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eISSN: 2083-5906
ISSN: 1230-1485
ISSN: 1230-1485
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Ethnobotanical Studies on the Medicinal
and Food Plants of the Argentina anserina
of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
1
School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, No. 10, Zangda East Road, Chengguan District,
Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
2
Qiang College, Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, Beichuan 622750, Sichuan, China
3
Jinjiang College, Sichuan University, Meishan 620860, Sichuan, China
Submission date: 2025-02-23
Final revision date: 2025-08-04
Acceptance date: 2025-09-21
Online publication date: 2026-06-30
Corresponding author
Jian Xiong
School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, No. 10, Zangda East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, No. 10, Zangda East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Argentina anserina（A. anserina, a perennial herb endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,
develops unique root structures commonly referred to as “ginseng fruit.” These roots possess
significant nutritional and medicinal properties. This study utilizes ethnobotanical methodologies
to document the traditional knowledge associated with A. anserina among Tibetan communities
in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, supplemented by food science analyses to ascertain its fundamental
nutritional composition. The principal findings indicate that A. anserina plays a multifaceted role
in traditional Tibetan livelihoods. Quantitative analyses reveal that its edible (RFC0.92) and medicinal
(RFC0.78) applications significantly exceed other uses in terms of relative citation frequency,
establishing these as the predominant utilization patterns. Traditional harvesting methods yield
A. anserina specimens characterized by high dietary fiber content, low sodium levels, abundant amino
acids, and a diverse array of mineral elements. These findings highlight the substantial potential for
the development and utilization of A. anserina. Strategic artificial cultivation could enhance
production, potentially increasing residents’ income and promoting rural revitalization in remote areas.
This investigation provides a theoretical foundation for the subsequent processing and utilization of
edible A. anserina.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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| eISSN: | 2083-5906 |
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