ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Pharmacol., 10 September 2024

Sec. Ethnopharmacology

Volume 15 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1414190

Ethnobotanical survey and scientific validation of liver-healing plants in northeastern Morocco

  • 1. Agri-Food and Health Laboratory (AFHL), École Supérieure Normale, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco

  • 2. Laboratoire d’Amélioration des Productions Agricoles, Biotechnologie et Environnement (LAPABE), Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco

  • 3. Laboratory of Bioressources, Biotechnology, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

  • 4. Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Functional and Pathological Biology, University Sultan Moulay Slimane Faculty of Sciences and Technology Beni Mellal, Meknes, Morocco

  • 5. Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • 6. Laboratories TBC, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, Lille, France

Abstract

Introduction:

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with primary causes including excessive alcohol consumption, infections, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. Medicinal plants, due to their natural bioactive compounds, hold promise for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against liver ailments. This study aimed to document the use of herbal remedies in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases and correlate these uses with scientific evidence through a bibliometric analysis.

Methods:

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in remote communities of northeastern Morocco from October 2020 to January 2022. A total of 189 informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on local medicinal plants used for liver ailments. The data were analyzed using four ethnobotanical quantitative indices: use value (UV), familial use value (FUV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the scientific support for the ethnopharmacological uses documented.

Results:

The survey identified 45 plant species from 26 different families used in the treatment of liver diseases. The most frequently utilized species were Cuminum cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), Allium sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), Salvia officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457). The Apiaceae family showed the highest familial use value (FUV = 0.1066), followed by Alliaceae (FUV = 0.1015). Liver congestion had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.83), followed by hepatic colic (ICF = 0.80). Bibliometric analysis revealed that 61% of the plants identified had documented pharmacological effects related to liver health.

Discussion:

The study demonstrates that traditional knowledge in northeastern Morocco encompasses a rich diversity of medicinal plants used to treat liver diseases. The high ICF values indicate a strong consensus among informants on the efficacy of these remedies. The correlation between ethnopharmacological use and scientific validation for a significant portion of these plants suggests their potential as reliable therapeutic agents for liver conditions. However, further scientific investigations are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings. This research contributes valuable information for future studies on the therapeutic potential of these plants.

Conclusion:

This ethnobotanical survey provides a comprehensive database of medicinal plants used in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases. The findings highlight the potential of these plants in developing novel treatments for hepatic conditions, although further research is essential to substantiate their therapeutic claims.

1 Introduction

The liver is one of the most critical organs in the human body, playing a pivotal role in several physiological functions, including the regulation of metabolic processes, maintenance of blood sugar levels, bile production, and detoxification of foods, water, drugs, and xenobiotics (Marcellin and Kutala, 2018). These functions are vital for sustaining overall health, as the liver processes everything that enters the body, ensuring that nutrients are metabolized correctly and harmful substances are neutralized. Given its extensive involvement in maintaining homeostasis, the liver is susceptible to various diseases, which can manifest as serious clinical syndromes such as jaundice, hepatitis, hepatocarcinoma, and cirrhosis. Because of its essential functions, the liver is often considered a reflection of an individual’s overall health (Rinder et al., 2011).

Liver dysfunction is a significant global health problem, with a variety of causes that contribute to its widespread prevalence. These causes include excessive alcohol consumption, infections (notably viral hepatitis), the use of chemotherapeutic agents, exposure to toxic chemicals, and autoimmune disorders (Wei et al., 2022). The impact of liver diseases is profound, with global mortality rates reaching approximately 2 million deaths annually. Of these, 1 million deaths are attributed to complications arising from viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while another 1 million result from cirrhosis (Asrani et al., 2019). The growing burden of liver diseases has underscored the urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies, particularly in regions where access to conventional medical treatments is limited.

Medicinal plants have long been recognized as a valuable source of therapeutic agents, offering potential remedies for a wide array of health conditions, including liver diseases (Bhagawan et al., 2023a). The use of plants in traditional medicine is deeply rooted in human history, with ethnobotanical practices providing insights into natural remedies that have been utilized for centuries (Bhagawan et al., 2022; 2023b; 2024). In Morocco, traditional herbal medicine remains a cornerstone of healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. Recent ethnobotanical research indicates that a significant proportion of the Moroccan population—ranging from 60% to 80%—relies on medicinal plants to meet their healthcare needs (Jamila and Mostafa, 2014; Labiad et al., 2020; Alami Merrouni et al., 2021; Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021; Bencheikh et al., 2022; 2023). This reliance is driven by several factors, including the high cost of conventional medications, limited access to adequate healthcare facilities, and socio-economic challenges, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions (Bencheikh et al., 2021e; Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021).

The cultural heritage of North-Eastern Morocco, like that of other regions in the country, is steeped in a rich tradition of herbal medicine that dates back to the Arab influence in the 7th century. Over centuries, the indigenous population has developed and maintained extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, which forms the foundation of the region’s traditional medical system. This knowledge is passed down orally from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity of these traditional practices. However, this oral transmission is also a source of vulnerability. The absence of formal documentation and the lack of ethnobotanical archives pose significant threats to the preservation of this cultural heritage. As modern influences encroach and younger generations turn to contemporary medicine, there is a real risk that this indigenous medicinal knowledge, along with the phytogenetic resources it depends on, could be lost (Eddouks et al., 2017).

In Morocco, despite the widespread use of traditional medicine, there is a notable gap in ethnobotanical documentation, particularly concerning medicinal plants used for treating liver diseases. This lack of documented evidence limits the potential for scientific validation and integration of these traditional practices into modern healthcare systems. To address this gap, we propose a study aimed at documenting and analyzing the traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants used in rural areas of North-East Morocco for the treatment of liver diseases. The study will also seek to correlate these traditional uses with scientific evidence through a bibliometric review, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of these plants and contributing to the preservation of Morocco’s ethnobotanical heritage.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Study area

The Eastern region of Morocco, covers 90,130 km2, or 12% of the country’s total size (Figure 1). This region is limited to the West by the provinces of Al Hoceima, Taza, Boulmane, and Errachidia, to the North by the Mediterranean, to the East, and to the South by the Morocco-Algerian border. The population of this region reached 2,314,346 people (6.8% of the total population), with a density of 26 people per square kilometer, according to the national census report issued in 2014 (RGPH, 2014). According to the High Commission for Planning’s survey, the dialect of Arabic was spoken here the most frequently, followed by Berber or Tamazight, which is split into two tiny dialects: Tarifit in the north and tachelhit in the south. The territory’s southern zone is characterized by the vast Highlands and Sahara, while the mountainous areas of Beni Snassen, Rif, and Horst reach 1800 m, 1,500 m, and 1,100 m, respectively, elevations. The region also has 200 km of Mediterranean coastline. With hot, dry summers and cooler, humid winters, the region has a Mediterranean climate zone, with average annual rainfall ranging from 100 mm in the south to 400 mm in the north. Additionally, the area has a number of protected areas and sites of biological and ecological interest, including Al Hoceima National Park, Benisnassen, Jbel Gorougou, Cap des Trois Fourches, Chekhar, Lalla Chafia, and Lalla Mimouna. In fact, these places had already been chosen because of their biological and ecological characteristics as well as their indigenous flora (Fennane, 2004; Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021).

FIGURE 1

2.2 Ethnobotanical data collection

The collection of ethnobotanical data on liver diseases was conducted between October 2020 and January 2022 across twelve rural communes located in five provinces of northeastern Morocco. Traditional knowledge was randomly selected from twelve stations studied through structured and semi-structured interviews using a questionnaire sheet with 189 local residents and 8 traditional herbalists participated. Verbal informed consent was gained from informants following verbal explanation of the study aims. The established best practice for ethnobotanical investigations, the International Society of Ethnobiology’s Code of Ethics, was followed when conducting interviews (International Society of Ethnobiology, 2006). The questionnaire sheet utilized in this study has two sections: the first lists the respondents’ demographic information, and the second lists their floristic and ethnic backgrounds.

2.3 Identification of specimens

We were able to transform the common names of plants identified during our ethnobotanical survey into their botanical names using some relevant references (Bellakhdar et al., 1991; Jamila and Mostafa, 2014). Subsequently, plant samples were collected from various vegetation sites across the northeastern region of Morocco. After the harvest, the botanical identification of the samples was carried out in the Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnologies, Ethnopharmacology and Health of the Faculty of Sciences of Mohammed first University, Oujda, Morocco, with the help of available herbaria and a number of essential references such as the catalogue of Moroccan plants and the practical flora of Morocco (Jahandiez and Maire, 1931; 1932; 1934; Fennane et al., 1999; 2007; 2014). After the samples were identified, specimens were placed in the Mohammed First University Herbarium in Oujda, Morocco. Using the World Flora Online (WFO) Plants database (https://wfoplantlist.org/), all scientific names were reviewed once more. Additionally, a group of flowering plants (angiosperms) known as Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III - 2009 has been given credit for naming all plant families (A.P.G III, 2009).

