Medicinal plants used to treat and manage menopausal symptoms in Grand-Lahou and Katiola Districts, Cote d'Ivoire

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural physiological process, which can affect physical, psychological and social well-being, to varying degrees depending on the individual. This study aims to contribute to improving of women’s health through knowledge of menopausal symptoms and the plants used in their treatment.

Methods: A survey was conducted from August 2016 to August 2017 in Grand-Lahou and Katiola  Districts using a semi-structured interview with 267 women going through menopause and nine herbalists.

Results: We found that 25.14% of women in these two localities liable to menopausal symptoms between the age of 40 and 45. The majority of women (62.87%) were menopausal between 45 and 55 years old and 6.58% of them after 55 years old. It appears that these women’s health was more affected by hot flashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches and palpitations. Among the women interviewed, 12.29% used modern medicine, 11.18% used traditional medicine and 11.17% used a combination of the two types of medicine. In 60.00% of cases, women who used traditional medicine obtained satisfaction. Of 32 medicinal plants cited for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae), Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae) and Landolphia owariensis P. Beauv. (Apocynaceae) were the most widely used. The plant parts used in the different treatments are mainly the leaves (55.81%) and the stem bark (30.23%).

Conclusions: Ivorian flora abounds in plants that can play a role in the management of menopausal symptoms.

Keywords: Menopausal symptoms, plants, traditional care, Cote d’Ivoire