An ethnobotanical study with a focus on students’ awareness of medicinal plants in the Laylakh Region of Kurdistan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 National Language Institute researcher, Tehran, Iran.

2 Razi Student Research Center, Dehgolan, Iran.

10.22091/ethc.2025.12812.1056

Abstract

Objective: Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to documenting indigenous knowledge of plants across different regions. In this context, the present study aims to assess the level of students’ knowledge about medicinal plants in the Laylakh region of Kurdistan.
Methods: This research was conducted through the development of a questionnaire and field visits to upper secondary schools in the Laylakh region, complemented by personal interviews with specialists and individuals knowledgeable in medicinal plants. Data were collected from 70 native medicinal plant species identified in the Laylakh region using credible references. The analysis employed a descriptive-analytical approach within the framework of ethnobotanical research.
Results: The findings reveal that students in the Laylakh region possess limited knowledge and awareness regarding medicinal plants. Their attitudes toward the extinction of plant species reflected general indifference to the loss and endangerment of medicinal flora. However, students demonstrated a relatively high level of interest in medicinal plants.
Conclusion: The notable gap between students’ strong interest and limited awareness indicates that, although the educational system encourages participation in scientific research festivals such as the Khwarizmi Medicinal Plant Festival, it has not yet fully leveraged its potential to educate students about and promote the significance of medicinal plants.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 7
September 2025
Pages 1-14

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