Ethno-pharmacological study on medicinal and aromatic plants commonly used in the Fez-Meknes and Beni Mellal-Khenifra regions: Insights from pharmacy-based surveys

Abstract

Ethno-pharmacology delves into ancestral medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) knowledge, which is crucial in folk medicine and community health. This ethno-pharmaceutical study focused on exploring the use of MAPs in the Meknes and Khenifra regions. A questionnaire targeted 149 respondents, gathering data on MAP usage, preparation methods, adverse effects, and influencing factors. Predominantly, users aged 30-45 in urban areas utilized MAPs with a balanced gender distribution. Lamiaceae was the most utilized plant family, primarily for gastrointestinal disorders. Rosemary (47%), star anise (46.3%), and thyme (43.6%) were the most commonly used. Sourcing methods included gathering from the wild (47.9%), herbalists (43.8%), and pharmacies (17.1%). The decoction (63.8%) was the favored preparation, often consumed short-term or regularly (68.5%) as part of the daily diet. Adverse health effects included vomiting (47.3%) and diarrhea (29.7%), underscoring the importance of understanding herbal remedies-drug interactions, given that 54% reported concurrent use of drugs. Media (54.4%) significantly influenced the MAP recipe choice, in contrast to the minimal influence of phytotherapy (16.10%). This study underscores the importance of MAPs in the studied regions and the necessity for their safe and effective use. It highlights the significant role of media and intergenerational transmission in traditional recipe selection, emphasizing the pivotal roles of culture and communication in preserving traditional medicinal practices.