ISSN 2736-173X
African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 13 (1), pp. 001-013, January, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants traditionally used for treatment of intestinal parasitosis of animals and humans in Northern Benin
Lissette Houedenou DEGLA1,3, Pascal Abiodoun OLOUNLADE1,5*, Latifou LAGNIKA3, Sabbas
ATTINDEHOU2, Abdou Madjid Olatoundé AMOUSSA3, Christian Cocou DANSOU1, Basile Saka Boni KONMY1, Erick Virgile Bertrand AZANDO1,4 and Sylvie Mawulé HOUNZANGBE-ADOTE5
1Zootechnical Research and Livestock System Unit, Laboratory of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Doctoral School of
Agricultural and Water Sciences, National University of Agriculture, 01 BP: 55 Porto-Novo, Benin.
2Animal Health and Biosecurity Research Unit, Laboratory of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Doctoral School of
Agricultural and Water Sciences, National University of Agriculture, 01 BP: 55 Porto-Novo, Benin.
3Laboratory of Biochemistry and Bioactive Natural Substances, Faculty of Science and Technology,
University of Abomey-Calavi, 04BP 0320, Cotonou, Benin.
4Laboratory of Ecology, Health and Animal Production, Faculty of Agronomy (FA), University of Parakou (UP),
01 BP 123, Parakou, Benin.
5Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology and Animal Health, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi,
01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin.
Received 12 May, 2024; Accepted 6 October, 2024
Parasitic nematodes of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remain a major threat to both human beings and livestock. The aim of this study was to document medicinal plants used in the management of intestinal parasitosis in the small ruminants and humans. Information relating to the different plants used in the treatment of human intestinal parasitosis and small ruminants was collected through an ethnobotanical survey carried out in the DONGA Department of Benin. On subjecting the traditional healers and small ruminant breeders to a questionnaire, it appears that intestinal parasitosis is manifested mainly by transit disorders (vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea). Forty-four species belonging to twenty-two families were documented and used in the treatment of intestinal parasitosis. Fabaceae is the most represented family and species common to traditional human and veterinary medicine have been reported. Khaya senegalensis was the most cited species used in the treatment of intestinal parasitosis by traditional healers (9%) and small ruminant breeders (27%). A brief review of the literature provided summary of the medicinal plants used in the treatment of intestinal parasitosis. It also made it possible to bring a resemblance between human traditional medicine and veterinary medicine.
Key words: Intestinal parasitosis, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plants, Ethnobotanical survey, Benin.