Enquête ethnobotanique sur l’usage des plantes médicinales par les personnes atteintes de troubles thyroïdiens dans la région d’Ain-Temouchent

Abstract

Traditional medicine remains the main recourse for a large majority of populations to solve their health problems, such as thyroid diseases, which are among the most common endocrine disorders in the world, affecting women more than men. The present work is an ethnobotanical survey carried out at the level of the health centers of the wilaya of Ain T'émouchent, aiming at identifying the traditional medicinal plants used by the population for the management of thyroid diseases. This is the first study documenting the traditional uses of herbal medicine for thyroid management in this region. The results reveal the use of medicinal plants, the most cited plant species are Bunium incrassatum and Atriplex halimus. The roots are the most used plant organs and the plant powder remains the most dominant mode of preparation. Ethnobotanical research is essential for the knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses. The use of effective methods on the mechanisms of action of medicinal plants in order to validate their uses among the population remains essential.