2.4 Quantitative data analysis

To quantify the ethnobotanical information, we adopted a quantitative analysis using ethnobotanical indices such as the Medicinal Use Value (UV), the Family Use Value (FUV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and the Fidelity Level (FL).

  • • Medicinal use value (UV)

We analyzed the medicinal use value of each plant species to identify the relative relevance of each plant species that is locally recognized to be utilized in herbal treatments. This index is calculated using the formula below (Tabuti et al., 2003):

Where;

UV

: medicinal use value,

U:

number of citations per species,

N:

number of informants. The UV value will be larger if a plant has a high utilization ratio, indicating that the plant is significant, however if there are few utilization ratios, it will be near to zero.

  • • Botanical Family Use Value (FUV)

We used the family use value index to analyze the association between botanical families and users of taxa that correspond to these families. This index is equal to the mean total use value of each species in the family (Hoffman and Gallaher, 2007).

Where;

FUV is the family use value, UV is the utility value of the family's species, and N is the number 173 of species in the family.

  • • Informant Consensus Factor (ICF).

The ICF demonstrates the uniformity of traditional knowledge exchange amongst informants regarding the usage of plants to cure different types of diseases. The following formula was used to determine ICF (Bencheikh et al., 2021e).

Where;

Nur denotes the number of use-reports for an ailment category and Nt denotes the total number of plants used by all informants for that illnesses category. The ICF values range between 0 and 1, with values close to 0 indicating that the herbs were picked at random or that there was no exchange of information about plant usage within the population. Furthermore, ICF values close to 1 indicate a clear selection of medical species and information sharing about their use in the population.

  • • Fidelity Level (FL).

The level of fidelity (FL) identifies a plant species’ ability to effectively combat a certain disease. FL was determined using the formula below (Sreekeesoon and Mahomoodally, 2014).

Where;

Lu denotes the total number of interviewers who cited all uses of the particular species for the therapies of all liver pathologies, and Ip represents the number of individuals who used a particular species for a specific type of liver disease.

2.5 Pharmacological validation

A bibliographic search was conducted to identify the biological activities of identified plants against liver disease, by the mean of the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science with keywords like “liver disease,” “liver disease,” “Liver failure,” “hepatitis,” “Jaundice,” and “Hepatoprotective” combined with the scientific name of each plant.

3 Results and discussions

3.1 Informants’ sociodemographic profile

A total of 197 informants, including 189 non-specialists and 8 herbalists interviewed for this study. These interviewees are spread over twelve rural stations in five provinces of North-East Morocco (Table 1). The socio-demographic profile of the participants in this study (The variable comprising age, sex, education level, income and attitude towards drugs) were grouped in the Table 2. Analysis of the data presented in Table 2 shows that Women had the highest share of participants (59%), followed by men (40.6%). The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of liver disease in the study areas is widespread in all age groups. The 46–65 age group is the most represented in this study with a frequency of 58.88%, followed by the 25–45 age group with a percentage of 25.38%, the over-65 age group with 14.21%, and the under-25 age group with a percentage of 1.52%. The results of numerous research have consistently shown that older people had more traditional knowledge on how to use medicinal herbs than did younger people (Alami Merrouni et al., 2021; Bencheikh et al., 2021e; Hachlafi et al., 2022). The discomfort of the younger generation, which tends not to accept popular medicine due to the effect of exotic culture, and the influence of lifestyle modernization can be used to explain the gradual loss of traditional knowledge about medicinal plants (Sargin et al., 2015). The fact that there were fewer informants over the age of 65 (14.21%) is a reflection of the depth of traditional knowledge being lost as rural elders pass away.

TABLE 1

ProvincesStationsNumber of informants
Local residentsHerbalist
GuercifRas Laksar100
Saka111
Jal160
JeradaAin Benimathar180
Guenfouda102
BerkaneTafoughalt112
Ahfir250
NadorTiztoutine100
Bouarg121
Oujda-AngadBni Drar312
Naima190
Sidi Moussa Lemhaya160
Total12 stations1898

Number of informants for each locality.

TABLE 2

DistributionCategoriesInformants numberPercentage of informants
%
By sex (197)Men8040.6
Women11759.4
By age rangeLess than 25 years31.52
25–455025.38
46–6511658.88
More than 65 years2814.21
By education levelIllitirate7538.07
Primary education6935.03
Secondary education3819.29
University education157.61
By income/monthUnemployed8141.11
500–2000 DH8945.17
2000–6000 DH126.1
>6000 DH157.61
By choice of medicineHerbal medicine10151.27
Both conventional and herbal medicine7638.58
Modern medicine2010.15

Socio-demographic characteristics of informants.

In terms of educational attainment, the findings revealed that 38.07% of the informants are illiterate, followed by the categories of secondary and primary education, with percentages, respectively 35.03% and 19.29%, and lastly the university level, with a percentage of 7.61%. These findings are consistent with those of other ethnobotanical studies conducted in various regions of Morocco (Khouchlaa et al., 2017b; Bencheikh et al., 2021e; Hachlafi et al., 2022). The study area’s rising illiteracy rate may be caused by the fact that poverty is still pervasive in the rural areas examined. This is indicated in our results, where the majority of respondents had a low socio-economic level (41.11% unemployed, and 45.17% between 500 and 2000 DH/month).

There are differences in how the people in this area feel about treating liver illness. The results shown in Table 2 demonstrate the extreme variety of usage patterns. In fact, the majority of interviews indicated that traditional medicine was their first choice of treatment when they were ill, with a percentage of 51.27%, followed by the use of conventional and herbal medicine in second place, with a percentage of 38.58%, and exclusively modern medicine in third place, with a percentage of 10.15%. Access to modern medication is hampered by a lack of health facilities and trained medical personnel, a lack of infrastructure, particularly paved roads, a lack of transportation options, a lack of logistical support, and the high expense of treating liver disease with modern medicine (El Hassani et al., 2013; Eddouks et al., 2017). The aforementioned factors all strongly encourage rural populations to switch to traditional healthcare, especially the usage of medicinal herbs.

3.2 Diversity of plant species used to treat liver diseases

This study recorded the use of 45 medicinal plants, spread across 26 families and 43 genera, for the treatment of liver disease in the study area. Traditional information on the applications of these plants has been developed (Table 3), including the use value, scientific name, botanical family, popular names, traditional uses, parts utilized, preparation procedure, and mode of administration for each medicinal species.

