Etude Ethnobotaniques Sur Les Plantes Médicinales Utilisées Dans Le Traitement Traditionnel Des Syndrome Des Ovaires Polykystiques Dans La Région De Sétif

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) remains the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, representing a continuous therapeutic challenge. Despite the development of research and modern medical treatments, traditional medicine and ethnobotanique still maintain a fundamental role in managing this disorder. This ethnobotanical study aims to investigate the use of medicinal plants by women to counteract these hormonal imbalances in Algeria, focusing specifically on the region of Sétif (86.4% of participants) and other regions (13.6%). A total of 48 patients participated in this study (including 46 patients from the Sidi Mubarak region), with the predominant age group ranging between 20 and 30 years old. The study included 37 women who use herbs as a treatment, where results showed that 81% of them rely on herbal mixtures (mélanges), while 19% preferred using single-plant remedies (seules). An inventory identified 16 species of medicinal plants used, the most common being: Atriplex at a rate of 24%, and Vitex agnus-castus at 24%, followed by sage at 10% and marjoram at 10%. The study revealed that leaves and dried parts are the most frequently used (81.30%), mostly prepared via boiling/decoction (89%). All patients (100%) reported that the administration of these treatments is oral; 49% of them consume it once a month, while 20% take it twice a month. The findings showed a significant improvement in symptoms for 91% of cases, particularly regarding menstrual cycle regulation and the alleviation of associated hormonal disorders, with some minor side effects recorded such as weight gain (35%) and increased bleeding (hemorrhage) in 8% of them. Notably, 80% of the respondents highly recommend these traditional remedies. These results confirm the prominent and effective role of herbal medicine in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Algeria, and highlight the future need for in-depth pharmacological and clinical studies to verify the biological efficacy and safety of these plants.