scholarly journals An Anthropological Approach to the Use of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Diseases: The Case of King Grass (Ageratum Conyzoides) in Batibo Subdivision in North West Region of Cameroon

2021 ◽  
pp. 571-580
Author(s):  
Mukum Cenotar Engwari ◽  
Ngoe Fritz Eseokwea (PhD), ◽  
Achu Frida Njiei (PhD)
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Ageratum Conyzoides ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
North West ◽  
West Region ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Anthropological Approach

Batibo subdivision has several medicinal plants used in the treatment of diseases; among them is king grass, which has been used by traditional healers in the treatment of several diseases some of which have defied modern or orthodox medicines. This research examines the uses of king grass among herbalists or traditional healers in treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases which are believed to be attributed by both physical and spiritual causes. Data for the study was collected through documentation, interviews, observations, and group discussions. Results indicates that king grass has about seventeen uses for treatment of tropical diseases which have defied conventional approaches. However, the greatest handicap encountered by healers is their inability to harvest and preserve the plant in its fresh forms as preferred by the healers. Research for preservation of the plant in its fresh forms can save lives during season of scarcity. It is therefore necessary for government and its agencies to create an enabling environment for preservation of the plant than relying on seasons when it is made available. Research in postharvest for the plant will increase its availability and accessibility to actors as its life saving potentials will no longer be seasonal. KEY WORDS: Anthropological Approach, Diseases, King grass, medicinal plants.

scholarly journals An integrated approach to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding major Neglected Tropical Diseases endemic in the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurentine Sumo ◽  
Cédric G Lenou-Nanga ◽  
Ngum H Ntonifor ◽  
Nicanor Chenkumo-Kengmoni ◽  
Vanessa T Amana-Bokagne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Health District ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North West ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
West Region ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis ◽  
Main Strategy

AbstractBackgroundPreventive chemotherapy (PCT) is the main strategy currently used to control and/or eliminate onchocerciasis (Oncho), lymphatic filariasis (LF) and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH), and community participation (through implementation of MDA or adherence to PCT) is critical to achieve this goal. However, these Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are still persisting in most endemic areas as a consequence of sub-optimal treatment coverage, the presence of systematic non-compliers in communities … This study aimed at investigating whether the knowledge, attitudes and practices of populations about these NTDs can explain the poor trends towards elimination.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Mbengwi Health District (North West Region, Cameroon) using the cluster sampling technique. Clusters were selected using the Probability Proportionate to Estimate Size strategy. In each cluster, the random walk technique was used for the selection of households, and a structure questionnaire was administered to 2-3 of its members.Principal FindingsA total of 254 households from 26 clusters were visited, and 514 individuals were interviewed. The sex ratio of interviewees (1.08) was unbiased, and their ages ranged between 10 and 99 years old. Though most of the respondents declared having already heard of these NTDs (41.2%, 73.7% and 89.9% for Oncho, LF and STH respectively), only a minority of them were aware of correct response of how they are acquired/transmitted (3.7%, 6.8% and 12.5% for Oncho, LF and STH respectively), and prevented (23.1%, 18.9% and 47.2% for Oncho, LF and STH respectively). Even when respondents were aware that medicines were useful to prevent and/or treat these NTDs, almost none of them knew the drug used or the treatment frequency.Conclusion/SignificanceThis study reveals that interviewees exhibit poor knowledge, attitudes and practices as regards to these NTDs, although they are endemic in the study area and PCTs given yearly since a while. These misconceptions can seriously affect the adherence and contribution of populations to the success of PCTs, and it appears compulsory to improve individual knowledge, with a focus on the importance and rationale behind MDA, to optimize their attitudes and practices, especially community participation to PCTs.Author summaryThe control and/or elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are currently on top of the agenda of endemic countries’ control programs and stakeholders. Ivermectin- and Albendazole/Mebendazole-based mass distribution is currently the main strategy to control/interrupt transmission of onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and adherence of communities is compulsory for the success of this approach. Despite the success registered in the fight against these diseases, the trend towards elimination remains unsatisfactory in many endemic areas. This study was carried out to assess whether the perceptions, attitudes, and practices of the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon) populations regarding these three parasitic diseases can explain the poor trend towards elimination. A cross-sectional study revealed important misconceptions about these NTDs amongst most of the respondents, which can clearly affect their adherence and contribution to the success of preventive chemotherapies, and seriously slower the momentum towards elimination.

scholarly journals Survey of use of herbal and home remedies for hair and scalp among women in North West Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Alyoussef
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Hair Loss ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
North West ◽  
West Region ◽  
Home Remedies

