Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of northwestern Syria

Aldarvish, Munzer; Al Kaddour, Anas; Bourgol, Akram; Ramazan, Yasser ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7766-7909; Hallak, Yousef; Cavers, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2139-9236; Cottrell, Joan. 2025 Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of northwestern Syria. Genetic Resources, 6 (11). 14-23. 10.46265/genresj.GBCL6863

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.46265/genresj.GBCL6863

Abstract/Summary

Throughout history, many plant species have been used as natural medicines to prevent and treat human diseases. Due to its geographical location, climate, and history, Syria contains a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants. However, in recent years a prolonged period of conflict has resulted in widespread ecosystem destruction, human population displacement, and disruption of farming practices. Although poorly documented this is believed to have resulted in a significant decline in medicinal plant populations. ex situ conservation initiatives, the locations of medicinal plants exposed to deterioration were identified from the results of a questionnaire. Seeds from seven species: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), wild thyme (Thymus capitatus L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), caper (Capparis spinosa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) were collected for the establishment of ex situ collections in the future. We discuss the potential for recovery initiatives to protect and conserve these species and to support the sustainable use of medicinal plant genetic resources in Northern Syria. Such endeavours are vital for the continued well-being of the Syrian population and humanity as a whole.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.46265/genresj.GBCL6863
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity and Land Use (2025-)
ISSN:	2708-3764
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	plant genetic resources, medicinal plants, genetic erosion, in situ conservation,ex situ conservation
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Botany Data and Information
Date made live:	28 Feb 2025 14:04 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/538989

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.46265/genresj.GBCL6863

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Biodiversity and Land Use (2025-)

ISSN:

2708-3764

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

plant genetic resources, medicinal plants, genetic erosion, in situ conservation,ex situ conservation