Ethnogynaecological medicinal plants used by Tanzanian communities against female infertility and menstrual disorders – A comprehensive review

Authors

  • David Sylvester Kacholi Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6049-2201
  • Olivia John Kalokora Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam
  • Halima Mvungi Amir Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam
  • Neema Gideon Mogha Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam

Abstract

Background: Tanzania's rural population trusts medicinal plants (MPs) to manage gynaecological disorders due to their easy accessibility and affordability. Despite MPs' crucial role in treating various diseases in the country, no study has explicitly compiled MPs used for gynaecological disorders. This review documents MPs used to treat women's infertility and menstrual disorders across the Tanzanian communities.

Methods: A systematic evaluation of published literature was done using electronic databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library, to gather all available evidence as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Twenty-nine articles with relevant information were selected and analysed.

Results: A total of 172 MPs representing 53 families and 140 genera were documented for their therapeutic uses against infertility and menstrual disorders. Fabaceae was the dominant family with the highest number of MPs (14.0%), followed by Rubiaceae (7.0%), and Phyllanthaceae and Malvaceae (with 5.2% each). Tree (55.8%) and root (70.0%) were the most utilised life form and plant part for remedy formulation, respectively. Most MPs (81.0%) were collected from the wild environments. Decoction (76.0%) and oral (98.0%) were the dominant preparation and administration methods, respectively. 63.3% and 28.5% of the recorded MPs were used to treat infertility and menorrhagia, respectively.

Conclusion: This review unveils a rich diversity of MPs used by Tanzanians against infertility and menstrual disorders. Moreover, it is a valuable inventory for future validation of traditional medicinal knowledge with phytochemical and pharmacological studies, and formulation of modern drugs.

Keywords: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, ethnobotany, menorrhagia, menstruation, traditional knowledge

Author Biography

David Sylvester Kacholi, Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam

Dr. David Sylvester Kacholi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences. He holds Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences (Georg August University Göttingen, Germany), MSc. in Environmental Sciences (University of Dar es Salaam) and BSc. in Environmental Science and Management (Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro). He teaches Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biostatistics, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, and botany-related courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interest is Forest Ecology, Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine and Biodiversity Conservation and Urban Agriculture. His current research projects are on the ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Tanzania, and he also works on the Impact of sanitation and hygienic practices on vegetable parasites in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Also, he holds various administrative positions in the College and outside the University.

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Published

2023-12-03

How to Cite

Kacholi, D. S., Kalokora, O. J., Amir, H. M., & Mogha, N. G. (2023). Ethnogynaecological medicinal plants used by Tanzanian communities against female infertility and menstrual disorders – A comprehensive review. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 26, 1–25. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/5495

Issue

Vol. 26 (2023)

Section

Reviews

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