UAEU Study Uncovers High Knowledge and Positive Attitudes Toward Medicinal Plant Use in UAE

A groundbreaking cross-sectional study conducted by researchers at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has shed new light on how residents of the United Arab Emirates perceive and utilize medicinal plants. Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the research titled "Insights into Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medicinal Plant Use in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study" reveals a population with generally high awareness and favorable views toward herbal remedies, underscoring the enduring role of traditional medicine in modern UAE society.

This investigation, led by Seham Alraish from UAEU's Department of Biology alongside colleagues Hind Alsheriafi, Aysha Alkuwaiti, Samir K. Safi, and Ali Safi from the Departments of Biology and Statistics and Business Analytics, highlights the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge into everyday health practices. As UAE universities like UAEU continue to pioneer research in biology and nutrition sciences, such studies bridge traditional wisdom with evidence-based approaches, potentially informing public health strategies and opening doors for careers in nutritional science and pharmacology.

Understanding the Methodology Behind the UAEU KAP Survey

The study employed a robust cross-sectional online survey design, reaching 418 participants across the UAE. The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire—where KAP stands for a framework commonly used in public health to assess awareness (knowledge), beliefs (attitudes), and behaviors (practices)—demonstrated strong reliability, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.870 and split-half reliability of 0.794. Participants rated statements on a 4-point Likert scale, allowing for nuanced measurement of perceptions.

Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and the Kruskal-Wallis test to explore sociodemographic influences. Ethical approval from UAEU's Social Sciences Ethics Committee (ERSC_2025_5931) ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. This methodological rigor positions the findings as a reliable benchmark for future research at UAE institutions, where students in biology or nutritional sciences can build upon such models for their theses or projects.

The survey's digital delivery capitalized on high internet penetration in the UAE, capturing diverse responses while minimizing bias. For aspiring researchers eyeing academic careers in UAE universities, this exemplifies best practices in survey-based epidemiology.

Key Findings: High Knowledge Levels Among UAE Residents

Notably, 75% of respondents scored above the midpoint (2.5/4) on knowledge questions, indicating widespread familiarity with medicinal plants' benefits and risks. Males exhibited significantly higher scores (p < 0.001), as did middle-aged adults aged 25-54 years. This suggests targeted education could further empower younger and female demographics.

Knowledge encompassed identifying plants for common ailments like digestive issues or immunity boosting—hallmarks of Emirati traditional medicine. Prior UAEU-led ethnopharmacological reviews by Alraish et al. identify staples such as Nigella sativa (black seed for anti-inflammatory effects), Lawsonia inermis (henna for skin conditions), and Ziziphus spina-christi (jujube for digestive health).

Positive Attitudes Shape Medicinal Plant Acceptance

Attitudes were overwhelmingly favorable, correlating strongly with knowledge (r = 0.659, p < 0.001). Regression models revealed knowledge and practices as strong predictors of attitudes (R² = 0.631, p < 0.001), painting a picture of informed enthusiasm. Regular users—those employing herbs weekly or monthly—scored highest across all domains, particularly practices (η² = 0.148).

This positivity aligns with national surveys where 98.7% report herbal use, often for immunity (26.8%) or relaxation (23.5%), with ginger, aloe vera, and black seed topping lists. UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) supports this through the National Center for Biotechnology and its Encyclopedia of UAE Medicinal Plants, listing over 100 species like Capparis spinosa (caper bush) for digestive aid.

For nutrition graduates from UAEU's College of Science or Khalifa University, these attitudes signal demand for evidence-based herbal integration in diets.

Practices: From Daily Teas to Chronic Condition Management

Practices mirrored knowledge and attitudes, with strong inter-correlations (knowledge-practice r = 0.501; attitude-practice r = 0.691, both p < 0.001). Common regimens include herbal teas for colds or digestion, reflecting Bedouin heritage preserved amid urbanization. A 2008 survey noted 65 herbs for 48 ailments, with high confidence despite occasional side effects reports.

• Ginger and black seed for immunity and respiratory health.
• Aloe vera and chamomile for skin and relaxation.
• Cymbopogon schoenanthus (camel grass) for urinary issues.

Regular users' elevated scores suggest habitual, positive reinforcement. Yet, the study cautions unsupervised use risks, advocating UAEU-style research for standardization.

Sociodemographic Influences on KAP Scores

The Kruskal-Wallis test pinpointed variations: males and 25-54-year-olds led knowledge; education and frequency boosted all domains. Younger adults (18-24) showed high usage per prior studies (98.7%), blending tradition with wellness trends.

This stratification informs tailored interventions—e.g., workshops for youth via UAE universities' outreach. Explore faculty ratings at Rate My Professor for UAEU biology experts guiding such efforts.

UAEU's Pioneering Role in Medicinal Plant Research

United Arab Emirates University, UAE's flagship research institution, drives ethnobotany through its Biology Department and Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, focusing on arid flora for food security and health. Alraish's team exemplifies this, with prior works on UAE plants' antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials.

UAEU offers BSc in Biology and Nutritional Science, equipping students for higher ed jobs in pharma or public health. Collaborations like with Insilico Medicine advance AI-drug discovery from local herbs.

Common Medicinal Plants in UAE Tradition

Nigella sativa (black cumin): Immunity booster, anti-inflammatory; backed by UAEU analysis.

• Lawsonia inermis (henna): Wound healing, antioxidants.
• Ziziphus spina-christi: Diabetes management.
• Matricaria aurea: Sedative, anti-anxiety.
• Ginger, thyme: Respiratory relief.

DOH's encyclopedia catalogs 100+ species, with 260 in Arabian Peninsula. Conservation vital amid urbanization.Explore UAE Medicinal Plants Encyclopedia

Public Health Implications and Policy Recommendations

Positive KAP signals herbal medicine's viability as complementary therapy, but gaps in regulation persist. The study urges public education on interactions—e.g., herbs with pharmaceuticals—and evidence validation. UAE's Zayed Complex for Herbal Research advances this, partnering universities.

For nutritionists, this boosts demand for herbal-integrated diets. Policy: Integrate KAP into MOHAP campaigns, fund UAEU-like studies. Check higher ed career advice for roles in UAE health research.

Challenges, Future Research, and Educational Opportunities

Challenges: Self-medication risks, adulteration, limited clinical trials. Future: Longitudinal studies, specific plant efficacy trials at UAEU. Educational tie-ins: UAEU's programs train experts; explore UAE university jobs.

As UAE blends tradition/modernity, this UAEU study paves way for sustainable herbal use, fostering jobs in biology, nutrition.

Photo by martin mendoza on Unsplash

Conclusion: Bridging Tradition and Science in UAE Healthcare

UAEU's KAP study affirms medicinal plants' vitality, urging safe integration. For academics, visit Rate My Professor; job seekers, higher ed jobs, university jobs, career advice, or post at post a job. UAEU exemplifies research excellence.