Diversity of Medicinal Plants and TheirEffects on the Treatment of GastrointestinalDiseases

Abstract

Gastricdiseases, particularlygastritis and gastriculcers, are among the mostcommongastrointestinaldisordersworldwide. In addition to conventionaltreatments, medicinal plants remainwidelyused in traditionalmedicinebecause of theirgastroprotective, antispasmodic, and digestive properties. This studyaimed to document the diversity of wildmedicinal plants used in the management of gastricdisorders in the Wilaya of Setif, Algeria.AnethnobotanicalsurveywasconductedbetweenFebruary and March 2026 among 125 participants, includingherbalists and consumers of medicinal plants. Data werecollectedthroughstructured questionnaires and direct interviews. The resultsrevealed the frequent use of severalwildmedicinalspecies in the Setifregion, including Thymus algeriensisBoiss. &Reut., Rosmarinusofficinalis L., Artemisiacampestris L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Foeniculumvulgare Mill., Pimpinellaanisum L., and Matricariachamomilla L., for the treatment of epigastric pain, digestive spasms, bloating, flatulence, and indigestion. In pediatric care, traditionalherbalpreparationscontainingCarum carvi L., Matricariachamomilla L., and Trigonellafoenumgraecum L. werecommonlyused to relieve infantile colic. The reportedtherapeuticeffectswereprimarilyassociatedwithantispasmodic, digestive, and gastroprotectiveactivities.Thesefindingshighlight the importance of medicinal plants as valuablecomplementarytherapies for gastricdisorders in Setif. However, theirsafe use requiresappropriatemedical supervision to preventpotential adverse effects and herb–drug interactions. Sustainable management and rational use of medicinal plant resources are also essential for conservingvegetationcover, maintainingecosystem balance, and ensuring the availability of theseresources for future generations.