Étude ethnobotanique de tetraclinis articulata dans la région de béni mellal-khénifra

Abstract

Background: In order to highlight the traditional virtues and uses of Tetraclinis articulata, an ethnobotanical investigation was carried out with the population of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. The study also aimed to raise the knowledge of this population about the possible toxic effects of this plant. Methods: A maximum of information on the different uses and toxic effects of T. articulata was collected via questionnaire sheets which served to survey the usual users of the plant and herbalists belonging to the various rural and urban communes of the five provinces of Beni Mellal-Khénifra region. The questionnaires retrieved were carefully analyzed. Quantitative data was seized, analyzed and graphs were prepared using Excel software. Results: The investigation has shown that Thuja is used mainly for its therapeutic properties, especially against gastrointestinal diseases, fever and headaches, at percentages of 26.69%, 25.05% and 21.07%, respectively. This plant essence is also used in cosmetics as a body lotion. The majority of the remedies are prepared by maceration from leaves and generally administered orally in the form of powder without precise dose (59.87%). More than 90% of the questioned people are satisfied after using T. articulata preparations in therapy and cosmetics. Consequently, 86.33% of those surveyed believe that the plant under study is not toxic. However, 13.67% of respondents affirm its toxicity by causing side effects such as skin affections (25.71%) and diarrhea (41.42%). Conclusion: Medicinal and aromatic plants in general and T. articulata in particular must be used with caution and within very precise parameters and measures by taking into consideration the physiological state of the organism(child, pregnant woman, presence of an allergy field).