Unleashing the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Benin: Assessing the Status of Research and the Need for Enhanced Practices

Agbodjento, Eric; Lègba, Boris; Dougnon, Victorien; Klotoé, Jean Robert; Déguénon, Esther; Assogba, Phénix; Koudokpon, Hornel; Hanski, Leena; Baba-Moussa, Lamine; Ladekan, Eléonore Yayi

doi:10.3390/plants12071506

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 131 publications

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“…The global production of medicinal plant natural products (PNPs) has become a multi-million investment. Unfortunately, not many plants used in traditional medicine have been completely studied to ascertain their medicinal properties or potential toxicity to vital organs or tissues of the body [8]. Consequently, people consume herbal remedies indiscriminately without complete knowledge, understanding, or regimentation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

Godwin,

Agbetoye,

Adegoke

et al. 2023

AJRB

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Aims: This study investigated the effects of long term consumption of A. vogeliana leaf on the liver health, kidney function, and lipid profile of female Wistar rats. This was with a view to assessing the safety and potential health effects of the plant extract. Study Design: The study employed in vivo animal model in Wistar rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between June 2019 and February 2020. Methodology: Acute oral toxicity and LD50 were determined. Animals were randomized into three groups (n = 6) and treated as follows: Group 1 (normal control; distilled water), Group 2 (250 mg/kg), and Group 3 (500 mg/kg) for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and plasma was analyzed for liver-kidney biomarkers: aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Also, the lipid biomarkers (total cholesterol TC), triglyceride TG, high-density lipoprotein HDL, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol LDL), and atherogenic indices were determined. Results: The result showed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg. A non-significant difference was observed in ALT activity, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and urea levels. Significant (p<0.05) elevations in AST and ALP, and a significant decrease in creatinine were observed in the treated group, suggesting detrimental effect on the kidney health. TC, TG, and LDL were significantly high, whereas HDL was significantly low in the treated group. Similarly, significant increases in non-HDL, atherogenic coefficient (Ac), coronary risk index-1 (CRI-1), and 2 (CRI-2), were observed in the treated groups, suggesting a likelihood for cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: The study concluded that prolonged administration of A. vogeliana leaf impacted the kidneys and induced an elevated lipid profile and a sharp decrease in HDL. Therefore, prolonged use of A. vogeliana should be discouraged.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

Godwin,

Agbetoye,

Adegoke

et al. 2023

AJRB

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Local knowledge, practices, challenges of ethnopharmacologically used medicinal plants in Benin and implications for brain illnesses

Dougnon,

Klotoé

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

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Traditional medicine (TM) is a significant resource for primary healthcare management all over the world, and principally in Africa. Quality improvement activities that promote evidence-based practices and the integration of traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems can help improve the quality of patient care. In the Republic of Benin (West Africa), traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) provide different treatments and ways of use, depending on the ailments and the medicinal plants used. The present study aimed at documenting the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Beninese TMPs regarding the use of medicinal plants and the challenges associated with their activities. A focus group survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of 91 TMPs in 8 departments of the Republic of Benin. The respondents had an average age of 50 years old and belonged to various categories of TMPs. Medicinal plants are harvested depending on the season and time of the day, and are dried in the shade before being used as decoctions or infusions. Nevertheless, the majority of TMPs do not conduct the necessary tests for quality control, efficacy or toxicity of the proposed remedies, which raises several scientific interrogations, particularly for the treatment of mental and brain-related disorders. Among ~ 110 plants used in the treatment of several pathologies, 66 were revealed as threatened species. The challenges faced by TMPs are mainly material, financial and technical difficulties. The present study reports the importance of intervention to modernize TM practices in Benin. Quality improvement could enhance healthcare delivery and provide support for evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing behavioral, social, and environmental determinants of health.

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Unleashing the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Benin: Assessing the Status of Research and the Need for Enhanced Practices

Cited by 2 publications

References 131 publications

The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

Local knowledge, practices, challenges of ethnopharmacologically used medicinal plants in Benin and implications for brain illnesses

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