Medicinal plant use in the north-eastern portuguese region: old practices and novel approaches within several rural contexts

For a long time, people from the most northeastern Portuguese region, known as Nordeste Transmontano, have been living in particular ecological and socioeconomic conditions and relying on interactions between natural environment and traditional farming systems, which enabled an adaptative resource management, enhanced local knowledge on plant-use, allowing the survival of a rich and interesting folk medicine. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out with informants' permission and cooperation, using fieldwork and ethnographic methodologies in order to document local knowledge and medicinal plant-use. Moreover, applied phytochemical research was set out on the most used medicinal plants that have special cultural significance (more frequently cited, ie. frequency of citation >50%). Over 175 species represent the heritage of the local folk pharmacopoeia. Quite interesting species and uses were recorded, such as Tuberaria Bgnosa, a potent anti-inflammatory, and Pterospartum tridentatum against colds and other infections of the respiratory tract. Experimental data point to phytochemical composition and bioactive properties which confirm the importance of the empirical use of the studied species and their contribution to a good health condition. Alongside with traditional medicinal species the use of some modern plants was also reported, such as Lycium barbarum and Aloe vera, reflecting the dynamics of local knowledge in rural contexts that are undergoing social, cultural and economic changes.