Ethnobotanical study of traditional antivenom treatments in Burkina Faso.

Abstract

Background: Snakebite envenomation constitutes a major public health challenge in Burkina Faso, particularly within rural communities. Limited access to formal healthcare services, coupled with the high cost of antivenom treatment, has led to widespread reliance on traditional health practitioners (THPs). This study was therefore undertaken to generate empirical data on the role of THPs in the management of snakebite envenomation, with a focus on the medicinal plants employed, methods of remedy preparation, and routes of administration.

Method: A preliminary survey was conducted to identify traditional health practitioners THPs involved in snakebite envenomation management within the study regions. The preliminary survey involved 799 individuals selected through convenience sampling in local markets. Ethnobotanical data were subsequently gathered from the identified practitioners via semi-structured interviews. The collected data were entered and analysed via an Excel spreadsheet. In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics of THPs, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) were also determined.

Results: The results revealed that 90% of the THPs were male and that 76.67% illiterate. Over half of the THPs had more than two decades of experience. Diagnosis was mainly based on symptoms, with 60% relying on bite site examination. Most treatments involved plant-based powders (73.33%), typically applied subcutaneously through incisions. Roots were the most commonly used plant part in antivenom preparations (29%), while dried and calcined materials were the predominant form of medicinal plant preparation in the region. The study identified 29 plant species across 18 botanical families. Annona senegalensis Pers., Nauclea latifolia Sm., and Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn had the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC), each at 10%. Encouragingly, 63.33% of THPs had participated in training or awareness sessions with health centres. Additionally, 46.66% referred patients to hospitals when traditional treatments were insufficient.

Conclusion: These results highlight the therapeutic potential of local medicinal plants in the treatment of snakebite envenomation and support the need for strengthened collaboration between traditional and biomedical healthcare systems.