Ethnobotanical Insights into Medicinal Plants Used for Joint Pain Management by the Indigenous Population of Ilam Province, West of Iran

Abstract

Joint pain is a prevalent symptom affecting millions worldwide, often resulting from inflammatory or non-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and arthralgia. Conventional treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, often lead to adverse effects, increasing the demand for alternative therapies. Ethnobotanical studies provide valuable insights into traditional medicinal practices, helping to bridge the gap between folk medicine and modern pharmacology. This study aimed to document medicinal plants used by the indigenous population of Ilam Province, Iran, for joint pain management. A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Ilam City between April and November 2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and structured questionnaires administered to 25 traditional healers, selected based on their expertise and long-standing practice in herbal medicine. Herbarium specimens of the cited plants were collected and authenticated at the Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences. Quantitative analyses, including the Usage Report Index (UR) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), were employed to evaluate the cultural significance and therapeutic relevance of the identified species. The results revealed 20 medicinal plant species across 15 botanical families used in joint pain management. The Asteraceae family emerged as the most frequently utilized, with aerial plant parts being predominantly employed (29%) and decoction (35%) as the primary method of preparation. Notable species include Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Olea europaea L., Nigella sativa L., and Salvia Rosmarinus Spenn., each recognized for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. This study documented the rich ethnobotanical heritage of Ilam Province, highlighting its potential as a source of effective, natural treatments for joint pain. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation of traditional knowledge and further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to validate and potentially commercialize these herbal remedies, bridging traditional practices with modern evidence-based medicine.