ISSN 2736-173X
African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 13 (4), pp. 001-014, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Ethnobotanical Approaches to Malaria Treatment in Cameroon
Saotoing Pierre1*, VroumsiaToua1, Tchobsala2, Tchuenguem Fohouo Fernand-N2, Njan Nloga Alexandre-Michel2 and Messi Jean3
1Department of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Maroua, Ecole Normale Superieure, BP. 46 Maroua, Cameroon.
2Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, BP. 454 Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
3Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 842, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Accepted 2 November, 2024
In order to fight against malaria in Cameroon, an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants was conducted in the town of Maroua, Far North Region of Cameroon from 5th to 30th December 2009 with 800 persons. The survey results revealed that 49 medicinal plants species belonging to 27 families were identified in the fight against malaria. The Cesalpiniaceae family is the most exploited for treatment of malaria. The locals use far more Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Cassia occidentalis, Khaya senegalensis, Tamarindus indica, Citrus limonum, Eucalyptus sp., Carica papaya and Cymbopogon citratus for the traditional treatment of malaria. The leaves and barks are the mostly used parts. The decoction is the method of preparation most commonly practiced.
Key words: Malaria, medicinal plants, ethnobotany, Maroua, Cameroon.