Herbal products and home remedies, especially those used as cosmetics, are widely used worldwide. Therefore, we conducted this study to discover the pattern of use of remedies in treating hair and scalp disorders in Tabuk, North West area of Saudi Arabia. A survey about use of herbal products and home remedies was prepared to evaluate their in hair and scalp. The questionnaire was distributed to 149 female hairdressers, hair products sellers and traditional healers as well as female customers in these places. We found about forty-one plants and eleven home remedies used for hair and scalp in Tabuk area. The most widely used plants were Henna (15.01%), coconut (10.22%) and olive (8.14%). They were widely used in hair damage (32.01%), hair endings (21.95%) and hair loss (21.94%). In parallel, the most widely used home remedies were yogurt (32.42%), eggs (26.91%) and honey (23.85%). They were widely used in hair damage (45.57%), hair endings (26.91%) and hair loss (19.88%). There were no differences between participants in the pattern of use of remedies regarding their education level of age group. In conclusion, many natural herbal medicine and home remedies are still in use in North West region of Saudi Arabia for hair and scalp. There is a great shortage in medical sources of information. Finally, many of used remedies lacks important scientific information about their usage and safety.

scholarly journals An Integrated Approach to Assess Knowledge/Perceptions and Attitudes/Practices (KAP) Regarding Major Neglected Tropical Diseases Endemic in the Mbengwi Health District, North West Region, Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 426-434
Author(s):  
Laurentine Sumo ◽  
Ngum H. Ntonifor ◽  
Cédric G. Lenou-Nanga ◽  
Nicanor Chenkumo-Kengmoni ◽  
Vanessa T. Amana-Bokagne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Health District ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Structure Questionnaire ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
North West ◽  
West Region

Abstract Background and objectives Preventive chemotherapy (PCT) is the main strategy currently used to control and/or eliminate onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH), and community participation (through implementation or adherence to PCT) is critical. This study aimed at investigating knowledge/perceptions of populations of the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon), in relation to their attitudes/practices regarding the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Methods A household-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon) using the cluster sampling technique. Clusters were selected using the probability proportionate to estimate size strategy. In each cluster, the random walk technique was used for the selection of households, and a structure questionnaire was administered to 2–3 of its members. Results A total of 254 households from 26 clusters were visited, and 514 individuals were interviewed. The sex ratio of interviewees (1.08) was unbiased, and their ages ranged between 10 and 99 years old. Though most of the respondents declared having already heard of these NTDs (41.6%, 73.9% and 90.5% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively), only a minority of them were aware of how they are acquired/transmitted (8.9%, 9.2% and 32.7% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively), or prevented (23.1%, 18.9% and 47.2% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively). Conclusions This study revealed poor knowledge/perceptions and wrong attitudes/practices of interviewees as regards to these NTDs, and these misconceptions can seriously affect the adherence and contribution of populations to the success of PCTs. It appears compulsory to reinforce information, education, and communication, with a focus on the rationale and importance behind PCTs, to optimize/improve community participation.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants as a Source of Antipyretic Agent in Terai Region of Western Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anant Gopal Singh
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Different Types

The study was conducted during 2009-2011 using semi-structured, open-ended questionnaires, informal interviews, and group discussions with traditional healers and senior citizens having thorough knowledge about plants and plant based remedies. During present study ten phytotherapeutic practices for management of different types of fever using 50 plant species as antipyretic agent were identified and documented. These species may be used for the development of new, cheap, and effective antipyretic agent of herbal origin. Further investigation of these plant species for herbal antipyretic agents will require safety and efficacy testing. There is an urgent need to formulate suitable conservation strategies for wildly growing medicinal plants to overcome their depletion from natural resources.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i3.8383Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(3) 2013 : 118-126

scholarly journals Ethnomedical Survey of the Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Narok County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Kigen ◽  
Zipporah Kamuren ◽  
Evangeline Njiru ◽  
Bernard Wanjohi ◽  
Wilson Kipkore
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Depth Interviews

Most of the plants used by herbalists amongst the various Kenyan communities have not been documented despite their widespread use. The purpose of this research was to document the medicinal plants used by the herbalists from the Maasai, a community that still relies on herbal medicine to a large extent for the provision of medical services. Semistructured interviews, direct observations, group discussions, and in-depth interviews were used to collect information from the traditional healers. A total of 47 plant species belonging to 31 families were identified. They were used in the treatment of 33 medical and 4 veterinary conditions.

scholarly journals Markets Survey On Traditional Medicine of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhang mingshuo ◽  
li hai tao ◽  
wang junqi ◽  
zhang xiaobo ◽  
yang shaohua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Ethnobotanical Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Traditional Markets ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Protected Plants ◽  
Herbal Plants

