Approche ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales employées contre les mycoses cutanées et l’eczéma dans la région d’Ain Témouchent

Abstract

Medicinal plants play an important role in the traditional therapeutic practices of the population of the Ain Témouchent wilaya, particularly in the treatment of skin fungal infections and eczema. In this context, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted using 82 questionnaires distributed across three regions of the wilaya to identify the plant species used and their methods of use. The results identified 43 plant species belonging to 28 botanical families, dominated primarily by the Asteraceae (19%), Lamiaceae (16%), and Fabaceae (9%). The most frequently cited species were Marrubium fontianum (FC = 17%, RFC = 0.21), Matricaria chamomilla (FC = 15%, RFC = 0.19), and Urtica dioica (FC = 13%, RFC = 0.16). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part; decoction was the primary method of preparation; and massage was the most frequent route of administration. The sociodemographic analysis showed that people over 50 years of age mostly women, 79% of whom were married and living in rural areas were the primary users of medicinal plants and preferred traditional medicine. Furthermore, 70.7% of respondents reported using these plants, and 70% believed they did not pose any significant toxicity. These results highlight the richness of the ethnobotanical heritage of the wilaya of Aïn Témouchent and underscore the importance of preserving and promoting traditional knowledge regarding the use of medicinal plants.