Ethnobotanical Study on Ziziphus lotus L in Western Algeria (Relizane)

Abstract

This study compares the various knowledge of the use of Ziziphus lotus L. in a semi-arid zone in the west of Algeria (Relizane province). The ethnobotanical survey used semi-structured interviews carried out on 300 people in four different localities. The final matrix was processed using the appropriate statistical methods for the different types of variables (quantitative and qualitative). The hierarchical ascendant classification reveals a high diversity of the use of Ziziphus by the local population (therapeutic and cosmetic). The Results indicate that the use of the plant is almost therapeutic (75%) whereas the most used parts are leaves (70,33 %) and fruits (19,66 %). The plant is much more used in cases of pain and fever with a percentage of 41,33 %. It is also used for gastrological and respiratory diseases. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the analyzed parameters. This is explained by the fact that the plant is used in different ways for different diseases with different modes. It was concluded that the inventory interview was the most effective method to better inform the local population's know-how, as it allowed for the identification, It is recommended to intensify the ethnobotanical investigations to trace the phytotherapeutic path of the species.