Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants used for wound management in the semi-arid steppe of El Bayadh, Algeria

Abstract

Background: This investigation documented ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used for wound healing in El Bayadh, Algeria. Semi-structured interviews with 94 participants provided comprehensive data on 25 plant species used in traditional wound-treatment practices. The objective of this study is to identify medicinal plant species used in wound healing and evaluate their cultural importance, therapeutic roles, and preparation methods.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews conducted between January and June 2023 gathered information on plant species, growth forms, parts used, and preparation techniques. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) index was used to quantify the cultural significance of the documented species.

Results: The Lamiaceae family showed the highest consensus (RFC = 0.98). Lagenaria siceraria (RFC = 0.51) and Capsicum annuum (RFC = 0.45) were the most frequently cited species. Herbaceous plants (72%) and whole-plant use (72%) predominated. Powdering (52%) and decoction (40%) were the principal preparation methods. Demographic analysis showed that women (68.09%) and individuals aged 41–60 (67.02%) were the primary holders of traditional knowledge.

 Conclusions: The recorded plants support wound healing through antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Local preparation techniques optimize the extraction and bioavailability of therapeutic compounds. This inventory highlights the region's biocultural richness and provides a foundation for future pharmacological research aimed at developing plant-based wound-management strategies.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Medicinal plants; Wound healing; Traditional knowledge; El Bayadh; Lamiaceae