Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants with therapeutic interest in the province of Khemisset, Morocco

Background: For centuries, the Moroccan population has been using medicinal plants to treat various diseases. However, few investigations have been conducted to document and properly preserve these traditions. This ethnobotanical study aims to compile a comprehensive inventory of medicinal plants used by the residents of Khemisset, a region noted for its significant plant biodiversity, for the treatment of various diseases. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 200 participants, evenly distributed across different divisions, over a seven-month period from January 1 to July 31, 2023. Data on the participants' traditional therapeutic practices were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Fidelity Level (NF), and Use Value (VU). Additionally, the analysis was further refined using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS). Results: The study highlights the enduring significance of traditional medicine among the local population, especially among the elderly and middle-aged individuals. A total of 66 species of medicinal plants were identified, with the Lamiaceae family being the most prevalent (19.70%), followed by the Asteraceae and Apiaceae families, each constituting 13.64%. MCA revealed relationships among variables such as gender, age, marital status, education, occupation, therapeutic plants, districts, and province. nMDS illustrated correlations between plant distribution and their respective divisions. Notably, leaves were the most commonly used plant part (57.2%), and the majority of preparations were made through decoction (48.4%) and administered orally (75.6%) to treat various conditions, including gastrointestinal (ICF = 0.82), urogenital (ICF = 0.73), and bronchopulmonary (ICF = 0.89) ailments. Conclusion: This study underscores the prevalent use of aromatic and medicinal plants as traditional remedies among the Khemisset population. It aims to enhance the recognition of Moroccan traditional natural heritage while providing researchers with a valuable ethnobotanical database for the advancement of pharmacognosy. Keywords: Ethnobotany; Khemisset; Traditional medicine; Medicinal plants; Knowledge.