An ethnobotanical study of some medicinal plants in Tunisia

Ethnobotanical research involves fieldwork that entails meeting with traditional practitioners to enquire about their treatment methods. This research is essential as it helps us to identify the biological tests we should focus on. In this context, we undertook an ethnobotanical study of several plants traditionally used by Tunisians to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as carob, the fruit of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and field mugwort (Artemisia campestris L.). The regions surveyed were selected primarily on the basis of their abundance of the medicinal plants under study. The results of the survey clearly demonstrated the use of carob, chamomile and field mugwort in traditional medicine for the treatment of various conditions, particularly those of the digestive system such as diarrhoea, constipation and ulcers. The methods of use and administration depend heavily on the condition being treated.