Ethnobotanical Study of Antihelminthic Plants among the Godie People of Adebem in the Department of Sassandra, Ivory Coast

Abstract

Helminthiasis is a widespread disease, with 1.5 billion people infected worldwide and considerable morbidity among children, affecting their cognitive development and physical growth. This is a real health problem that has led health authorities to implement strategies to care for populations. In addition to conventional medications against these parasites, herbal medicine is experiencing renewed interest among patients. However, the plants remain largely unstudied scientifically, and their efficacy and modes of action remain poorly documented. Therefore, this study aimed to catalogue antihelminthic plants in order to contribute to the fight against these worms. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 35 naturotherapists of different ages and genders among the Godié people in the department of Sassandra. This work shows that of the 35 respondents, men are in the majority (71%) over women, who represent only 29% in terms of knowledge of antihelminthic plants. These naturotherapists identified 40 plant species from several families, with the Fabaceae family being the most represented. For the preparation of medicinal recipes, the leaves of these plants are the most commonly used at 60%, compared to bark, roots, and seeds, which are used at 25%, 12%, and 5%, respectively. Furthermore, oral administration is the most frequently recommended method of administration at 72.5%, compared to baths (15%) and purges (2.5%). The results of this study constitute an important database and confirm the richness of the flora in antihelminthic plants among the Godié people. Toxicological phytochemical studies will be carried out in order to provide populations with improved therapeutic substances for the treatment of the disease.