Ethnobotanical survey of five wild medicinal plants used by local population in Taza province (Northeastern Morocco)

Abstract

Since ancient times, Moroccan people have used medicinal and aromatic plants as traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, few studies have been made to document and promote traditional knowledge. The present study aims to collect information about folk knowledge on the medicinal use of five plants, namely Globularia alypum, Inula viscosa, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Ajuga iva, and Urtica dioca in Taza province (northeastern Morocco). We used semi-structured and unstructured interviews with herbalists, traditional healers, and the local population in Taza province. Indeed, 240 questionnaires were collected to gather information about each plant (parts used, methods of preparation and administration, treatable diseases, etc.). The collected data were analyzed using quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and informant agreement ratio factor (IAR). Most of the interviewees were 60 years old (58.33%), and 70% of them were women. Nearly 60 % of the interviewees were illiterate, and heritage related to traditional medicine, was the main source of knowledge (50%). Ten indications were reported for the studied species in traditional medicine where dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders had the highest use reports, and two species had the highest FL (100%). The highest UV was found for C. ambrosioides (0.44) and A. iva (0.31). The main preparation forms were infusion (40%) and decoction (22%). The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (55.83%). The wide traditional uses of the studied species are largely supported. Future experimental research should be focused on their pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action.