Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used to manage anxiety insomnia and depression in the Daraa-Tafilalet region

Abstract

Background: Draa-Tafilalet is recognized as one of the most exceptional Moroccan regions in terms of traditional knowledge related to the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Methods: The objective of the present study is to collect, analyze, and evaluate ethnobotanical knowledge concerning medicinal plants employed by the local population in the management of psychological disorders, notably anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Results: A total of 162 informants were interviewed within the framework of this research. Information was gathered through structured and semi-structured interviews with the local population. The data obtained from the informants were then analyzed by calculating certain indices of relative cultural importance (RCI) such as UV, FUV, ROP, and FL. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also used in this study to compare certain characteristics of the species. A total, of 57 plant species belonging to 50 genera and 25 families and used in folk medicine were identified. Aliysia citrodora Paláu exhibited the highest use value (UV: 0.35625), while the family Verbenaceae showed the highest Family Use Value (FUV 0.209375). Regarding FL values, Allium sativum, Anisosciadium orientale, Atropa bella-donna, Cinnamomum cassia, Crataegus monogyna, Foeniculum vulgare, Herniaria fontanesii, Mentha × rotundifolia, Mentha viridis, Myrtus communis, Nigella sativa, Ocimum basilicum, Olea europaea, Pistacia atlantica, and Plantago akkensis achieved a Fidelity Level (FL) of 100% for the treatment of anxiety. For depression, Aconitum napellus, Capparis spinosa, Launaea arborescens, and Tetraclinis articulata each recorded a 100% Rank Order Priority (ROP). Finally, for insomnia, Curcuma longa and Jasminum officinale also recorded a 100% Rank Order Priority (ROP). Conclusions: This survey revealed interesting botanical and cultural results related to ethnobotanical knowledge adopted by the local population of Daraa-Tafilalet in the management of psychological disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. However, several experimental and field studies remain necessary to strengthen the validity and reliability of this type of research, particularly concerning pharmacological efficacy, safety of use, and methods of preparation of traditional remedies. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, Medicinal plants