o:3623 Exploring the ethnobotanical significance of Symphytum officinale in the Pirot District Истраживање етноботаничког значаја Symphytum officinale у Пиротском округу en Symphytum officinale L., commonly known as comfrey, is a plant of notable ethnobotanical significance with deep-rooted traditional uses in the Pirot District. This study aims to unravel the cultural, medicinal, and ecological roles of S. officinale within this specific region using a combination of ethnobotanical surveys and environmental observations. The findings revealed a spectrum of traditional uses for S. officinale in local communities. The plant has been employed for its reputed wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and bone-strengthening properties, reflecting its historical integration into folk medicine practices. Through interviews with local inhabitants, this study documents the vernacular names, preparation methods, and administration routes of S. officinale-based remedies, contributing to preserving traditional knowledge. The presence of potentially bioactive compounds supports its traditional uses and motivates further scientific inquiry into its pharmacological potential. The ethnobotanical examination of S. officinale in the Pirot District presents a comprehensive aspect of this plant's roles in local culture, healthcare, and ecology. The results from this investigation serve as proof of the inseparable relationship between plants and people, underlining the need for sustainable conservation efforts to preserve both traditional knowledge and valuable botanical resources. "Symphytum officinale L., comfrey, ethnobotany, Pirot District, medicinal plants (Symphytum officinale L., гавез, етноботаника, Пиротски округ, лековито биље)" 1552101 2812-751X 1552099 https://doi.org/10.46793/EtnBot23.133C 91552100 SR-ID 54244873 2024-01-08T15:03:46.650Z 44 yes 46 Slobodan A. Ćirić 46 Marija S. Marković 0000-0002-6070-6844 46 Jelena S. Nikolić 46 Violeta D. Mitić 46 Marija V. Dimitrijević 46 Jovana D. Ickovski 46 Vesna P. Stankov Jovanović application/pdf 414094 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:3623 no yes 1 70 1552253 ЕТНОБОТАНИКА 3 133 149 "Истраживачко друштво „Бабин нос“, Темска, Пирот Институт за шумарство, Београд Штампарија „Свен“, Ниш" 2023