Ethnobotanical Survey and Quantitative Indices Assesment of Traditional Medicinal Uses of Stylochaeton hypogaeus Lepr. in Bignona, Senegal

Abstract

Stylochaeton hypogaeus (Araceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Casamance (Senegal), particularly for the treatment of prostatic disorders, inflammatory conditions, hemorrhoids, and certain forms of cancer. The present study aimed to assess its ethnobotanical importance through a quantitative analysis based on widely recognized ethnobotanical indices, namely citation frequency (CF), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and informant consensus factor (ICF). Data were collected from 16 key informants using semi-structured interviews. The results revealed a high citation frequency (CF = 0.875) and a substantial use value (UV = 0.75), reflecting both the strong local recognition of the species and the diversity of its therapeutic applications. Roots were the most frequently used plant part, primarily prepared as a decoction and administered mainly via the oral route. The particularly high-fidelity level for prostatic disorders (FL = 87.5%), combined with a strong informant consensus (ICF = 0.80), indicates marked therapeutic specialization and substantial community agreement regarding its perceived effectiveness. Overall, these findings confirm the central role of Stylochaeton hypogaeus in local traditional healthcare systems and are consistent with ethnobotanical data reported from other parts of West Africa.