Ethnobotanical Survey and Market-based Assessment of Medicinal Plant Consumption in Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

This study evaluates the therapeutic applications and the commercial consumption of 34 medicinal and aromatic plants from 37 herbal shops in Benghazi city in eastern Libya. Data on monthly sales quantity, used parts, flowering times, and medicinal use were gathered through structured interviews with herbalists, and plant nomenclature was confirmed and cross-checked against the Flora of Libya Booklets. Data were statistically analysed by Minitab®. The plant species Pimpinella anisum demonstrated the highest mean monthly consumption. Significant differences in sales were observed across individual shops, and the Al-Sabery area recorded the highest commercial turnover, 72.4 kg/month. The Flora of Libya exhibited a distinct biogeographical distribution of medicinal plants in Libya. Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar zone contained the highest species diversity, whereas the Fezzan and Saharan zones were dominated by xerophytes. Our findings highlight a heavy reliance on traditional phytotherapy targeting gastrointestinal, metabolic, respiratory, and dermatological conditions, emphasising the need for regulatory oversight and sustainable sourcing.