Medicinal plants used traditionally for Urolithiasis management in Tunisia: An ethnobotanical survey

Abstract

Background: Urolithiasis is a major global health concern due to its high recurrence rate and significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Documenting traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is essential for identifying potential alternative therapies. This study aimed to investigate plant-based remedies traditionally used for the treatment of urolithiasis in Tunisia.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 270 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), were calculated. Sociodemographic characteristics were also analyzed.

Results: Women represented 80% of the survey respondents, while among participants reporting previous experience with urolithiasis, 69.2% were women. Individuals aged 20–40 years (53.8%) constituted the main users of medicinal plants. A total of 27 plant species were identified, with Petroselinum crispum, Ammi visnaga, and Herniaria hirsuta being the most frequently cited. Decoction (36.2%) and infusion were the predominant preparation methods. The ICF value for urolithiasis was 0.95, indicating a strong agreement among informants. Most treatments lasted less than three weeks, and adverse effects were rarely reported.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the richness of ethnobotanical knowledge related to anti-urolithiatic plants in Tunisia. The high ICF values suggest promising candidates for further pharmacological validation. Standardization of preparation methods and clinical investigations are necessary to support their integration into modern therapeutic practices.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Medicinal plants; Urolithiasis; Anti-urolithiatic activity; Traditional knowledge; Herbal medicine