Usage and the economic potential of the medicinal plants in Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey

Medically used plant species in Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey was determined in this study Totally 50 species within 24 families have been designated in 25 research points, using the face to face polling method with the herbs sellers and purchasers. 14 species of studied plants are endemic and pointed out as endangered species according to the IUCN list (The World Conservation Union). In which health problem the medicinal plants are used, their usage ad, area and the used parts have been determined too. The research results show that 12.58% of the species are used in intestinal problems and 8.60 % for diuretic. Evaluating from this point of view the region includes very rich species could be used in different health problems. The results shows that average annual income of the medically used plant selling companies is about 33,333$, Increasingly demands for the medically used plants have been raised the medically used plant companies about 60 % in the last decade. The relevance of Ethnopharmacologically used plants is increasing in Turkey and in the World. Important is to meet the demand without endanger the rich plant species resources.