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 aimed at documenting indigenous knowledge of people regarding plants in various regions. In this context, the present study seeks to investigate the extent of students’ knowledge about medicinal plants in the Laylakh region of Kurdistan.
Methods: This research was conducted through the preparation of a questionnaire and visits to upper secondary schools in the Laylakh region, accompanied by personal interviews with specialists and knowledgeable individuals in the field of medicinal plants. The research data were purposefully derived from 70 native medicinal plants of the Laylakh region, identified using credible sources. The analysis was performed using a descriptive-analytical approach within the framework of ethnobotanical studies.
Results: The findings indicate that students in the Laylakh region possess a low level of knowledge and awareness regarding medicinal plants. Their attitudes toward the extinction of plant species revealed a general indifference to the loss and endangerment of medicinal flora in the area. However, the level of interest among students in medicinal plants was found to be relatively high.
Conclusion: The significant discrepancy between students' high interest and low awareness suggests that, despite efforts by the educational system to encourage students to participate in scientific research festivals such as the Khwarizmi Medicinal Plant Festival, it has yet to fully utilize its capacity to educate and promote the importance of medicinal plants among students

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

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