Medicinal Plant Use and Market Dynamics in Benghazi, Libya: A Quantitative Ethnobotanical and Economic Assessment

Authors

  • Saleh Muhamad Saleh Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Libyan Academy, Benghazi, Libya Author
    • Asma salah Ali Author
      • Yacoub Mohammed El Barasi Author

        Abstract

        Background and Aims: Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) play a pivotal role in the primary healthcare and local economies of the Mediterranean region. Despite this significance, quantitative ethnobotanical and economic assessments of MAP markets in urban centers like Benghazi, Libya, remain scarce. This study presents a comprehensive quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation and economic analysis of the commercial MAP trade and consumption patterns in Benghazi. Methods: Ethnobotanical and market surveys were conducted across 39 herbal shops (attarat) distributed between East (53.8%) and West (46.2%) Benghazi, recording 2,650 commercial transactions. Additionally, clinical interviews were conducted with 70 patients across seven specialized healthcare centers, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with traditional healers. Data were analyzed non-parametrically using SPSS (v28), including Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests. Results: A total of 114 medicinal plant species belonging to 44 families were documented. The family Lamiaceae was the most prevalent and consumed (19.2%, 11 species), followed by Apiaceae (10.3%), Asteraceae (10.2%), and Zingiberaceae (7.4%). Annual monetary consumption was significantly higher in East Benghazi compared to West Benghazi (p < 0.01). Large bulk packaging (50–100 kg) dominated market inventory (49.7%), with 31.8% of commercial entries exceeding an annual value of 1,000 LYD. Demographically, females constituted 68.6% of patient consumers. While perceived therapeutic efficacy was independent of gender (p = 0.54), it was significantly associated with patient age (p = 0.001), plant part used (p = 0.001), and preparation method (p = 0.001). Seeds (31.4%) and leaves (22.9%) were the most utilized parts, with powdering (38.6%) and decoction (30.0%) being the primary preparation modes. Zingiber officinale (8.6%) and Cinnamomum verum (7.1%) emerged as the most frequently consumed species among patients. Conclusion: The findings highlight a strong cultural continuity in MAP utilization alongside a heavy reliance on imported commercial herbs. Implementing sustainable wild-harvesting regulations and promoting local cultivation of high-value medicinal species are strongly recommended to ensure ecological preservation and economic sustainability.

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        Published

        2025-12-31

        Issue

        Volume 1, No. 2, 2025

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        Copyright (c) 2025 Saleh Muhamad Saleh, Asma salah Ali, Yacoub Mohammed El Barasi (Author)

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        How to Cite

        Saleh Muhamad Saleh, Asma salah Ali, & Yacoub Mohammed El Barasi. (2025). Medicinal Plant Use and Market Dynamics in Benghazi, Libya: A Quantitative Ethnobotanical and Economic Assessment. Al-Imad Journal of Humanities and Applied Sciences (AJHAS), 1(2), 290-328. https://al-imadjournal.ly/index.php/ajhas/article/view/232

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