Medicinal plant species of the rangeland ecosystems in Greece

The rangeland ecosystems of Greece are constituted by a large number of plant species. Many of these plant species have medicinal properties. These medicinal plant species have been used since antiquity in order to cover medicinal needs. Moreover, some of these plant species cover the same needs up until now. The science development permitted the analysis and determination of the medicinal plant species compounds, on which their medicinal activity is due to. The basis for drugs production, herbal or non herbal was based on this knowledge. The objective of this study was the investigation and the report of the medicinal uses of plant species that are dominant in rangeland ecosystems of Greece. The 54,4% of the recorded taxa in rangeland ecosystems of lower altitudes in Greece and the 45,5% of the taxa in higher elevations, are considered to have medicinal properties. The main medicinal properties are mainly for the respiratory systems, the diuretic and tonotic use at 22,4%, 20,6% and 15,5%, respectively. The sustainable management of the rangeland ecosystems should take into consideration the presence of the pharmaceutical plants in the ecosystems and take initiative for their conservation.