Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plant in Djerba island, Tunisia

Abstract

Objective :The aim of this study was to document the diversity and use of natural plants in the island of Djerba (Tunisia) in traditional pharmacopoeia and other uses in order to develop an ethnobotanical catalogue that could subsequently be the subject of scientific research. Materials and Methods: The technique of semi-structured interviews was used with people originating and residing or not in Djerba. Occasional conversations and direct observations were exploited for one year. Results: We have identified 86 plants out of 122 mentioned belonging to 80 genera and 43 families. Asteraceae were the most important family represented by 13 species followed by Lamiaceae and Poaceae (7 species each). The results showed that 45 species have medicinal uses (52.32%). Leaves were the most used parts (59% of species for medicinal use). Decoction was the most common method for preparing remedies. Conclusion: This study provides an important source of information for flora valorization in the studied region. The results could form a database for the search of new natural substances with added value.

Keywords

• ethnobotanic, djerba island, uses categories, knowledge