Assessment Biodiversity of Medicinal Plants Used in Treatments for Native People in Adrar, Algeria

Abstract

Medicinal plants are well known to natives and healers of the Adrar province located in the south of Algeria. These plants are used for medical purposes seasoning, cooking, and also by the researchers studying biology, chemistry, and pharmacology for discovering new molecules of medicaments applying in the treatment of diseases. This study aims to gather information related to utilizing therapeutic plants for health needs from the local populace. This research allowed us to identify fifty species used by the local population. The most common among these are the Asteraceae and Lameleacea and the highest use values were recorded for the species Thymus vulgaris, Mentha piperita, Ocimum basilicum, while the highest Fic was observed for the respiratory diseases. It also allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the methods and practices and the therapeutic uses of medicinal plants in the region. It was noted that the most used parts were the leaves, followed by the flowers. Furthermore, the most common method was found to be an infusion, followed by a decoction. This study confirmed that the Adrar region has several plants that are medicinal purposes and are used for the treatment of many diseases.