Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of hypertension and diabetes in the Meknes Province (Morocco)

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are major chronic diseases, and traditional phytotherapy remains widely used in Morocco for their management. This study aimed to document and analyze medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension in the Meknes province. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Meknes province (Morocco) between April 2024 and June 2025 using semi-structured interviews with 512 informants from both urban and rural areas. Data were analyzed using quantitative indices, including Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Family Importance Value (FIV), Value of Plant Part (VPP), Criterion of Part Used (CPU), and Criterion of Preparation (CP). Statistical analyses were performed to assess factors influencing the perceived effectiveness of phytotherapy. Results: A total of 18 plant species belonging to 11 families were identified, including five species also used for hypertension. The most cited species were Eucalyptus spp. (RFC = 0.14), Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (RFC = 0.12), Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (RFC = 0.11), and Olea europaea L. var. sativa (RFC = 0,10). The most represented families were Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (45%; VPP = 0.423), while decoction was the dominant preparation method (40%), followed by infusion and powder (22%). The principal component analysis (PCA) explained 85.08% of the total variance (F1 = 60.03%, F2 = 25.04%) and revealed a clear differentiation between highly cited species and those with lower ethnobotanical importance, as well as variations in the diversity of their therapeutic uses. Statistical analysis revealed that socio-economic status, age, and disease duration significantly influenced therapeutic outcomes (p < 0.05), whereas gender showed no significant effect. Conclusions: The findings highlight the richness of ethnobotanical knowledge and the continued reliance on medicinal plants for the management of diabetes and hypertension in the Meknes province. These results support the potential of these species as sources of bioactive compounds, while emphasizing the need for further pharmacological and toxicological validation to ensure their safe and effective use. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Phytotherapy, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Ethnobotanical survey, Meknes.

Diabetes mellitus · Ethnobotany · Folk medicine · Medicinal plants · Pharmacognosy · Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies · Natural Antidiabetic Agents Studies · Psidium guajava Extracts and Applications