Ras El Hanout: Traditional blend of medicinal plants and spices – toxic compounds and poisoning risks

Abstract

Background: In Morocco, plants are not only used in isolation, but also in more complex preparations. These include the famous Ras El Hanout mixture, a traditional theriac used as a spice and for therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study is to identify the toxic plants making up this mixture and the extent of the risks involved in using them.

Methods: Using ethnobotanical investigations carried out among herbalists in the city of Meknes (Morocco) and by consulting various specialist journals and books, the aim is to determine which of the plants making up the Ras El Hanout mixture are toxic and to gather information on their toxicological profiles.

Results: As well as improving the taste and seasoning of dishes, the Ras El Hanout mixture is recommended for treating a number of health problems. However, research has revealed that 39 of the 60 plants making up the Ras El Hanout mixture are considered toxic or have side effects that affect all the body's physiological functions, particularly the gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal systems. Various toxic principles are incriminated, classified in several chemical groups dominated by phenolic compounds, terpenes and alkaloids.

Conclusions: Many of the plants in the Ras El Hanout blend are toxic. Despite their benefits, their toxicity calls for vigilance. This study therefore presents a database that could serve as an important source of information on the toxicity of medicinal plants used by herbalists.

Keywords: Ras El Hanout; Mixture; Spice; Medicinal plant; Toxicity; Traditional medicine.