Ethnobotanical survey and ecological approach of medicinal and aromatic plants in Algeria

Abstract

Background: Herbal medicine remains widely used globally, often preferred due to concerns over pharmaceutical side effects. In Algeria, where 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine, this study aimed to document medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) used in a semi-arid region of northeastern Algeria.

Methods: Conducted from 2017 to 2020, the ethnobotanical survey involved 300 participants. The data were evaluated using a range of botanical citation indexes. In addition, for each plant species identified, ethnobotanical features were assigned, including the plant part used in herbal medicine, preparation modes, medication routes of administration, and diseases treated. Furthermore, ecological characteristics such as plant morphological types, IUCN Red List status, and geographic origins were recorded.

Results: All participants reported using MAPs for treatment. Data analysis using Multiple Component Analysis revealed that married, urban housewives aged 36 to 61 years were the primary users. Additionally, 158 species were identified from 62 families, with Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae being the most represented. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, with infusion and decoction as the main preparation methods. Ecological data included IUCN status, with some species listed as Vulnerable or Endangered. Several species showed high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL), notably Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, Olea europaea L., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

Conclusion: This study underscores the significant role of MAPs in traditional healthcare practices in northeastern Algeria, offering key insights into their use for the treatment of various diseases. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in alternative medicine and provide a valuable ethnobotanical database that could be leveraged for pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords: Herbal medicine, Medicinal and aromatic plants, Semi-arid regions, Ethnobotanical survey, Botanical citation indexes, Montane habitats.