Ethnopharmacological survey and therapeutic potential of Atriplex halimus L. in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Algeria

Authors

  • Leyla Boukaous Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP), Constantine, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9021-2051
  • Salha Amira Benatallah Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP), Constantine, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1587-4232
  • Ramzi Triki Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP), Constantine, Algeria.
  • Hadil Igoubane University of frères Mentouri Constantine 1.Algeria
  • Lamis Tafer University of frères Mentouri Constantine 1.Algeria
  • Karima Bouali Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP), Constantine, Algeria.
  • Mounia Boudermine University of frères Mentouri Constantine 1.Algeria
  • Racha Bahaa Boukaous

Abstract

Background: This ethnopharmacological study investigated the traditional use of Atriplex halimus L. for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among 102 Algerian women from northern and southern regions, including rural and urban areas.

Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out between March 15 and April 9, 2025. Statistical analyses, including the two-sided Fisher's exact test for categorical data, were performed using GraphPad Prism 10.5.0 for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). A significance level of p < 0.05 was applied to indicate statistical significance.

Results: Of the participants, 44% had been diagnosed with PCOS, and 80% of those with PCOS reported using Atriplex halimus L. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (54.5%). Among users, 86.44% reported clinical improvement and 16.95% reported side effects; 83.05% reported no adverse effects. Side effects were reported exclusively among users (p = 0.0046).

Conclusions: These findings highlight interest in phytotherapy for hormonal disorders and the need for rigorous research to establish the efficacy and safety of Atriplex halimus L. in PCOS management.

Keywords: Atriplex halimus L., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Ethnopharmacological investigation, Algeria

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Published

15.11.2026

How to Cite

Boukaous, L., Benatallah, S. A., Triki, R., Igoubane, H., Tafer, L., Bouali, K., … Boukaous, R. B. (2026). Ethnopharmacological survey and therapeutic potential of Atriplex halimus L. in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Algeria. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 36, 1–10. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8380

Issue

Vol. 36 (2026)

Section

Research

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