From folklore to molecules: the role of ethnobotany in the preservation and application of traditional knowledge

Ever since our origin as a species, humans have had a close relationship with the plants growing in our immediate environment. During the course of our evolution we have learned the properties and uses of plants, as well as their toxic effects. This long period of learning how to collect, conserve, use and name plants is what has been responsible for preserving our traditional knowledge, generation after generation. But this common wisdom is now experiencing a clear regression, and could even be said to be “in danger of extinction”, and that is why we aim to highlight the importance of ethnobotanical studies by carrying out a brief review of some of the medicinal, food uses, etc., of the wild plants that grow on our land, and the different ways they can be applied.

Cycle: 75th anniversary of CSIC - “Science today for a better tomorrow”

Organized by: Residence for Researchers CSIC-Generalitat of Catalonia