Census Ethnobotanical Study of Some Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in the City of Meknes ()
Abstract
An ethnobotanical
survey was conducted in the city of Meknès over a period of two years, from
2009 to 2011 with 1000 people (615 women, 385 men). Through the questionnaire,
schedules were established to collect information on the use of therapeutic
medicinal plants by the local population. This research has focused primarily
on the general population, herbalists and healers. The present investigation
has enumerated 194 species distributed in 165 genera and 72 families. The most
represented families are Lamiaceae (18%), the Aseraceae, (17%), the Apiaceae
(14%) and the Fabaceae (10%). The results of the survey show that 54% of
individuals use both herbal medicine and modern medicine, 26% of individuals
use herbs and 20% use modern medicine. We are interested in the use of plants
in different ages and sexes. We report that 31% of the population is aged
between 51 and 60 years, 29% between 41 and 50 years, 23% between 31 and 40
years, 10% between 21 and 30 years, 3% less than 20 years and 4 % > 60
years. We note the predominance of women over men. Women use up to 61% against
39% of men. The analysis of our results shows that herbal medicine takes a
place in the self-medication of the population studied. However, we emphasize
an important point: Ignorance of toxic plants, in fact, only 19% of the target
population recognizes these plants.
The authors wish to correct the following errors:
The third author does not belong to the Department of Plant Protection and Environment but belongs to the Department of Basic Sciences.
3.3. Socio-Economic Level
3.3.1. Education
Analysis of the results allowed us to distinguish 52% of the population using plants is illiterate. These results are consistent with the work of [13]. The remaining percentages represent the category of educated population up to 23% (primary), 15% (secondary), and 10% (university) (Figure 4). Although traditional medicine has existed since time immemorial, it continues to be used and that over the last ten years its popularity has only increased [10].
Correction
Analysis of the results allowed us to distinguish 55% of the population using plants is illiterate. These results are consistent with the work of [13]. The remaining percentages represent the category of educated population up to 22% (primary), 15% (secondary), and 8% (university) (Figure 4). Although traditional medicine has existed since time immemorial, it continues to be used and that over the last ten years its popularity has only increased [10].
And Errors in the Conclusions
The ethnobotanical survey we conducted allowed us to achieve a set of results for the characteristics of the target population and the therapeutic and traditional uses of medicinal plants identified. The analysis of our results shows that women use more than men medicinal plants.
Seniors know the therapeutic use of the medicinal plants than young, and this is due to a long experience acquired and passed from one generation to another.
The results also show that these are people with a family that uses more frequently than single medicinal plants.
52% of people who use traditional medicine are illiterate. Diseases of the digestive tract are treated with a more obvious percentage of 55%.
Botanically, the family is the most represented Lamiaceae (18%). The leaves are the main parts of the most common plants. The most recognized method of preparation plant is decoction. The decoction is taken orally.
From the results obtained it was revealed that there was a lack of knowledge of poisonous plants. The random use of plants was a real danger for the user.
In the same vein, 57% of people choose to treat their children with herbal remedies, and at different ages.
Conclusion
The ethnobotanical survey we conducted allowed us to achieve a set of results for the characteristics of the target population and the therapeutic and traditional uses of medicinal plants identified. The analysis of our results shows that women use more than men medicinal plants.
Seniors know the therapeutic use of the medicinal plants than young, and this is due to a long experience acquired and passed from one generation to another.
The results also show that these are people with a family that uses more frequently than single medicinal plants.
55% of people who use traditional medicine are illiterate. Diseases of the digestive tract are treated with a more obvious percentage of 55%.
Botanically, the family is the most represented Lamiaceae (18%). The leaves are the main parts of the most common plants. The most recognized method of preparation plant is decoction. The decoction is taken orally.
From the results obtained it was revealed that there was a lack of knowledge of poisonous plants. The random use of plants was a real danger for the user.
In the same vein, 57% of people choose to treat their children with herbal remedies, and at different ages.