Ethnobotanical survey of the traditional antiparasitic use of medicinal plants in humans and animals in Laghouat (Southern Algeria)

Abstract

Background and Aim: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the inhabitants of the Aflou region of Laghouat (Southern Algeria). This study was considered as a first step toward the identification of new bioactive antiparasitic molecules. The preservation and documentation of this traditional knowledge will ensure its continuity and transmission from one generation to another, especially because of the emergence of resistant parasites and the lack of references caused by the lack of work in this area; therefore, we intended to inventory and collect the maximum amount of information on medicinal plants that are traditionally used by the local population as antiparasitic in humans and animals (small ruminants, cattle, and livestock). Materials and Methods: The information was collected using open interviews; the ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the area mentioned above from April to July 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire and a global sample of 200 respondents. The data were analyzed using the System Package for the Social Sciences software and Microsoft Excel 2010 using the following quantitative indices: Relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value (FIV), fidelity level, and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: The investigation uncovered the antiparasitic use of 58 plant species belonging to 30 families. The family Asteraceae had the highest FIV (FIV = 0.23). The pathology with the highest degree of agreement among the informants was genitourinary parasitosis (ICF = 0.930). The species that was most commonly cited by the local population was Artemisia herba-alba Asso (RFC = 1), and the foliage was the most commonly used part (46.4%). Infusion (38.8%) was the most-used preparation for remedies. Conclusion: This investigation revealed a rich ethnopharmacological knowledge in southern Algeria; therefore, the data gathered in this survey may be utilized to create novel antiparasitic compounds with activity in humans and animals.

Antiparasitic activity of the iron-containing milk protein lactoferrin and its potential derivatives against human intestinal and blood parasites

“…There are multiple drugs or secondary metabolites used to target human and animal protozoan and helminthic parasites to control the spread of disease (Velaźquez-Antunez et al, 2023). Many studies have suggested the role of plant-based therapy against blood-borne parasites, which are under development and further require in vivo studies (Kaur et al, 2021;Qureshi, 2021;Kamaraj et al, 2022;Benlarbi et al, 2023;Wulandari et al, 2023). Apart from drug treatment strategies, various preventive measures are required to control the spread of these zoonotic infections worldwide (Molyneux, 2006;Ghodsi et al, 2019;Luan et al, 2023).…”

Recent Advances in the Control of Endoparasites in Ruminants from a Sustainable Perspective

“…In recent years, other approaches, such as the use of bioactive plants for GIN control, have been widely explored [ 59 , 60 , 61 ]. Ethnoveterinary medicine is an ancient practice performed mostly by rural communities worldwide, which has emerged as a necessity to counteract anthelmintic resistance and the negative impacts of GIPN on animal welfare and performance [ 62 , 63 ]. Tropical and temperate legumes represent a suitable option for anthelmintic (AH)-like activity screening due to their high content and diversity of plant secondary metabolites (PSM) with potential AH-like activity.…”

“…The use of plants rich in these compounds as part of the diet for livestock under a nutraceutical approach could contribute to diminishing the parasite population in grazing animals [66,67]. Several studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have confirmed the use of PSM for GIPN control [60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69]. As the versatility of bioactive plants is one of their most appealing characteristics, they can be used as (i) a phytochemical source for drug development, (ii) as source of plant extracts or essential oils for animal drenching or (iii) as an addition to feedstuff with nutraceutical properties [70].…”