Preliminary study of plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine in Tunisia and in Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
A
survey relative to the use of plants for the cure of animals in Tunisia
was conducted in order to make a comparison with the same species (or
similar ones) in central and southern Italy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
available bibliographical data both for Italy and for Tunisia were consulted.
RESULTS:
Thirty-nine plants, representing 22 families, used in Tunisia in ethnoveterinary medicine
were reported, and comparisons made with close species used in Central
and Southern Italy. Seven of the 39 species (about the 18% of the total)
are not present in Italian flora. Fourteen of the 39 species (35% of
the total) are also used in Italy. Camelidae (dromedaries and camels)
are the most valuable types of domestic animals cured in Tunisia, but
ovines, horses, bulls, dogs are also treated. Some uses coincide with
those existing in different Italian regions. The plants used are the
most common and most easily found in these areas.
CONCLUSION:
The present study confirms the convergence in ethnoveterinary medicine
between Tunisia and Italy, even if it appears less significant than in
human ethnobotany. Further studies are required in areas of Tunisia that
have not yet been studied, in order to get the possibility of an
evaluation of active compounds.
KEYWORDS:
Ethnoveterinary medicine; Italy; Plants; Tunisia
