Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-7 | Issue-10 | 508-516
Original Research Article
Ethno Pharmacological Knowledge of Common Medicinal Plants Used for the Traditional Treatment of Oral Pathologies in the Mayo-Kani Division, (Cameroon)
Bayaga Hervé Narcisse, Nokam Abena Marie, Malei Ténoné Béatrice, Ngameni Bathélémy
Published : Oct. 21, 2021
Abstract
Introduction: Studies on plants used for the treatment of oral diseases in Cameroon are still scant. The objective of this study was to identify medicinal plants and recipes used for the traditional treatment of oral diseases in the department of Mayo-Kani (Far North, Cameroon). Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 7 months, during the year 2021. After obtaining the various administrative authorisations, an ethnopharmacological survey was carried out among traditional practitioners known to treat oral ailments in the Mayo-Kani department. The plants collected, were photographed and the samples were identified at the Delegation of Forests and Fauna of Mayo-Kani and then confirmed by botanists and experts from the Cameroon National Herbarium (CNH). Results: This ethnopharmacological survey conducted among 43 traditional practitioners identified 40 species in 28 botanical families, of which Mimosaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Combretaceae, Anthericaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Anacardiaceae were the most represented. These species were used in the preparation of 40 recipes. Around 77.2% of these recipes and 77.7% of the plants listed were used in the treatment of caries and their complications such as cervico-facial cellulitis. Roots (38.5%) followed by barks (20.9%) were the most used plant organs. Decoction (43.2%) was the most used preparation method. In all, 50% of the recipes proposed, were used in the form of herbal tea. Mouthwash (50%) was the most used method of administration. Ricinus communis (CF= 11.4%; 03 recipes), Sclerocarya birrea (CF= 6.6%; 03 recipes), Indigofera aff subargenta, Capparis facicularis and Anogeissus leocarpus (CF= 5%; 03 recipes) were the most cited and used in traditional recipes to treat oral pathologies. Conclusion: These findings constitute a basic data base for future studies on phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological analyses essential for the valorization of traditional medicines.