Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used for jaundice treatment in the Central East of Burkina Faso.

Abstract

Abstract:

Aims: According to WHO data, Burkina Faso is classified as a high endemicity zone for hepatitis infection. The vaccine of hepatitis B is not well known in this country and the majority of the citizens cannot afford it. Therefore, many people refer to the traditional healers for the management of their liver health issues. It is why, this work is aimed to collect the medicinal plants used by the traditional healers from twelve (12) villages in the central-east of Burkina Faso for the jaundice’s treatment.

Method and materials: The data were collected using an open and semi-structured methodological approach, involving in-depth interview with traditional healers and families recognized for their expertise in this type of treatment.

Results: Forty-two (42) plants species, nineteen (19) healers and one family identified as the best specialist of the jaundice’s management in this area were interviewed. The clearance of the symptoms like icter, nausea and general bad feeling have been considered as positive indicators of the efficacy of the jaundice’s management.

Conclusion: Traditional African Healers use various medicinal plants for hepatitis and liver-related disorders, some of which have shown scientifically validated effects. Therefore, the high prevalence of hepatitis highlights a critical necessity for pharmacological and clinical investigation of some traditional medicinal plants in Burkina Faso.