Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1987

Thesis Director

Charles B. Arzeni

Abstract

A survey of the medicinal plants of central Illinois was conducted from fall of 1985 to the summer of 1987. This study concentrated on those herbaceous plants which have a scientific basis for their medicinal value. The study range included the following counties: Coles, Moultrie, Shelby, Fayette, Christian, and Montgomery.

In this paper, 58 species were considered, representing 33 families. A description of external morphology is included for each specimen, as well as folknames and habitat preferences. In addition, the medicinal qualities and active constituents are included for each specimen, as well as comments about their scientific and folknames.

In researching for this study, several of the plants found to have medicinal attributes were also found to be threatened or endangered for the area. They include Cypripedium calceolus L., Panax quinquefolius L., and Hydrastis canadensis L.

As a result of field research, it was found that considerable indiscriminate collecting is done by amateur herbalists or collectors for buyers. This has eliminated species from areas they previously occupied and if continued, could threaten species such as Aristalochia serpentaria L., Geranium maculatum L., Sanguinaria canadensis L., and Caltha palustris L.

Most of the plants treated in this study were mounted on standard herbarium sheets and placed into the ethnobotany herbarium. Those specimens which were rare or endangered for the area, were photographed or left undisturbed.

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