Ethnopharmacological Documentation of Ferula (Koma Plant) and Traditional Medicinal Usage in Sheshtamad, Razavi Khorasan, Iran

Gharbi, Mosareza; Seddighi, Fariba

doi:10.22091/ethc.2026.13427.1065

Ethnopharmacological Documentation of Ferula (Koma Plant) and Traditional Medicinal Usage in Sheshtamad, Razavi Khorasan, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mosareza Gharbi ¹
Fariba Seddighi ²

¹ EthnoBiology Core (EBC), Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Khorasan Razavi, Iran

² Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

10.22091/ethc.2026.13427.1065

Abstract

Objective: Koma (Ferula spp.) is one of the important medicinal plants in Iran, primarily growing in arid and semi-arid regions such as Razavi Khorasan Province. This study aims to investigate the indigenous knowledge and traditional medicinal practices related to this plant in Sheshtamad County, located in Razavi Khorasan Province.
Methods: The research employed an ethnographic approach using qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and focus group discussions conducted in various villages of Sheshtamad County. Data were collected from 47 participants and analyzed qualitatively through content analysis.
Results: Traditional methods of medicinal preparation included facilitating techniques (such as crushing, forming pellets, and mixing with yogurt) and enhancing techniques (including heating, fat processing, and ointment preparation). According to local ethnomedicinal knowledge, Koma is used for treating ailments associated with “cold temperament” (such as Lakhchak, Nimbulghareh, and sexual weakness), gastrointestinal disorders (including diarrhea, indigestion, and acid reflux), and physical injuries (such as cracked skin, bruises, and purulent wounds).
Conclusion: The indigenous knowledge of Sheshtamad’s inhabitants regarding the Koma plant demonstrates an enduring interaction between humans and their environment. This study stresses the need for documentation and preservation of such traditional knowledge in the face of cultural and ecological change. Future research should focus on scientific evaluation of the pharmacological properties of Koma and on developing sustainable utilization strategies for this valuable medicinal resource.

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