Medicinal plants used in the treatment of common mental disorders: an ethnobotanical study in Bondoukou, north-eastern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: Throughout the world and in Ivory Coast, mental disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety and nervousness, are emerging pathologies with sometimes serious consequences that affect many of the population, especially in adulthood. The overall objective of this study was to document local knowledge regarding medicinal plants used to treat mental disorders in northeastern Côte d’Ivoire.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Bondoukou and surrounding villages, using individual interviews and semi-structured focus groups. A total of 74 participants were interviewed including key informants (traditional healers, herbalists), and other knowledgeable community members

Results: Overall, 29 plant species from 23 botanical families were identified.  The Combretaceae family was the most represented, with 04 species cited, while Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A. Bruce was the most frequently mentioned species. The predominant preparation method is decoction (85%), followed by trituration (18%). Most treatments are administered orally (70%), followed by dermally (21%) and nasally (15%). Index analysis revealed that Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A. Bruce is the species with the highest informant consensus index (IFC=006) and the greatest contribution to revenue (Cpr=10.34). Multiple Correspondence Factor Analysis revealed significant relationships between organs, preparation methods and routes of administration. Around 55% of species were reported to be scarce, raising the question of their availability.

Conclusions: This study shows that local populations possess rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat emotional disorders, highlighting the importance of documenting and preserving this knowledge.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Herbal medicine, Mental and emotional disorders; Human diseases, Herbal medicine