Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used against Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Korhogo Department, Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: Resistance to commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, constitutes a major public health challenge, particularly in the field of reproductive health. Objective: The purpose of this study was to document medicinal plants traditionally employed by herbal practitioners against STIs in the Korhogo department. Methods: An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using an oral questionnaire administered to 80 traditional medicine practitioners from the city of Korhogo and surrounding villages (Côte d’Ivoire). Results: Seventeen plant species were identified. The most frequently cited were Adansonia digitata (17.65%), Trichilia emetica (11.76%), Carica papaya (11.76%), and Olax subscorpioidea (9.76%). The plant parts most commonly used in remedy preparation were leaves (58.82%), followed by fruits (23.53%), stem bark (11.79%), and roots (5.88%). The predominant preparation methods included infusion (55%), decoction (16.66%), maceration (16.66%), and hydrodistillation (11.68%). Treatment duration generally ranged from one to three weeks, with oral administration being the preferred route (73.68%). Conclusion: These findings provide an important contribution to the valorization of natural resources in the fight against STIs in the Korhogo department and establish a solid basis for future research.