Ethnobotanical survey of aromatic and medicinal plant use for children under five years of age in Taza Province, Morocco

Authors

  • 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 https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3608-492X
  • Rachid Flouchi Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. -Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza P. O. Box 35000, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0762-5305
  • Ibtissam Rhbibou Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. -Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza P. O. Box 35000, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4736-435X
  • Mohamed Elfar Laboratory of Applied Physics, Computer Science and Statistics. Sciences Faculty Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7539-6332
  • Ibrahim Touzani -Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, P. O. Box 2202, Morocco. -Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Annex Taza P. O. Box 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 medicinal and aromatic plants (AMPs) use in Morocco is deeply rooted in the traditional culture and plays a key role in daily healthcare practices. The current work examines the AMPs use in Taza province (northeastern Morocco) and focus on the species most frequently used for children under 5 years old.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 416 interviewed people. The data collected were analyzed using the most studied ethnobotanical indices, and the relationships between patterns of plant use and population’s socio-demographic characteristics were determined. Moreover, an exploratory factor analysis by principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out in order to identify the underlying dimensions of the variables studied. Finaly, a rule-based machine learning method was used, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, to determine satisfaction across the studied variables.

Results: Most respondents (99.76%) use AMPs to treat children under five. 58 species from 28 botanical families were identified, with predominance of use of the Lamiaceae family (Family Value Index: FVI =80.7%); and of Origanum compactum Benth (RFC = 31.97%) and Aloysia citrodora Palau (23.55%). The main therapeutic indication corresponds to digestive disorders (72.6%), with a main use of leaves (78.1%). The dominant preparation method is decoction (71.3%) and prevailing administration is oral mode (89.4%).

Conclusion: AMPs occupy a central place in local traditional medicine for children under five in Taza province. This study provides a structured ethnobotanical database that can support future research in phytochemistry and pharmacology, particularly regarding the safety and efficacy of pediatric uses.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, child under five years old, association rules, Taza.

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Published

18.10.2026

How to Cite

Elkhomsi, S., Flouchi, R., Rhbibou, I., Elfar, M., Touzani, I., & Fikri-Benbrahim, K. (2026). Ethnobotanical survey of aromatic and medicinal plant use for children under five years of age in Taza Province, Morocco. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 36, 1–45. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8951

Issue

Vol. 36 (2026)

Section

Research

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