Abstract

Medicinal Plants of the Andes: Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Review

Author(s): Farshad Okhovatian

The Andes Mountains, stretching over 7,000 kilometers across South America, are one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Home to over 20,000 endemic plant species, the Andes have long served as a cradle of traditional medicine. Indigenous communities such as the Quechua, Aymara, and Nasa have developed rich ethnobotanical knowledge systems, using native plants to treat ailments ranging from digestive disorders to infections and chronic diseases. This review explores the ethnobotanical significance and pharmacological potential of key medicinal plants in the Andean region, highlighting their role in traditional healing and modern drug discovery.