Ethnobotanical survey of Silybum marianum L. Gaertn in the Ouezzane region (northwestern Morocco): Knowledge and use of the plant

¹ Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, 30000, Morocco
² Laboratory of Botany, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Taounate 34025, Morocco

Abstract

Silybum marianum L. Gaertn is a spontaneous plant whose medicinal properties have been used for over two thousand years. This study aims to clarify the understanding and utilisation of S. marianum by the rural and urban populations of Ouezzane region in Morocco, in order to assess the level of recognition and exploitation of this plant. An ethnobotanical survey in this region involved a sample of 140 individuals. Survey results are analyzed using SPSS. The survey results have revealed a significantly limited level of appreciation for S. marianum. Through the use of chi-square statistical tests, we identified significant relationships between our variables and the knowledge about S. marianum and its use. Based on the findings of our study, Silybum marianum L. remains one of Morocco's most neglected and underutilized plants. This may be due to a lack of knowledge or adequate information about its applications, a lack of general interest or even socio-economic factors that limit its exploitation.