Ethnobotanical inventory of spontaneous medicinal plants in the rural region of Chehama (Tiaret, western Algeria): floristic richness and traditional knowledge valorization

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants are considered a cornerstone in human life, and have long been used as a primary source of treatment for various illnesses. Floristic inventories helped identify species used by local populations, preserve traditional knowledge from erosion, and support biodiversity conservation. This study presents a systematic floristic inventory of medicinal plants in the Chehama region (Tiaret-western Algeria), aiming to document native species and their traditional uses.

Methods: A systematic inventory of spontaneous medicinal flora was conducted during the optimal vegetation period between 2021 and 2024. Sampling was based on ecologically homogeneous zones, with 100m2 surface. Taxa identification was done simultaneously in the field and the laboratory. Furthermore, their medicinal status was cross-referenced with existing literature, including ethnobotanical studies and books of Algerian medicinal plants.

Results: Out of 207 recorded species, 118 were medicinal, representing 102 genera and 40 botanical families. The Asteraceae family exhibited the highest species richness (21.2%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts (33.1%). While infusion (37.4%) and decoction (28.8%) were the most frequently reported methods, mainly for oral administration (70.1%). These plants were used to treat 15 categories of ailments. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequently cited (17.2%), followed by dermatological (11.8%), respiratory and urogenital diseases (10.7%) each. While these plants are used frequently, the presence of toxic plants implies strict precaution.

Conclusions: These results are valuable for the advancement of phytochemical research, the conservation of ethnobotanical knowledge and the preservation of phytodiversity within this region and Algeria as a whole.

Keywords: Herbal medicine, inventory, native plant, Tiaret (Algeria).