UAEU Researchers Uncover Strong Embrace of Medicinal Plants Among Residents
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has released a groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, shedding light on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards medicinal plants among UAE residents. This cross-sectional research, led by Seham Alraish and colleagues from UAEU's College of Science and College of Business and Economics, reveals high levels of awareness and positive sentiments, with significant correlations between knowledge, attitudes, and actual usage. Conducted via an online survey with 418 participants, the study highlights how traditional herbal remedies continue to thrive alongside modern healthcare in the UAE.
UAEU's College of Food and Agriculture plays a pivotal role in such nutritional research, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific validation to support public health initiatives. This work underscores the university's commitment to addressing local health challenges through evidence-based studies on indigenous and popular medicinal flora.
Roots of Traditional Medicine in UAE Culture
Medicinal plants have deep roots in Emirati heritage, passed down through generations as part of Unani, Arabic, and Islamic medicine systems. Common remedies include Nigella sativa (black seed or habbat al barakah), widely used for immune boosting and respiratory issues; Zingiber officinale (ginger) for digestion; and Allium sativum (garlic) for cardiovascular health. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DOH) recognize traditional complementary medicine, maintaining an encyclopedia of over 400 medicinal plants native or naturalized in the region.
Historical texts like those from Ibn Sina (Avicenna) influence current practices, with plants like Ziziphus spina-christi (sidr) used for skin conditions and Lawsonia inermis (henna) for anti-inflammatory effects. UAEU's ethnopharmacological research, including reviews by Alraish on local species like Capparis spinosa, bridges this cultural legacy with contemporary science.
Methodology: Rigorous KAP Survey Design
The UAEU study employed a validated KAP questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.870, split-half 0.794), distributed online to UAE residents aged 18+. Questions assessed knowledge (e.g., benefits, side effects), attitudes (perceptions of efficacy/safety), and practices (frequency, sources). Data analysis used descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for sociodemographic differences. Ethical approval came from UAEU's Social Sciences Ethics Committee (ERSC_2025_5931).
This approach mirrors global KAP frameworks but is tailored to UAE's multicultural population, including nationals (higher knowledge) and expatriates.
High Knowledge Levels: 75% Above Midpoint
Participants demonstrated strong knowledge, with 75% scoring above the 2.5 midpoint on a 4-point Likert scale (mean ~3.0 estimated from distributions). Males and middle-aged groups (25-54 years) scored highest (p<0.001). UAE nationals outperformed expatriates, reflecting cultural familiarity. Common knowledge included immune-boosting properties of black seed and ginger's anti-nausea effects.
Sources of knowledge: family traditions (majority), social media, and healthcare providers.
Positive Attitudes Drive Acceptance
Attitudes were overwhelmingly favorable (mean score high, correlated r=0.659 with knowledge), with most viewing medicinal plants as safe, effective complements to pharmaceuticals. Regression showed knowledge and practice predict attitudes (R²=0.631, p<0.001). Regular users exhibited strongest positivity, emphasizing natural, fewer side effects perceptions. Higher education correlated with nuanced views, balancing benefits and risks.
This aligns with prior UAE surveys showing 76-98% herbal use prevalence.
Practices: Widespread Yet Varied Usage
Practices scored well (strongest effect from regular use, η²=0.148), with frequent self-medication for colds, digestion, immunity. Black seed, ginger, garlic topped lists in similar studies. Sourcing: supermarkets (40%), pharmacies, traditional healers. Concurrent use with drugs common, raising interaction concerns.
- Daily/weekly use: immunity boosters like black seed.
- Occasional: ginger tea for nausea.
- Avoidance: pregnant women cautioned.
Strong Correlations Link KAP Domains
Key finding: Positive correlations - K-A (r=0.659), K-P (0.501), A-P (0.691), all p<0.001 - indicate informed attitudes foster safe practices. This triad suggests education amplifies usage positively.
Sociodemographics: Males/25-54yo higher across domains; education boosts knowledge/practice; nationality favors nationals. Implications for targeted UAEU outreach programs.
Popular Medicinal Plants in UAE Households
Though not detailed in KAP scores, UAEU ethnobotany identifies staples: Nigella sativa (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory); Zingiber officinale/Zingiber zerumbet (digestive); Allium sativum (antimicrobial); Ziziphus spp. (skin/diabetes); Aloe vera (wounds). DOH encyclopedia lists 137+ essential oil-bearing species.Explore DOH Medicinal Plants Encyclopedia
| Plant | Common Use |
|---|---|
| Nigella sativa | Immunity, respiratory |
| Ginger | Digestion, nausea |
| Garlic | Heart health, infection |
| Sidr (Ziziphus) | Skin, diabetes |
Public Health Implications and UAEU's Role
High KAP signals opportunity for integration: UAEU advocates evidence-based guidelines, clinical trials. Supports UAE Vision 2031 health goals. Nutrition programs at UAEU CFA train experts in food-herb synergies.Explore UAE higher ed opportunities
Challenges: Adulteration (heavy metals in supplements), drug interactions (e.g., garlic-warfarin). DOH regulates, but awareness needed.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Framework
Risks include contamination, toxicity; UAE recalls adulterated products. MOHAP/DOH classify herbal meds, require registration. UAEU research aids pharmacovigilance.
- Heavy metals in imports.
- Herb-drug interactions.
- Pregnancy contraindications.
Solutions: UAEU-led education campaigns.
Photo by Abdullah Azeez on Unsplash
Future Directions: Research and Policy
UAEU calls for longitudinal studies, standardization. Potential: UAE herbal pharma industry, agritech for cultivation. Aligns with UAEU PhD Nutritional Sciences.Academic career advice
Global context: WHO endorses safe traditional medicine.
Conclusion: Bridging Tradition and Science
UAEU's study affirms medicinal plants' enduring role, urging safe integration. For researchers, check Rate My Professor; job seekers, higher ed jobs; advice at career advice. UAEU leads in nutrition innovation.Read full UAEU study
