Phytotherapy in Tunisia: therapeutic trials of Teucrium ramosissimum

Since ancient times, herbs and species have been added to different types of food to improve the flavor and biological properties. Among the various species or genera of plants investigated, we cite the genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae), which are known for their medicinal uses and exhibit interesting biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antitumor, and antibacterial activities. Besides, some Teucrium species are used in the traditional medicine to treat various ailments like stomach and intestinal troubles, colds, and feminine sterility. In Tunisian traditional medicine, the use of Teucrium differs according to the species and according to the region of the country. Based in information gathered from traditional healers, herbalists, and inhabitants from rural regions, Teucrium ramosissimum is frequently used in such diverse applications as the treatment of gastric ulcer, intestinal inflammation and particularly as cicatrisant in external use. The main aim of this project was to screen the species of Teucrium ramosissimum, with respect to their phytochemicals contents and their several interesting biological activities.