Exploring Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Properties of Medicinal Plants Used for Metabolic Disorder Treatments in Guelma, Algeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey
-
Fatine Aissani
,
Marwa Yakhlef
,
Djamila Benouchenne
,
Sana Amiri
,
Narimane Mejdoub
,
Fatima Merabti
,
Muhd Hanis Md Idris
,
Sofiane Boudalia
Abstract
Algeria is characterized by a rich and diverse flora frequently used for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we conducted the first survey examining indigenous knowledge of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the Guelma region of Algeria. A total of 500 in-person and focus group interviews were conducted with pharmacists, herbalists, practitioners, and healers. The objective was to determine the flora used by the population for treating metabolic disorders and closely associated inflammatory conditions. Fidelity Level (FL), Plant Part Value (PPV), Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Family Use Value (FUV) were determined. The results indicate that MAPs are widely used, particularly among individuals aged over 60 years (46.4%), with women using them more frequently than men (53.8% versus 46.2%). The PPV analysis highlighted that leaves are the most commonly used plant part (0.98), and the oral route is the primary method of administration (56%). Diabetes is the most prevalent metabolic disorder treated (15%), with decoction being the preferred preparation method (26%). A total of 109 medicinal plants from 48 botanical families were recorded. The Lamiaceae family was the most abundant (10 species). This study emphasizes the significance of preserving local knowledge, which is vital for discovering new drugs.
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| Issue | Vol. 11, No. 3, 2026 -In Press- | |
| Section | Research Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Metabolic disorders Medicinal and aromatic plants Traditional medicine Ethnobotanical investigation Local and indigenous knowledge | ||
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