Ethnobotanical knowledge of Achillea ligustica All. in El Tarf region (Northeastern Algeria)

Abstract

Background: The genus Achillea is one of the largest genera in the Asteraceae family. It is known for its medicinal and therapeutic virtues, which are highly interesting given the pharmacological activities of the phytochemical compounds present in its biological extracts. We therefore focused on Ligurian yarrow Achillea ligustica All., a little-known species in north-east Algeria, with the aim of gathering information on its therapeutic uses by the local population.

Methods: The study was carried out in 2023, using individual questionnaires for people living in two rural areas in El-Tarf region (Bougous and Bouhadjar), where the species had only been identified during a floristic survey. The surveys covered socio-demographic data, parts of the plant used, preparation, administration routes and diseases treated.

Results: We carried out a total of 253 surveys. The results indicate that women are much more familiar with and use this medicinal plant than men. The oldest people had the most ethnobotanical knowledge on its uses. The leaves were the most parts of the plant used, while infusion and poultice were the most common methods of preparation adopted. According to the respondents, this plant can be used to treat various types of ailments and diseases.

Conclusions: This preliminary and original ethnobotanical study has shown that A. ligustica is one of the valuable wild plants and plays a vital role. The information gathered constitutes an essential database for the discovery of new medicines and for validating ethnomedicinal knowledge.

Keywords: Achillea ligustica All., Algeria, Bougous, Bouhadjar, ethnobotanical surveys, population, phytotherapeutic uses.