Ethnobotanical survey on Brocchia cinerea in the northeast of the Algerian Sahara

Abstract

Proportions of the populations of the Sahara has less access to healthcare facilities due to its sparse repartition, putting phytotherapy at a forefront for treating diseases, plants can also be prescribed by herbalists or through automedication based mainly on the cultural background and the oral transmission of the information giving way to the possible variations in the knowledge and use of the plants material. Among the endemic plants of the north African desert stands Brocchia cinerea whose use is documented in some studies. An ethnobotany study was conducted in order to collect data about the use and knowledge of this plant throughout 3 provinces in the northeastern Algerian Sahara among the herbalists and consumers’ population aiming to detect the variabilities of data in the study population, and compare the obtained data with other studies conducted in other regions. A questionnaire was prepared and interviews conducted to collect data according to the objectives set. Ethnobotany indices were calculated and comparison made between the different subgroups of the sampled population. Brocchia was less prescribed by herbalists while it was mainly identified and demanded by the elderly, married individuals, professionals in categories 1 and 2, the illiterates and nomads. It was mainly used alone, while that the primary methods of preparation included decoction, infusion, and using it in its raw form. The aerial part was most commonly utilized and the preferred forms of use were herbal tea, powder, extract, and granules. Recommended dosages suggested administering it once daily for children and once or twice daily for adults. In most instances, it was taken orally, and the duration of use typically lasted until recovery for addressing issues related to digestive, genitourinary, metabolic, and respiratory conditions. Some of the results are in agreement with the results obtained from other regions, and others come to enrich the literature, the results are valuable to understand the importance of endemic plant in the lifestyle of local population.