Connaissances relatives à l’utilisation des plantes médicinales pour le traitement des maladies digestives chez la population de Mecehria et Naama (sud-ouest algérien)

This first contribution aims to collect data on medicinal plants used by the population of the municipalities of Mecheria and Naâma (Algeria) to treat digestive diseases. To this end, ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 80 informants using a questionnaire consisting of questions on the demographic profile of the respondents and the plants used. The results show that women (55%) use medicinal plants more than men (45%). The vast majority of users are aged between 31 and 50 (73.75%). 40 belonging to 18 families and 37 genera were identified. These species come mainly from the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae families. The most used among them are Punica granatum L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L., Anthemis nobilis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Pinus halepensis Mill, Pistacia lentiscus L., Myrtus communis L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill, Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut., Pimpinella anisum L., Ceratonia Siliqua L., Marrubium vulgare L., Lavandula stoechas L., Melissa officinalis L., Mentha spicata L., Teucrium polium L. The leaves (27.50 %), the seeds (25 %) and the aerial part (22.50 %) are the parts most used in decoction (47.50 %) and infusion (40 %). Environmental degradation and climate change are critical public health challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and intensifying health disparities. A medical anthropology perspective highlights how cultural perceptions of illness, structural inequalities, and regional policies shape the experience and response to these environmental stressors. Scope: This review aims to explore the multifaceted social and health consequences of climate change through a medical anthropological framework, emphasizing the significance of environmental violence, health disparities, and health policies. Methods: This article employs a multidisciplinary approach rooted in medical anthropology, combining ethnographic case studies, literature review, and critical analysis of climate-health data. Results: Key areas found as determinants in climate change's impact on global health are: environmental and climate-related health effects, the impact on vulnerable populations, cultural perceptions of illness, mental health challenges, and the role of policy and community engagement in adaptation. Conclusions: Health outcomes from climate change are deeply rooted in cultural and social contexts. Medical anthropology offers essential insights for designing equitable, culturally informed interventions that address both health and environmental justice.