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Abstract

The irrational and repetitive use of synthetic chemical disinfectants can contribute to the emergence of resistant strains and represent a risk to health and the environment. The aim of this ethnobotanical survey, a first innovative study, is exploring for plants with disinfecting power. An ethnobotanical study was conducted among herbalists in Fez and Meknes cities located in the center of Morocco. Information covered includes the vernacular and scientific name of plants, used part, mode of preparation, and administration. A total of 13 species belonging to 8 families has been described. Lamiaceae and Asteraceae (23%) were the most representative with three species every one, followed by the Myrtaceae (14%) with two species. The other families (Cupressaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, and Brassicaceae), were represented with the same percentage (8%), a specie for each family. The most recommended species are Lavandula spp. (61%), Origanum elongatum (33%), Arteminisia herba-alba (23%), Rosmarinus officinalis (17%), Eucalyptus spp (17%), Atractylis gummifera L. (16%), Citrus limon (8%), Anastatica hierochuntica (6 %), Myrtus communis L. and Rosa damascena (% for each), Artemisia absinthium and Corrigiola telephiifolia (2% for each) Tetraclinis articulata (3%). Leaves and flowers establish the most used parts. The incense was the most quoted mode of preparation. The disinfection by air contact was the recommended mode. This work would be of great interest to solve the problem of resistant strains and to develop effective biological disinfectants that respect the environment. INTRODUCTION: The hospital environment is a place to risk; air and surfaces may be contaminated by different microorganisms from patients 1 .