Medicinal plants of Erute county, Lira district, Uganda with particular reference to their conservation

Abstract

A medicinal plant study was carried out in eighteen parishes and 54 villages of Erute county, Lira district, Uganda. Parishes and villages were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Questionnaires, interviews and discussions with the local people were used to obtain information on the names of the plants, their medicinal uses and conservation methods. The number of the medicinal plants species used was 180 belonging to 144 genera and 57 families of flowering plants. The major families recorded for medicinal purpose included Fabaceae (37 species), Asteraceae (26 species), Euphorbiaceae (eleven species), Vitaceae (eight species), Verbenaceae (seven species), Poaceae (six species), Solanaceae (five species), and Rubiaceae (four species). There is a need for putting in place measures to conserve these plants. Unfortunately, most of the healers or users were not interested in cultivation of the plants. The situation could worsen with the social changes and demand for land for agriculture in the district.

Ecological Diversity and Conservation of Wild Edible Fruit Tree Species in the Lama Forest Reserve in Benin

“…This could be imputable to their sweet taste and their availability. The diverse uses of the abovementioned species clearly explains their high use values as mentioned earlier by Oryema et al (2010) and Belinda et al (2013). Unfortunately, these species mostly used by the populations are collected from the major part of the reserve.…”

Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Management of Cancer in Uganda: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Studies

“…Treatment of cough, diarrhea, snake bite, sterility, pain killer, antidotes, promotes labour, cracks on soles of feet, low immunity, loss of memory, measles, erectile dysfunction [42,43], and fevers [196], leaves used as an antipyretic, for malaria, splenomegaly, and HIV treatment [33,185,197,198]. Fruit used to manage anaemia, worms, asthma, and tonsillitis [199]. Root extracts with that of Carissa edulis and Euclea divinorum used for treatment of venereal diseases [200] Antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, and immunomodulatory activities [106,107,201] Capsicum frutescens L.…”

“…& Guill. for treating influenza and mental problems [202], headache, and indigestion [199]. As a salve to relieve muscle, joint, and toothache pain, to treat cough, asthma, and sore throat, as a stimulant, and to treat stomachache, seasickness, and flatulence [203] Insulinotropic activities [204] Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and leaves in traditional medicine is a characteristic feature of materia medica in Uganda [26].…”

Ethno-Botanical Uses of Ugandan edible wild fruit species

“…The leaves of Annona senegalensis being as a source of herbal medicine in this community, are very helpful in solving medical conditions which are normally treated locally (Oryema et al 2010). These can also complement in many circumstances where drugs for certain ailments are not available in community health centres and may also be very expensive from drug shops and pharmacies.…”