Ethnopharmacological survey of aromatic medicinal plants used in the treatment of the most recurrent diseases in the locality of Oyem, Gabon

Abstract

Aromatic medicinal plants are a great source of active principles that can be used to treat several diseases. The objective of this study was to identify the aromatic plants used in traditional medicine to treat the most recurrent diseases in the locality of Oyem. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among traditional healers in Oyem. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the ethnopharmacological survey data and various quantitative indices, including informant consensus factor, use value, relative citation frequency, and level of fidelity. The data collected identified 72 plant species belonging to 23 families. Decoction, infusion and maceration were the three most commonly used methods of preparation. The most commonly used plant parts were leaves and barks. Cough-associated diseases had the highest RCF (0.630). The RCF was highest for Desmodium salicifolium DC (0.0713), The use values (UV) ranged from 0.11 to 0.93. These results provide a good data base for studies on fragrant plants.