TABLE 3

Botanical family
Scientific name (voucher number)
Local nameTherapeutic usesPart usedMode of preparationMode of administrationUV
ASTERACEAE
Artemisia absinthum L. (HUMPOM903)
Chiba - lahyat cheikhHepatic colic, hepatitis, detoxification, jaundiceLeavesDecoctionOral0.0355
Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (HUMPOM923)Izri - halfaDetoxificationLeavesDecoctionOral0.0051
Cynara scolymus L. (HUMPOM924)KhorchefLiver diseases, hepatic colicStems, flowersInfusionOral0.0203
Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. (HUMPOM925)Oud alatassLiver diseasesStemsDecoctionOral0.0051
Reichardia intermedia (Sch.Bip.) Samp. (HUMPOM926)NokadHepatic colic, liver congestionLeavesDecoctionOral0.0152
ALLIACEAE
Allium sativum L. (HUMPOM927)
ThoumaLiver cancer, hepatoprotective effect, liver diseases, hepatitisBulb, leavesDecoction, infusion, in food, macerationOral0.1015
ANACARDIACEAE
Pistacia lentiscus L. (HUMPOM895)
Dro - btamLiver cancer, liver diseases, hepatic colicFruit, leavesDecoctionOral0.0305
APIACEAE
Cuminum cyminum L. (HUMPOM909)
KamounDetoxification, liver diseases, jaundice, hepatitisSeedDecoction, infusion, powderOral0.1065
Apium nodiflorum (L.) Lag. (HUMPOM928)ZyataLiver diseases, hepatic colic, bile problemsLeavesDecoctionOral0.0254
Pimpinella anisum L. (HUMPOM902)Habat hlawa - yanssounHepatitis, hepatitisLeaves, fruitDecoction, powder, infusionOral0.0152
Coriandrum sativum L. (HUMPOM910)KossberLiver diseasesLeavesDecoctionOral0.0051
APOCYNACEAE
Nerium oleander L. (HUMPOM901)
Alili, deflaLiver diseases, liver cancerLeavesDecoctionOral0.0102
ARECACEAE
Cocos nucifera L. (HUMPOM911)
Noix de cocoJaundiceFruit-Oral0.0051
ASPARAGACEAE
Asparagus officinalis L. (HUMPOM898)
SekoumBile problems, liver stones, hepatitis, jaundiceStems, leavesDecoction, infusion, in foodOral0.0558
COMBRETACEAE
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight and Arn. (HUMPOM915)
AarjounaHepatic colicLeavesDecoctionOral0.0051
FABACEAE
Lupinus albus L. (HUMPOM929)
TermassHepatitis, liver diseasesFruit, leavesDecoction, infusionOral0.0254
Ceratonia siliqua L. (HUMPOM931)KharoubLiver diseases, jaundiceFruitMaceration, infusionOral0.0102
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (HUMPOM930)Arq soussLiver diseasesStemsInfusionOral0.0051
PLANTAGINACEAE
Globularia alypum L. (HUMPOM894)
TasselghaLiver diseases, hepatitisFruit, leaves, whole plantDecoctionOral0.0203
IRIDACEAE
Crocus sativus L. (HUMPOM912)
Zaafran lhorLiver diseasesFlowersDecoctionOral0.0051
LAMIACEAE
Salvia officinalis L. (HUMPOM904)
SalmiyaJaundice, liver diseases, hepatitis, liver cancer, detoxificationLeaves, stemsDecoction, infusionOral0.0761
Thymus vulgaris L. (HUMPOM932)ZaatarHepatoprotective effect, liver diseases, hepatic colicLeavesDecoctionOral0.0355
Ocimum basilicum L. (HUMPOM916)Rihane - hbekLiver diseases, jaundice, hepatitisLeavesDecoction, infusionOral0.0355
Rosmarinus officinalis L. (HUMPOM919)Azir - yazirHepatitis, detoxification, liver diseasesLeavesDecoctionOral0.0254
Lavandula dentata L. (HUMPOM920)KhzamaLiver diseases, hepatitisFlowers, leavesDecoction, infusionOral0.0203
Mentha pulegium L. (HUMPOM921)FliyoHepatitis, jaundiceLeavesDecoctionOral0.0152
Mentha spicata L. (HUMPOM913)NaanaaLiver diseasesLeavesInfusionOral0.0051
LAURACEAE
Laurus nobilis L. (HUMPOM922)
Wrak sidna moussaHepatitisLeavesInfusionOral0.0051
MALVACEAE
Malva parviflora L. (HUMPOM905)
KhoubizaLiver diseasesLeavesDecoctionOral0.0051
MYRTACEAE
Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L.M.Perry (HUMPOM896)
KronfolDetoxification, liver diseasesLeavesDecoction, infusionOral0.0254
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (HUMPOM933)EucalyptusLiver diseasesLeavesOilOral0.0051
OLEACEAE
Olea europaea L. (HUMPOM908)
ZitouneLiver diseasesLeaves, fruitOil, decoctionOral0.0152
PIPERACEAE
Piper nigrum L. (HUMPOM914)
Flfla kehlaHepatic colic, liver diseases, liver cancerFruitDecoction, poudre infusionOral0.0355
PLUMBAGINACEAE
Armeria alliacea (Cav.) Hoffmanns. and Link (HUMPOM899)
Arq wedmiLiver diseases, jaundiceFruit, stemsInfusion, decoctionOral0.0152
POACEAE
Zea mays L. (HUMPOM934)
Dorra, kbalLiver diseasesCones, fruitDecoction, infusionOral0.0102
Hordeum vulgare L. (HUMPOM906)ChaairLiver diseasesLeavesDecoctionOral0.0051
POLYGONACEAE
Rumex vesicarius L. (HUMPOM935)
Zriaat lhemidaDetoxification, liver diseasesSeeds, leavesInfusion, decoctionOral0.0203
RANUNCULACEAE
Nigella sativa L. (HUMPOM917)
Haba kahlaLiver cancer, liver diseasesSeedsDecoctionOral0.0102
RHAMNACEAE
Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (HUMPOM918)
NbegJaundice, liver diseases, hepatic colic, hepatitisFruit, leavesIn food, maceration, infusion, decoctionOral0.0457
ROSACEAE
Agrimonia repens L. (HUMPOM887)
MakermanJaundice, liver diseasesLeavesDecoctionOral0.0102
Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (HUMPOM936)ZaarourLiver diseasesLeavesInfusionOral0.0051
RUTACEAE
Citrus × aurantium L. (HUMPOM937)
RanjLiver diseases, liver congestionFruitDecoction, macerationOral0.0254
THEACEAE
Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (HUMPOM907)
AtayLiver diseasesWhole plantInfusionOral0.0051
ZINGIBERACEAE
Zingiber officinale Roscoe (HUMPOM938)
SkinjbirLiver diseases, hepatic colic, jaundiceWhole plant, rhizomesDecoction, infusion, powderOral0.0254
Curcuma longa L. (HUMPOM939)KharkoumLiver diseases, hepatitisWhole plantPowderOral0.0102

Medicinal plants used in the study area for the treatment of liver ailments.

Bold indicates the best values.

3.2.1 Frequency of families and their use value

As indicated in Table 4, a total of 26 botanical families were used in rural areas of North-East Morocco for the treatment of liver pathologies. However, the families most used are Lamiaceae (7 species; 6 genera) in the first position, followed by Asteraceae (5 species; 4 genera), Apiaceae (4 species; 4 genera), Fabaceae (3 species; 3 genera), Myrtaceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae with (3 species; 3 genera) for each. There are only one species and one genus for the other families. Similarly, the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apiaceae botanical families are the ones that are most prevalent in Mediterranean countries (Benítez et al., 2010; Savo et al., 2011). The predominance of the Asteraceae family in the traditional treatment of liver disease has already been confirmed by an ethnobotanical study carried out in the Maritime region of Togo (Kpodar et al., 2016).

TABLE 4

FamilyNumber of speciesNumber of generaFUVFamilyNumber of speciesNumber of generaFUV
Lamiaceae760.0305Combretaceae110.0051
Asteraceae540.0162Plantaginaceae110.0203
Apiaceae440.1066Iridaceae110.0051
Fabaceae330.0135Lauraceae110.0051
Myrtaceae220.0152Malvaceae110.0051
Poaceae220.0076Oleaceae110.0152
Rosaceae220.0076Piperaceae110.0355
Zingiberaceae220.0178Plumbaginaceae110.0152
Alliaceae110.1015Polygonaceae110.0203
Anacardiaceae110.0305Ranunculaceae110.0102
Apocynaceae110.0102Rhamnaceae110.0457
Arecaceae110.0051Rutaceae110.0254
Asparagaceae110.0558Theaceae110.0051

Distribution of botanical medicinal families according to species and genera. FUV: Family Use Value.

Bold indicates the best values.

Families with high FUV are Apiaceae (0.1066), Alliaceae (0.1015), Asparagaceae (0.0558), and Piperaceae (0.0355) (Table 4). However, there aren't many species in these groups to represent them. It appears that the value of using ethnobotanical families is not dependent on their particular wealth but rather on the significance and value of the use of the individual species (Najem et al., 2019). Additionally, these families’ significant FUV would be mostly dependent on their abundance of bioactive compounds, which would confer multiple benefits such as antimicrobial, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (Bencheikh et al., 2022).

3.2.2 Most used plants species to treat liver diseases according to use value index

In this work, we inventoried 45 different medicinal plants that are utilized to treat liver ailments in rural areas of North Eastern Morocco. Nevertheless, the most widely used plants for the treatment of liver diseases are Cuminum cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), followed by Allium sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), Salvia officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457) (Table 3). These five species made up 27.84% of all use ratios, while the other 40 species only made up 72.16% of all use ratios. Similar studies conducted in other nations have shown that high utilization values have been attained for plants other than those in the current study (Kotoky and Das, 2008; Kpodar et al., 2016). This difference in species similarity could be explained by the difference in bioclimate between countries, which will favor the difference in the abundance of certain plant species from one country to another. In addition, geographic distance between countries has a direct impact on the traditional cultures of indigenous peoples, as evidenced by Alami Merrouni et al. (2021), in which they demonstrated that the increase in distance between countries is accompanied by the increase in the difference in the cultures of these countries and vice versa. Thus, all these factors can lead to differences between countries in the use of plant species to treat a particular health condition.

These five medicinal plants were frequently utilized in traditional Moroccan medicine to cure a wide range of illnesses:

Cuminum cyminum L.: This Apiaceae family medicinal plant was one of the first plants grown in Asia, Africa, and Europe (Al-snafi, 2017). Since antiquity, C. cyminum seeds have persisted in popularity as culinary seasonings and are widely utilized in folk therapy across a variety of geographic regions. This plant, called in Morocco as “Kammun”, is frequently used conventionally to treat digestive system issues, including diarrhea (Jamila and Mostafa, 2014). According to the analysis of the data collected during our investigation, C. cyminum is the most widely used to treat liver pathologies in the North-Eastern Moroccan population with a usage value of 0.1065. Indeed, the seeds of C. cyminum, in decoction or infusion, are used by the study population as treatment of jaundice, and hepatitis, and thus for liver detoxification. In Ayurveda (former Indian therapeutic system), seeds of C. cyminum are traditionally used against jaundice and to improve liver function (Andallu and Ramya, 2007; Johri, 2011).

