abbas-Mohammadi et al. (2018) [42] tested the acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts obtained by aerial parts of twenty-five plants grown and collected in Iran. The evaluation was conducted by an in vitro enzymatic Ellman method and molecular docking study. The n-hexane extract obtained by the plant Prangos ferulacea showed the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-inhibitory activity with 75.6% inhibition at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. The chemical characterization of the extract led to the identification of seventeen compounds. Further studies led to the identification of a subfraction (named F_10f) that resulted as the most potent inhibitor of AChE in this extract with an IC₅₀ value of 25.2 μg/mL [42]. Prangos ferulacea deserves further in vivo and in vitro studies as the discovery of new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors might lead to new tools for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Adhami et al. (2011) [41] tested the acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity of forty herbal drugs traditionally used against cognitive disorders in Iran. Eighty drugs were tested by TLC bioautography method and microplate colorimetric assay, and, due to the interesting activity, the seeds of Peganum harmala L. were investigated in detail. The alkaloids harmaline and harmine were identified as active compounds. The IC₅₀ values were 8.4 μg/mL for harmaline (pure compound) and 10.9 μg/mL for harmine (pure compound), 41.2 μg/mL for the methanolic extract, 95.5 μg/mL for the dichloromethane extract [41]. The two tested alkaloids were the major AChE-inhibitory compounds in Peganum harmala; this plant deserves further studies to test the biological activity in vivo.

Jazayeri et al. (2014) [40] evaluated the acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity of eighteen aqueous-methanolic extracts (1:1 v/v) obtained by plants commonly used in Iranian traditional medicine collected in Tehran. The inhibitory activity was tested using the in vitro Ellman spectrophotometric method. According to the results, five plants evidenced interesting properties. The inhibitory activity values, expressed as IC₅₀ μg/mL, in fact were 5.96 μg/mL for Camellia sinensis (leaves), 19.57 μg/mL for Citrus aurantifolia (fruits), 24.37 μg/mL for Zizyphus vulgaris (fruits), 84.30 μg/mL for Brassica nigra (seeds), and 93.1 μg/mL for Rosa damascena (flowers) [40]. Further investigations regarding the identification of active components in the extracts are needed.

3.2.11. Antihyperlipidemic and Antihypertensive Activities

Asgary et al. (2000) [43] studied the antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive effects of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch drops, with a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. The aerial parts of the plant were collected in Chatrood village in the province of Kerman, Southeast Iran. Moderate hyperlipidemic and primary hypertensive subjects were treated with a hydro-alcoholic extract twice daily for more than six months. The results showed a significant decrease in triglycerides after two months of treatment. Significant decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-cholesterol were observed after four months of treatment. Levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol were significantly increased after six months. A significant decrease in diastolic and systolic blood pressure was observed after two and six months, respectively [43].

3.2.12. Gastric Antiulcerogenic Activity

Karimi et al. (2004) [44] studied the gastric antiulcerogenic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from the plant Portulaca oleracea L. collected in the village of Khaje-rabi, Khorasan province, Iran. Both leaves extracts, tested in vivo in mice, showed remarkable dose-dependent inhibition of gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol or HCl [44]. This gastroprotective activity resulted in line with Iranian traditional medicine knowledge, and it deserves further studies to determine the involved mechanisms.

3.2.13. Anti-Dyspepsia Activity

Khonche et al. (2017) [45] tested the efficacy of Mentha pulegium L., collected in the Alborz province of Iran, against functional dyspepsia in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Leaves of this plant are used in Iranian traditional medicine practices to treat dyspeptic symptoms. The hydro-alcoholic leaf extract taken daily for two months was shown to be effective in the reduction of dyspeptic symptoms, improving quality of life, and contributing to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients affected by functional dyspepsia [45].

3.2.14. Inhibitory Effect on Gastric Acid Output

Niazmand et al. (2010) [46] studied the effects of the aqueous-ethanolic extract obtained by aerial parts of the plant Achillea wilhelmsii on rat’s gastric acid output in basal, vagotomized, and vagal-stimulated conditions. The plant samples were collected from South Khorasan province, Iran. Achillea wilhelmsii is a plant frequently used in Iranian traditional medicine against gastrointestinal disorders. The results of the in vivo study showed that the aqueous-ethanol extract of A. wilhelmsii exhibited an inhibitory effect on gastric acid output in basal conditions via the gastric parasympathetic nerve. The extract had no effect on vagal-stimulated conditions [46]. Further studies are needed to identify the compounds and mechanisms responsible for this activity.

