Persian Medicinal Plants for Oral Diseases: Investigated in Fars Province

Background and objectives: This study seeks to document the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants from Fars Province, Iran, used in the treatment of common oral diseases. Methods: A structured questionnaire, developed at the School of Pharmacy, was administered in health centers across Fars province to conduct a large-scale survey on the effects of medicinal plants on various diseases. All plant species recorded for the treatment of oral diseases were sampled and identified by a botanist. Results: Surveys were conducted across 28 counties in Fars Province, with data reported from 14 counties for this study. Out of 1,944 questionnaires, 944 herbarium specimens were prepared, leading to the identification of 24 plant species for the treatment of oral diseases. Collected information included therapeutic effects, plant parts, preparation methods, and constituents. Sepidan County provided the highest number of reports on plants. Analgesic properties were the most frequently reported effect. Pistacia atlantica Desf. and Punica granatum L. emerged as the most cited plants for treating oral diseases. Furthermore, the most reported plants that can be used for analgesic effect was Peganum harmala L. with 6 reports. The most abundant families were Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Anacardiaceae. Plant parts used were mainly fruits, leaves, flowers, and stems. The most common preparation methods were decoction, infusion and crude plant. Essential oils, flavonoids, and sterols were identified as the predominant active constituents. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of medicinal plants as a complementary treatment approach, particularly those recommended by local herbal healers for common oral health issues.