Ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants species traditionally used for the treatment of diseases in Kasangulu Territory, DRC

AUTHORS:

C.A. MASENGO, J-P. K-Te-N. NGBOLUA, S.I.R. BUTOTO, B.Z. GBOLO, C.L. INKOTO, P.T. MPIANA

ABSTRACT:

In Africa, much knowledge is lost due to lack of transmission, which does not promote
resource conservation by local populations. It is therefore obvious to assess people's
knowledge on the importance of resources to develop conservation and sustainable
management strategies. This study was conducted to identify medicinal plants used
in traditional medicine to treat common diseases in the Kasangulu Territory of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo. To achieve this objective, an ethnobotanical survey
was carried out through an open-ended questionnaire that was administered to herbal
therapists in the local language to obtain more reliable informations. Some ethnobotanical
parameters have been compiled for the identified medicinal plants. A total of 66
species belonging to 33 families and 59 genera have been recorded. The results showed
that married and unmarried people have a shared medicinal knowledge, with a slight
priority for the married. Sterility is the predominant disease with a rate of 15%. The
leaf is the most commonly used organ and the infusion is the most common method
of preparation in traditional medicine. There is a predominance of mesophanerophytes
and pantropical. Bushfires and agricultural practices are increasing the pressure on medicinal
resources, which is believed to be at the root of the loss of some more vulnerable
species. There is an urgent need for a sustainable management approach to safeguard
and preserve these plant species. This study of the medicinal plants used in Kasangulu
constitutes a reservoir of information that contributes to build knowledge to protect
the medicinal flora and safeguard local popular know-how.