Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes and digestive diseases in Biskra region, Algeria.
Keywords:
Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Biskra, Algeria, Herbal medicine, PhytotherapyAbstract
This study aims to document and analyze the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used by local communities in Biskra, southeastern Algeria. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted between 2017 and 2022 using semi-structured interviews, field observations, and group discussions involving informants from diverse socio-professional backgrounds. A total of 50 plant families were identified, reflecting the rich floristic diversity of the region. The results revealed that leaves were the most commonly used plant part, while infusion was the dominant method of preparation (80%). The recorded plant species were mainly used for treating digestive, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic disorders. Among them, Ammodaucus leucotrichus showed the highest usage frequency, particularly for diabetes and hyperlipidemia, followed by Artemisia herba-alba, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Nigella sativa. The findings highlight the strong reliance of local populations on traditional herbal medicine and the importance of preserving this knowledge. This study emphasizes the need for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to validate the therapeutic potential of the documented species and to promote their sustainable use.
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