Identification and ethnobotanical study of commercialized medicinal plants in Central Middle Atlas of Morocco

Abstract

Ethnobotanical study of commercialized medicinal plants in Central Middle Atlas of Morocco was conducted between February and August 2016. The indigenous knowledge of traditional use for medicinal purposes was collected through questionnaire and personal interviews especially with the Amazigh (Berber) communities. In this study, interviews were conducted with 120 medicinal herb vendors in 13 localities in Middle Atlas Mountains. The results show that 69 medicinal species were inventoried in the study area. These plant species are included into 36 families. The most represented families are: Lamiaceae (12 species) and Asteraceae (10 species). The most frequently mentioned indications were digestive system disorders, metabolic diseases and Skin diseases. The majority of remedies are administered orally and decoctions were the most frequently prepared formulation. Aerial part is the most frequently used part in preparing herbal remedies. The aim of this study is to document medicinal plants used by the Berber population of the Middle Atlas and to valorize the use and associated traditional knowledge.