Vernacular names of plants between diversity and potential risks of confusion: Case of toxic plants used in medication in the central Middle Atlas, Morocco

Abstract

Context: Knowledge of medicinal plants is the first step in preserving traditional use and preventing intoxication. Aims: To highlight the risks of intoxication related to the similarities of vernacular names between medicinal plants and to confusion during harvesting. Methods: Indigenous knowledge on the traditional use of toxic plants for medicinal purposes was gathered through direct interviews with practitioners of herbal medicine and field surveys in the Central Middle Atlas. The vernacular names were collected from the respondents and through various bibliographical sources relating to the flora and the traditional Moroccan Pharmacopoeia. Results: Giving The results identified 83 toxic species, divided into 39 families and 75 genera. These plants have different vernacular names in Arabic or Berber dialects. 60 species out of the 83 plants inventoried have at least 3 vernacular names. The study also revealed that a vernacular name could correspond to several species of the same genus or even of different genera and families; only 27 species of the 83 inventoried have their own vernaculars that they do not share with any other species throughout the country. Because of this similarity of vernacular names, medicinal plants could be confused, which would be the cause of the ineffectiveness of related treatments or even others’ toxicity. The risk of intoxication is aggravated by confusion during the harvesting. Conclusions: The identification of plants based on affirmed taxonomic criteria and a charter regulating the collection and use of plants is imperative to avoid any risk of intoxication.

Keywords

• confusion
• diversity
• ethnobotany
• moroccan central middle atlas
• intoxication risks
• vernacular names