Ethnobotanical survey of traditional medicinal plants used in treatment of Gastrointestinal disorders in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

The prime objective of this study is to present a database on the medicinal plants used for gastrointestinal disorders in Lusaka, Zambia by local traditional healers. A survey on the name of the plants used, the used parts and method of preparation was obtained from traditional healers, herbalists and hawkers using a structured questionnaire. 45 plants from 27 families were found to be used in the treatment of variety of gastrointestinal disorders in this study that conducted during the period of 2019-2020. The Rutaceae family was represented by four, Solanaceae represented by four plants followed by Fabaceae, Combretaceae (3 species each), Malvaceae, Arecaceae, Cucurbitacea, Rosaceae, Myrtaceae (2 species each) while other families (1 species each) were found to be used medicinally by the local communities. Of these plants, 11(24%) different plants were indicated for diarrhea, 10 (22%) treat indigestion,9 (20%) treat stomach aches,5 (11%) treat constipation, vomiting, ulcers, dysentery 4 (8%). The roots were the mostly commonly used parts from the plants obtained while decoction and infusion were the most widely methods of preparation used. The traditional healers are in Lusaka province possess rich ethno pharmacological knowledge and depends largely on naturally growing plant species. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological studies.