Ethnobotanical use of Commiphora swynertonii Burrt. amongst Dorobo people in Tanzania

Abstract

Dorobo, a sub-ethnic group of Maasai tribe in Tanzania, live in very remote areas without health facilities and hence depends entirely on plant and animal products for food and medicines. This paper describes attitude, beliefs and use of traditional medicines amongst Dorobo people, with a particular prominence to Commiphora swynertonii plant because of the reported extensive use by the Dorobo for treatment of a multitude of diseases both in humans and livestock. Information was collected via focus group discussion (FGD) held in Erkesumet Township and Kitwai village in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania, between July and August, 2013. It was found out that Dorobos without regard to status or wealth use ethno-botanic medicines as first-line except for serious or recalcitrant diseases. They believe that herbal medicines are readily available, effective and affordable and have no side effects compared to modern medicines. C. swynertonii, the most popularly used plant is used to cleanse the body and protect or treat various diseases such as sexually transmitted infections, skin infections, worm infestation, coughs and other chest problems in both humans and livestock. The bark exudate is used to kill or repel ticks and other insects on livestock and poultry. Dorobos are worried about the future sustainability of ethnobotanical knowledge and availability of medicinal plants because of human developmental activities that are advancing in their living environs.