The Egyptians' Use of Spices from “Attarin Market” In Folk Medicine, a Survey Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Economic botanists investigate the relationship between humans and plants to understand how plants are used in culture, where some foods come from, and how to use plant resources sustainably. A large proportion of the general population in developing countries still uses traditional folk medicines derived from plant sources. Bioactive compounds in medicinal plants have always attracted great interest from scientists in this field. Egypt is famous of the folkloric medicine plants. This is considered the main source for new medicines discoveries. The methods of cure and herbal prescriptions are generally not written down. These skills are passed from one generation to the other through apprenticeship and once forgotten may not be revived again. This research aims to focus on the traditional uses of some herbs and spices which have medicinal property and be used as a functional food for humans in Greater Cairo area, Egypt for thousands of years. Ethno-botanical field trips were done in different Attarin Markets of Cairo province. The various data concerning 30 species (local name, locations, medical uses, parts of plant used… etc), were recorded. The information was gathered using a questionnaire distributed through the ethno-botanical interviews. The results were discussed and different recommendations were suggested.