Investigation through New Approach on Plants with Antihypertensive Properties Used by the Herbalists in the Maritime Region of Togo

Abstract

Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension is currently a public health problem in Togo. To decrease the insufficient of the methods previously used, a new survey technique, namely ATRM (Achat en Triplet des Recettes Médicinales), has been proposed. This study aims to contribute to a better knowledge of traditional remedies for their safe and sustainable use in the management of hypertension. ATRM method applied with 34 herbalists of 17 markets in maritime and Lomé-Commune health regions. Plant species and parts used, preparation and administration methods and market characteristics of plants were collected. In total, 62 plant species (56 genera and 30 families) were identified from 102 collected recipes. These recipes included 70% single plant recipes and 30% associated plant recipes, showing the influence of the ATRM method in reducing the number of plants in the recipes. Lippia multiflora Moldenke (23.50%) was the most used plant species followed by Uvaria chamae P. Beauv (8.20%), Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (4.92%), Lannea kerstingii A. Rich. (3.83%), Vitex doniana Sweet (3.83%), and Senna sieberiana DC. (3.28%). Leafy stems (33.33%), roots (20.83%) and trunk bark (16.67%) were the most used organs. The recipes were mainly prepared as a decoction and administered orally. In the transit market, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (7.12 USD/kg), Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (4.98 USD/kg), Senna angustifolia Vahl (3.73 USD/kg) and Gardenia aqualla Stapf. & Hutch. (3.56 USD/kg) were the most expensive plants. 59.18% of the plant parts sold were roots, fruits, seeds, trunk bark and whole plants. These results suggest, on the one hand, an extensive biological investigation for effective management of hypertension. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to preserve the species whose vital organs were heavily sold.