Evidence mapPaperPMID 41758749Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Ethnopharmocological study of medicinal plants used for treatment of skin diseases by herbalists in Northwestern region of Algeria.

Razika Hantour, Yasmina Benabdesslem, Mustapha Diaf, Kadda Hachem, Samia Ghomari

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Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Razika HantourLaboratory of Nutrition, Pathology, Agro-Biotechnology, and Health (LAB-NUPABS), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbès, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.
Yasmina BenabdesslemLaboratory of Nutrition, Pathology, Agro-Biotechnology, and Health (LAB-NUPABS), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbès, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.
Mustapha DiafLaboratory of Nutrition, Pathology, Agro-Biotechnology, and Health (LAB-NUPABS), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbès, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.
Kadda HachemLaboratory of Biotoxicology, Pharmacognosy and Biological Valorization of Plants (LBPVBP), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Saida - Dr. Moulay Tahar, Saida, Algeria.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2683-0101
Samia GhomariLaboratory of Nutrition, Pathology, Agro-Biotechnology, and Health (LAB-NUPABS), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbès, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSkin disease is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Despite the rich diversity of medicinal plants and strong traditional healing practices in Algeria, the dependence on imported pharmaceuticals remains high. This study documents and analyzes traditional herbal knowledge related to the treatment of skin diseases in Northwestern Algeria (Mascara, Saïda, and Sidi Bel Abbès) with the aim to preserve and scientifically validate this ethnomedicinal heritage.

methodsA total of 117 herbalists (110 men and seven women) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires between September 2023 and July 2024. Data were analyzed using quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC) and Plant Part Value (PPV), to assess the cultural significance and usage frequency of medicinal species.

resultsA total of 73 plant species belonging to 29 families have been reported for the treatment of various skin ailments. The most abundant families were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Liliaceae, Cupressaceae, and Fabaceae. Allium sativum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. showed the highest RFC values (0.175 and 0.124, respectively). Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (PPV = 0.48; 47.6%), followed by fruits (PPV = 0.12; 11.6%), and seeds (PPV = 0.09; 8.9%). Most of the remedies were prepared from dried plants (65.31%), powders (39.9%), and decoctions (22.55%) being the main preparation methods. Topical application (35.2%), poultices (30%), and rinsing (25%) were the most common modes of administration. The most frequently treated skin conditions were eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

conclusionsThis study highlights the remarkable ethnopharmacological knowledge preserved among herbalists in Northwestern Algeria, including women's traditional roles in medicinal practices. The documentation of these findings not only assists preserve valuable cultural heritage but also provides a foundation for future pharmacological research and the sustainable use of the rich medicinal flora of Algeria.

Indexed as

Medicine, TraditionalPhytotherapyPlants, MedicinalSkin DiseasesAdultAlgeriaEthnobotanyFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and Questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID41758749
PMCPMC12948081

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