Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Ethno pharmacological study of medicinal plants used by local people in the Algerian Northern Sahara for the treatment of infertility
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Research Articles | Published: 07 July, 2025
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Keywords: Ethno pharmacological study, Infertility, Medicinal plants, Algerian Northern Sahara
Abstract
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among 164 interviews of the local population and herbalists of the Algerian northern Sahara region in order to inventory and identify the medicinal plants used in the treatment of infertility. The interviewees were of both sexes and aged between 35 and 45 years (37. 80%). According to the survey results. 56 species from 32 families are used in the treatment of infertility. with the most important families being Lamiaceae. Asteraceae. Apiaceous. Fabaceae. Brassicaceae and Zingiberaceae. Salvia Officinalis. Atriplex Halimus, Phoenix dactylifera L, Origanum majorana, Anastatica hierochuntica L, Lavandula officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, Lepidium sativum are the most cited species. The leaves are the most commonly used plant part (35. 4%). with infusion (70.3%) being the most popular preparation method. The majority of receipts (89.7%) are given orally. For plants used to treat ovaries cysts. The degree of agreement on medication (ICF) was very high (ICF = 0.80). This study is the first one in the Algerian north Sahara concerning female and male infertility. Several plants listed in this study have not yet been the subject of laboratory studies related to their beneficial effects on female and male fertility and could constitute interesting subjects of research. Phytochemical screening in the laboratory is necessary to know the chemical compounds contained in these plants and their degree of toxicity.
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Author Information
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of El Oued, El-Oued, Algeria