Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Medicinal Plants from Algeria for Treatment of Liver Diseases

Abstract

The objective of our study is to conduct an ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants used by people in El-Oued state, southeast Algeria, for the treatment of liver diseases. We collected data through personal interviews and questionnaires. In total, we conducted interviews with 156 respondents, the majority of whom were aged 50 or older. Our study of medicinal plants used for treating liver diseases led to the discovery of 78 species from 41 families and various genera, including 52% of medicinal plants found in the wild. Approximately 77% of these plants were primarily used in dried form for remedy preparation. The most commonly employed preparation method was decoction. Interestingly, 70% of the participants mentioned Zizyphus lotus (L.) Lam., Silybum marianum L., and Atriplex halimus L. as sources for treating liver illnesses. This investigation revealed that many people in the research region still rely on herbal remedies to treat liver disorders. Moreover, the present study provides valuable ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants, serving as a foundational resource for future extensive research in this field.