Ethnobotanical insights into the traditional use of six medicinal plants in Morocco: Therapeutic applications, indigenous knowledge, and scientific valorization

Abstract

Background: This ethnopharmacological study documents traditional knowledge on the use of six medicinal plants (Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha pulegium, Salvia sclarea, Pinus halepensis, Pistacia lentiscus, and Origanum compactum) by the population of the Casablanca-Settat region for the treatment of infectious diseases. Methods: Between January and July 2025, data were collected from 385 herbalists and traditional practitioners in both urban and rural areas using a structured questionnaire. Ethnobotanical indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL), were applied to evaluate the cultural and therapeutic relevance of each species. Results: The majority of respondents (95.7%) regarded medicinal plants as a frequently used complementary or alternative option, with 97.1% reporting their regular use in practice. Decoction was the most common preparation method. Plant parts varied by species: leaves for S. sclarea, M. pulegium, P. lentiscus, and O. compactum; flowers for L. angustifolia; and bark for P. halepensis. M. pulegium had the highest RFC (0.852), followed by L. angustifolia and O. compactum (0.675 each). M. pulegium and O. compactum were predominantly used for respiratory infections, P. lentiscus for wound healing, and L. angustifolia and O. compactum for skin infections. Polyherbal remedies were the dominant practice, while P. halepensis was more frequently employed as a monotherapy. Oral administration was preferred, although dosing practices remained empirical and non-standardized. Conclusions: These findings provide a foundation for pharmacological validation and the sustainable valorization of Moroccan medicinal plants as potential allies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.