3.2.15. Anti-Colitic Activity

Minaiyan et al. (2011) [47] tested the anti-colitic activity of hydro-alcoholic extract and the essential oil obtained by Rosmarinus officinalis leaves. The plant material was collected in the city of Isfahan, Iran. The study was performed in vivo on a model of experimental colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in rats.

Both the extracts at all the tested doses demonstrated to be effective in the reduction of colon tissue lesions and of colitis indices; the higher doses tested were considerably effective in diminishing histopathologic parameters. These data supported the traditional medicine knowledge and suggested that both hydro-alcoholic extract and the essential oil obtained by Rosmarinus officinalis leaves possess consistent anti-colitic activity [47].

4. Conclusions

The Iranian territory possesses a great abundance of plants suitable for medicinal use and remarkable heritage of knowledge handed down from generation to generation concerning natural remedies against a wide range of diseases and disorders. Nowadays, the study of this heritage is at an early stage.

As reported in Section 3 and Section 4, the bibliographic research evidenced ethnobotanical studies conducted in the Iranian territory, carrying out questionnaires and interviews with traditional healers or local people, and scientific studies inspired by traditional medicinal practices conducted on plants collected in Iran. Comparing ethnobotanical studies and traditional medicine-inspired scientific studies, it is evident that most of the Iranian traditional herbal remedies have not been considered from a scientific point of view yet. Only 34 plants are cited in both Section 3 and Section 4 among the 245 of Section 3. Table 3 provides a comparison between traditional uses and tested biological activities of the plants cited both in Section 3 and Section 4.

Table 3.

Comparison between traditional uses and tested biological activities of Iranian plants. (N.r. = not reported).

