Medicinal Plants Species Most Commonly Sold by Herbalists in the Province of Marrakech, Morocco
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Morocco is home to a diverse array of plant species, and has a longstanding tradition of ethnobotanical knowledge. This cultural heritage has been preserved through the practices of traditional herbalists. This study aims to compile a comprehensive list of medicinal plants sold in the markets by the majority of herbalists in the Marrakech province. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from June 1st to November 30th, 2021, information regarding the use of medicinal plants in Marrakech was collected from herbalists through personal interviews. A total of 86 plants were identified for the treatment of 26 diseases and various other uses. The plants were predominantly from the Asteraceae family, followed by Apiaceae and Lamiaceae. The leaves and stems were the most frequently used parts, with the majority of remedies prepared via decoction and infusion. Ammodaucus leucotrichus and Carum carvi L. exhibited the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), with RFC ratios of 40%. The category of Cold ailments had the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value of 0.77. The analysis revealed that the medicinal plants available locally primarily treat digestive system diseases (21.2%), followed by urogenital issues (17.3%), metabolic disorders (15.9%), dermo-cosmetic concerns (12.5%), respiratory ailments (11.5%), osteoarticular conditions (9.6%), neurological disorders (6.3%), and cardiovascular diseases (5.8%). The findings revealed that herbalists in Marrakech region, possesses extensive knowledge of medicinal plants. However, this expertise is confined to a dwindling number of herbalists, posing a risk of disappearance of traditional knowledge as the younger generation shows little interest in preserving these practices.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
1.Abu-Rabia A. Urinary diseases and ethnobotany among pastoral nomads in the Middle East. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2005; 1:1–3.
2.Azaizeh H, Fulder S, Khalil K, Said O. Ethnobotanical knowledge of local Arab practitioners in the Middle Eastern region. Fitoter. 2003; 74(1–2):98–108.
3.Sheng-Ji P. Ethnobotanical Approaches of Traditional Medicine Studies: Some Experiences From Asia. Pharm Biol.2001; 39(sup1):74–79. https://doi.org/10.1076/phbi.39.s1.74.0005
4.Ameggouz M, Drioua S, El-Guourrami O, Azalmad H, Metni K E B, Koursaoui L, Zahidi A, Doukkali A, Satrani B, Benzeid H. Assessment of Acute Toxicity and Analgesic Effect of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) G. Manetti ex Carrière Stem Extracts.Trop J Nat Prod Res. 2024; 8(7): 7677–7681. https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v8i7.7
5.Amiri MS and Joharchi MR. Ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of Mashhad, Iran. Avicenna J phytomedicine. 2013 Summer ;3(3):254.
6.Hunter D, Borelli T, Beltrame DMO, Oliveira CNS, Coradin L, Wasike VW, Wasilwa L, Mwai J, Manjella A, Samarasinghe GWL, Madhujith T, Nadeeshani HVH, Tan A, Ay ST, Güzelsoy N, Lauridsen N, Gee E, Tartanac F. The potential of neglected and underutilized species for improving diets and nutrition. Planta. 2019;250:709–729.
7.Okigbo RN and Anyaegbu CF. Underutilized plants of Africa. J Biol Nat. 2021;13(2):34–49.
8.Benkhnigue O, Khamar H, Bussmann RW, Chaachouay N, Zidane L. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used in treating some liver diseases in the Al-Haouz Rehamna region (Morocco). Ethnobot Res Appl. 2023; 25:1–32.
9.Ameggouz M, Drioua S, El-Guourrami O, Azalmad H, Ouajdi M, Zahidi A, Doukkali A, Satani B, Benzeid H. Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) G. Manetti ex Carrière Stem Extracts. Trop J Nat Prod Res. 2024; 8(3):6741- 6750. https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v8i3.40
10.Organization WH. WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023. World Health Organization; 2013.
11.El Azzouzi F and Zidane L. La flore médicinale traditionnelle de la région de Béni-Mellal (Maroc). J Appl Biosci. 2015;91:8493–8502.
12.Moutawalli A, Benkhouili FZ, Doukkali A, Benzeid H, Zahidi A. The biological and pharmacologic actions of Lawsonia inermis L. Phytomed Plus. 2023;3(3):100468.
13.Benkhouili FZ, Moutawalli A, Benzeid H, Doukkali A, Zahidi A. Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss.: A review of its uses in traditional medicine, chemical constituents, and pharmacologic activities. Phytomed Plus. 2022;2(4):100349.
14.Bellakhdar J. Contribution à l’étude de la pharmacopée traditionnelle au Maroc: la situation actuelle, les produits, les sources du savoir (enquête ethnopharmacologique de terrain réalisée de 1969 à 1992). Université Paul Verlaine-Metz; 1997.
15.Drioua S, Cherkani-Hassani A, El-Guourrami O, Ameggouz M, Zahidi A, Bouyahaya A, Shah SI , Al-Worafi YM, Ming LC, Benzeid H, Doukkali A. Toxicological review of anticancer plants used in traditional medicine in Morocco. Prog Microbes Mol Biol. 2023;6(1).
