o:7960 Ethnobotanical use of the genus Galanthus L. Етноботаничка употреба врста рода Galanthus L. en The genus Galanthus L. (Amaryllidaceae) comprises 25 species of perennial bulbous plants, native to Europe and Asia Minor. Besides being economically important as ornamental plants, Galanthus species have drawn considerable attention in pharmacology due to the content of bioactive compounds. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted to clarify complex taxonomical issues within this genus; however, only a minor number of papers deal with its ethnobotanical use. In the present study, we review all available knowledge about the traditional use of Galanthus as a medicine and food. Ethnobotanical data were collected through an extensive literature study. The study revealed that Galanthus species have been used as medicinal plants for centuries. Some authors suggested that Galanthus nivalis L. was Homer’s plant μῶλυ used by Odysseus as an antidote against Circe’s poisonous drugs, although this is now regarded as questionable. According to an unofficial report, people in the rural areas of Bulgaria have reported to apply the leaves and bulbs topically as a folk medicine to relieve migraines and headaches. Furthermore, it has been recorded that local villagers in Georgia used G. woronowii Losinsk. for the treatment of poliomyelitis in children. Allegedly, old people in southern Russia eat the bulbs of Galanthus species to strengthen the brain and to feel younger. There are also records of extensive use of these species in Romania, Ukraine, the Balkan Peninsula, and some Eastern Mediterranean countries, but with no relevant ethnobotanical studies to support them. In some old publications, Galanthus species are classified as cardiotonic, stomachic and emmenagogue. They have been used to increase the flow of menstrual blood, to cure dysmenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, and to induce abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. Recent records indicate the use of bulbs of Galanthus nivalis and G. graecus Orph. ex Boiss. for medicinal purposes in Balchik Municipality and the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria. In Serbia, Galanthus species are not widely used in folk medicine. Based on one study, G. nivalis is used in the area of Deliblato Sands in the form of tea as an emmenagogue and relaxant, as well as externally against neuralgia. In contrast, even though Galanthus species are classified as poisonous with possible side effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and dizziness), their flowers are eaten as snacks in Daghestan, and the bulbs are used for cooking in Kabardino-Balkaria. It can be concluded that the current knowledge of the ethnobotanical use of Galanthus is sparse and extensive field research is needed. Given that the bulbs and other parts are toxic, and the dosage is unclear, using these plants as a folk remedy or food is not recommended. Galanthus, ethnobotanical review, folk medicine, wild edible plants 1552100 978-86-903786-2-3 1552102 Public file share - Nextcloud - Unicloud 91552100 SR-ID 170362377 2025-07-11T12:27:14.696Z 44 yes 46 Filip Jovanović 0000-0002-4143-2497 46 Jovana Cvetković 0000-0001-7828-1250 46 Sonja Braunović 0000-0002-1387-6955 application/pdf 3166485 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:7960 no yes 16 70 92000004 2025 Етноботаника : зборник резимеа 53 55 Пирот: Истраживачко друштво „Бабин нос“, Темска; Београд: Институт за шумарство; Ниш: Штампарија „Свен“ 2025