An Ethnopharmacological and Historical Analysis of Dictamnus, a European Traditional Herbal Medicine

The document analyzed the historical and ethnopharmacological use of "Dictamnus," a term referring to medicinal plants from the Rutaceae and Lamiaceae families, dating back to the 4th century BCE. The study aimed to trace the evolution of "Dictamnus" in medical preparations, differentiate its species, assess the influence of herbal books, and explore regional use differences in Europe. It identified 86 different uses for species like Origanum dictamnus L. and Dictamnus albus L., with complex preparations treating 35 pathologies between 1000 and 1700 CE. The study concluded that "Dictamnus" has a significant cultural history, with Dictamnus albus and Dictamnus hispanicus showing promise as herbal drug leads. The authors recommend further systematic research into the phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical evidence, as well as safety profiles for traditional preparations.