Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers from the Yamoussoukro Health District Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of plants used by traditional health practitioners is essential for safeguarding and promoting the traditional medicine. The study aimed to identify the medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners in the Yamoussoukro health district for treating common illnesses. Material and Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out with the traditional healers of the Yamoussoukro Traditional Healers Association. It is the association of traditional healers officially recognized by the Yamoussoukro health district authorities, with whom collaboration has already begun. The survey was conducted using the semi-structured interview method, followed by a nature outing during which plant specimens were collected. A questionnaire covering the respondent's profile and the plants used was completed. The interview was used to gather information on the diseases treated and the plants (vernacular names, morphological types, parts used, process of preparation, mode and route of administration) used to treat those diseases. Results: The survey enabled us to interview 06 traditional practitioners and to list 54 species divided into 28 botanical families. The most represented families were Apocynaceae 9.26%, Fabaceae 9.26% and Euphorbiaceae 7.41%. About half (48%) of the species cited were shrubs. Leaves were the most commonly used plants parts (56.7%). The majority of plants were used in decoction form (45%), and were mainly administered orally. The therapeutic indications cited were mainly infectious diseases (44%), primarily represented by malaria. The most frequently used plant species were Kalanchoe crenata, Nauclea latifolia, Phyllantus amarus, and Ageratum conyzoides. Conclusion: This study reveals the diversity of medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners and their role in healthcare in Yamoussoukro. Additionally, these results help safeguard the knowledge of traditional medicine. These data could be used for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies to develop improved traditional medicines.