Allium sativum L.: This plant, called locally as “Thouma” in Morocco, is one of the earliest known to have been cultivated (Thomson and Ali, 2003). Traditional Moroccan medicine makes extensive use of garlic to cure and prevent a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, microbiological infections, infertility, and problems with the kidneys (Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021). According to the results of our investigation, this plant is classified according to its use value in the second position as the plant most used to treat liver diseases in the northeast of Morocco. Indeed, the leaves and bulb of this plant in decoction or infusion are widely recommended by the inhabitants of the study area to fight against liver cancer and hepatitis, and thus declared that it has hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that portions of this plant are commonly used to heal liver problems in Togo’s Maritime region (Kpodar et al., 2016). The bulb of plant is often used to treat jaundice in the southern region of Algeria (Bendaif et al., 2021).

Salvia officinalis L.: This round perennial shrub belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is called to as “Salmiya” in the Oriental area of Morocco. It is indigenous to the Middle East and the Mediterranean, although it has since become naturalized everywhere (Ghorbani and Esmaeilizadeh, 2017). In Morocco, the aerial part of S. officinalis is used to handle gastrointestinal problems, metabolic disorders, and renal ailment (Bencheikh et al., 2021e; Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021). Based on the findings of the current investigation, this plant is classified among the three most used medicinal species in the study area for the treatment of liver diseases. Indeed, the leaves and stems of S. officinalis, in decoction or infusion are widely used in rural areas of north-eastern Morocco to prevent and treat jaundice, hepatitis, and liver cancer, and thus to detoxify the liver. In the middle Oum Rbia region of Morocco, leaves and whole plant decocted were used for liver problems (Ben Akka et al., 2019). In addition to these local uses, in traditional South-West Algerian medicine, the flowers of this plant were also used to treat liver symptoms (Benarba, 2016).

Asparagus officinalis L.: Since ancient times, asparagus, a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asparagaceae family, has been utilized extensively in food and medicinal. This plant is called « Sekoum» in Morocco, is used to treat various ailments such as respiratory diseases, digestive problems, kidney diseases, liver diseases and diabetes (Alami Merrouni and Elachouri, 2021; Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021; Bencheikh et al., 2022). In our study, asparagus is ranked fourth among the most cited plants for the treatment of liver patients. In fact, this plant’s leaves and stems are frequently used to treat biliary issues, liver stones, hepatitis, and jaundice.

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam.: The majority of Africa, numerous Asian nations, including China, Iran, and South Korea, as well as several European nations, including Cyprus, Spain, and Greece, are all home to this medicinal plant (Adeli and Samavati, 2014; Bencheikh et al., 2021d). In Morocco, Z. lotus is locally known as “Sedra,” and “Nbeg” for its fruits, and is widely found in arid and semi-arid areas (Bencheikh et al., 2019). Plant parts were traditionally used to combat various health problems such as sedation, anxiety, urinary problems, diabetes, skin infections, scarring, and bronchitis (Khouchlaa et al., 2017a; Bencheikh et al., 2021e; Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021). As per the findings of our survey, Z. lotus in rural parts of North-East Morocco, is one of the top five plants used to treat liver disorders such as jaundice, hepatic colic, and hepatitis. Furthermore, the fruits of this medicinal plant are traditionally used to treat lung diseases, jaundice, and as an emollient in El Hammadia, Algeria (Bendaif et al., 2021).

3.3 Ethnic medicinal characteristics

In this study, different parts of plants are used as medicines to treat liver problems in rural areas of North-East Morocco (Figure 2). Thus, on the basis of calculating the percentage of use of each part (%), the leaves (50.82) appear to be the most commonly utilized for the treatment of liver illnesses in the study area, followed by fruits (21.3), stems (9.84), whole plants (6.56), the seeds, and the flowers (4.92) for each, and finally the bulbs (1.64). The leaves are both a source of photochemical reactions and a repository of organic stuff created from them, which explains why they are used so frequently (Bencheikh et al., 2021e). In addition, it is important to avoid pulling out the entire plant or picking up the roots of the plants, as this will promote deforestation and put the species at risk (Kadir et al., 2013). On the contrary, the use of leaves contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of the plant.

FIGURE 2

As seen in Figure 3, various techniques are used in rural North-East Morocco to make alternative therapies for treating liver disease. Nevertheless, with a percentage of 48.61%, decoction remains the most commonly employed method of preparation, followed by infusion (29.17%), maceration (6.94%), powder and preparation in the diet (5.56% for each), and finally oils with 4.17%. The preparation technique is frequently correlated with the type of use (external or internal); typically, external usage involves the use of a mask, massage, or suppositories, while internal use involves the use of decoction, infusion, maceration, and other techniques (Eddouks et al., 2017). Decoction’s supremacy may thus be explained by the fact that it allows for the capture of the greatest amount of bioactive molecules and reduces or eliminates the toxic effects of some recipes (Noureddine et al., 2022).

FIGURE 3

3.4 Hepatic ailments categories and their informant consensus factor (ICF) values

In this study, we identified eight liver pathologies that were treated with medicinal plants in rural areas of North-East Morocco (Figure 4). The ICF values of the plant species cataloged in this investigation extended from a minimum of 0.25 to a maximum of 0.83. (Figure 5). This index has the highest value for liver congestion (ICF = 0.83), followed by hepatic colic (ICF = 0.80), liver cancer (ICF = 0.69), liver detoxification (ICF = 0.67), hepatitis (ICF = 0.66), jaundice (ICF = 0.54), liver stone (ICF = 0.50), and bile problems with ICF = 0.25. High values (around 1) of this index for liver congestion, hepatic colic, and liver cancer suggest that a small number of species were employed by many informants, reflecting a high level of consensus on the use of plants in the management of these illnesses. The low accord between both interviews was witnessed for biliary problems. This could be attributed to a lack of interaction and knowledge exchange among individuals (Al-Qura’n, 2005).

FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

3.5 Fidelity level (FL)

According to the corresponding level of fidelity, we categorized the medicinal plants used to treat liver illness in Table 5. According to our findings, the level of fidelity of plant species for a particular liver condition ranged between 9.09% and 100%. Concerning hepatitis problems, the most important species according to the level of fidelity were Pimpinella anisum L. (FL = 100%), Laurus nobilis L. (FL = 100%), Lavandula dentata L. (FL = 75%), and Lupinus albus L. (FL = 66.67%). For the jaundice, Cocos nucifera L. (FL = 100%), Mentha pulegium L. (FL = 100%), Z. lotus (L.) Lam. (FL = 66.67%), and Agrimonia repens L. (FL = 66.67%) were the most important. The most widely known species in the hepatic colic group were Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn. (FL = 100%), and Piper nigrum L. (FL = 60%). For liver detoxification, plants with the highest FL were Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (FL = 33.33%), Rumex vesicarius L. (FL = 33.33%), and Artemisia herba-alba Asso (FL = 28.57%). Nerium oleander L. (FL = 66.67%), and A. sativum L. (FL = 50%) were species with the highest fidelity level. For liver congestion, Citrus × aurantium L. (Fl = 66.67%) was the most important. In the end, Asparagus officinalis L. is the most important for liver stone and bile problems. The importance of these plants for the treatment of liver diseases in the study area could be due to their wide use in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat various diseases (Fakchich and Elachouri, 2021).

TABLE 5

Category of illnessName of speciesFidelity level (FL %)
HepatitisPimpinella anisum L100.0
Laurus nobilis L100.0
Lavandula dentata L75.00
Lupinus albus L66.67
Artemisia absinthium L50.00
Rosmarinus officinalis L50.00
Globularia alypum L40.00
Mentha pulegium L33.33
Curcuma longa L33.33
Cuminum cyminum L25.00
Salvia officinalis L25.00
Ocimum basilicum L25.00
Asparagus officinalis L16.67
Allium sativum L12.50
JaundiceCocos nucifera L100.0
Mentha pulegium L100.0
Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam66.67
Agrimonia repens L66.67
Ocimum basilicum L50.00
Cuminum cyminum L37.50
Armeria alliacea (Cav.) Hoffmanns. and Link33.33
Salvia officinalis L25.00
Zingiber officinale Roscoe25.00
Ceratonia siliqua L20
Asparagus officinalis L16.67
Artemisia absinthium L13.64
Hepatic colicTerminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight and Arn100.0
Piper nigrum L60.00
Reichardia intermedia (Sch.Bip.) Samp50.00
Thymus vulgaris L50.00
Zingiber officinale Roscoe50.00
Cynara scolymus L37.50
Pistacia lentiscus L37.50
Apium nodiflorum (L.) Lag37.50
Artemisia absinthium L27.27
DetoxificationSyzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L.M.Perry33.33
Rumex vesicarius L33.33
Artemisia herba-alba Asso28.57
Cuminum cyminum L25.00
Rosmarinus officinalis L25.00
Artemisia absinthium L9.09
Liver cancerNerium oleander L66.67
Allium sativum L50.00
Pistacia lentiscus L37.50
Nigella sativa L33.33
Salvia officinalis L25.00
Piper nigrum L20.00
Liver congestionCitrus × aurantium L66.67
Reichardia intermedia (Sch.Bip.) Samp50.00
Liver stonesAsparagus officinalis L16.67
Bile problemsAsparagus officinalis L50.00

Fidelity level values of medicinal plants for each category of liver illness.

Bold indicates the best values.

3.6 Pharmacological confirmation data of the medicinal plants

The current ethnobotanical fieldwork confirmed that the inhabitants of northeastern Morocco has extensive ethnobotanical information concerning the use of herbal remedies in the treatment of liver conditions. These conventional data, which detailed a wide variety of quantitative factors, were particularly intriguing for the goal of bioprospecting to identify novel drugs to cure liver pathological conditions. It could be worthwhile to look up these plants’ pharmacological properties in the literature. According to the results of our bibliographic survey, of the 46 plant species registered for the treatment of liver diseases in the study area, 28 plant species from 20 botanical families have already been pharmacologically validated for liver diseases (Table 6). It can be concluded that the majority of them significantly reduce the risk of liver disorders. These findings demonstrated the potential of ethnobotanical knowledge as a preferable traditional database for plant species with beneficial therapeutic effects connected to liver illnesses. The pharmacological data collected for the plants selected during our survey were grouped in the Table 6.

TABLE 6

Scientifique nameUsed partsUsed extractsExperimental modelPharmacological usesTherapeutic dosesRef.
Allium sativum LLeaves or bulbsAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rat liver250 mg/kg of b.w (for 5 days)Nencini et al. (2010)
Garlic clovesEthanol extractHepG2 cellsCytoprotection against mycotoxins on HepG2 cells1% during 24 and 48 hJuan-García et al. (2021a)
BulbsAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on alloxan-induced elevations of plasma biochemical factors of hepatic functions100 or 200 mg/kg of b.w/day (for 21 days)Aprioku and Amah-Tariah (2017a)
Artemisia absinthium LAerial partsAqueous extractMiceProtective effect against CCl4 and endotoxin-caused liver damage50–200 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Amat et al. (2010)
Aerial partsHydroalcoholic extractRatsReduce serum levels of ALT, AST, and oxidative damage in rats to alleviate liver toxicity100 mg/kg of b.w (for 24 h)Mohammadian et al. (2016)
Aerial partsEthanol extract and its fractions, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetateHuman hepatoma BEL-7404 cells, and mouse hepatoma H22 cellsInduce apoptosis in Hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial-dependent pathways to inhibit cell growth25–150 μg/mL (for 24, 48, and 72 h)Wei et al. (2019)
LeavesMethanol and ethyl acetate extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against diclofenac-induced liver toxicity in rats50–200 mg/kg of b.w/day (for 5 days)Antonio et al. (2020)
Asparagus officinalis LAsparagus spearsEthanolic and aqueous extractsMicePrevent liver against high-fat diet200 mg/kg of b.w (for 10 weeks)Zhu et al. (2010)
RootsHydroalcoholic extractRatsPrevent the liver from oxidative stress enhanced by cadmium chloride100–400 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Abedi et al. (2018)
Ceratonia siliqua LLeavesAqueous extractMouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (T1)Anti-cancer effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line0.2–0.4 mg/mL (for 24 h)Corsi et al. (2002)
LeavesHydroethanolic and ethyl acetate extractsRatsProtective effect against hepatotoxicity caused by CCl4 in rats250 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 days)Hsouna et al. (2011)
PodsAqueous extractMiceImproves liver fibrosis caused by Schistosoma mansoni300–600 mg/kg of b.w (daily for 10 days)Al-Olayan et al. (2016)
PodsAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against dextran sulfate sodium in rats50–100 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Rtibi et al. (2016)
SeedsPowderRatsProtective effects on ethanol-iduiced hepatotoxicity in rats15% in diet supplementationTemiz et al. (2015)
Cocos nucifera LInflorescencesAcetone extractRatsProtective effect on acetaminophen-caused hepatotoxicity in rats100–400 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Chithra et al. (2020)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsImproved hypothyroidism by the reduction of liver functions10% in diet (for 6 weeks)Mohammed et al. (2020)
Coriandrum sativum LFruitsEssential oilsMiceHepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage0.13 g/kg of b.w (during 5 consecutive days)Samojlik et al. (2010)
FruitsEssential oilsRatsHepatoprotective effect against liver toxicity-induced by ibuprofen in rats40 mg/kg of b.w (for fourteen consecutive days)Baghdadi et al. (2016)
Leaves and seedsCoriander saucesRabbitsHepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced toxicity in rabbits15 mL/kg of b.wIqbal et al. (2018)
Areal parts and seedsAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against hepatic injury provoked by lambda-cyhalothrin insecticide1% (w/w) in died (for 90 days)Boutlelis et al. (2020)
Crataegus monogyna JacqFruitsAqueous extractRatsExhibits a protective effect on doxorubicin-induced the liver toxicity20 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Shalizar-jalali et al. (2013)
Crocus sativus LStigmasAqueous extractRatsProtective effects against chronic-stress induced oxidative damage liver in rats30 mg/kg of b.w (daily for 21 days)Bandegi et al. (2014)
FlowersAqueous extractRatsAlleviate methotrexate-induced liver toxicity in rats80 mg/kg of b.w (for 10 days)Hoshyar et al. (2019)
StigmasEthanolic extractRatsProtective effect on oxidative damages in aged male rat liver5–20 mg/kg of b.w (daily for 4-week)Samarghandian et al. (2016)
Petals and stigmasAqueous and ethanolic extractsRabbitsHepatoprotective effect on amiodarone-provoked liver toxicity in rabbits100 mg/kg of b.w (for 3 days)Riaz et al. (2016)
StigmasEthanolic extractRatsBeneficial effect for the liver0.35 g/kg of b.w (daily for 2 weeks)Mohajeri et al. (2007)
PetalHydroalcoholic extractRatsAnti-inflammatory effect in liver toxicity caused by alcohol consumption167.5–335 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Azizi et al. (2019)
PetalsHydroalcoholic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen provoked liver toxicity in male rats10–20 mg/kg of b.w (daily for 6 days)Omidi et al. (2014)
Tepals, stigmas and leavesHydroethanolic extractRatsProtective effects on CCl4-provoked acute liver toxicity in rats50 mg/kg of b.w (daily for 14 days)Ouahhoud et al. (2021a)
Curcuma longa LRhizomesEthanolic extractRatsPrevent on thioacetamide-provoked liver cirrhosis in rats250–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Salama et al. (2013)
RhizomesEthanolic extractChickenHepatoprotective effect against aflatoxine-causing liver toxicity5 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Gholami-ahangaran et al. (2016)
Rhizomesn-Hexane extractRatsProtective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol200 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Nwozo et al. (2014)
RhizomesAqueous extractMiceInhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine secretion in ethanol-induced liver injury20 mg/kg of b.w (unspecified)Uchio et al. (2017)
RhizomesHydro-alcoholic extractRatsInhibiting hepatic oxidative stress in adriamycin-provoked liver toxicity100 mg/kg of b.w (for 4 weeks)Article et al. (2024)
Unspecified UnspecifiedRatsProtective effect on the liver toxicity provoked by AlCl340 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Khouja (2017)
RhizomesEthyl acetate extractRatsPrevent the liver on alcohol-caused hepatotoxicity in rats100–350 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Antiya et al. (2021)
Cynara scolymus LLeavesAqueous extractRatsInhibits cholesterol production in hepatocytes0.1–4.0 mg/mLGebhardt (1998)
LeavesEthanol extractRatsPrevent liver on CCL4-caused oxidative stress and liver damage1.5 g/kg of b.w (for 2 weeks)Colak et al. (2016)
BudsMethanolic extractsRat Hepatocytes and on Human Hepatoma CellsIn vitro protection against oxidative stress in hepatocytes400–1,200 µM (for 24, 48, and 72 h)Miccadei et al. (2008)
LeavesEthanol extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against obesity200–400 mg/kg of b.w (during 2 months daily)Salem et al. (2019)
Receptacle and bractsPetroleum ether and ethyl acetate extractsRatsReduced liver tissue lesions when damaged by thioacetamide1.5 g/kg of b.w (daily for 2 months)El-Mesallamy et al. (2020)
RootsHydro-alcoholic extractRatsPrevent liver on CCL4-provoked hepatotoxicity300–900 mg/kg of b.w (for 3 days)Huseini et al. (2011)
LeavesHydroethanolic extractRatsInhibit hepatic oxidative stress in hepatotoxicity induced by diazinon1,500 mg/kg of b.w (for 15 days)Ahmadi et al. (2019)
LeavesAliphatic alcohols extractHepG2 liver cellsIncreased the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activities of the human liver HepG2100 mg/mL for 48 hLöhr et al. (2009)
LeavesAqueous extractHepG2 cellsAgainst genotoxicity of HepG2 cells, and modulate hydrogen peroxide DNA damage0.62–5.0 mg/mL (for 1 h)Pereira et al. (2017)
LeavesUnspecifiedMicePrevent the liver against obesity5% in fied (for 1 month)Azeem et al. (2016)
Glycyrrhiza glabra LRootsAqueous extractRabbitsProtective effect on CCL4-caused acute liver toxicity2 g/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Al-Razzuqi et al. (2012)
RootsAqueous and ethanol extractsRatsProtective effect on CCl4-caused acute liver toxicity250–500 mg/kg of b.wLaylani (2016)
RootsEthanolic extractRatsPrevent the liver against paracetamol provoked liver acute toxicity200 mg/kg of b.w (once a day for 7 days)Tajua et al. (2011)
RootsAqueous extractRabbitsProtective effect on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity2 g/kg of b.w (daily for 7 days)Omar and Omar (2014)
RootsMethanolic extractHepG2Prevent the HepG2 cell line against H2O210–100 μg/mLShinde et al. (2016)
UnspecifiedUnspecifiedFish hepatocytes (Cyprinus carpio)Hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage in common carp2.5–10 μg/mL (for 4 h)Yin et al. (2011)
RootsHydromethanolic extractMiceHepatoprotective effect against CCl4 induced oxidative-stress mediated hepatotoxicity300 mg/kg of b.w (once a day up to 7days)Sharma and Agrawal (2014)
Hordeum vulgare LSeedsUnspecifiedRatsLowering hyperlipidemia and improving liver enzymes and nearly restoring tissues of the liver to their normal structure10% in died (for 8 weeks)Abulnaja and Rabey (2015)
SeedsMethanolic extractRatsPrevent the liver on acetaminophen caused liver toxicity300–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 3 days)Pa et al. (2010)
SeedsMethanolic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect on ethanol-provoked hepatotoxicity300–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 18 days)Shah et al. (2009)
Laurus nobilis LLeavesEtahanol extarctRatsProtective effect on CCl4 provoked liver toxicity0.2 mL per 100 g rat massGasparyan et al. (2015)
LeavesEtahanol extarctRatsHepatoprotective on sodium valproate-caused liver damage150 mg/kg of b.w (for 30 days)Mahdi et al. (2022)
LeavesMethanol extarctRatsPrevent liver against paracetamol caused hepatotoxicity200–400 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Ravindran et al. (2013)
Lavandula dentata LLeavesAqueous extractMiceHepatoprotective effect against thioacetamide provoked hepatic fibrosis in mice200 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Almalki (2022)
Malva parviflora LWhole plantMethanol extarctMiceHepatoprotective effect against paracetamol- provoked hepatotoxicity in mice250 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Mallhi et al. (2014)
Mentha spicata LAerial partsAqueous extractRatsProtective effects against nicotine-induced toxicity in liver of rat100 mg/kg of b.w (for 2 months)Ben Saad et al. (2018)
Nigella sativa LSeedsEssential oilsMiceProtective effect on the liver injury provoked by Schistosoma mansoni2.5 and 5 mL/kg (for 2 weeks)Mahmoud et al. (2002)
SeedsAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on CCl4-caused liver toxicity250–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 5 days)Al-ghamdi (2015)
SeedsEssential oilsRatsHepatoprotective effects in CCl4-treated rats0.2 mL/kg (for 60 days)Kanter et al. (2005)
SeedsUnspecifiedPatients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseImproves biochemical and fatty liver changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients1g twice a day for 3 monthsHussain et al. (2017)
SeedsAqueous extractMiceProtective effect against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced injury in male mice0.25 g/kg of b.w (for 30 days)Hamza and Al-harbi (2015)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsProtective effects on carboplatin-provoked hepatotoxicity4 mL/kgErisgin et al. (2019)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsPrevent the liver lesions induced by irradiation2 mg/kg for 4 weeksRadwan and Mohamed (2018)
SeedsHydroethanolic extractRatsPrevent liver injury on lipopolysaccharide-provoked hepatotoxicity100–400 mg/kg of b.w (for 2 weeks)Rats et al. (2018)
SeedsEssential oilsRatsPrevent liver against ethanol provoked oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity2.5–5.0 mL/kg of b.w (for 3 weeks)Develi et al. (2014)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsPrevent against aluminium chloride-provoked liver damage2 mL/kg of b.w (once per day for 5 weeks)Bouasla et al. (2014)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsPrevent the liver lesions induced by irradiation1 g/kg of b.w (for 10 days)Cikman et al. (2014)
SeedsAqueous extractRatsProtective and restorative impact on cholestatic liver failure in bile duct ligated rats, possibly via reduced neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress in hepatocytes0.2 mL/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Coban et al. (2010)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsImproves cisplatin’s effect on membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism, and reactive oxygen species in liver2 mL/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Farooqui et al. (2016a)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsHepatoprotective Effect on CCl4 caused liver toxicity in adult rats2–4 mL/kg of b.w (for 2 weeks)Danladi et al. (2013)
SeedsUnspecifiedMiceProtective effect against Dimethylaminoazobenzene provoked liver carcinogenesis in mice5% (for 32 weeks)Mohamed et al. (2011)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsProtective effect in thioacetamide- provoked liver cirrhosis in albino rat5 mL/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Nehar and Kumari (2013)
SeedsHydroalcoholic extractsRatsProtective effect on CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity400–800 mg/kg of b.w (for 3 days)Kingsley (2020)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRabbitsProtective effect on CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity0.2 mL/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Al-razzuqi et al. (2011)
SeedsAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on rifampicin caused hepatotoxicity2 g/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Al-azzawi and Baraaj (2016)
SeedsAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on thioacetamide-provoked liver fibrosis50 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 weeks)Salem et al. (2017)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsMiceProtective effect on diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen provoked hepatotoxicity2.5 mL/kg of b.wHusna and Sajjad (2017)
SeedsUnspecifiedChickenHepatoprotective effect on aflatoxin-caused liver toxicity1%Abosaleh et al. (2019)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsReduced the hepatotoxicity provoked by ochratoxin A0.3 mL/kg of b.w (for 4 weeks)Alhussaini (2015a)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsProtective effect on thioacetamide-provoked liver toxicity10 mL/kg of b.w (for 6 days)Tanbek et al. (2017)
SeedsUnspecifiedRabbitsProtective effect in isoniazid-induced liver toxicity in rabbits500–1,000 mg/kg of b.w (for 20 days)Panezai et al. (2022)
SeedsHydro-alcoholic extractMiceProtective effect against diethyl phthalate induced changes in mitochondrial enzymatic activities in liver of mice150–300 mg/kg of b.w (for 30 days)Prajapati and Verma (2022)
SeedsUnspecifiedMiceProtective effect against CCl4 provoked liver injury in mice4 mL/kg of b.w (for 3 weeks)Aleem et al. (2020)
Ocimum basilicum LLeavesAqueous and ethanol extractsRatsHepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats200 mg/kg of b.w (for 6 weeks)Yacout et al. (2012)
LeavesPetroleum ether, chloroform, alcohol and Aqueous extractsGoat liverHepatoprotective effect against H2O2 and CCl4 induced hepatoxicity in goat liver100 mg/kg of b.w (for 5 days)Meera et al. (2009)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsModulates hematotoxicity, reactive oxygen species ( ros, DNA damage, and cell cycle arrest caused by β-cyfluthrin in rat liver3 mL/kg of b.w (every day for a month)Jebur et al. (2022)
LeavesAqueous extractRatsPrevent liver on methotrexate-caused hepatotoxicity1% (for 42 days)El Shahat et al. (2017)
LeavesAqueous extractRatsPrevent hepatic damage caused by arsenic400 mg/kg of b.w (once a day for 5 weeks)Osman et al. (2020)
LeavesAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect on adriamycin-caused liver toxicity20 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Bayomy et al. (2016)
Whole plantChloroform, diethylether, ethylacetate and methanol extractsRatsHepatoprotective effect on acetaminophen-provoked liver injury1,200 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Asala et al. (2021)
Olea europaea LLeavesAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on CCl4-provoked liver toxicity80 mg/kg of b.w (for 10 days)Ustuner et al. (2018)
LeavesUnspecifiedRatsProtective effect in CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity80 mg/kg of b.w (for 3 days)Vidičević et al. (2020)
Fruit pulpEthanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EA)extractsRatsHepatoprotective effect against high-fat diet-fed100–300 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Kim et al. (2014)
Piper nigrum LFruitsMethanol extractHuman liver microsomesPrevent liver5%Usia et al. (2005)
Seedshydroalcoholic extractMiceHepatoprotective effects on concanavalin A-provoked liver toxicity400 mg/kg of b.wMushtaq et al. (2021)
FruitsEthanol extractRatsInhibited liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide100 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Dinakar et al. (2010)
FruitsEssentiel oilsMiceHepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced toxicity in mice2 g/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Zhang et al. (2021)
Pistacia lentiscus LUnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsHepatoprotective effect in rats intoxicated by CCl42–5 mL/kg of b.w (every 3 days for 15 days)Maameri et al. (2015)
Rosmarinus officinalis LLeavesMethanol extractRatsAgainst CCl4-provoked liver cirrhosis200 mg/kg of b.w (for 12 weeks)Alhussaini (2015b)
LeavesEtahanol extarctMiceLimits weight gain and liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet200 mg/kg of b.w (for 50 days)Harach et al. (2010)
LeavesEtahanol extarctOncorhynchus mykissReducing the rate of steatosis in the liver of rainbow trout0.4–3 g/kg of b.w (for 40 days)Farooqui et al. (2016b)
LeavesHydroalcoholic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect of on acetaminophen-caused liver damage100–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Lucarini et al. (2014)
Unspecified UnspecifiedRatsPrevent liver against etoposide chemotherapy-caused hepatotoxicity220 mg/kg of b.w (for 6 weeks)Almakhatreh et al. (2019)
LeavesHydroalcoholic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect on bile-duct ligation provoked toxicity500 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Sadeghi et al. (2020)
LeavesEthanolic ExtractRatsPrevent liver on alcohol-provoked hepatocytes damage200 mg/kg of b.w (for 90 days)Aouad et al. (2021)
LeavesAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on trichloroacetate-caused hepatotoxicity200 mg/kg of b.w (for 2 months)Abozid and Farid (2018)
Whole plantDichloromethan and methanol extractHepG2Regulates metabolism in HepG2 Cells0 50 μg/mL (for 24 h)Tu et al. (2013)
Rumex vesicarius LWhole plantsMethanolic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect on CCl4-caused toxicity100–200 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Ganaie et al. (2015)
Whole plantsMethanolic extractRatsProtective effect in malathion hepatotoxicity200 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Mostafa et al. (2018)
Salvia officinalis LUnspecifiedEssential oilsMiceHepatoprotective effect against high-fat diet exposition4 mg/kg of b.w (during 8 weeks)Koubaa-Ghorbel et al. (2020a)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsRatsHepatoprotective effects against vanadium-induced oxidative stress and histological changes in the rat liver15 mg/kg of b.wKoubaa et al. (2021a)
FlowersAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against ethanol induced oxidative stress in rats50–200 mg/kg of b.w (for 15 days)Jedidi et al. (2022a)
LeavesHydromethanolic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against Aspergillus parasiticus Aflatoxin-caused liver damage in rats25–150 mg/kg of b.wParsai et al. (2015)
Aerial partsHydroalcoholic extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against isoniazid provoked hepatic damage in rats100–400 mg/kg of b.w (for 28 days)Shahrzad et al. (2014a)
LeavesEthanolic extractHepG2Prevent HepG2 cells against oxidative stress0.01–100 mg/mL (for 24 h)Kozics et al. (2013a)
Syzygium aromaticum (L.)Flower budsEtahanol extarctRatsProtective effect on hepatotoxicity caused by thioacetamide800 mg/kg of b.w (for 3 days)Prasad et al. (2010)
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight and ArnBarkAqueous extractMiceProtect the liver tissues against CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity50 mg/kg of b.w (for 1 week)Manna et al. (2006)
BarkEthanolic extractHepG2Thherapeutic effects on human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, and exhibits its cytotoxicity to these cells, and the cell death is mediated by apoptosis20–100 mg/L (for 48 h)Sivalokanathan et al. (2006)
BarkAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against isoniazid provoked toxicity in rats200 mg/kg of b.w (for 10 days)Doorika and Ananthi (2002)
FruitsAqueous and ethanol extractsMiceProtective effect on cadmium-caused hepatotoxicity100 mg/kg of b.w (for 7 days)Ghosh et al. (2010a)
BarkAlcoholic and aqueous extractsHuman liver microsomesModulatory impacts on the enzyme activity of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 in hepatocyte microsomes2.5–75 μg/mLVarghese et al. (2015)
BarkAqueous extractHepG2Attenuates toxicity provoked by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in HepG2 cell25–100 mg/mLShivananjappa et al. (2013)
BarkAqueous extractRatsPrevent liver against acetaminophen250–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Kannappan et al. (2020)
BarkAqueous extractRatsProtective effect against alcohol caused hepatoxicity in rats250–500 mg/kg of b.wCh et al. (2015)
BarkAqueous extractHepG2Reduce basal oxidative stress in HepG2 cells25–100 μg/mLShivananjappa and Joshi (2012)
LeavesAqueous extractRatsAttenuated the physiological and histopathological alterations in liver provoked by cisplatin400 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Sneha et al. (2021)
BarkAqueous extractRatsProtective effects against arsenic-caused aggravation of high fat diet-induced oxidative stress-mediated damages in liver20–60 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 days)Dutta et al. (2014)
BarkAqueous extractRatsProtective effect against adrenaline-induced hepatic damage in rats through an antioxidant mechanism10–40 mg/kg of b.w (for 5 days)Ghosh et al. (2010b)
FruitsEthanolic extaractMiceHepatoprotective effect in acetaminophen intoxicated mice400 mg/kg of b.wSaira et al. (2020)
BarkAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on acetaminophen-provoked liver damage250–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 14 days)Chester et al. (2017)
BarkEthanolic extaractRatsProtective effect on paracetamol provoked liver toxicity200 mg/kg of b.w (once daily for 7 days)Sangamithira et al. (2011)
Stem barkAlcohol extractRatsHepatoprotective effect on CCl4-caused toxicity250–500 mg/kg of b.w (for 5 days)Anbalagan et al. (2007)
Thymus vulgaris LUnspecifiedAlcoholic extractBroiler chickensRegulates lipid metabolism in the liver0.2%–0.6% (for 42 days)Abdulkarimi et al. (2011)
UnspecifiedEssential oilRatsEnhances the total antioxidant potential of hepatocytes42.5 mg/kg of b.wYoudim and Deans (1999)
LeavesUnspecifiedMiceBoost the activity of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the liver0.5%–2.0% (for 7 days)Sasaki et al. (2005)
UnspecifiedEssential oilsJapanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)Ameliore in vivo antioxidant activity in the liver150–450 mg/kg of b.wNutrition et al. (2017)
Leaves, flowers and stemsAqueous extractRatsHepatoprotective effect against toxicity in rats exposed to aluminum150 mg/kg of b.w (daily for 90 days)Mokrane et al. (2020)
UnspecifiedAqueous extractRatsImproved liver injury induced by paclitaxel in rats4.5–18 mg/kg of b.w (for 2 weeks)Salahshoor et al. (2019)
Aerial partsAqueous extractRatsPrevent liver against dexamethasone-provoked liver damage500 mg/kg of b.w (for 8 weeks)Abou-Seif et al. (2019)
LeavesEthanolic extaractHepG2Protective the HepG2 cells oxidative stress100 mg/mLKozics et al. (2013b)
Ziziphus lotus (L.) LamFruitsAqueous extractRatsProtective effect on CCl4 provoked liver toxicity200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 daysBencheikh et al. (2019)

