QUANTITATIVE ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE CAMPIDANO VALLEY AND URZULEI DISTRICT, SARDINIA, ITALY

A new method has been developed for quantitative, phytotherapeutical a nalysis with a goal to create a general tool suitable for a wide range of research situations. This tool would allow one to gather data in s uch a format as to facilitate comparison with studies from other areas . The method was applied to data gathered from two sites in Sardinia, Italy (Campidano and Urzulei). Analysis was performed on 2635 response s (a) by plant, (b) by plant part, (c) by medicinal preparation and (d ) by therapeutic use. This yielded specificity indexes which proved us eful in comparing phytotherapeutic applications in the two geographic areas under study. In Urzulei the original phytotherapeutic heritage i s deeply rooted in the local socio-economic history and clearly reflec ts the area's geographic isolation. Indeed, in this area, there is lit tle reliance on modern health care. On the other hand, in Campidano, t he body of phytotherapeutic application is more extensive. Indeed, due to migration-and to a lesser extent isolation-the latter area has bee n more affected by technological interference and cultural overlapping . In this area attention is widely focused on such modern ailments as glycemia, hypertension and constipation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ire land Ltd.