Exploring the Zootherapeutic Heritage of Algeria: A Nationwide Ethnographic Study on the Traditional Use of Animals in Folk Healing Practices

Abstract

Zootherapy, the use of animal-derived products for therapeutic purposes, represents an important component of traditional medicine in Algeria. Despite its widespread practice in several regions of the country, this ancestral knowledge remains poorly documented and scientifically underexplored. The present study aims to investigate the zootherapeutic heritage of Algeria by identifying the main animal species used in traditional remedies, documenting their medicinal applications, and evaluating their biological and nutritional importance. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted among local populations, users, hunters, and traditional healers from different Algerian regions. The collected data revealed a rich diversity of animal species employed in folk medicine, including mammals (36.8%), birds (18.7%), reptiles (16.0%), insects (15.3%), and marine organisms and mollusks (13.2%). Various animal-derived products such as meat (29.9%), honey (24.3%), horse meat (17.4%), milk (13.9%), animal fat (13.2%), eggs (11.1%), camel urine (8.3%), and bee venom (9%) were traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, digestive diseases, skin infections, rheumatism, wounds, infertility, and general weakness. The results showed that mammals represented the most frequently cited animal group, reflecting their abundance and accessibility in local environments. Honey was among the most commonly reported remedies due to its wide therapeutic applications and recognized antimicrobial properties. In contrast, reptiles and certain wild animals were mainly associated with treatments for chronic diseases, respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal pain according to traditional beliefs. The findings further demonstrated that approximately 91% of respondents reported positive effects after using zootherapeutic remedies, while 96.5% considered these treatments moderately or highly effective. Oral administration represented the predominant method of use (around 58%), followed by topical application (42%), depending on the disease treated. Drying and grinding constituted the most common preparation methods, particularly in Saharan areas where climatic conditions favor long-term preservation of animal products. Moreover, nearly 78% of participants indicated that their knowledge of zootherapy was inherited orally from parents, grandparents, or traditional healers, emphasizing the strong cultural and ethnomedical significance of these practices within Algerian communities. The study also highlights the methods of preparation and administration adopted in traditional practices, which include drying, cooking, topical application, decoction, and direct consumption. In addition, several biological properties attributed to animal products, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and nutritional activities, were discussed based on available scientific evidence. The findings indicate that many zoothera