16.Drioua S, Azalmad H, El-Guourrami O, Ameggouz M, Benkhouili FZ, Assouguem A, Kara M , Ullah R , Ali E A , Ercisli S ,Fidan H ,Benzeid H , Doukkali A . Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Vitex agnus-castus L. Open Chem. 2024;22(1):20230190.
17.Drioua S, El-Guourrami O, Ameggouz M, Benkhouili FZ, Assouguem A, Kara M, Al Kamaly O, Alnakhli AM, Ait Benlabchir A, Benzeid H , Doukkali A. Study of phytochemical compound and antipyretic activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. fractions. Open Chem. 2024;22(1):20240055.
18.Drioua S, El-Guourrami O, Assouguem A, Ameggouz M, Kara M, Ullah R, Bari A, Zahidi A, Skender A, Benzeid H, Doukkali A. Phytochemical study, antioxidant activity, and dermoprotective activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.). Open Chem. 2024;22(1):20230194.
19.El-Guourrami O, Salhi N, Benkhouili FZ, Zengin G, Yilmaz MA, Ameggouz M, Zahidi A, Rouas L, Bouyahya A , Goh KW, Sam TH, Ming LC , Doukkali A, Benzeid H. Phytochemical composition and toxicity assessment of Ammi majus L. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2023; 13(4):165–175.
20.El-guourramı O, Drıoua S, Ameggouz M, Salhı N, Sayah K, Zengin G, Zahidi A , Doukkali A , Benzeid H. Antioxidant activity, analgesic activity, and phytochemical analysis of Ammi majus (L.) extracts. Int J Second Metab. 2023; 10(1):23–37.
21.Rankou H, Culham A, Jury SL, Christenhusz MJM. The endemic flora of Morocco. Phytotaxa. 2013; 78(1):1–69.
22.Chakkour S, Bergmeier E, Meyer S, Kassout J, Kadiri M, Ater M. Plant diversity in traditional agroecosystems of North Morocco. Veg Classif Surv. 2023; 4:31–45.
23.Kahouadji MS, Hseini S, Jaafar B, Zaid Y, Kahouadji A, Zidane L. Floristic diversity and evaluation of the potential of spontaneous medicinal plants in the Bigoudine Watershed (Moroccan Western High Atlas). Int J For Res. 2022; 2022(1):2485502.
24.HCP Kingdom of Morocco - regional monograph marrakech - safi) [Online]. 2018 [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.hcp.ma/region-marrakech/attachment/2073814/
25.UNESCO- Intangible cultural heritage [Online] . 2008 [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: https://ich.unesco.org/fr/RL/l-espace-culturel-de-la-place-jemaa-el-fna-00014
26.Julin M. Tar production–traditional medicine and potential threat to biodiversity in the Marrakesh region: An ethnobotanical study. 2008.
27.Fennane M and Tattou I. Flore pratique du Maroc (manuel de détermination des plantes vasculaires. 2, Angiospermae (Leguminosae-Lentibulariaceae)). 1999;
28.Sijelmassi A. Medicinal plants of Morocco. Le Fennec, Casablanca, Morocco. 1993;
29.Bellakhdar J. The traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia: ancient Arabic medicine and popular knowledge. Le Fennec Casablanca. 1997;397–399.
30.The Plant List databases [Online]. 2011-2020 [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: http://www.theplantlist.org/
31.Yetein MH, Houessou LG, Lougbégnon TO, Teka O, Tente B. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in plateau of Allada, Benin (West Africa). J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;146(1):154–163.
32.Teklehaymanot T. Ethnobotanical study of knowledge and medicinal plants use by the people in Dek Island in Ethiopia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124(1):69–78.
33.Fennane M and Tattou MI. Statistics and comments on the current inventory of the vascular flora of Morocco. Bull l’Institut Sci Sect Sci la Vie. 2012;34(1):1–9.
34.Garcia-Oliveira P, Barral M, Carpena M, Gullón P, Fraga-Corral M, Otero P, Miguel A. Prieto MA, Simal-Gandara J. Traditional plants from Asteraceae family as potential candidates for functional food industry. Food Funct. 2021;12(7):2850–2873.
35.Rolnik A and Olas B. The plants of the Asteraceae family as agents in the protection of human health. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(6):3009.
36.El Bouzidi L, Jamali CA, Bekkouche K, Hassani L, Wohlmuth H, Leach D, Abbad A. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils obtained from wild and cultivated Moroccan Thymus species. Ind Crops Prod. 2013;43:450–456.
37.Aćimović MG, Kostadinović LM, Popović SJ, Dojčinović NS. Apiaceae seeds as functional food. J Agric Sci. 2015;60(3):237–246.
38.Morales Valverde R. Diversidad en Labiadas mediterráneas y macaronésicas. 2000;
39.Rhattas M, Douira A, Zidane L. Étude ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales dans le Parc National de Talassemtane (Rif occidental du Maroc). J Appl Biosci. 2016;97:9187–9211.
40.Zhang S, Huang W, Huang Y, Zhang C. Plant species recognition methods using leaf image: Overview. Neurocomputing. 2020;408:246–272.
