Background. Medicinal plants have long played an integral role in traditional healing systems and are crucial for meeting primary healthcare needs. This study aimed to investigate the use of medicinal plants in phytotherapy in the Ketama region of Northern Morocco. Methods. Ethnobotanical data and ancestral knowledge regarding plants were collected through a field survey conducted from August 2019 to July 2021. The data were gathered using a standardized questionnaire, as well as through semistructured interviews and focus groups. Various ethnobotanical indices were applied to analyse the information collected. Results. A comprehensive inventory identified a total of 81 plant species, belonging to 40 families and 65 genera. These species are used primarily to treat a variety of diseases. Notably, digestive disorders ranked first among the diseases treated, with an ICF value of 0.618. Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L., and Origanum compactum Benth exhibited the highest UV values among medicinal plants. Leaves were the most used part of the plant part (50.28%), and the decoction method was the most recommended preparation, with oral administration being the preferred mode of application of the remedy. Conclusion. The Ketama region boasts a rich abundance of medicinal and aromatic plants, as evident from the quantitative analysis highlighting the significant usage of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L., and Origanum compactum Benth. by the local population. However, further research in the form of pharmacological studies is necessary to validate their therapeutic effects.

Pistacia lentiscus L. (PL) is a shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, used in traditional medicine to treat various disorders in the Commune of Ajdir from Al Hociema province. The conducted study focused on determination of the polyphenols and flavonoids contents by spectrophotometric and...

This study aims to investigate the chemical and mineral composition, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Cistus laurifolius var. atlanticus Pit. (Cistaceae). Additionally, molecular docking interactions of various ligands with antioxidant protein target urate oxidase (1R4U) and anti-inflammatory protein target cyclooxygenase-2 (3LN1), revealing potential dual activities and highlighting specific residue interactions. The chemical characterization focused at first glance on the mineral composition which showed that C. laurifolius extract is a mineral-rich source of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn). We next performed, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, the latter showed various polyphenols in C. laurifolius extract including Gallic acid as the predominant polyphenol. Isoquercetin, Taxifolin and Astragalin were also among the major flavonoids detected. The antioxidant capacity of C. laurifolius leaves was tested using 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power (RP) assays. In vitro analysis of the anti-inflammatory property of C. laurifolius leaves was conducted by the albumin denaturation test and the in vivo was assessed in the sequel by carrageenan-induced paw edema test. The analgesic activity was evaluated in vivo using tail flick, acetic acid-induced contortion, and plantar tests. The findings showed that the leave extract had a powerful antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ values of 2.92 ± 0.03 µg/mL (DPPH) and 2.59 ± 0.09 µg/mL (in RP test). The studied extract strongly abolished the induced inflammation (82%). Albumin denaturation test recorded an IC₅₀ value of 210 µg/mL. Importantly, the oral administration of C. laurifolius extract considerably reduced the nociceptive effect of acetic acid in rats, showing a significant analgesic effect in a dose-related manner. Altogether, our results showed that C. laurifolius can be a promising source of phytochemicals for drug development potential.

Medicinal plants serve as a significant source of bioactive molecules, with their utilization in the medical realm dating back to ancient times through herbal preparations. In Morocco, the utilization of plants remains integral to traditional medicine. Despite numerous studies documenting indigenous knowledge regarding plant use, scant attention has been given to northern Morocco, particularly the Rif region. This study seeks to enrich and consolidate our understanding of plant utilization in this area. The ethnobotanical investigation was centred on medicinal plants employed in cosmetics within northern Morocco. A questionnaire was disseminated, gathering data encompassing plant names, utilized plant parts, and preparation methods. The study identified 32 plant species utilized in cosmetics, including Cannabis sativa L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Juglans regia L., and Rubus fruticosus L. Leaves emerged as the most used plant parts, with decoction and infusion being the predominant preparation methods. This survey facilitated a comprehensive examination of ethnobotanical knowledge, shedding light on the primary plants employed in cosmetics. Prudent management of these resources is imperative to prevent future shortages.

This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of three varieties of Cannabis sativa L. seeds from Morocco, alongside their chemical compositions. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) were employed for chemical analysis. Antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS, TAC, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were tested in animal models. Molecular docking targeted 5IKQ and 3RP8 enzymes based on HPLC-identified compounds. The hydroalcoholic extracts demonstrated appreciable levels of phenolics and flavonoids: total phenolic content (TPC) was 76.87 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g DW (Cric), 81.45 ± 1.37 mg GAE/g DW (Khard), and 84.96 ± 2.05 mg GAE/g DW (Beldiya), while total flavonoid content (TFC) was 3.34 ± 0.22 mg QE/g DW (Cric), 3.56 ± 0.07 mg QE/g DW (Khard), and 3.32 ± 0.12 mg QE/g DW (Beldiya).HPLC results revealed polyphenolic compounds, including Catechin, Quercetin, Ursolic acid, and Rosmarinic acid. The Beldiya variety showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 0.12 ± 0.07 mg/mL (DPPH), 0.71 ± 0.01 mg/mL (ABTS), and 0.32 ± 0.04 mg/mL (FRAP). It also exhibited notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects at 300 mg/kg, comparable to aspirin and indomethacin. Molecular docking confirmed Quercetin, Catechin, and Rosmarinic acid as potent antioxidants, with Quercetin, Catechin, and Ursolic acid showing significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. These findings underscore the therapeutic value of Cannabis sativa seeds for health applications.

Diabetes, a prevalent metabolic disorder, has prompted extensive research into natural remedies with hypoglycemic potential and minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to examine phenolic compounds using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Acute toxicity was assessed in mice following OECD 423 criteria, and anti‐diabetic potential was tested by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg) to induce experimental diabetes. Acute toxicity assessment found no adverse effects, while chemical analysis revealed various phenolic compounds like rutin, quercetin, and gallic acid, known for their therapeutic properties. In vitro experiments with the aqueous extract showed significant inhibition of pancreatic α ‐amylase enzyme activity (IC ₅₀ value: 119.813 ± 3.827 μg/mL). In vivo studies demonstrated the extract's efficacy in mitigating body weight loss, promoting hypoglycemic effects, and improving oral glucose tolerance. Additionally, the extract regulated biochemical parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and renal markers. These findings suggest that Cistus albidus leaf polyphenols possess anti‐hyperglycemic and α‐amylase inhibitory properties, supporting its traditional use in diabetes treatment and potential incorporation into future antidiabetic medications. Molecular docking analysis further supported the interaction of extract constituents with relevant target proteins, offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions.