Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry ISSN 2089-6514 (paper) Volume 12, Number 1, April 2023 | Pages: 133-141 | DOI: 10.14421/biomedich.2023.121.133-141 ISSN 2540-9328 (online) Ethnobotanical Survey of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine and Agri-Food in The Fez-Meknes Region Hamza El Finou*, Nadia Salhi, Asma Halmoune, Lhoussaine El Rhaffari Department of biology laboratory of bioactives, health and environment, Faculty of sciences, Moulay Ismail University Meknes. Morocco. Corresponding author* h.elfinou@edu.umi.ac.ma Manuscript received: 11 November, 2022. Revision accepted: 29 December, 2022. Published: 14 January, 2023. Abstract In order to identify the medicinal plants used in agri-food and traditional medicine by the population of Fez-Meknes region (Morocco), a floristic and ethnobotanical study was carried out in 4 provinces of this region (Fez, Meknes, Azrou, Taza). Questionnaire forms were used to survey the usual users of the plants and herbalists and to collect as much information as possible on the therapeutic and dietary use of aromatic and medicinal plants in the region. For plants used for food, our survey identified 29 species divided into 26 genera and 16 families, including herbaceous plants (70%), trees (16.60%), shrubs (10%) and bushes (3.30%). The study of the medicinal flor a used in traditional medicine also allowed the inventory 81 species belonging to 47 families. Leaves are the most commonly used part and the majority of remedies were prepared in the form of infusion (47%) and decoction (26%). Among all the diseases treated, digestive diseases are the most cited (25%), followed by dermatological diseases (21%). The present study allowed us to evaluate some traditional practices used by the Fez-Meknes region population. In this context, it is essential to carry out similar investigations in other regions of the kingdom, in order to safeguard this precious natural heritage by means of a monograph that is as complete as possible and to validat e the remedies and preparations identified using rigorous scientific protocols. Keywords: Agri-food; ethnobotany; medicinal plants; monograph; traditional medicine. INTRODUCTION According to the WHO (World Health Organization), nearly 6377 species of plants are used in Africa, of which more than 400 are medicinal plants that constitute 90% of traditional medicine. In 2004, nearly 75% of the African population used plants to treat themselves and do not have access to modern medicines, whose pharmaceutical industry still relies heavily on the diversity of secondary plant metabolites to find new molecules with novel biological properties (Mikou et al. 2016) The use of plants in therapy has been known for a long time. Due to the richness and original diversity of its flora, Morocco constitutes a real phytogenetic reservoir with approximately 4500 species and subspecies of vascular plants. The diversity of the relief and the most varied bio climates associated with them have given rise to a large number of endemic species. The rate of endemism is about 20% of the total number of species (Pousset 1989). However, while there is no denying the curative virtues of a large number of plants, a good knowledge of them (toxicity, form of administration, dose and method of preparation) is essential to select in the mass of actions attributed to plants. In this sense, floristic and ethnobotanical studies have been carried out in different regions of Morocco and have shown a return of the populations to the traditional use of medicinal plants (Hseini and Kahouadji (2007), Lahsissene and Kahouadji (2010) and Salhi et al. 2010). The multiplication of these ethnobotanical studies on a national scale will make it possible to gather more information on Moroccan medicinal plants, to enhance them and to preserve some of the knowledge acquired by the local population (Mikou et al. 2016). These ethnobotanical studies are the most approach for discovering new medical plants or focused on those previously identified for their bioactive ingredients (Celestina et al. 2012). In this sense, and in order to highlight the virtues and traditional uses of aromatic and medicinal plants, the present ethnobotanical study was conducted among the population of the Fez-Meknes region. