Plants used as painkillers in folk medicine in Turkey IV - TOOTHACHE

Abstract

Turkey has a rich plant diversity due to its geography and many of these plants are used in the treatment of various diseases. The usage of these medicinal plants has been passed down from generation to generation. Ethnobotanical studies are used to record traditional treatment methods and this information is intended to contribute to drug development studies. This study (which is the fourth article in a series focusing on plants with painkilling properties) details the plants used to combat toothache. In this survey, which was prepared by screening ethnobotanical research, a total of 52 taxa were traditionally used in toothache treatment in Turkey. Scientific and local names, families, parts used, and treatment methods of these plants were recorded. According to the results of the research, the most common families are Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Liliaceae and Rosaceae. The most commonly used taxa in different regions of Turkey are Cornus mas, Dianthus zonatus var. zonatus and Hyocyamus niger. These plants contain analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds. These plants are usually used externally as extracts (infusion/decoction) as well as are used directly. However, a few species are also used externally.