Ethnomedicinal uses, quantitative analysis, and therapeutic potential of Punica granatum peel in Tunisia: An ethnobotanical study

Abstract

Background: Punica granatum L. peel is widely used in Tunisian traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Despite its extensive use, comprehensive ethnobotanical studies integrating quantitative indices and statistical approaches remain limited.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local informants. The ethnomedicinal importance of P. granatum peel was assessed using Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Statistical analyses were performed to examine associations between informant characteristics and knowledge distribution. Cluster-robust logistic regression was applied to investigate relationships between socio-demographic factors, usage patterns, and reported disease categories.

Results: P. granatum peel was mainly used for gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders. High ICF values indicated strong agreement among informants regarding plant use, while elevated FL values reflected specific and well-defined therapeutic applications. Knowledge distribution varied across socio-demographic groups, with reported knowledge appearing higher among older participants, although this trend should be interpreted cautiously due to their limited representation in the online survey sample.

Conclusion: This study highlights the ethnomedicinal relevance of P. granatum peel in Tunisia. The strong consensus among informants supports its traditional therapeutic relevance and provides a scientific basis for future pharmacological and phytochemical investigations.

Keywords:  Punica granatum peel; ethnobotany; quantitative ethnobotany; traditional medicine; gastrointestinal disorders; Tunisia.