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study area The present ethnobotanical study was carried out in the form of a survey using a pre-established questionnaire with various specific questions about the informant, the vernacular identity of the plant, as well as the part used, https://doi.org/10.14421/biomedich.2023.121.134-141 136 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 133-141 the modes of preparation, the therapeutic and traditional uses. Study zone Located in the North Centre of Morocco, the Fez- Meknes region is composed of 2 prefectures (Fez and Meknes) and 7 provinces (Taounate, Taza, Sefrou, El Hajeb, Boulemane, My Yacoub and Ifrane) (Figure 1). The region has three types of climates; a continental climate in the northern part, very hot and dry in summer and cold and wet in winter. A cold and humid climate in mountainous zones, very cold and snowy in winter, temperate in summer and a semi-arid climate in the high hills of Boulemane, where the average rainfall does not exceed 250 mm. The Winter is very cold and snowy. Figure 1. The Fez-Meknes region on the national map. Survey procedure In order to ensure a high degree of objectivity of the data obtained from our study, the survey is conducted using a survey form or questionnaire based on four axes:  Information about the informant's profile (age, gender, level of education, etc.)  Choice between the two medicines (modern and traditional)  Information on the nature and pharmaceutical techniques of the plants used (local name, part used, method of preparation, dose)  Information on the use of medicinal plants for diseases treatment. Data analysis For Data analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics-21 software was used. The Graph-Pad prism 8 software was also used to create graphs. The frequency of citation was determined as follows: 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = ([ 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑥 100 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 ]) RESULTS Socio-demographic data For the use of aromatic and medicinal plants, the results obtained showed a dominance of women gender with 87.3% against 12.7% for men, and the age group of 40 to 60 years with 51%. For education level, those not attending school come first at 41%. Analysis of medicinal plants catalogue inventoried Floristic aspect The study of the medicinal flora has allowed the inventory of 81 species belonging to 47 families. Among the 47 families, the most used are the Lamiaceae with 14 species followed by the Asteraceae (7), Apiaceae (7), Fabaceae (5) and Myrtaceae (3). Table 1 presents a complete analysis of the plants. Plant parts used and preparation modes The plant parts used are ranked in decreasing order of importance: leaves (42%), seeds (27%), fruits (10%), stem (9%), and bark (9%). Other parts were presented by 5% (Figure 2.A). To facilitate the use of medicinal plants, several preparation methods were used, such as decoction, maceration and infusion. In this sense, we obtained that infusion (47%), decoction (26%), whole plant (16%) and cataplasms (11%) were the most used preparation methods (Figure 2.B). Le av es S te m s S ee ds B ar k Fr ui t O th er 0 15 30 45 60 42% 9% 27% 9% 10% 5% P e rc e n ta g e % A In fu si on D ec oc tio n C at ap la sm R aw p la nt 0 15 30 45 60 47% 26% 11% 16% P e rc e n ta g e % B Figure 2. Percentage of parts used (A) and preparation methods (B). El Finou et al. – Ethnobotanical Survey of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants … 135 Why do you use traditional medicine In order to find out the reasons for using traditional medicine, the interviewees were asked this question. The efficacy criteria came first with 48%, followed by the availability of plants and the lower cost with 8% and 7% respectively. While 38% of the respondents stated all three criteria at the same time. The use of medicinal plants constitutes a risk to human health, hence the need to know their toxicity status. For this reason, the question of toxicity was asked to the herbalists and phytotherapists, 89.2% of whom declared the non- toxicity of the plants most often used in the region. This percentage correlates with the good expertise of these professionals. The survey revealed that 53.9% of these professionals had 10 to 20 years of experience in traditional herbal medicine field, and 21% had more than 20 years (figure 3). 0 15 30 45 60 Under 10 years Between 10 and 20 years More than 20 years 25% 53% 20% Pourcentage % Figure 3. Years of experience of herbalists and practitioners interviewed. Symptoms treated with aromatic and medicinal plants Of all the diseases treated, digestive diseases are the most cited (25%), followed by dermatological diseases (21%) and cardiovascular diseases (15%) (Figure 4). 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Neurological-Neueropsychic Other Osteoarticular Respiratory Cardiovascular Dermatological Digestive 5% 7% 9% 13% 15% 21% 25% Percentage % Figure 4. Symptoms treated with aromatic and medicinal plants. Table 1. List of plants used for food purposes. Common name Scienific name Family Biological form Preparation method Part used Nutritional interest Number of citations Le bugle Ajuga iva Lamiaceae Herbaceae Fresh Leaves Rich in calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. Use for the urinary system diseases. 