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Abstract

Filariasis are parasitic diseases from which belongs onchocerciasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Owing to the lack of cure against onchocerciasis, the present study was focused on the assessment and validation of the ethnomedicinal value of some medicinal plants claimed to have anti-filarial action. First by an ethnobotanical study conducted close to Ngaoundere traditional healers (38); followed by the chemically analysis of plants quoted; and finally by their in vitro screening on bovine filaria Onchocerca ochengi at limit relevant concentrations (300 µg/mL and 4 mg/mL) to the range of herbal drug's doses locally prescribed. The mortality of worms was checked using MTT/Formazan colorimetric assay after 72 h of incubation at 37°C. It was found that, a total of 15 plant species from 10 families are reportedly being used against filariasis. Asteraceae family (50%) provided the largest species. The most frequently mentioned plants being Vernonia tonoreana (13.6) and Psidium guajava (2.63) the last one. Roots (31.58%), whole plant (28.95%) and leaves (26.32%) were reported as the dominant parts been used. The prominent methods of herbal preparation were trituration and boiling (26.32%). The most administration forms were swallowing (55.26%) and friction (23.68%). The inquired tribes mainly Podoko (52.63%) and Mboum (23.68%) used similar plants against filariasis. Phytochemical profiles of plant varied as a function of plant parts and/or extracting solvent. However, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and terpenoids were mostly observed. All the screened extracts exhibited 100% worms' mortality at 4 mg/mL, but only P. guajava and V. tonoreana had the same effect at 300 µg/mL. This study provides scientific evidence of traditional use of plant to treat onchocerciasis. The scored data can be useful for further research in new drug's development.