A Survey on the Aromatic Plants of Libya

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate on some aromatic plants growing in Libya, their major volatile oils contents and traditional uses, indicating dangerous hazards facing plant biodiversity especially medicinal plants and measures taken to protect them. Methods: The study is mainly based on electronic database survey using Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct, etc. and communication with Libyan local inhabitants of some areas. Gathered information has been evaluated and summarized in tables. Results: Aromatic plant of 41 species has been mentioned of medicinal value represented by 14 plant families and 29 genera. Three aromatic plant species growing in Libya are not recognized and used by Libyans. Endemic species are mentioned; Origanum cyrenaicum, Teucrium zononii and Ballota andreuzziana. Conclusions: Even though Libya remains as one of the most biologically diverse countries in the Mediterranean region, scarce information about aromatic medicinal plants could be found. Libya is also suffering from extreme biodiversity destruction and degradation due to Sahara expenses and climate changes and other reasons. To deal with the problem IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation has made a mission in Libya to promote projects.

A Review of the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Genus Teucrium

“…A similar usage has been reported in Morocco for Teucrium antiatlanticum [25]. Teucrium apollinis and Teucrium zanoni, both known in Lybia as "Jada", have been used for its antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects, and for extruding kidney stones [26]. T. polium ssp.…”

“…to treat burns and fevers [25] T. apollinis Jada Libya antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and for extruding kidney stones [26] T. arduini…”

“…glaucum (Cramediu ʼe istropios) [65] and T. flavum (Querciola maggiore/Crammediu) [64] are also largely utilized in Sardinia for their cicatrizing properties. The last species is also ▶ T. zanoni Jada Libya antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and for extruding kidney stones [26] known in Greece (vernacular names: Chamaidrya, Moskhokhortaro, Dontokhortiis) as an antidiabetic, astringent, and to heal skin eruptions and wounds [62]. Another plant used locally in Italy is Teucrium fruticans, which, in Tuscany, is known for the depurative and diuretic effects of its infusion [66], whereas in Sicily, where it is known as "Erba ricottara", the direct application of the leaves is used in the treatment of hemorrhoids [67].…”

Use of Traditional Recipes for Oral Care by Local People in Janzour City, Libya: A Qualitative Study

“…The transcripts were analysed so that the frequency of words mentioned by the participants was measured and used to create word clouds for each major theme. As described by Morse et al, reliability, validity, and generalisability were used as a framework to ensure rigour in this study [17]. This was accomplished through purposive sampling, an iterative process of data collection and analysis, following up on new and recurring concepts, and tracking and checking changes.…”

Inhibition of Fungal Plant Pathogens by Aqueous Extracts of Arum cyreniacum

“…These substances contain effective chemical compounds [3], but fungi show the ability to the rapid development of resistance against those substances. Fungicides have negative effects on the environment by creating an imbalance in the ecosystem, and it is unsafe for human consumption because of plants' retention of the remnants of synthetic fungicides [4,5] Studies show that there are over 250,000 plant species that can be used as antimicrobials because of their bioactive chemical compounds [6] Therefore, it has been directed to use plant extracts to combat fungal pathogens because of its ease of obtaining, and the lack of unwanted side effects, as it is considered friendly [7] Although Libya is considered one of the most biologically diverse countries, bio-activities of many medicinal plants native unexplored [8] one of these plants is Arum cyreniacum of Araceae family, which is native to Al-Jabal Al -Akhdar region in Libya (Fig. 1) [9] It is used to treat inflammations of the skin and joints such as psoriasis [10].…”