3 Malva, la Mouve Malva sylvestris malvaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves, Stem Rich in vitamins C and E, unsaturated fatty acids with metabolic and digestive benefits. 5 Le palmier nain Chamaerops humilis Arecaceae Shrub Fresh Fruit, Root Antioxidants, omega 3, 6 and 9 and vitamins A, B, C, E. Interest in blood pressure regulation. 1 L’arbousier Arbutus unedo Ericaceae Shrub Fresh Fruit - Rich in vitamin C 2 136 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 133-141 Common name Scienific name Family Biological form Preparation method Part used Nutritional interest Number of citations -Antioxidants - Regulation of cholesterol synthesis. Chardon d’Espagne Scolymus hispanicus Astéraceae Herbaceae Cooked and fresh Leaves, Stem Composed of inulin (simple sugar) with metabolic interest in passing kidney stones. 6 La ronce Rubus fruticosus rosaceae Shrub Fresh Fruit Rich in vitamin C and all forms of vitamin B (except B12). 2 Cardon Cyanara cardunculus Astéraceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves, Stem High mineral and vitamin B content. 3 - Rhus pentaphylla Anacardiace ae Shrub Fresh fruit -- 1 L’oléastre Olea europea oleaceae Tree Oil Fruit Rich in fatty acids: omega 3, 6, 9 with digestive and metabolic benefits. 2 Romarin Rosmarinus officinalis Lamiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves Metabolic interest and use in the digestive system. 2 Fenouil Foeniculum vulgare Apiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Stem, bulb Rich in vitamins B, C, D, E. Metabolic interest and use for digestive system. 2 Le jujubier Zizyphus lotus Rhamnaceae Tree Fresh fruit Use for the digestive and genito-urinary system. 5 Le thym Thymus bleicherianthus Lamiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves and whole plants Use for the treatment of digestive tract. 4 - - - Herbaceae Cooked Leaves and stem Metabolic interest. 4 Pourpier potage Portulaca oleracea portulacacea e Herbaceae Cooked Leaves and stem Rich in omega 3. 4 Chêne verte Quercus ilex Fagaceae Tree Fresh Seeds Potassium, calcium, phosphorus with interest in metabolic, regulation of glycemic and digestive tract disorders. 5 Menthe à feuille ronde Mentha rotundifolia lamiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves and stem Digestive tract and respiratory system. 5 Le myrte Myrtus commuins Myrtaceae Tree Fresh Fruit Use for fatigue and digestive tract. 4 Petite férule Elaeoselinum asclepium Apiaceae Herbaceae Fresh and cooked Leaves and stem Metabolic interest. 1 La férule Ferula communise Apiaceae Shrub Cooked Flowers Anticoagulation. 2 Lavande Lavandula multifidal Lamiaceae Shrub Cooked Leaves Treatment of digestive tract and respiratory system. 3 Grande oseille Rumex acetosa Polygonacée ae Herbaceae Fresh and cooked Leaves Rich in vitamin C with metabolic interest. 4 Ache aquatique Apium nodiflorum Apiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves High content of calcium, vitamin E, B9, and antioxidants. 4 La bette Beta vulgaris Amaranthace aeou chenopodiac eae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves Vitamin C, potassium and iron. 3 Origan compact Origanum compactum Bentham. Lamiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves and whole plants Treatment of gastric pains. 4 Moutard des champs Sinapis arvensis Brassicaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves Metabolic interest. 3 Lavande papillon Lavandula stoechas Lamiaceae Herbaceae Cooked Leaves and whole plants Use for the treatment of digestive tract and respiratory system. 4 El Finou et al. – Ethnobotanical Survey of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants … 137 Common name Scienific name Family Biological form Preparation method Part used Nutritional interest Number of citations Caroubier Ceratonia siliqua Fabaceae Tree Flour Fruit Rich in carbohydrates, vitamin A, amino acids and fatty acids. 6 Table 2. List of plants for medical use. Common name Scientific name Family Therapeutic use Frequency of citation Percentage of citation Globulaire Globularia alypum L. Plantaginaceae Eczema, gout, digestive problems, diabetes, sports perspiration and wound healing. 10 9.25% Thym serpolet Thymus serpyllum Lamiaceae Treatment of cough, digestive disorders, colic. 81 80 .14 % La rue d’Alep Ruta Chalepensis.L Rutaceae Hair care, dermatological, respiratory, oral and digestive diseases. 6 5.55% Caroubier Ceratonia siliqua L Leguminosae (Ceasalpiniaceae) Regulation of intestinal transit, hypercholesterolemia. 8 7.40% Ricin Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Hair care. 1 0.92% Aubépine Crataegus monogyna Rosaceae Cardiovascular system, Stress and sleep disorders. 6 5.70% Chénopode Chenopodium ambrosioides Amaranthaceae Treatment of fever, asthma and other ailments. 8 7.25% Marrube blanc Marrubium vulgare Lamiaceae Gastrointestinal diseases, cough and bronchitis. 3 2.77% Carvi Carum carvi L. Apiaceae Digestion, expectoration, colic, sometimes for rheumatic problems. 14 12.81% Laurier rose Nerium oleander.L Apocynaceae Dermatological problems, Dental infections, Fever. 20 18.51% Verveine odorante Aloysa citriodora Verbenaceae Nervousness, sleep disorders. 7 6.48% Lavande Lavandula angustifolia P.Mill Lamiaceae Genito-urinary problems, digestive tract, hair and skin care. 11 10.18% khella Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam Apiaceae (umbelliferae) Oral and dental infections, respiratory disorders. 78 72.22% Romarin Rosmarinus officinalis L. Lamiaceae Asthma and colds, digestive tract, hair care. 63 58.33% Girofle Syzygium aromaticum Myrtaceae Antiseptic, urinary tract infections. 6 5.55% Fenugrec Trigonella foenum graecum Fabaceae Treatment of gastralgia, appetite, digestion, hypercholesterolemia. 32 29.62% Harmel Peganum harmala Zygophyllaceae Rheumatism, healing and burns. 4 3.70% Souchet long cyperus longus Cyperaceae Inflammation and pain, anti- convulsant properties. 1 0.92% Jujubier Ziziphus lotus Rhamnaceae Soothing; anxiety, regulation of intestinal transit. 6 5.55% Roseau à massette Typha latifolia L. Typhaceae Analgesic, carminative. 2 1.85% Thuya de barbarie Tetraclinis articulata Cupressaceae Treatment of intestinal infections, fever, hair and skin care. 3 2.77% Herniaire Herniaria hirsuta Caryophyllaceae Renal calculi, urinary tract. 1 0.92% Achillée des marais Achillea odorata L. subsp Astéracées Rheumatism, tonic, stimulant. 1 0.92% Myrte Myrtus communis Myrtaceae Treatment of arthralgia.. 7 6.48% Henné Lawsonia inermis Lythraceae Hair colouring, dermatological problems. 12 11.11% Cresson alénois Lepidium sativum Brassicaceae Anti-rheumatic, lung diseases, gastric problems, and to boost immunity. 9 8.33% Haricots noirs Phaseolus vulgaris Fabaceae Anti-inflammatory properties. 2 1.85% Vigne à vin Vitis vinifera L. Vitaceae Against abscesses and constipation. 1 0.92% 138 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 133-141 Common name Scientific name Family Therapeutic use Frequency of citation Percentage of citation Le cubèbe piper cubeba L.f. Piperaceae Tonic, stimulant, culinary, antiashmatic. 1 0.92% Menthe odorante Mentha suaveolens Lamiacées Tonic, stomachic and antispasmodic effects. 5 4.62% Ortie Urtica dioica Urticaceae Antirheumatic, treatment of inflammation, diuretic, antidiabetic. 1 0.92% Souci des champs Calendula arvensis Asteraceae Gastric inflammations. 1 0.92% Sauge à feuilles verveine Salvia verbenaca Lamiaceaa Regulation of perspiration; menstrual cycle. 6 5.55% Rosier Rosa centifolia Rosaceae Wellness, anxiety. 3 2.77% Pin maritime Pinus pinaster Ait Pinaceae Treatment of respiratory diseases, pain relief for rheumatic diseases. 1 0.92% Laurier Laurus nobilis Lauraceae Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antiseptic, Fungicide, Decongestant, Nervous system regulator, Digestion and Anxiety. 8 7.40% Inule visqueuse Dittrichia viscosa Asteraceae Constipation, Gastrointestinal diseases. 3 2.77% Marjolaine Origanum majorana Lamiacées Digestive disorders, flatulence, nausea, intestinal spasms, diarrhea; nervous disorders, migraines, insomnia. 9 8.33% Oseille de Guinée Hibiscus sabdariffa Malvaceae Treatment of respiratory tract inflammations, high blood pressure, cholesterol, fever and stomach pains. 1 0.92% Ail Allium sativum Amaryllidaceae Prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer. 3 2.77% Oursins Echinops spinosus Asteraceae Dermatological diseases. 12 11.11% Armoise Artemisia vulgaris Asteraceae Treatment of digestive disorders, joint and muscle pain and insomnia. 11 10.18% Magydaris Magydaris panacifolia Apiaceae Hair care and dermatological diseases. 1 0.92% Garou Daphne gnidium Thymelaeaceae Hair care and dermatological diseases. 8 7.40% Cumin velu Ammodaucus leucotrichus Apiaceae Treatment of respiratory diseases and intestinal disorders. 8 7.40% Melissa Melissa officinalis Lamiaceae Calming (nervous disorders, stress, anxiety, anguish), antispasmodic (stomach, intestine), heart problems (tachycardia). 2 1.85% Arganier Argania spinosa Sapotaceae Cosmetic application (face and body care). 1 0.92% Nerprun alaterne Rhamnus alaternus L. Rhamnacées Anxiety, digestion, constipation. 3 2.77% Sauge Salvia officinalis Lamiacées Digestion, stress, anxiety, cough. 