Plant Name Family	Traditional Uses Part of the Plant (When Reported) Type of Extract (When Reported) Authors	Biological Activities Part of the Plant Type of Extract Authors
Achillea millefolium L. Asteraceae	Antidiabetic Inflorescence Boiled, Steamed [7] Bahmani et al. 2014 Antiparasitic Aerial parts Herbal tea/decoction [6] Bahmani et al. 2016	Antibacterial activity Aerial parts Methanolic extract [10] Lotfipour et al. 2008
Alhagi maurorum Fabaceae	Appetite suppressant, Diuretic, Jaundice, Febrifuge Aerial parts, Manna [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Brassica nigra(L.) Brassicaceae	Laxative Seeds [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity Seeds Aqueous-methanolic extract [40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Camellia sinensis (L.) Theaceae	Obesity, Anticancer, Antihypertensive, Hepatitis, Antihyperlipidemia Leaves [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity Leaves Aqueous-methanolic extract [40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Citrulluscolocynthis (L.) Cucurbitaceae	Antidiabetic Fruit Boiled [7] Bahmani et al. 2014 Purgative, Anodyne, Hypoglycemic Fruit- Seed [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antimalarial activity Fruits Methanolic extract [21] Feiz Haddad et al. 2017
Citrus aurantiifolia Rutaceae	Antihypertensive, Calmative Fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity Fruits Aqueous-methanolic extract [40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Cuminum cyminum L. Apiaceae	Treatment of colic, Galactogogue, Obesity, Digestive, Flavoring, Antiseptic Fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Dorema ammoniacum Apiaceae	Cystitis, Digestive, Treatment of colic, Treatment of furuncles, Expectorant, Anthelmintic, Emmenagogue, Anticovulsion Gum- Root [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Seeds Methanolic extract [13] Abedini et al. 2014
Ferula assa-foetida L Umbelliferae	Antiparasitic Leaf Herbal tea/decoction [6] Bahmani et al. 2016	Antibacterial activity Seeds Methanolic extract [13] Abedini et al. 2014
Ferula foetida Apiaceae	Anthelmintic, Treatment of colic, Emmenagogue Gum [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Roots Methanolic extract [15] Chitsazian-Yazdi et al. 2015 Cytotoxic activity Roots Methanolic extract [15] Chitsazian-Yazdi et al. 2015
Ferula gummosa Apiaceae	Anthelmintic, Anticatarrhal, Anti-allergic, Dyspepsia, Appetizer, Emmenagogue Gum- Root [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Aqueous extract [14] Sepahi et al. 2014
Heracleum persicum Apiaceae	Stomach ache Leaf, Flower Decoction [8] Delfan et al. 2015 Treatment of hiccup, Appetizer, Flavoring, Carminative, Anthelmintic, Stomach tonic fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antioxidant activity Roots n-Hexane extract (subsequently fractionated) [24] Dehghan et al. 2017 Antidiabetic activity Aerial parts, Roots n-hexane extract Roots n-Hexane extract (subsequently fractionated) [23] Dehghan et al.2016 and [24] Dehghan et al. 2017
Hypericum scabrum L. Hypericaceae	Antimigraine, Gastric ulcer, Anti-hemorrhage, Urinary incontinence, Treatment of headache Flower [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction activity Leaves Methanolic extract (fractionated) [35] Hamzeloo-Moghadam et al. 2015
Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae	Hair color, Treatment of headache, Hair tonic, Washing, Antifungal, Antiseptic Leaves [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Malva sylvestris L. Malvaceae	Pharyngitis, Furuncles, Aphthous ulcers, Febrifuge, Antitussive, Jaundice, Laxative, Gastric ulcer, Treatment of wounds Flower– Fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Flowers Methanolic extract [16] Razavi et al. 2011 Cytotoxic activity Flowers and leaves Methanolic extract [16] Razavi et al. 2011
Medicago sativa L. Fabaceae	Appetizer, Tonic, Osteomalacia, Anti-hemorrhage Aerial parts [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antiproliferative on DU-145 cell line Aerial parts Hydro-alcoholic extract [33] Asadi-Samani et al. 2018
Mentha longifolia Lamiaceae	Herpes, Anthelmintic, Antacid, Carminative, Antidiarrhea, Digestive Aerial parts [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Anticancer activity Aerial parts Methanolic extract [36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Nymphaea alba L. Nymphaeaceae	Expectorant, Hypnotic, Antitussive, Calmative Flower [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Peganum harmala L. Nitrariaceae	Diabetes, Antiseptic, Hypnotic, Treatment of rheumatism and sciatica disorders, Anthelmintic, Emmenagogue Seed [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity Seeds Methanolic extract and dichloromethane extract [41] Adhami et al. 2011
Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. Lamiaceae	Treatment of sinusitis, Treatment of toothache, Antitussive, Nerve tonic, Carminative, Sedative, Antiseptic, Anthelmintic, Treatment of colic Aerial parts [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Aerial parts Methanolic extract [13] Abedini et al. 2014
Physalis alkekengi L. Solanaceae	Emmenagogue, Treatment of kidney stones, Blood cleansing Fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antimalarial activity Leaves and fruits Methanolic extract [21] Feiz Haddad et al.2017
Portulaca oleracea L. Portulacaceae	Antitussive, Febrifuge, Anti-thirst, Food digestion, Depurative, Diuretic, Anti-hemorrhoids Seed- Leaves [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Gastric antiulcerogenic activity Leaves Aqueous extract and Ethanolic extract [44] Karimi et al. 2004
Quercus infectoria Oliv. Fagaceae	Nosebleed, Anti-hemorrhage, Uterus ailments, Mouth wounds, Anti-hemorrhoids Insect gull [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Radical scavenging activity Inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase Galls Methanolic extract [28] Khazaeli et al. 2009
Rheum ribes L. Polygonaceae	Jaundice, Urinary antiseptic, Diuretic, Depurative, Liver tonic, Antiseptic, Hair tonic Fruit- Petiole [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Rhus coriaria L. Anacardiaceae	Jaundice, Cholesterol-lowering, Diabetes, Antihypertensive, Antidiarrhea, Anti-hemorrhage, Flavoring Fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 Blood refining Fruit, Leaf, Resin Boiled [7] Bahmani et al. 2014	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Rosa damascena Mill. Rosaceae	Anti-hemorrhoid, Laxative, Calmative Flower [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity Flowers Aqueous extract and methanolic extract [40] Jazayeri et al. 2014
Salix aegyptiaca L. Salicaceae	Calmative, Cardiac tonic, Painful menstruation Flower [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antioxidant activity Male inflorescences Methanolic extract [29] Sonboli et al. 2010
Satureja hortensis L. Lamiaceae	Indigestion, Anthelmintic, Appetizer, Antacid, Antidiarrhea Aerial parts [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Anticancer activity Aerial parts Methanolic extract [36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Scrophularia striata Scrophulariaceae	Kidney troubles, Antidiarrhea, Treatment of colic, Carminative, Treatment of joints pain Aerial parts [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Anti-Candida activity Leaves and stems Infusion [19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Thymus daenensis Lamiaceae	Stomach ache Flower, Leaf, Branch Decoction [8] Delfan et al. 2015	Antibacterial activity Leaves and flowers Hydro-distillation and ethanolic extract [17] Pirbalouti et al. 2010 Anti-Candida activity Leaves Hydro-distillation [19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009 Anticancer activity Aerial parts Methanolic extract [36] Esmaeilbeig et al. 2015
Trachyspermum ammi L. Apiaceae	Carminative, Anthelmintic, Antidiarrhea, Treatment of colic, Antacid, Galactogogue Fruit [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004 Anti-Candida activity Fruits Hydro-distillation [19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009
Trigonella foenum- graecum L. Fabaceae	Diabetes, Bronchitis, Osteomalacia, Antihyperlipidemia, Tonic, Treatment of anemia Seed [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Antibacterial activity Leaves Methanolic extract (Lyophilized) [11] Bonjar et al. 2004
Urtica dioica L. Urticaceae	Hypoglycemic, Enlarged prostate, Anemia, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive Whole plant [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013 Antidiabetic Seed, Aeration organ Boiled [7] Bahmani et al. 2014	Antiproliferative on DU-145 cell line Aerial parts Hydro-alcoholic extract [33] Asadi-Samani et al. 2018
Ziziphus spina-christi Rhamnaceae	Stomach ache Flower, Leaf Decoction [8] Delfan et al. 2015 Eczema, Hair tonic, Antifungal, Antipruritic, Washing Leaves [5] Amiri and Joharchi 2013	Anti-Candida activity Fruits Infusion [19] Pirbalouti et al. 2009

