Boukezoula, F.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in a region of eastern Algeria (Tebessa) - 2022.


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An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in a region of eastern Algeria to inventory the plants used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The survey involved 210 people from all socioeconomic levels, 70.47% of whom were diagnosed with various gastrointestinal disorders. According to the results obtained, the respondents primarily acquired information through the experiences of older people and herbalists, with scores of 61.90% and 32.38%, respectively. The collected data identified 36 plants from 19 botanical families, with the most represented families being Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. These herbs are used primarily to treat diarrhea (36.11%), indigestion (36.11%), gastritis (27.77%), constipation (25%), ulcers (19.44%), gas (11.11%), abdominal pain (11.11%), bloating (8.33%), stomach pain (5.55%), and colon issues (5.55%). The plants identified are prepared using various methods, with the most common being infusion and decoction (52.77%). According to the results, the most frequently used plants for treating gastrointestinal disorders included juniper (16.66%), pomegranate (13.33%), mugwort (11.42%) (Artemisia vulgaris), and mint (10%).