5 4.62% Eucalyptus Eucalyptus gunnii Myrtaceae Anti-inflammatory and analgesic, treatment of respiratory problems. 9 8.33% Jasmin Jasminum polyanthum Oleaceae Anxiety. 1 0.92% Lupinus Lupinus luteus Fabaceae Prevention of cardiovascular and skin diseases. 2 1.85% Noyer Juglans regia Juglandaceae Natural toothbrush, natural antifungal. 3 2.77% Figuier Opuntia ficus indica Cactaceae Diuretic activity. 1 0.92% Bergamote Citrus bergamia Rutaceae Digestive disorders, stress, mouth and skin infections. 1 0.92% Coriandre Coriandrum sativum.L Apiaceae Digestive disorders and diarrhea, and to induce sleep. 8 7.41% Aristoloche Aristilochia paucinervis Aristolochiaceae Digestive disorders, analgesic 1 0.92% Origan, thym commun Thymus vulgaris Lamiaceae Tonic, digestive diseases. 29 26.85% https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauraceae https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/marjolaine?__eep__=6&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXtMC8dyJurIVnalEqpM7prq3DUSAPaY0y7x2vFmNX5A-wHmRQzJjFKeA5tK-zR_ggLsYeYdI8-bfr8SCy9x5gHDvVLBadSvlfzOLRMrK_669JeGvp2-SXu_Lav9yqjOjnv2ScVuKN49AOp3pF6TpaI&__tn__=*NK-R https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaceae https://www.google.fr/search?bih=657&biw=1366&hl=fr&q=Amaryllidaceae&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLUz9U3MCozLjdZxMrnmJtYVJmTk5mSmJyamAoA1j0dwB4AAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiqypiax_zwAhVGzRoKHU25Bk4QmxMoATAlegQIJhAD https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteraceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteraceae https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apiaceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamiaceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamiaceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapotaceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtaceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceae https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvadora_persica https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvadoraceae El Finou et al. – Ethnobotanical Survey of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants … 139 Common name Scientific name Family Therapeutic use Frequency of citation Percentage of citation Coquelicot Papaver rhoeas Papaveraceae Insomnia, respiratory diseases. 16 14.81% Coloquinte Citrurllus colocynthis Cucurbitacées Diuretic activity. 2 1.85% Valériane Valeriana officinalis Valerianaceae Sleep disturbances. 2 1.85% Garance Rubia tinctorum.L Rubiacées Stomach diseases, anti diarrhea.. 1 0.92% Dauphinelle staphisaigre Delphinium staphisagria Ranunculaceae Hair care. 1 0.92% Euphorbe Euphorbia resiniphera Euphorbiaceae Wound healing, ophthalmic diseases. 17 15.74% Millepertuis Hypericum perforatum Hypericaceae Anxiety, sleep problems. 14 12.96% Colchique d’automne, safran des près Conopodium majus koch Apiaceae Weight gain. 1 0.92% Séné Senna alexandrina Caesalpiniaceae Laxative, constipation. 1 0.92% Anis étoilé Illicium verum Illiciaceae Anti-inflammatory, intestine. 2 1.85% Lin Linum usitatissium Linaceae Inflammation, gastritis, hair care. 3 2.77% Fenouil, Aneth doux Foeniculum vulgare Apiaceae Anxiety, insomnia, vomiting, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. 7 6.48% Carline Atractylis gummifera Asteraceae Appetite, stomach. 3 2.77% Gingembre Zingiber officinale Zingibéraceae Muscle pain, digestion. 1 0.92% Géranium Geranium robertianum Géraniaceae Stress and anxiety. 1 0.92% Camommile romaine Chamomilla nobilis Astéraceae Anxiety, insomnia. 2 1.88% DISCUSSION At the end of this survey, 29 species of plants for food use were identified, which were divided into 26 genera and 16 families, including herbaceous plants (70%), trees (16.60%), shrubs (10%) and bushes (3.30%). The study of the medicinal flora used in traditional medicine has also allowed the inventory of 81 species belonging to 47 families. For the socio-demographic data, the results obtained showed a dominance of female gender with 87.3% against 12.7% for men, and the age group of 40 to 60 years with 51%. For education level, those not attending school come first at 41%. In this sense, several ethnobotanical studies carried out on a national scale have also confirmed these results (Ziyyat et al. 1997), Hmamouchi (1999), (Jouad et al. 2001), (Eddouks et al. 2002), (Tahraoui et al. 2007), (Mehdioui and Kahouadji 2007), (Salhi et al. 2010) and (Benkhnigue et al. 2012). For the used part, we obtained that the leaves are the most used (42%). Then, seeds (27%), fruits (10%), stem (9%), bark (9%), ad other parts were presented by 5%. Several studies also confirmed these results (EL Rhaffari and ZAID (2008), Bammou et al. 