Advancements in Ethnobotanical Sciences 2 1 2026 03 31 Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers for the Prevention and Treatment of Constipation in the Tafila Region, Jordan 13 19 10.34172/jaebs.2026.3 EN Ahed J Alkhatib https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3359-8128 Journal Article 10.34172/jaebs.2026.3 2026 01 22 2026 03 25 Background and Objective: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder managed in many communities through traditional medical practices, including medicinal plants. This study aimed to identify medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the Tafila region of Jordan for the prevention and treatment of constipation and assess their ethnobotanical importance. Methods: This ethnobotanical study was conducted in February 2026 in Tafila, Jordan, involving 35 local informants. Information on medicinal plants traditionally used for constipation was collected through ethnobotanical fieldwork. Plant specimens were taxonomically identified, and voucher specimens were prepared and preserved. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical methods. Results: Seven plant species from seven families were documented for constipation management: Crocus pallasii (Iridaceae; bulb; fresh), Euphorbia hierosolymitana (Euphorbiaceae; latex and root; ointment in olive oil), Ficus carica (Moraceae; leaves and fruits; fresh fruit or leaf decoction), Lepidium sativum (Brassicaceae; seeds; decoction), Malva parviflora (Malvaceae; leaves; infusion), Matricaria aurea (Asteraceae; flowers; infusion), and Olea europaea (Oleaceae; fruits; oil). The informant consensus factor (ICF) was 0.928, indicating high agreement among informants. Ficus carica had the highest use value (UV = 0.571), followed by Olea europaea (UV = 0.514). Conclusions: The diversity of documented medicinal plants and high informant agreement highlight the importance of traditional plant-based knowledge in managing constipation in the Tafila region. Species with relatively high use values, particularly Ficus carica and Olea europaea, warrant further pharmacological and clinical investigation to evaluate their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.