Abstract Background: Traditional markets are important trading places for medicinal plants, and market surveys often engage in ethnobotanical research to record the herbal plants used locally and related traditional knowledge. However, information on the market traded medicinal plants is not well documented from traditional markets in Lijiang City, Yunnan. This research is an ethnobotanical survey focusing on medicinal plants traded in traditional markets of Lijiang City, and contributes to the understanding of medicinal plants and related information used by the Naxi people.Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out during two years (2019-2020). Three traditional markets in Lijiang City were investigated. The methods we used include literature research, participatory surveys, key insider interviews and group discussions.Results: As a result, 318 medicinal plants were recorded including 29 unidentified medicines. The plant medicines were from medicinal plants of 97 families belonged to Angiosperm, Gymnospermae, Pteridophyta, Bryophyta, Lichenes and Fungi. Asteraceae provided the maximum numbers of medicinal plants. Among them, there were 258 species (89.27%) of wild plants, 15 species (5.19%) were cultivated, and 16 species (5.54%) were wild or cultivated. There were 22 species of national protected plants in China, including 3 species of national first-level protected plants and 19 species of national second-level protected plants. Among the recorded diseases, 58.13% of medicinal plants are used to treat musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and digestive system diseases. A total of 31 kinds of medicinal plants can be found in Dongba Sutra or Yu Long Ben Cao.Conclusion: This study surveyed herbal medicine in the market of Lijiang City, analyzing and revealing resource compositions and current market situations. The medicinal plants used by the Naxi people are diverse and are used to treat a wide spectrum of body disorders. There are many wild medicinal plants, and in order to ensure sustainable development, its natural protection should be strengthened. Knowledge of medicinal plants recorded in Naxi medical classics has ethnobotanical value and should be further developed.

scholarly journals Enumeration of ethno-medicinal plants in Rongram Block of West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-21
Author(s):  
Nadaline M. Marak ◽  
Lalnundanga
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Species Trees ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Documented Information ◽  
Garo Hills

A study was conducted to enumerate the ethno-medicinal plants in Rongram block of West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya. The study was based on the primary survey and data collected through questionnaires, focus-group discussions and semi-structured interviews prepared for the purpose by approaching the local traditional healers (oja) as well as villagers. The study revealed that a total of 18 medicinal plants belonging to 18 genera and 16 families were documented. Information on local names, scientific names, family, plant parts used and traditional usage of these plants were also reported. Among the documented medicinal plant species, trees were most frequently used followed by herbs, shrubs and climbers. The study also revealed that leaves were most commonly used in the treatment followed by the bark.

scholarly journals Diversity, Ethnobotanical Potential and Sustainability Assessment of Plants Used by Traditional Healers to Treat Cancer in Boyo Division, North-West Region, Cameroon

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Avana-Tientcheu ◽  
Christian Herve Sime ◽  
Roger Tsobou ◽  
Zacharie Tchoundjeu
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
North West ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Informant Consensus ◽  
Scientific Validation

Aims: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Therefore, the knowledge on medicinal plants used to cure human cancer could be of great importance for their widespread use and scientific validation. The present study records information on anticancer plants in Boyo Division, in the western highland of Cameroon. Methods: Thirty traditional healers, were interviewed to document their know-how on the type of human cancer allegedly cured, the plant species used as well as their use pattern. Guided field walks were made to the collection sites for plant and its habitat characterization as well as herbarium voucher collection. Ethnobotanical quantitative tools were used to analyze and summarize collected data. Sustainability of harvest was assessed using a vulnerability index based on seven parameters.  Results: A total of 25 medicinal plants cited were identified as belonging to 13 families and 23 genera. The most represented families were Asteraceae (28%), Lamiaceae (16%), Fabaceae (12%) and Acanthaceae (8%). Out of the seven categories of cancer diseases reported, the highest number of plants species were reported to treat stomach, pancreas, liver, skin and breast cancers, with informant consensus factor (ICF) ranging from 0.79 to 0.82. Leaves (60%) and bark (20%) were the major plant parts used mostly in form of decoction (45.45%) and concoction (38.18%). The result of Relative frequency citations (RFCs) revealed that 9 of the 25 plants species cited were the most frequently used with fidelity levels ranging from 92% (Geniosporum rotundifolium and Ocimum tenuiflorum Aframomum melegueta and Entada abyssinica) to 100% (Coleus blumei, Ocimum gratissimum, Eremomastax speciosa, and Dichrocephala integrifolia). Six species were assessed as vulnerable (Vi ≥ 2), while two species were rated as highly vulnerable namely G. rotundifolium (Vi = 2.71) and E. abyssinica (Vi = 2.85). Conclusion: New traditionally effective anticancer plants were identified in the present study, some of which were already vulnerable for exploitation in their actual habitat. Plants with high ICF, RFCs and FL values should be subjected to further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations for scientific validation while those with high Vulnerability index should be recommended for participatory domestication by the main users.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Mascara (North West of Algeria)

2015 ◽  
Vol 175 ◽  
pp. 626-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bachir Benarba ◽  
Lakhdar Belabid ◽  
Kada Righi ◽  
Ahmed amine Bekkar ◽  
Mouffok Elouissi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Ethnobotanical Study ◽  
North West
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