Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in malaria management in South Benin

Abstract

In Bénin, malaria is a major public health concern, especially for children under five years and pregnant women. Considering the inefficiency of the health centers in some regions, people use plants for their primary health care. This study aimed to identify and document the medicinal plants used in the treatment of malaria in four departments (Littoral, Ouémé, Plateau and Zou) of south Bénin. Data were recorded using interview and field observation. 42 informants including 15 traditional healers and 27 medicinal plants sellers with an average of fourteen years of experience were interviewed. Plants were identified by a botanist from the National Herbarium of Bénin. The study revealed that a total of 34 plants species belonging to 33 genera and 24 families were collected. The most frequently cited plant species was Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Senna siamea and Dialium guineense. Caesalpinioideae and Rubiaceae are the most families mentioned by the informants. The most common preparation method is decoction and the route of administration is oral. The results contributed to the conservation of empirical knowledge of medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria and could help to identify new research topics in connection with the implementation of Traditional Medicines. Key words: Medicinal plants, malaria, traditional knowledge, Bénin.