Ethno-nutraceutical survey of dietary seaweeds used in unconventional therapy in Morocco. An emerging practice for a renovated pharmacopeia

In Morocco, like in many developing countries, people usually tend to turn to unconventional therapies. An ethnophycological survey was realized to inventory seaweeds used in complementary Moroccan medicine. One hundred ninety-one (191) consumers and thirty-one (31) traditional healers were interviewed on seaweed food-related diseases using standardized questionnaires. The survey was conducted in some cities in Morocco. After gathering all the information, the data obtained were analyzed and summarized. The investigation has displayed emerging phycotherapy in Morocco. Consumers' knowledge about seaweeds is complex and various. Yet, most of them are convinced of their nutraceutical benefits for a healthy lifestyle. The healers strongly support the reliability of their recommendations in treating health problems according to what the literature shows. The present study has made a contribution in giving a clear picture of the status quo of dietary seaweeds therapies in Morocco, which is revealed as an emerging practice needed to renovate pharmacopeia. Therefore, it has allowed us to list some seaweeds that haven't been considered in any scientific investigation before, which will be subject afterward to pharmacological tests to prove the claimed uses.