Survey on the Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants for Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, Renal, and Neurological Disorders in Local Communities

Abstract

This study aims to document the use of medicinal and aromatic plants in the treatment of digestive disorders and some disorders related to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system among the population of El Oued Province. The work combines a bibliographic section dealing with the botanical, chemical, therapeutic, and toxicological characteristics of several medicinal plants, and an ethnobotanical survey conducted among 200 participants. The results showed that the use of medicinal plants remains widespread in the studied community. 85% of the respondents reported previous use of herbal treatment, while 90.5% considered medicinal plant use common in their community. The most recommended plants were fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum with 142 responses, followed by pomegranate peel Punica granatum with 139 responses, and mint Mentha spicata / Mentha piperita with 138 responses. Stomach pain was the most frequently reported treated condition, and pomegranate peel was the plant most associated with the treatment of stomach pain, reaching 52.5%. The study highlights the importance of scientific documentation of traditional knowledge and recommends further pharmacological and toxicological studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of these plants.