A study of ethnobotanical knowledge in Souk Ahras city, Algeria

Abstract

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Souk Ahras, focusing on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants among local populations. Between 2021 and 2022, a total of 200 informants from the town center were interviewed using a combination of knowledge interviews and field visits. Data collected included socio-demographic information and traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses. The survey revealed that 80 species of medicinal plants from 41 botanical families are utilized by traditional folk healers in the region. The most frequently represented families were Lamiaceae (12 species), Asteraceae (7 species), Apiaceae (7 species), and Fabaceae (4 species). Plant parts most commonly used include leaves (44%) and flowers (36%). Decoction (50%) was the predominant method of preparation, followed by infusion (26%). Artemisia herba alba Asso emerged as the most frequently cited species, with 76 citations, a high use value (UV=0.38), and a citation frequency (38%). The medicinal plants address a variety of ailments, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most common (84 species), followed by metabolic disorders (42 species), respiratory system diseases (39 species), and reproductive and sexual diseases (32 species). This study highlights the rich ethnomedicinal knowledge in the Souk Ahras region. The species identified, particularly those with high use value and frequency of citation, hold potential for further pharmacological research. The findings underscore the importance of traditional plant knowledge in addressing various health issues and contribute valuable insights for future studies.