Perceived health and medicinal properties of six species of wild edible plants in north-east Lebanon

Abstract

Objectives: Wild edible plants (WEP) play the dual role of securing food diversity and promoting health in traditional societies. Current simplified dietary habits contribute to increasing population health risks. Since WEP are integral to the diet of traditional communities, identifying their significance as foods to people provides further evidence to conserve them and promote their consumption. Six species of WEP were identified as integral to the diet of rural Lebanese communities. We investigated their patterns of consumption and knowledge regarding their health and medicinal properties. Design: An ethnobotanical survey, employing a qualitative questionnaire, was conducted among thirty informants. The identified species were Cichorium intybus, Eryngium creticum, Foeniculum vulgare, Malva sylvestris, Thymus syriacus and Gundelia tournifortii. Results: Most informants consumed the six plants as a regular part of their diet. Seasonal variability in consumption was evident. C. intybus was renowned for its digestive and blood strengthening properties. F. vulgare was used as a digestive stimulant. M. sylvestris was distinguished for its anti-inflammatory qualities. T. syriacus was popular for its digestive and anti-poisonous properties. E. creticum was attributed less pronounced health benefits. G. tournifortii was considered a nutritious food. Conclusions: All six species were popular for their edible uses as well as their health and/or medicinal benefits. These properties are supported by scientific evidence. Our results highlight the importance of these plants for local people and support efforts for their conservation. However, we noticed a decline in indigenous knowledge. We encourage efforts to record it for other plants and in other communities.

Malva: Food, Medicine and Chemistry

“…Same consideration was taken for the report of Jeambey et al from Lebanon. 379 They cite previous reports and plants consumption as food (M. sylvestris), but again, no real information was provided concerning health or medicinal use of this plant.…”

Greco-Arab and Islamic Herbal-Derived Anticancer Modalities: From Tradition to Molecular Mechanisms

“…Therefore, it guarantees an adequate intake of carotenoids, vitamin C, tocopherols, α -linolenic acid, various important minerals, and several possibly beneficial nonnutrient substances such as polyphenols and anthocyanins and dietary fiber [26, 27]. …”

“…Compared with commonly eaten vegetables, they provide the diet with greater amounts of minerals. Additionally, their antioxidant property, mainly from phytochemicals, was found to be two to three times higher than that of common vegetables [26]. …”

Ethnopharmacological survey of native remedies commonly used against infectious diseases in the tropical island of Mauritius

“…The last part of the questionnaire was based on other NRs in use such as cultural rituals amongst others that were used in conjunction to these medicinal herbs/plants. The method of use and efficacy of the remedy was also assessed as described by Jeambey et al (2009).…”