Etude Ethnobotanique De La PlantE Medicinale Bunium mauritanicum L

Abstract

Plants have served as the first and primary therapeutic resource available to humans for centuries across numerous civilizations. Ethnobotanical studies play a fundamental role in exploring this ancestral knowledge and transforming traditional know-how into scientific knowledge. In this context, an investigation on Bunium mauritanicum L., locally known as Talghouda, was conducted to assess its use, effectiveness, and potential adverse effects. This ethnobotanical study was carried out over a two-month period (March and April 2026) using questionnaire surveys administered to 96 individuals from the general population and 25 herbalists in the regions of Sétif, Ferdjioua, and Bou-Saâda. The results revealed a clear predominance of female participants (77.08%), particularly among young adults (68.75% aged between 20 and 30 years) and university-educated individuals (92.71%). The plant is mainly used for medicinal purposes (80.88%), with thyroid disorders representing the most frequently reported therapeutic indication (52.38%). The tuber is the most commonly used plant part (63.24% of users and 100% of herbalists), generally consumed in powdered form (46.27%), often mixed with honey or dairy products, although dosage and treatment duration vary considerably. A high level of perceived effectiveness was reported by the majority of users (89.71%), while no adverse effects were observed in most cases (80.88%). Among the reported side effects, weight gain was the most frequently mentioned. The reported benefits of Talghouda, together with its perceived effectiveness and relative safety, highlight the need for further pharmacological and toxicological investigations. Such studies constitute one of the most important recommendations for promoting this endemic resource and ensuring its safe and rational therapeutic use