Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants

Biography

Abstract

Traditional medicine, occasionally called alternative medicine or complementary medicine, is presently experiencing significant development in Algeria. In the health care markets, several practice categories are being expressed in the name of traditional medicine and prophetic medicine. These practices, known as “Rokya” and “Hijâma”, are developing as a very fruitful business in Algeria. Many herbalists providing medical care, “Achchab” in Arabic, are appearing more prominently in the marketplaces. Arab Muslim medicine remains alive in the contemporary practices of traditional medicine. This review reflects an interest in the medicinal plant species and other materials cited in the sacred texts and used currently in traditional medicine in Algeria. The use of several traditional medicine indications have been supported on the basis of their safety and efficacy. This review analyzes the importance of these practices between popular and religious beliefs. Proposals were made for the development of the traditional medicine in Algeria based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).