Phyto-therapeutic interests of species of the genus Artemisia in the Naama region (Algeria)

Abstract

This ethnobotanical study assesses the cultural significance of four species of the genus Artemisia (A. herba-alba, A. atlantica , A. campestris and A. arborescens) in the Naâma region (southwest Algeria). Using a quantitative approach, the analysis relies on socio-ecological indices collected from 200 respondents to measure the role of these plants in local traditional practices. The objective is to document the ancestral knowledge associated with these artemisias and to prioritize their use within the steppe community. The analysis, conducted using the R ethnobotany package, identifies A. herba-alba as the predominant cultural species (CI = 1.5; RI = 1.97), particularly versatile for treating gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. In parallel, A. atlantica and A. campestris stand out with high fidelity indices (FI) for specialized uses, opening up possibilities for future phytochemical screening. Examination of the plant parts used reveals a strong preference for leaves with PPV ~60%, which preserves the root system. Besides traditional infusions, the pediatric use of suppositories made from animal fat demonstrates sophisticated toxicity management by local populations. Given the imminent risk of knowledge loss, this documentation is essential to safeguard Naâma's heritage and promote the development of future active ingredients.