Ethnobotanical study of aromatic and medicinal plants used by women of reproductive age in Taza (Morocco) and modeling of their satisfaction through a machine learning approach

Authors

  • Ibtissam Rhbibou 1 Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. 2 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza B.P. 35000, Morocco.
  • Rachid Flouchi 1 Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. 2 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza B.P. 35000, Morocco.
  • Siham Elkhomsi 1 Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. 2 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza B.P. 35000, Morocco.
  • Mohamed El Far Laboratory of Applied Physics, Computer Science and Statistics, Sciences Faculty Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.
  • Ibrahim Touzani 1 Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. 2 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza B.P. 35000, Morocco.
  • Kawtar Fikri-Benbrahim Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules Laboratory, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O.Box -2202, Imouzzer Road Fez, Morocco. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2923-9299

Abstract

Background: The use of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) remains widespread in Morocco, despite advances in modern healthcare and a lack of data on their safety. In Taza province, which is distinctive nationally for its floristic diversity, no studies had previously been conducted on the use of AMPs among women of reproductive age, to the best of our knowledge. The objective of this study was therefore to identify and document the use of such plants among this population.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in both urban and rural settings, involving 430 women aged 15 to 49. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, ethnobotanical indices, linear regression, and by mobilizing association rules (AI approach), for the first time, to reveal usage profiles that link consumed plants to the participant’s satisfaction, thus offering predictions of perceived efficacy and tolerance.

Results: All the participants (100%) used medicinal plants. 70 plant taxa belonging to 32 families were recognized, with the most represented families being Verbenaceae (FIV = 30.2%), Lauraceae (FIV = 13%), and Lamiaceae (FIV = 10.68%); and the most frequently used species: Origanum compactum Benth. (RFC = 0.595) and Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (RFC = 0.588). Leaves were the most frequently used component (77.5%), decoction was the most commonly used preparation (76.9%), and administration was mainly oral (97.2%). Perceived effectiveness was closely associated with the level of satisfaction (χ² = 66.5; p < 0.001) and the lack of side effects (χ² = 34.1; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Thereafter, the studied women have an ancestral knowledge and use a diversity of plants for their health and well-being in Taza. Their satisfaction is linked to plant’s effectiveness and safety. Hence, future pharmacological investigations are required for safe use of local AMPs.

Keywords: Aromatic and medicinal plants; women; reproductive age; satisfaction; Taza; Morocco.

 

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Published

2026-04-22

How to Cite

Rhbibou, I., Flouchi, R., Elkhomsi, S., El Far, M., Touzani, I., & Fikri-Benbrahim, K. (2026). Ethnobotanical study of aromatic and medicinal plants used by women of reproductive age in Taza (Morocco) and modeling of their satisfaction through a machine learning approach. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 34, 1–38. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8092

Issue

Vol. 34 (2026)

Section

Research

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