Diversity of plant species with ethnomedicinal potential for treating arterial hypertension and gastric ulcers, two chronic diseases: an ethnobotanical assessment in Benin

Abstract

Background: The high prevalence of chronic diseases, including arterial hypertension (AHT) and gastric ulcers, in Africa highlights a severe health problem. Many patients resort to medicinal plants due to the high cost of medications and an inadequate healthcare system. This study aimed to dertermine plant species used in remedies for AHT and gastric ulcers, their ethnomedicine features and users’ perceptions of threat and conservation strategies in Benin.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data by structured interviews were collected from 504 individuals (traditional therapists, plant consumers and sellers) from different sociocultural groups, identified by the snowball technique. Data relating to different medicinal plants used to treat AHT and gastric ulcers were collected. The relative frequencies of citation (RFC) of the species mentioned were calculated, then factorial correspondence analysis was used to determine the relationship between socio-cultural groups and plants.

Results: A total of 193 plant species belonging to 63 botanical families were determined as used to cure AHT and gastric ulcers. The most represented families were: Fabaceae (33 species), Malvaceae (9 species) and Asteraceae (8 species). Herbs (45%) and leaves (60%) were the most used life form and plant par, respectively. Decoction and infusion were the most common extraction methods of water-soluble drug substances in leaves while maceration was common for bark and roots.

Conclusion: Our study revealed an adaptive relationship between sociocultural groups and indigenous flora. Pharmacological and toxicological investigations must be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of reported plants, in order to contribute to the development of new or improved medicines.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, medicinal plants, chronic diseases, traditional therapy, Benin.