Medicinal plants used in the treatment of asthma in western Algeria: an ethnobotanical survey in Sidi Bel Abbès, Oran, and Mascara

Abstract

Background: Respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, remain a significant public health challenge worldwide. In Algeria, they rank among the leading causes of medical consultations. While modern medicine offers symptomatic treatments, their limitations and adverse effects drive many communities toward herbal remedies. In this context, documenting traditional knowledge of plant use for respiratory disorders is essential for pharmacological innovation. This study aimed to document traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants for respiratory diseases, with a particular focus on asthma, in the regions of Sidi Bel Abbès, Oran, and Mascara in western Algeria.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out from October to December 2024 among 400 randomly selected informants. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and free-listing techniques regarding species used, plant parts, and preparation methods. Botanical identification was performed using reference literature and recognized plant databases, and were validated by taxonomic specialists. Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Therapeutic Use Value (UV) indices were calculated.

Results: A total of 73 species across 36 botanical families were recorded. The most frequently cited species were Salvia argentea L., Lepidium sativum L., and Origanum vulgare L., primarily prepared as infusions or decoctions. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, and the Lamiaceae family was predominant. Several previously undocumented uses were reported, reflecting a rich and dynamic traditional knowledge system.

Conclusion: This study confirms the continued use of several well-known medicinal plants for asthma management while documenting additional species and practices previously unreported in western Algeria. These findings not only reinforce the cultural and therapeutic significance of traditional knowledge but also offer valuable insights for future pharmacological investigations.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical survey; Asthma management; Medicinal plants; respiratory diseases; Traditional knowledge; Western Algeria; UV; RFC.