Inventaire Ethnobotanique Des Plantes Medicinales Utilisees Pour Ameliorer La Fertilite Feminine Et Valoresation D’une Plante

Abstract

Female infertility is a major public health issue, prompting many populations to resort to traditional medicine. This study aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used to manage female fertility disorders in the Wilaya of Setif (Algeria), followed by a biological evaluation of a flagship species of the local pharmacopoeia Atriplex.h An ethnobotanical field survey was carried out among the local population and herbalists in the Setif region to record practices and analyzes ethnobotanical indices. Subsequently, two extracts (aqueous and hydro-ethanolic) of Atriplex.h. were prepared for phytochemical analyses (quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids) and biological evaluations, including antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and antibacterial activity against reference strains. The sociodemographic and floristic analysis revealed a significant and codified use of medicinal plants to treat various gynecological pathologies such as PCOS, endometriosis, or genital infections. Experimentally, the results confirmed the richness of Atriplex.hin phenolic compounds, which correlated with a strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the extracts demonstrated a remarkable protective effect against thermal protein denaturation as well as significant inhibitory power against the tested bacterial strains. This study scientifically validates the empirical use of Atriplex.h. in the Setif region. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties represent key physiological mechanisms to counter oxidative stress and pelvic infections, which are major factors in female infertility. This work opens promising perspectives for the subsequent isolation of bioactive molecules and the development of standardized supplements dedicated to rep