Pharmacological outcomes of medicinal plants cited by locals to cure liver ailments.

According to the results of our ethnobotanical survey, C. cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), A. sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), S. officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Z. lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457) are the medical species commonly used in Northeastern Morocco for the treatment or prevention of liver problems. To support the use of these plants in conventional medicine, it may be interesting to further explore and discuss their pharmacological properties related to liver problems. To this goal, we shall explore the pharmacological potential of these herbs in the following paragraphs to validate their benefits against liver diseases:

Allium sativum L. is ranked as the second most used species (UV = 0.1015) for the treatment of liver diseases. According to ethnobotanical findings, this plant is widely used in rural areas of northeastern Morocco for its hepatoprotective effect, against liver cancer, and viral infections (hepatitis). The leaves and bulb of A. sativum have demonstrated antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats (Nencini et al., 2010). Indeed, the administration of an extract of the leaves or bulbs of A. sativum At a dose of 250 mg/kg, the Glutathion reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were restored, and the levels of malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, and glutathion were reduced and oxidized in the liver tissue of rats exposed to ethanol (Nencini et al., 2010). A study also discovered that A. sativum has a cytoprotective impact in HepG2 cells submitted to mycotoxines, specifically Beauvericin, α-Zearalenol and β-Zearalenol (Juan-García et al., 2021b). The presence of antioxidant compounds, according to the authors, is responsible for this cytoprotective effect, which involves the activation of defensive pathways as an enzymatic defence mechanism from within cells, the control of the cell cycle, and cell death, all of which can be provoked by these mycotoxines (Juan-García et al., 2021b). Another research revealed that an aqueous extract of garlic bulbs reduces alloxane elevation of biological parameters of liver and kidney functions in rats (Aprioku and Amah-Tariah, 2017b). According to prior study, garlic includes a number of bioactive components such as organosulfur compounds, saponins, and phenolic compounds (Bradley et al., 2016; Diretto et al., 2017). Organosulfur compounds such as diallyl thiosulfonate (allicin), diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, E/Z-ajoene, S-allyl-cysteine, and S-allyl-cysteine sulfoxide have been claimed to be the principal active phytochemicals found in garlic (Figure 5) (Yoo D. Y. et al., 2014; Yoo et al., 2014 M.; Kodera et al., 2017; Mansingh et al., 2018). These compounds were discovered to be related to the plant’s powerful antioxidant and antitumor ability (Bagul et al., 2015).

Asparagus officinalis L. this plant is ranked third among the plants most commonly used for the treatment of liver diseases by the Moroccan population. It is frequently used to treat biliary problems, hepatic stones, hepatitis, and jaundice, as shown in Table 3. It has been reported that the aqueous and ethanolic extract of A. officinalis have hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects in mice fed a high-fat diet (Zhu et al., 2010). According to the findings of this study, daily treatment of 200 mg/kg of either ethanolic or aqueous extract for 8 weeks enhanced lipid parameters, transaminase (Alanine and Aspartate) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and antioxidant capacity, and hepatic malondialdehyde levels. In addition, an in vivo research indicate that the aqueous extract of A. officinalis roots has protective properties on cadmium chloride-induced liver injury in rats (Abedi et al., 2018). This investigation found that treatment by aqueous extract of A. officinalis roots at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days significantly restored liver biomarkers in cadmium chloride poisoned rats. Several phytochemical investigations have revealed that the main bioactive compounds found in asparagus include phenolic compounds, sterols, and saponins (Jang et al., 2004; Fuentes-Alventosa et al., 2013). Asparanin A, Asparoffin C, Asparoffin D, Asparenyol, Gobicusin B, Protodioscin and 1-methoxy-2-hydroxy-4-[5-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3-penten1-ynyl] phenol are the main phytochemicals found in asparagus, with Rutin (Quercetin 3-rutinoside) as the major compound (Figure 5) (Fan et al., 2015). These compounds’ antioxidant action is well-known (Sun et al., 2007; Solana et al., 2015; Slatnar et al., 2018), that may contribute in the hepatoprotective effects of the plant.

Salvia officinalis L. This plant is widely used in folk medicine in North East Morocco to treat liver failure. It is ranked fourth of the most commonly used plants, with a use value of 0.0761. According to our findings, various parts of this plant have traditionally been used to treat jaundice, hepatitis, and liver cancer in the study site. Several preclinical investigations on plant parts were carried out to examine its medicinal qualities for liver failure. In fact, 8 weeks of daily administration of S. officinalis essential oil at 4 mg/kg enhanced hyperlipidemia, hepatic, and renal lesions in mice fed a high-fat diet (Koubaa-Ghorbel et al., 2020b). This effect of S. officinalis essential oil was more effective than that of simvastatin (standard drug for this purpose). In addition, daily intake of 15 mg/kg of the essential oil of S. officinalis showed a protective effect against vanadium-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats (Koubaa et al., 2021b). The treatment of rats with 200 mg/kg of S. officinalis aqueous extract for 15 days showed protective effects against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity (Jedidi et al., 2022b). According to the same authors, this effect is reflected in the improvement of plasma transaminase activity and the restoration of hepatocyte structure in rats poisoned with ethanol. Besides, it was shown that administering a hydroalcoholic extract of S. officinalis at a dose of 250 mg/kg protected rats from isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity (Shahrzad et al., 2014b). Furthermore, a previous investigation showed that an ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves protects human HepG2 cells from hydrogen peroxide and 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone-induced DNA damage (Kozics et al., 2013b). As shown in Figure 6, common sage contains a variety of biologically active compounds, primarily two types of relatively abundant phenolic components: phenolic acids (caffeic, vanillic, ferulic, and rosmarinic acids) and flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin) (Lu and Foo, 2002; Roby et al., 2013). These phenolic components are well-known as hepatoprotective agents (Kiokias and Oreopoulou, 2021; Venmathi Maran et al., 2022).

FIGURE 6

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. According to our ethnobotanical study conducted in several parts of the Moroccan North-East, this plant ranks sixth among the most commonly utilized herbs to cure liver disorders. Indeed, the leaves and fruits of this plant were utilized to treat jaundice, hepatic colic, and hepatitis in the research region. Previous pharmacological work has demonstrated that Z. lotus extracts exert hepatoprotective effects at the preclinical stage. In a rat investigation, an aqueous extract of Z. lotus fruits was found to have hepatoprotective properties against CCl4-induced liver damage (Bencheikh et al., 2019). The findings of this study indicate that administration of aqueous extract of Z. lotus fruits at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg restored the biochemical parameters (liver biomarkers) altered during hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 injections in rats. Similarly, it has been reported that treatment of rats with the aqueous extract of Z. lotus fruit at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg protects the liver and kidney from gentamicin poisoning (Bencheikh et al., 2021b). In the literature, it has been well demonstrated that the hepatotoxicity caused by the agent CCl4 and gentamicin is related to the oxidative stress caused by these chemical compounds (Lin and Huang, 2000; Achuthan et al., 2003). In this context, several authors confirm that the use of natural antioxidants to fight against the oxidative stress caused by CCl4 and gentamicin is the best strategy to prevent hepatotoxicity produced by these hepatotoxic substances (Bencheikh et al., 2021a; Bouhrim et al., 2021; Ouahhoud et al., 2021b). Extracts of Z. lotus fruits are high in phenolic compounds such as Rutin, Naringin, Chlorogenic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Quercetin, Cat-echin, Epicatechin, Sinapic acid, Resveratrol, and Caffeic acid, according to phytochemical research (Figure 6) (Marmouzi et al., 2019; Bencheikh et al., 2021c; 2021d). These photochemical compounds thanks to their antioxidant powers could be responsible for the hypatoprotective effects.

4 Conclusion

This ethnobotanical study reveals that locals in remote areas of northern Morocco possess extensive traditional knowledge about using medicinal plants to treat liver diseases, reflecting the region’s floristic richness. The findings demonstrate the potential of these herbs in addressing liver-related health issues within these communities. However, caution is necessary when using these remedies. The study is limited by its small sample size and lack of a control group, which may affect the robustness of the conclusions.

Further research is essential to evaluate the pharmacological benefits and phytochemical components of these plants, identify active ingredients, and confirm their clinical efficacy. Additionally, safety data are needed to standardize dosages and ensure safe use. Addressing these limitations will help in the development of effective medications derived from these medicinal plants for liver disease treatment.

Statements

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.

Author contributions

NB: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing. AE: Formal Analysis, Investigation, Software, Validation, Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing. AB: Formal Analysis, Investigation, Software, Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing. MB: Data curation, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Writing–review and editing. AA: Formal Analysis, Validation, Writing–review and editing. MA: Formal Analysis, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing–review and editing. RM: Funding acquisition, Resources, Validation, Writing–review and editing. HA-Y: Funding acquisition, Resources, Writing–review and editing. BE: Investigation, Validation, Writing–review and editing. ME: Formal Analysis, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing–review and editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP 2024R119), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP 2024R119), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for funding this work.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, traditional medicine, medicinal plants, liver diseases

Citation

Bencheikh N, Elbouzidi A, Baraich A, Bouhrim M, Azeroual A, Addi M, Mothana RA, Al-Yousef HM, Eto B and Elachouri M (2024) Ethnobotanical survey and scientific validation of liver-healing plants in northeastern Morocco. Front. Pharmacol. 15:1414190. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1414190

Received

08 April 2024

Accepted

26 August 2024

Published

10 September 2024

Volume

15 - 2024

Edited by

Da-Cheng Hao, Dalian Jiaotong University, China

Reviewed by

Nilufer ORHAN, Independent Researcher, Austin, United States

Shibani Mohapatra, Siksha “O” Anusandhan University, India

Weka Sidha Bhagawan, University of PGRI Madiun, Indonesia

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Amine Elbouzidi, ; Noureddine Bencheikh, ; Mohamed Bouhrim,

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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