Plantes médicinales et pratiques thérapeutiques traditionnelles pour les maladies respiratoires à Aïn Témouchent : approche ethnobotanique

Abstract

Phytotherapy the use of medicinal plants remains deeply embedded in traditional local knowledge. This ethnobotanical study aimed to systematically document the medicinal species used to treat respiratory ailments in the Aïn Témouchent region (northwest Algeria), analyze preparation methods and usage patterns, and assess the sociocultural factors influencing these practices. A semi-structured survey was conducted among 100 informants across several communes. Data collected included demographics (age, gender, education level), source of ethnomedical knowledge, duration and frequency of use, plant parts employed, and perceived treatment efficacy. A total of 52 plant species from 26 botanical families were identified, with Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Foeniculum vulgare among the most frequently cited. Mediterranean taxa and woody heliophilous plants were predominant. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (46%), and traditional preparations such as infusions, decoctions, and inhalations were primarily made using fresh plant material (60%). Major drivers for phytotherapeutic use included accessibility, affordability, and the perceived absence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. However, 15% of respondents reported adverse interactions between herbal and pharmaceutical treatments, indicating the need for medical monitoring and awareness. Users also reported a notable effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic cough, justifying sustained use across generations. This study calls for scientific validation, sustainable management, and cultural preservation of traditional plant-based knowledge systems, especially in regions where modern healthcare access is limited.