The Souss region in Morocco is known nationally and internationally for its essential knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and the cultural heritage of nutrition. The endemic species Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an important crucial plant used by the local population to treat many diseases and prepare some authentic foods. To identify the therapeutic uses of the Argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] and their benefits in preparing authentic foods, the survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. We have achieved 450 interviews with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. In the region of Chtouka Aït Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas). In parallel with this survey, we collected some old local manuscripts from conventional practitioners in the region. The data obtained were analyzed using specific ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). In parallel, we analyzed the nutritional value of some authentic foods derived the argan oil (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis). All 450 interviewees use the argan oil in food or for the preparation of their authentic foods derived (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis); among them, 100 persons use Argan, in addition to food, in the treatment of various diseases with UV and RFC at 1.94 and 0.22, respectively. Among eight treated diseases by argan tree, the treatment of skin and subcutaneous diseases had a very highly significant value of the FL index (98%). Similarly, the analysis of the manuscripts collected in the study area revealed an ancient therapeutic use of the argan tree. The results also show that the Argan oil extracted from the seed is used to prepare authentic foods with significant nutritional value, especially Amlou.

This study was conducted in public healthcare establishments in Guelmim city in south of Morocco to report medicinal plants used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Three hundred sixty-two informants were interviewed through semi structured interviews. The inventory includes scientific, popular and common names of the plants, used parts and method of preparation. The survey shows that 24.6% of the patients use these plants. Twenty-seven medicinal plants belonging to seventeen families were inventoried and three species were cited for the first time in the treatment of diabetes in Morocco. Olea europea L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. are the most plant species used to treat diabetes, and the two most cited families are Lamiaceae (5 species) and Apiaceae (4 species). Leaves represented the most utilized part of plants and decoction was the most cited mode of preparation of drugs. The present study highlights the wide variety of herbal remedies used to treat diabetes and the frequency of this use in diabetic patients.

Background. Functional asymmetries in youth football players represent significant performance limitations and injury risk factors requiring targeted intervention strategies. Elite youth athletes frequently demonstrate bilateral imbalances across multiple neuromuscular domains. Objective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an individualized 8-week neuromuscular training program in reducing functional asymmetries among elite youth football players across different age categories (U16, U17, U18). Methods. This 8-week experimental intervention aimed to reduce functional asymmetries in balance, unilateral strength, and jump performance among elite youth footballers. Conducted in addition to their regular weekly schedule (five sessions, 8–10 hours football-specific practice + 2–3 hours strength and conditioning), the program comprised two 30–40 min neuromuscular sessions per week. Each session included four blocks: activation & mobility, unilateral strengthening, plyometrics & single-leg jumps, and balance & postural control. Progression was applied systematically through increased load, instability, movement complexity, and football-specific demands, following the principle of progressive overload. Individualization strategies targeted the weaker limb when interlimb differences exceeded 10%, with adjustments based on RPE, mid-term, and final assessments. Results. Significant reductions in functional asymmetries were observed across all variables and age groups. Y-Balance Test asymmetries decreased by 46-60%, Single Leg Hop Test asymmetries reduced by 39-46%, and quadriceps strength asymmetries diminished by 42-47%. Younger players (U16) demonstrated greater magnitude improvements compared to older athletes. Strong correlations existed between different asymmetry measures, supporting multidimensional assessment approaches. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large across all variables. Conclusion. The individualized neuromuscular training intervention effectively reduced functional asymmetries in youth football players, with age-related response variations supporting developmentally appropriate program design for optimizing athletic performance and injury prevention.

Introduction: The increase in sudden death cases among Moroccan amateur athletes highlights the importance of thorough medical examinations including electrocardiograms. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the frequency of ECG findings in Moroccan amateur athletes, examine sex disparities, and assess how physical activity levels affect cardiac electrical patterns. Methodology: The study included 149 amateur athletes (70 men, 79 women) from the University Hassan 1st in Settat. Participants underwent 12-lead ECG, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity assessment using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. Results: Male athletes showed significantly higher rates of sinus bradycardia (41.4% vs 12.7%) and ST-segment elevation (41.4% vs 0%) than female athletes (p<.0001). High levels of physical activity were significantly associated with training-related ECG changes (p=.010) and ST-segment elevation (p=.027). Discussion: These findings emphasize the importance of considering physical activity levels when interpreting ECG patterns in amateur athletes and highlight significant sex differences in cardiac adaptations. Conclusions: Sex-specific ECG interpretation guidelines are needed for amateur athletes, with particular attention to training-related adaptations in males and the relationship between physical activity intensity and cardiac electrical patterns.

Introduction: Nutrition quality has been consistently linked to academic outcomes. Studies across different cultural contexts suggest that adolescents with balanced diets tend to show better well-being and school adjustment. Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations between adolescents’ regular eating habits and their academic performance in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region of Morocco. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 439 students aged 14 to 20 years. Eating habits were assessed using the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS) questionnaire, and academic performance was measured via overall grade point average. Statistical analyses using SPSS explored correlations between dietary patterns and school achievement. Results: The participants’ average age was 15.02 years (43.7% male, 56.3% female). Descriptive analysis showed that fries, fast foods, and sweet drinks were frequently consumed, while fruits, vegetables, and breakfast at home were less common. Spearman’s correlation revealed a positive association between healthy eating (Factor 2) and academic performance (ρ = 0.166, 95% CI [0.08, 0.25], p < 0.001), indicating a small but meaningful effect. Unhealthy food consumption (Factor 1) was not significantly related to GPA. Regression analysis confirmed that higher healthy eating scores predicted better academic performance (B = 0.472, 95% CI [0.214, 0.729], p < 0.001), while unhealthy eating did not show a significant effect, even after controlling for gender, age, education level, and area of residence. Discussion: These findings align with previous research showing links between diet quality and school performance. The small effect size suggests that healthier eating is associated with modest differences in academic outcomes, highlighting that school performance is influenced by multiple factors, including psychosocial and environmental aspects. Conclusions: The study identified significant associations between eating habits and academic performance among adolescents in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region. Considering dietary patterns in adolescent development research appears valuable. Further longitudinal or experimental studies are recommended to clarify these relationships.