Medicinal knowledge and ethnopharmacological applications of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Sch.Bip in the Draa-tafilalet region, Morocco

Abstract

Background: Matricaria pubescens is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, however, detailed ethnobotanical information about its use in Morocco is still scarce. This study aims to document the traditional medicinal uses of M. pubescens in the Draa-Tafilalet region and to evaluate its importance using ethnobotanical indices.

Methods: A field survey was conducted in 2024 among 150 herbalists and traditional practitioners across two provinces of the Draa-Tafilalet region, southeastern Morocco. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using key ethnobotanical parameters, including medicinal use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), and fidelity level (FL). Descriptive statistics were applied to determine the frequency of plant use, preparation methods, and the most commonly utilized plant parts.

Results: The study revealed that M. pubescens is primarily used for treating digestive disorders (80.67%), respiratory diseases (58%), and genitourinary conditions (48%). The plant is frequently administered in combination with other medicinal plants (72.67%), with aerial parts (79.33%) and leaves (40.67%) being the most commonly used plant components. The dried form (59.33%) is preferred, and decoction (82%) is the predominant preparation method. Ethnobotanical indices showed a medicinal use value (UV) of 1.77, informant agreement ratio (IAR) ranging from 0.98 to 0.77, and a fidelity level (FL) varying between 34.08% and 4.79%, reflecting the high consensus on its therapeutic potential.

Conclusions: This study highlights the widespread traditional use of M. pubescens in Moroccan ethnomedicine, particularly for digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary ailments. The high informant agreement and medicinal use value reinforce the plant’s ethnopharmacological relevance.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Matricaria pubescens, Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco, Herbal medicine.