Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological surveys of Zygophyllum species used in Moroccan traditional medicine

Authors

  • Khairo el Baria Metni 1Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco
  • Hanane Boutaj Laboratory of Life and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan 93000, Morocco
  • Meryem Qostal Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
  • Siham El Bassami 1Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco
  • Bouchra Sillahi Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
  • Anass Doukkali Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
  • Abha Cherkani Hassani Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
  • Hanane Benzeid Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.

Abstract

Background: Zygophyllum species are widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine, yet comprehensive documentation of their usage patterns across multiple regions remains limited. This ethnobotanical survey aimed to document and analyze the traditional uses, usage modalities, and therapeutic indications of four Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllum gaetulum, Zygophyllum album, Zygophyllum cornutum, and Zygophyllum waterlotii) across six Moroccan regions.

Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 200 herbalists into Darija throughout five Moroccan regions (Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and Oujda). Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, usage modalities, plant parts employed, preparation methods, administration routes, therapeutic indications, and outcomes. Ethnobotanical indices were calculated, and statistical associations were examined using chi-square tests.

Results: The study revealed a predominance of male respondents (96.0%) aged over 40 years, with cultural heritage (66.5%) as the primary knowledge source. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most cited indications, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (FC = 76) and gastric pain (FC = 70). Dried plant material (95.5%) harvested in spring (91.0%) was preferred, with grinding and infusion as the main preparation methods. Symptomatic relief was reported in 82.7% of cases, with only 5.6% reporting side effects. Plant parts value analysis showed branches as the most utilized part. Statistical associations (p < 0.05) revealed coherent traditional medical logic linking preparation methods, dosage, and treatment duration to therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions: This study confirms the important role of Zygophyllum species in Moroccan traditional medicine, particularly for gastrointestinal disorders. The findings demonstrate strong concordance with pharmacological evidence and provide a foundation for future clinical and phytochemical investigations.

Keywords: Ethnobotany survey, Zygophyllum, medicinal plants, antidiabetic properties, gastrointestinal disorders, Morocco traditional medicine.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

Metni, K. el B. ., Boutaj, H., Qostal, M. ., El Bassami, S. ., Sillahi, B. ., Doukkali, A. ., Cherkani Hassani, A. ., & Benzeid, H. . (2026). Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological surveys of Zygophyllum species used in Moroccan traditional medicine. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 35, 1–16. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8559

Issue

Vol. 35 (2026)

Section

Research

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