Medicinal Plants Used in Russia and Central Asia for the Treatment of Selected Skin Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Russia and Central Asia are geographically located in the heart of the Eurasian continent. The Russian landscape is generally composed of hardwood and softwood forests, while in the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadjikstan, and parts of Mongolia and China, mountains, steppes, and deserts are the primary landforms. The flora of Russia and Central Asia contains approximately 300 species of plants that have been used in prescription and non-prescription pharmaceutical preparations, while nearly 2500 plants are known to have been used in traditional medicine. This paper reviews the plants used in both traditional and non-prescription pharmaceutical remedies for the treatment of allergic rashes, skin irritations, boils, wounds, dermatitis, and pyoderma.