Indigenous Knowledge and Medicinal Uses of Caesalpinia pulcherrima in Southern Benin

Abstract

In the context of biodiversity conservation and the search for bioactive compounds, documenting indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants is essential for their sustainable use and valorization. This study aimed to document local knowledge on the traditional use of Caesalpinia pulcherrima in southern Benin. This study is a descriptive ethnobotanical survey conducted using a participatory research method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and open discussions with 116 informants, including herbalists and traditional healers, across nine communes in southern Benin. A total of 116 individuals were interviewed. The results showed that the respondents were predominantly women (83.6%) and Fon (81%), with a large proportion (69.8%) being illiterate. C. pulcherrima is used to treat around twenty ailments, with chronic infections (74.14%) being the most frequently cited, followed by ulcers (25%) and wounds (15.52%). The leaves (88.79%), roots (40.52%), and bark (32.76%) are the most commonly used parts, mainly in the form of decoctions (91.38%) and administered orally (98%) for the treatment of these various conditions. A Correspondence Analysis (CA) revealed a differentiation in uses of leaves, roots, and stems, which are associated with gastrointestinal and neurological disorders (e.g., constipation, epilepsy), while flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark are used more often for infections, skin conditions, and malaria. However, the intensive use of roots and bark poses a risk to the conservation of the species. This primary study is essential for better utilizing the genetic resources of C. pulcherrima.