Ethnobotanic survey of plants used in the treatment of diarrhea in the MIFI division, West region of Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: Plants are a major source of active ingredients that can be used to treat many diseases, including diarrhea. The objective of our study was to identify the plants used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhoea in the Mifi Division (West Cameroon region). Methods: From January 2013 to June 2014, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 66 traditional healers through direct interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The average age of the interviewed traditional practitioners surveyed was 53 ± 13.4 years and the majority were male. This survey enabled us to identify 93 plant species belonging to 51 families. The most represented families were Asteraceae (16.67%), Euphorbiacea (10.60%). These taxa are mainly herbs (86.36%). The most frequently used plant is Psidium guajava (28.78%) followed by Euphorbia hirta (22.72%) and Musa sapientum (22.72%). The most commonly used plant part is the leaves (25%). The main method of preparing recipes remains maceration (40.9%) and raw recipes (40.9%). The most commonly used mea of administration is the oral route (92%). Conclusion: This study confirms the richness of Cameroonian flora in the treatment of diarrhoea in the Mifi Division.