Diversity of medicinal plant uses and epidemiologicalanalysis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Biskra (south-eastern of Algeria)
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1
Department of Natural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of M'sila, University Pole, Road Bordj Bou Arreiridj, M'sila 28000 Algeria, Algeria
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Nature and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Exact Science and Nature and Life Sciences. Mohamed Khider Biskra University Algeria, Algeria
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Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Natural Products and Organic Synthesis Campus Chaabat Ersas, Faculty of Exact Science. University Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine 25000, Algeria, Algeria
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Faculty of Medicine, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3. Constantine 25000, Algeria
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Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Natural Substances, ENS de Kouba, Algiers, Algeria
A - Research concept and design; B - Collection and/or assembly of data; C - Data analysis and interpretation; D - Writing the article; E - Critical revision of the article; F - Final approval of article
Biodiv. Res. Conserv. 2025;(78)
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ABSTRACT
In this study we examined data on COVID-19 patients recorded in 2020 at the Hakim Sadanne Hospital in the Biskra, Algeria and applied various tests: statistical, epidemiological, etc. In addition, we conducted interviews with herbalists and an ethnobotanical on-line survey of medicinal plants used during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 2108 cases of this disease, including 931 deaths, were analysed to link various factors, such as air temperature, age, and sex, with mortality rate. Our results demonstrate that the appearance of symptoms of infection was often associated with pre-existing chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular heart disease, and high blood pressure. As for medicinal plants, Melissa officinalis and Zingiber officinale were the most used during the pandemic, whereas Eucalyptus globulus and Syzygium aromaticum had 100% fidelity levels. In conclusion, primarily the above-mentioned chronic diseases were associated with reduced immunity to COVID-19. Furthermore, traditional medicine has been an accommodating alternative to conventional medical treatment of COVID-19 within Biskra region.