Ethnopharmacology and ecosystem applications of woody plant species in the Southern European Alps: a systematic review

Did you know that the woody plants of the Southern European Alps are not just scenery—they're a living pharmacy and ecological guardian? A new systematic review reveals how these species have been treating ailments for centuries while holding the mountains together.

In the Southern European Alps, traditional medicine has long turned to the region's woody plants. Leaves, bark, fruits, buds, and flowers from 54 species—28 trees and 26 shrubs—have been used to treat everything from respiratory issues to skin conditions, digestive problems, and even cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This isn't folklore; it's a well-documented practice now backed by science.

Key Points

• 54 woody species (28 trees, 26 shrubs) from 25 families.
• Rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins.
• Ecosystem roles: soil stabilization, water regulation, carbon sequestration, biocultural landscapes.