Alexandra D. Solomou, Aikaterini Molla, Elpiniki Skoufogianni
Greece lies within the Mediterranean global biodiversity hotspot and harbors exceptional plant richness and endemism, including numerous medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). These taxa underpin long ethnobotanical traditions and contemporary bioeconomy niches (culinary herbs, essential oils, phototherapeutics). The aim of this review is to map (i) the biodiversity knowledge base for Greek MAPs, (ii) recent ethnobotanical evidence, and (iii) sustainability pathways (conservation, cultivation, value chains, and regulation) in a Mediterranean context. The information is presented and analyzed in a critical manner. A total of 148 research studies were systematically reviewed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Key findings highlight that (i) Greece is a regional plant-diversity hotspot with many MAP endemics in Lamiaceae; (ii) contemporary ethnobotanical knowledge persists and adapts; and (iii) strong sustainability levers exist through Natura 2000 coverage, Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) frameworks, and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognitions (e.g., Krokos Kozanis saffron, Chios mastic), although threats from climate and land-use change remain significant. In conclusion, Greek MAPs combine high biodiversity value, living ethnobotanical traditions, and tangible bioeconomic opportunities. Their sustainable prospects depend on integrating habitat protection, GACP and FairWild Standard (FairWild)-aligned wild collection and cultivation, domestication of priority endemics, and climate-resilience planning, all supported by traceable value chains and Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)/Nagoya Protocol compliance. The review concludes with practical recommendations and a prioritized list of flagship taxa for “conservation through use.”