Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge, consumption pattern, and medicinal uses of Nigella sativa seed (NSS) and honey among Mauritians in relation to their general attitude towards natural medicines. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 90 Mauritians, using equal-quota sampling method, among i) three age groups [(young adults (18–30 years), middle-aged adults (31–55 years), and old adults (above 55 years)] and ii) rural and urban residents. Results: Mauritians displayed better knowledge, consumption, and medicinal use of honey compared to NSS. Young adults and urban residents showed significantly greater knowledge of NSS compared to old adults and rural residents, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed among the three age groups regarding the consumption and medicinal use of NSS and honey. However, a significantly higher score was observed for the consumption and medicinal use of honey among rural population compared to urban population (p < 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed among age groups concerning the usage and faith in the cura-tive capability of natural medicines, although a slightly higher score was observed among older adults. On the other hand, participants from rural areas showed significantly greater faith in the curative capability and usage of natural medicines compared to urban residents (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Data amassed from this study may be of particular interest for health pro-fessionals to propose future therapeutic interventions to maintain the medical impor-tance of NSS and honey.

Key words: Nigella sativa seed, honey, consumption pattern, medicinal use, natural medicine, conventional medicine