摘要
The limitations of biomedecine to provide effective solutions to certain pandemics has led many people to turn to alternative therapies. These palliative solutions, particularly phytomedecines, are much sought after for disease prevention and treatment. The Baka, a group of forest-dwelling people, hold knowledge on how wild plants can be effective in treating many illnesses. However, the greatest challenge for the identification of traditional medicines depends on the veracity of the information provided during ethnobotanic surveys by user populations. The present study describes forest plants used by the Baka and confirmed by them as being employed for traditional medicine. We carried out ethnobotanical surveys between 2019 and 2021 in 221 households within four districts of the Eastern and Southern Region of Cameroon. We used indices of significant use and performance applied to all mentioned species, alongside searches in the literature. The statistical tools used to distinguish the different groups/districts is Pearson’s X2 test. A total of 378 plant species were identified of 270 genera and 85 families. Ethnobotanical indices allowed to identify the most confirmed and efficient plants for several health problems. A pairwise comparison of these indices showed a significant correlation with a p-value < 2.2e-16 and a dissimilarity distance less than 0.5. Some plants selected are widely cited in other regions and/or countries for the same health problems. The presence of active molecules responsible for their biological activity was also proven, justifying their use in traditional medicine. This paper examines the potential to enhance the value of Cameroon’s pharmacopeia by integrating various ethnobotanical indices. It aims to discover new therapeutic molecules and develop improved traditional products from the diverse plant species documented. The findings indicate opportunities to advance both local and global healthcare solutions.
The limitations of biomedecine to provide effective solutions to certain pandemics has led many people to turn to alternative therapies. These palliative solutions, particularly phytomedecines, are much sought after for disease prevention and treatment. The Baka, a group of forest-dwelling people, hold knowledge on how wild plants can be effective in treating many illnesses. However, the greatest challenge for the identification of traditional medicines depends on the veracity of the information provided during ethnobotanic surveys by user populations. The present study describes forest plants used by the Baka and confirmed by them as being employed for traditional medicine. We carried out ethnobotanical surveys between 2019 and 2021 in 221 households within four districts of the Eastern and Southern Region of Cameroon. We used indices of significant use and performance applied to all mentioned species, alongside searches in the literature. The statistical tools used to distinguish the different groups/districts is Pearson’s X2 test. A total of 378 plant species were identified of 270 genera and 85 families. Ethnobotanical indices allowed to identify the most confirmed and efficient plants for several health problems. A pairwise comparison of these indices showed a significant correlation with a p-value < 2.2e-16 and a dissimilarity distance less than 0.5. Some plants selected are widely cited in other regions and/or countries for the same health problems. The presence of active molecules responsible for their biological activity was also proven, justifying their use in traditional medicine. This paper examines the potential to enhance the value of Cameroon’s pharmacopeia by integrating various ethnobotanical indices. It aims to discover new therapeutic molecules and develop improved traditional products from the diverse plant species documented. The findings indicate opportunities to advance both local and global healthcare solutions.
作者
Natacha Nana Afiong
Pascal Billong Fils
Karelle Kouetchua Guekam
Eloge Kambale Muhesi
Eva Avila Martin
Guillermo Ros Brull
Julia E. Fa
Stephan Michael Funk
Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung
Jean Lagarde Betti
Natacha Nana Afiong;Pascal Billong Fils;Karelle Kouetchua Guekam;Eloge Kambale Muhesi;Eva Avila Martin;Guillermo Ros Brull;Julia E. Fa;Stephan Michael Funk;Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung;Jean Lagarde Betti(Department of Biology and Physiology of Plant Organisms, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon;Zerca y lejos ONGD, Madrid, Spain;Department of Natural Sciences, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK;Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), CIFOR Headquarters, Bogor, Indonesia;Nature Heritage, Jersey, Channel Islands, Manchester, UK;Laboratory of Forest Resources and Wood Valorization, Training Unit in Engineering Sciences, Post Graduate School of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroun;Department of Wood Sciences, Higher Institute of Agriculture, Wood, Water resources and Environment, University of Ber-toua, Bertoua, Cameroon)
