Folk Wisdom and Science Join Forces to Explore the Power of Medicinal Plants

The ENDÈMIC project has studied the antibiotic potential of plants traditionally used in Morocco to treat common infections.

[This article was co-authored by Marina Tarrús, field technician and project manager at ISGlobal, and Sofia Williamson, co-founder and co-director of Lichen Innovación Social].

Have you ever wondered if the recommended thyme infusion with honey and lemon at home is really having an effect on your health? You're not alone. Questions like these inspired the ENDÈMIC project team to combine science and tradition in their exploration of the potential of medicinal plants to combat microbial infections.

What is ENDÈMIC?

The ENDÈMIC project was launched in 2020 as a collaboration between ISGlobal's Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative and Lichen Social Innovation. In its two editions —in Barcelona and Casablanca, Morocco —it has worked with local women and herbalists to collect - and honor - the traditional knowledge about medicinal plants used to treat minor infections.

The project has two main objectives:

1. To introduce communities to the scientific method for evaluating the efficacy of these plants.
2. To elevate traditional knowledge and community as key elements of research, as recognized by the WHO since the 1980s.

ENDÈMIC has studied the antibiotic potential of several widely used medicinal plants against microorganisms commonly associated with infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, among others.

From Barcelona to Casablanca: An Interdisciplinary Approach

The success of the first edition of ENDÈMIC in Barcelona— where plants such as thyme, oregano, ginger and aloe vera were studied—led to the replication of the method in Morocco, a country known for its rich biodiversity and long tradition of using medicinal plants.

The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in mint, mugwort, clove and lavender, along with oregano

In collaboration with Mohammed VI University, local women and herbalists were engaged to identify the 12 most commonly used plants to treat common infections, including digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), respiratory problems (sore throat), skin problems, oral problems (wounds, bad breath), and urinary and reproductive tract infections.

ENDEMIC project. Casablanca edition

The selected plants were tested in the form of essential oils, floral waters (hydrolats) and infusions. Antibiograms were used to evaluate their effect on the safe strains of the microorganisms mentioned above. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in mint, mugwort, clove and lavender, along with oregano, which had already shown promising results in Barcelona.

Science and citizenship: a model to follow

The project not only sought to scientifically validate the properties of medicinal plants, but also aimed to foster collaboration among diverse groups, including herbalists, pharmacy and public health students, and local communities. This interdisciplinary approach has enabled the creation of a catalog of plants with antibiotic potential, which will serve as an ethnobotanical resource to inform the public and will provide valuable data for more specialized scientific studies focused on the development of new antimicrobial therapies.

In addition, educational materials, such as a video documenting the entire process, were produced to raise awareness of the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and Mediterranean biodiversity.

Bridging tradition and science

The ENDÈMIC project thus shows that the combination of science, tradition and citizen participation can lead to significant advances in scientific research. It also underscores the importance of protecting our natural and cultural heritage, positioning it as a key element in addressing global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance.

So, if you have ever questioned the power of medicinal plants, now is the time to explore ENDÈMIC, a project that demonstrates how folk wisdom can find its place in modern science. Want to learn more? Visit us and get involved!