Application of Ethnobotanical Indices in the Utilization of Five Medicinal Herbaceous Plant Species in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

The ethnobotanical utilization of five neglected herbaceous species, Argemone mexicana L., Heliotropium indicum L., Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn., Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth and Schrankia leptocarpa DC. was investigated in Southern Benin to determine the ethnomedicinal and magic knowledge on them. Thirty-six herbal medicine traders were surveyed in six different markets in three districts. Four ethnobotanical indices were used. All informants traded A. mexicana and the majority traded H. indicum, K. foetidissima, and P. pellucida. Purchases in the traders’ own markets was the single most important source of H. indicum, A. mexicana and P. pellucida. A. mexicana was the most demanded by customers. Traders reported the scarcity of A. mexicana and H. indicum and the availability of S. leptocarpa, K. foetidissima and P. pellucida. H. indicum was mainly used to treat hypertension and fever. Similarly, S. leptocarpa was mostly mentioned in the treatment of hypertension and to facilitate childbirth. K. foetidissima mainly served religious and animist purposes. Similarly, P. pellucida was reported as being mainly used to implant a vodun, a traditional religion in West Africa. A. mexicana served to treat babies just after the umbilical cord fall as well as jaundice. S. leptocarpa and P. pellucida exhibited the highest Use Value (UV), and there was a very low similarity between study species in terms of uses. The majority of traders did not plant the study species, although they serve to treat various social conditions. We suggest a better management of H. indicum and S. leptocarpa through collection for trading and medicinal utilization while the planting is required for A. mexicana and P. pellucida because of their scarcity. K. foetidissima should be preserved and used as medicine wherever it occurs.

Long-Term Monitoring of the Traditional Knowledge of Plant Species Used for Culinary Purposes in the Valencia Region, South-Eastern Spain

“…However, for Foeniculum vulgare , Ficus carica , Malva sylvestris , Urtica dioica , Crataegus monogyna , Fragaria vesca , Juglans regia , Taraxacum officinale , Quercus ilex, and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum , our cultural index is much higher than if we compare it with other investigations carried out in the Iberian Peninsula [ 44 , 45 ]. Thus, the use of quantitative and qualitative ethnobotanical indices is relevant for the development of ethnobotany-related studies [ 46 ]. It draws attention to Urtica urens that is consumed in traditional spring plates in Italy, Belarus, Greece, and other Mediterranean countries, while, in Bulgaria, it is not common as a food plant, and only Urtica dioica is employed on a large scale, and the cultivated one has been sold in local markets recently [ 41 ].…”

Quantitative ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities in Chamla Valley, Buner District, Pakistan

“…About 80% of the world's population still relies on traditional plant-based medicines for primary health care because of their effectiveness, some may have side effects, and easily accessible at affordable prices (Ullah et al 2018). Different ethnic groups throughout the world have a very close affinity with plants both for their personal use and commercial purposes (Dossou-Yovo et al 2021, Dossou-Yovo et al 2022. Since immemorial time, it was reported that humans depends on the plants for different life activities and services (Harshberger 1896).…”

GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Selecting Suitable Areas for Urban Green Spaces in Abomey-Calavi District, Southern Benin

“…In its current state, the population of Abomey-Calavi district is constantly growing as a result of the urbanisation created by the city of Cotonou on the western coast of Benin [12]. With an intercensal growth rate of 6.93% between 2002 and 2013, the municipality of Abomey-Calavi has a demographic weight of 46.9% in the Atlantique department [13], and is one of the most densely populated towns in Benin [14]. Despite this demographic feature and the existence of an urbanisation plan, this area has only four public green spaces, with a surface area of approximately 8.08 ha, representing 0.015% of the district's surface area, for a ratio of 0.06 m 2 of green space per inhabitant [15].…”