41.Bouyahya A, Abrini J, Et-Touys A, Bakri Y, Dakka N. Indigenous knowledge of the use of medicinal plants in the North-West of Morocco and their biological activities. Eur J Integr Med [Internet]. 2017;13(June):9–25. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.06.004
42.Asase A, Oteng-Yeboah AA, Odamtten GT, Simmonds MSJ. Ethnobotanical study of some Ghanaian anti-malarial plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;99(2):273–279.
43.Kachmar MR, Naceiri Mrabti H, Bellahmar M, Ouahbi A, Haloui Z, El Badaoui K, Bouyahya A,Chakir S. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used in the Northeastern part of Morocco. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med. 2021;2021.
44.Rocha C, Moura AP de, Cunha LM. Consumers’ associations with herbal infusions and home preparation practices. Food Qual Prefer. 2020;86:104006.
45.Chaachouay N, Benkhnigue O, Fadli M, El Ibaoui H, El Ayadi R, Zidane L. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal and aromatic plants used in the treatment of respiratory system disorders in the Moroccan Rif. Ethnobot Res Appl. 2019; 18:1–16.
46.Benkhnigue O, Zidane L, Fadli M, Elyacoubi H, Rochdi A, Douira A. Etude ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales dans la région de Mechraâ Bel Ksiri (Région du Gharb du Maroc). Acta botánica barcinonensia. 2010; 191–216.
47.Ramana MV. Ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary plants from boath, adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Ethnobot Leafl. 2008; 2008(1):46.
48.Charmot G, Reynaud R, Bergot J. Cryoglobulinaemia and Cold Agglutinins in Painful Crises of Sickle-Cell Anaemia. 1963; 2(7307):540.
49.Chaachouay N, Douira A, Zidane L. Herbal medicine used in the treatment of human diseases in the Rif, Northern Morocco. Arab J Sci Eng. 2022; 47(1):131–153.
50.Idm’Hand E, Msanda F, Cherifi K. Ethnobotanical study and biodiversity of medicinal plants used in the Tarfaya Province, Morocco. Acta Ecol Sin. 2020; 40(2):134–144.
51.Es-Safi I, Mechchate H, Amaghnouje A, Jawhari FZ, Bari A, Cerruti P, Avella M , Grafov A, Bousta D. Medicinal plants used to treat acute digestive system problems in the region of fez-meknes in Morocco: An ethnopharmacological survey. Ethnobot Res Appl. 2020; 20:1–14.
52.Chadli A, El Aziz S, El Ansari N, Ajdi F, Seqat M, Latrech H, Belmejdoub G. Management of diabetes in Morocco: results of the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS)–wave 5. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2016; 7(3):101–109.
53.Houguig K, Ouzennou N, Rayadi M, Rkha S. Observance of hygiene and dietary rules and the associated factors among diabetic subjects in Essaouira Province, Morocco: a cross-sectional study. Pan Afr Med J. 2022; 41(1):22
54.Feyisa K, Feyisa W, Girma T, Kemal T. Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of urological and urogenital diseases in Ethiopia: a review. Pharmacogn J. 2022; 14(3):722-733.
55.Tabassum N and Hamdani M. Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacogn Rev. 2014; 8(15):52.
56.Makgobole MU, Mpofana N, Ajao AA-n. Medicinal Plants for Dermatological Diseases: Ethnopharmacological Significance of Botanicals from West Africa in Skin Care. Cosmetics. 2023;10(6):167.
57.Sbai-Jouilil H, Fadli A, Hafian M El, Ayad R El, Benharbit O, Zidane L. Floristic and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in the treatment of respiratory diseases in Seksaoua region (western high Moroccan atlas). Annu Res Rev Biol. 2017; 17(6):1–10.
58.Chaachouay N, Benkhnigue O, Zidane L. Ethnobotanical study aimed at investigating the use of medicinal plants to treat nervous system diseases in the Rif of Morocco. J Chiropr Med. 2020; 19(1):70–81.
59.Wang W and Kang PM. Oxidative stress and antioxidant treatments in cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants. 2020;9(12):1292.
60.Senoner T and Dichtl W. Oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases: still a therapeutic target? Nutrients. 2019; 11(9):2090.
61.Chang X, Zhang T, Zhang W, Zhao Z, Sun J. Natural drugs as a treatment strategy for cardiovascular disease through the regulation of oxidative stress. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020; 2020(1):5430407.
62.Sabbatino F, Conti V, Liguori L, Polcaro G, Corbi G, Manzo V, Tortora V, Carlomagno C, Vecchione C, Filippelli A, Pepe S. Molecules and mechanisms to overcome oxidative stress inducing cardiovascular disease in cancer patients. Life. 2021; 11(2):105.
63.Tugume P and Nyakoojo C. Ethno-pharmacological survey of herbal remedies used in the treatment of paediatric diseases in Buhunga parish, Rukungiri District, Uganda. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019; 19:1–10.
64.Haq I. Safety of medicinal plants. Pak J Med Res. 2004;43(4):203–210.
65.Pala NA, Negi AK, Todaria NP. Traditional uses of medicinal plants of Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand. Nat Sci. 2010; 8(6):57–61.