Plant-based remedies for wolf bites and rituals against wolves in the Iberian Peninsula: Therapeutic opportunities and cultural values for the conservation of biocultural diversity

摘要: Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, information reported might be basis further appropriate phytochemical pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies practices healing bite injuries in humans domestic animals caused by Iberian wolf. Wolf bites are associated with inflammatory processes rabies is a potential complication Aims This paper describes summarises medicinal-veterinary empirical ritual uses flora wolf reviews ethnopharmacological data specific plants that already published. The critically endangered subspecies grey Livestock attacks attributed wolves increasingly frequent Peninsula, resulting serious social problems. Interesting related grazing deeply linked passed on oral tradition, which also vulnerable now. Materials methods Based documentary sources from beginning twentieth century present, systematically searched old monographs, regional documents, technical papers, project reports, as well international national databases available scientific literature, without restrictions regarding language publications consulted. Results A total 39 was reported, highlighting medicinal 33 species vascular plants, mostly wild herbs, belonging 18 botanical families. wood ashes reported. number use-reports found represents very high considering similar European studies. Leaves were predominant part mentioned. Boiling materials water topical most method preparation found. Some combined two or more order potentiate their effects. some plant-based rituals ward off prevent documented. In these eleven other (belonging seven families) used. Conclusions Despite decline over last few decades, still imaginary rural communities perceive this large carnivore both diabolic creature mythic benign animal. Wolf-related cultural heritage great interest terms strategies. review emphasises importance provides useful about several phytochemicals claimed therapeutic effects, aiming at contributing appreciation heritage.