The identification of a direct correspondence between the traditional uses and biological activities represents a complex issue. Some plant species mentioned in this work have already been studied in other parts of the world with different climatic characteristics and, consequently, different phytocomplexes. In our opinion, it is of interest to study plants that are not interesting from a medicinal point of view in other parts of the world if included in traditional medicinal practices in Iran, as they could be active due to a quite different phytocomplex expressed in the particular climatic characteristics and ecosystems of the Iranian territory. It should be pointed out that, considering the research works found in literature, the process of valorization and study of plant species does not often pay particular attention to the aspect of sustainability of eventual systematic exploitation. This aspect is becoming more and more important these days.

Traditional remedies are often effective due to the synergistic activity of a large number of compounds that are part of the plant phytocomplex; therefore, careful research is needed to identify the active molecules. The research work is further complicated by the fact that in some cases, natural remedies act as palliatives. In any case, the evidence that nature has always inspired medicine, constituting itself as a source of inspiration for the development of pharmacological treatments, makes the study of traditional remedies a very important component of basic research in the medicinal and pharmacological field.

A summary of the information in the scientific literature, related to documented traditional medicinal practices and plants studied from a scientific point of view in the same territory, represents a useful tool to plan new researches in order to avoid repeating work already done and to concentrate on apparently effective but not yet scientifically evaluated plants. In our opinion, there is still a large room for scientific works that could deepen the above-stated aspects, encouraging further research in the field.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.M. and H.R.A.-A.; methodology, S.V.; validation, S.V., A.B.; investigation, P.B., R.B., S.S.; resources, S.M.; data curation, P.B.; writing—original draft preparation, P.B.; writing—review and editing, P.B.; supervision, S.M., H.R.A.-A.; project administration, S.V.; funding acquisition, S.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The present work has been financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR) of Italy (PRIN: 2017E84AA4_002).

Conflicts of Interest

The authors state no conflict of interest.