Archives

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  Moroccan Journal of Biological Sciences (MJBS)

  Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)

  Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Moroccan Journal of Biological Sciences (MJBS)

  
  MOROCCAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, MARCH 2025; 1(1): 1-7
  Exploring medicinal plant diversity and traditional healthcare in Nador (Morocco) through ethnobotanical and pharmacological perspectives
  Abdelhay BENYAICH, Farah ZAABOUL, Ouiam EL MEKKI, Abderrazak HORMI, Mustapha AKSISSOU, Kaouthar BENYAICH, Mohamed HAMMOUTI
  
  
  Abstract
  This study provides a comprehensive ethnopharmacological assessment of medicinal plants used in Nador,  Morocco,  documenting  traditional  knowledge  from both urban and rural communities during the period from May 7 to November 28, 2024. A  structured ethnobotanical  survey was  conducted  among  103  informants  including  traditional healers,   herbalists,   and   community   elders   using   semi-structured  questionnaires,  field  observations,  and  specimen collection.  Quantitative  indices  such  as  relative  frequency  ofcitation  (RFC),  use  value  (UV),  and  informant  consensus factor   (ICF)   were   calculated   to   evaluate   the   cultural significance and therapeutic relevance of each species.A total of 38 medicinal plant species, representing 14 botanical families, were identified. Among these, the Lamiaceae family was   predominant,   accounting   for   26.3%   of   the   species, followed   by   Asteraceae   (18.4%)   and   Apiaceae   (13.2%). Notably, Origanum compactum exhibited the highest citation frequency  (RFC  =  72.8%),  followed  by  Mentha  pulegium (RFC  =  63.1%).  The  Asteraceae  and  Apiaceae  families  were also well represented, with RFC values of 59.2% and 51.5%, respectively.    Gastrointestinal    disorders    were    the    most frequently  treated  condition, accounting  for  34.0%  of  all  use reports   (ICF   =   0.81),   while   respiratory   infections   and dermatological conditions comprised 23.0% (ICF = 0.78) and 15.5%  (ICF  =  0.75)  of  the  reported  cases.  Leaves  were  the most commonly usedplant part (58.2%), and infusion was the predominant method of preparation (43.7%).These findings emphasize the vital role of medicinal plants in Nador’s  traditional  healthcare  system  and  underscore  the necessity   for   further   phytochemical   and   pharmacological research  to  elucidate  their  therapeutic  potential.  Moreover, they  highlight  the importance  of  sustainable  conservation efforts to preserve these valuable botanical resources for future generations.
  
  Keywords
  Ethnobotany; Pharmacological properties; Medicinal plants; Traditional knowledge; Phytotherapy; Morocco; Nador

• Moroccan Journal of Biological Sciences (MJBS)

  Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025)

  15/09/2025
  Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Moroccan Journal of Biological Sciences (MJBS)
  MOROCCAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, SEPTEMBER 2025; 1(2): 1-7 
  
  The influence of food advertising on childhood obesity from a public health perspective in Mediterranean and emerging countries

  Abderrazak Hormi, Bouchra Ouarraoui, Abdelhay Benyaich, Naoual Benaini, Kaouthar Benyaich, Et-touil Mohammed, Mostapha Shita, Rajae Errafia , Fatiha Bahtat
  
  Abstract 
  Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern, particularly in Mediterranean countries where traditional dietary patterns are increasingly supplanted by Westernized food consumption. This study investigates the cognitive and physiological responses of children to food advertising and their implications for dietary behaviors within the Mediterranean context. Employing a systematic review approach, the study integrates the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to examine how persuasive advertising strategies influence immediate food preferences and long-term consumption habits. Findings reveal that Mediterranean children are highly susceptible to digital and traditional food marketing, with advertising fostering brand recall, impulsive eating behaviors, and conditioned cravings. A comparative analysis highlights regional disparities in advertising exposure and regulatory frameworks, with countries like Spain and Greece enforcing stricter policies compared to Morocco and Lebanon. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive regulatory measures, enhanced media literacy programs, and school-based nutritional interventions to counteract the adverse effects of food advertising. Given the scarcity of region-specific research, future studies should adopt longitudinal and intervention-based methodologies to assess the effectiveness of policy interventions. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and public health professionals, advocating for culturally tailored solutions to mitigate childhood obesity while preserving the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
  
  Keywords: Digital marketing; Food advertising; Childhood obesity; Unhealthy food; Behavioral influence; Cognitive responses; Mediterranean countries; Physiological reactions; Public health policy