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. 2024 Dec 31;19(1):2317492.
doi: 10.1080/19932820.2024.2317492. Epub 2024 Feb 18.

A survey into the utilization of probiotics and medicinal plants among individuals afflicted with gastrointestinal disorders in healthcare institutions in Saïda, Algeria

Lamia Abir Tazi  1 , Yasmina Benabdesslem  1   2 , Sabrina Amara  3 , Kadda Hachem  1   4
Affiliations

A survey into the utilization of probiotics and medicinal plants among individuals afflicted with gastrointestinal disorders in healthcare institutions in Saïda, Algeria

Lamia Abir Tazi et al. Libyan J Med. .

Abstract

Aim: Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are recognized as a major public health concern worldwide. These disorders involve persistent digestive symptoms indicative of digestive tract dysfunction.Materials and Methods: A survey examining the utilisation of probiotics and medicinal plants as supplementary treatments was conducted on 160 patients with GI disorders at healthcare institutions in Saïda from March to April 2023 using questionnaires that had been previously adapted and tested for reliability with Cronbach's alpha test. Raw data collected through the questionnaires were transferred to a database and analysed using SPSS software.Results: Overall, 49.38% of participants possessed knowledge of or actively utilised probiotics; such awareness was strongly associated with the participants' educational attainment (p = 0.029). The noteworthy probiotic supplements were Biocharbon (36.09%), Lactocil (15.38%), Smebiocta (13.61%), Ultrabiotic Adult (12.43%), Effidigest (12.43%), and Ultralevure (7.69%). During crisis, individuals tended to consume natural goods rich in probiotics, including yoghurt (13.26%) and fermented milk (8.60%), as well as foods rich in prebiotic fibre, including vegetables (18.99%), fruits (13.26%), wheat (9.67%), bran (7.52%), rye (6.81%), and oat flakes (6.45%). Additionally, 77.56% of patients used medicinal plants during crises, with Mentha spicata (12.2%), Thymus vulgaris (11.3%), Pimpinella anisum (8.5%), Cuminum cyminum (8.0%), Punica granatum (7.8%), Trachyspermum ammi (7.5%), and Senna acutifolia (7.0%) being the more commonly favoured options in phytotherapy. The main focus of these herbs was to alleviate bloating (57%), constipation (30.12%), and diarrhoea (12.87%) (p < 0.001). The most frequently utilised plant parts were leaves (47.30%), seeds (25.21%), and bark (13.21%). Most patients (82.91%) favoured infusion as their preferred consumption method, and approximately 85.43% believed in phytotherapy's ability to extend symptomatic relief.Conclusion: The understanding of probiotics is still in its infancy, whereas phytotherapy is more widely accepted by patients. Nonetheless, patients are open to the exploration of natural alternatives to conventional medicines.

Keywords: Saïda; Survey; gastrointestinal disorders; medicinal plants; patients; prebiotics; probiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Map showing the geographical location of the wilaya of Saïda.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Correlation between knowledge of probiotics and education level.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Knowledge and/or use of probiotic supplements.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Evaluation of the use of probiotic supplements according to digestive disorders.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Evaluation of the diet according to the frequency of consumption.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Distribution of the number of patients according to the preference between fermented natural products and industrial food supplements.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Distribution of medicinal plant use according to digestive disorders.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Parts of plants used.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Distribution of the number of patients according to the mode of plant use and daily dose.
Figure 10.
Figure 10.
Assessment of the relationship between prolongation of the calm phase and intake of natural remedies.
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