2015) and Umartani and Nahdi (2021). Although the use of leaves is represented by an important percentage, it was noted during the survey, that some users proceed to pull the whole plant instead of being interested only in the desired part. On the other hand, there is a clear relationship between the used part of the plant and the effects of this exploitation on its existence (Cunningham 1996), this mode of collection seriously compromises the sustainability of medicinal species, especially bulbous ones. Knowing that the leaves are the seat of photosynthesis and sometimes of the storage of secondary metabolites responsible for the biological properties of the plant (Bigendako-polygenis and Lejoly 1990), the ease and speed of harvesting (Bitsindou 1986) may be the cause of the high rate of use of foliage by the region population. The use of medicinal plants is done by several modes of preparation. In this study it was obtained that the majority of the remedies are prepared by infusion (47%) and decoction (26%). As the respondents do not have ideas about the precise quantities and measures in the preparation and dosage of phytomedicines. Precision is lacking on several plants such as the quantities of plant organs to be prepared, the solvent or vehicle used, the time needed to prepare the solutions (decoction, infusion, powder, fumigation, poultice, maceration and daubing) and the precise dose to be prescribed. However, the infusion (47%) and decoction (26%) remain the most commonly used methods of preparation. This percentage shows that the local population grows to the decoction mode and finds it adequate to warm the body and disinfect the plant (Lahsissene and Kahouadji 2010). On the other hand, decoction allows the collection of the most active principles and attenuates or cancels the toxic effect of certain recipes. The results obtained showed that most medicinal plants are widely used in the care of the digestive system 140 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 133-141 (25%). Our results are also confirmed by those of Hmamouchi and Agoumi (1993) who conducted a study in the Mechraâ Bel Ksiri region, Hseini and Kahouadji (2007) in the region of Rabat, Mehdioui and Kahouadji (2007) in the province of Essaouira, Salhi et al. (2010) in Kenitra city and Lahsissene and Kahouadji (2010) in the Zaër region. Other plants are also used to treat dermatological diseases (21%) and cardiovascular diseases (15%). According to respondents and their clients, these herbal recipes have therapeutic action, which suggests that they include many bioactive ingredients that are essential to the living flora's physiological processes. As a result, they are thought to be more compatible with human bodies (Agbatutu et al., 2022). CONCLUSIONS Traditional phytotherapy was and still, currently in demand by people who have confidence in trusting in the popular uses of plants and not having resources and access to modern medicine. The present work was carried out with the aim of making as complete an inventory as possible of the medicinal plants used in the Fez-Meknes region (Morocco) and to gather information concerning the practical therapeutic uses in this region. The results obtained showed that of the 47 families inventoried, the Lamiaceaes is the most represented with 14 species (29.78%). On the ethnobotanical and pharmacological side, the leaves are the most commonly used part. Decoction and infusion are the most commonly used method. Similarly, of all the diseases treated, digestive diseases are the most cited. In addition, our results showed an important diversity of wild edible species in the Fez-Meknes region, which represents a significant asset for food and nutritional diversification. The present study allowed us to evaluate some traditional practices used by the population of Fez- Meknes region. A wealth of knowledge and expertise has been shown. In this context, it is essential to carry out similar investigations in other regions of the kingdom in order to safeguard this precious natural heritage by means of a monograph that is as complete as possible, and to validate the remedies and preparations identified by means of rigorous scientific protocols. Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank all the herbalists and citizens of the Fez-Meknes region who agreed to participate in this survey. Authors’ Contributions: Nadia SALHI & Asma HALMOUNE and Hamza EL FINOU designed the study, collection of data. Hamza EL FINOU analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript. Lhoussaine EL RHAFFARI: validation and supervision. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no competing interests. 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