Medicinal Plants and Gyneco-obstetric Disorders among Women in the South East of Morocco

Abstract

Background: Phytotherapy is used in developing countries to treat several gynecoobstetric disorders. Objective: This study aimed to collect information on herbal remedies traditionally used for the treatment of gyneco-obstetric disorders in the southeast region of Morocco (Tafilalet). Methods: Field work was undertaken as an ethnopharmacological survey involving 980 women, 60 herbalists and 20 midwives in 6 different areas of the Tafilalet region. Data was compiled using a semi-structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews. Three quantitative ethnopharmacological indices (the use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity levels (Fl)) were calculated. Results: A total of 115 species of plants, belonging to 47 families were identified in this study. The most important species according to their use value were Rosmarinus officinalis (0.40), Lavandula angustifolia (0.35), Origanum vulgare (0.22), Cinnamomum cassia (0.18) and Phoenix dactylifera (0.15). Among the obstetric disorders, the highest ICF values were recorded for menstruation (0.95), female infertility (0.9), and maintenance of pregnancy as well as well-being of fetus (0.87). The analysis showed that the highest Fl value for menstruation was found for Origanum vulgare. (94.07 %) followed by Rosmarinus officinalis (87.29%). For female fertility, the highest Fl value was found in Phoenix dactylifera (77.50%) followed by Lepidium sativum (77.17%). Conclusion: This explorative survey emphasizes the need to preserve and document the traditional healing practices for managing gyneco-obstetric disorders and the valorization of this potential could be important for the improvement of women reproductive health.