Background and Objectives: The indigenous knowledge of local communities regarding medicinal and edible plants constitutes a valuable asset for the sustainable management of natural resources and the advancement of traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate and document the ethnobotanical knowledge and traditional practices related to medicinal and edible plant species in the rangelands of Siahmarzkouh, located in the Mohammadabad Katul region of Golestan Province, northern Iran.
Materials and Methods: The study focused on identifying plant species used by local communities, their medicinal and nutritional applications, methods of processing, and their role in local livelihoods and culture. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and questionnaires with 53 local residents (33 men and 20 women). Most participants were elderly (53% over 60 years old) and had low or no formal education (76% illiterate). Their primary occupations included livestock herding (37%), horticulture (22%), farming (19%), and beekeeping (11%).
Results: A total of 58 plant species belonging to 28 families were identified. The most represented families were Asteraceae (19%), Lamiaceae (10%), Poaceae (7%), and Rosaceae and Apiaceae (each 5%). Prominent species included Cichorium intybus, Allium rubellum, Urtica dioica, Mentha longifolia, and Physalis alkekengi. These plants were mainly used for treating respiratory (32%), digestive (20%), urinary and circulatory (15%), dermatological (12%), and cold-related illnesses (7%), as well as for food consumption (9%). The aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) were most commonly utilized. Preparation methods included decoction, infusion, poultice, and raw consumption or inclusion in traditional dishes like soups and salads. Noteworthy species with specific uses were Echium russicum (sedative and cold remedy), Allium rubellum (blood pressure reduction and abscess treatment), Fumaria officinalis (treatment of skin disorders and kidney stones), Cichorium intybus (stomach tonic and lactation aid), Urtica dioica (cough remedy and blood pressure enhancer), Mentha longifolia (calming agent and flavor enhancer), Chenopodium album (used in Ash), Anthemis nobilis (treatment of kidney stones and bloating), and Betula species (treatment of skin diseases and kidney stones). Dominant plant life forms included herbaceous species (49%), shrubs (19%), and subshrubs (16%). The most frequent biological types were hemicryptophytes (31%), therophytes (26%), and geophytes (19%).
Conclusion: This study aimed to document the indigenous knowledge of local communities in Mohammadabad Katul regarding medicinal and edible plants. A total of 58 medicinal species were identified, of which only about 30 were actively used by the local population for therapeutic or nutritional purposes. The most dominant plant families included Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae. Frequently used species such as Matricaria chamomilla (for anti-inflammatory purposes), Thymus kotschyanus (for digestive disorders), and Echium amoenum (for stress and blood pressure management) were among the most culturally significant.
Plant parts commonly utilized included leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots, and were typically prepared as infusions, decoctions, or topical applications. Although the local communities demonstrated deep knowledge regarding plant characteristics, harvesting seasons, and preparation methods, the limited range of species used compared to the overall plant diversity reflects a decline in ethnobotanical knowledge in the region.

The findings highlight the importance of systematic documentation of this knowledge to support biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the development of plant-based pharmaceuticals. Cultural shifts, youth migration, and the erosion of oral traditions pose serious threats to the continuity of this knowledge system. Nevertheless, modern tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ethnobotanical databases, and the growing global interest in medicinal plants provide valuable opportunities for the preservation, revitalization, and sustainable utilization of this unique biocultural heritage.