dc.description.abstract |
Background:
Although herbal medical products are still widely used
in Kenya, many of the medicinal plants used by traditional medical
practitioners (TMPs) have not been documented, despite several
challenges that are now threatening the sustainability of the practice.
Objective:
To document the medicinal plants and healing methods
used by TMPs in a region of Kenya with several recognized herbalists
for potential research.
Materials and Methods:
Semi‑structured
interviews, group discussions, and direct observations were used to
collect ethnopharmacological information. The participant’s bio‑data,
clinical conditions treated, methods of treatment, medicinal plants used,
methods of preparation and administration, and dosage forms were
recorded.
Results:
A total of 99 medicinal plants and
12 complementary
preparations employed in the treatment of 64 medical conditions were
identified. The most widely used plant was
Rotala
tenella
which was used
to treat nine medicinal conditions; seven each for
Aloe
tweediae
and
Dovyalis
abyssinica
; and six each for
Basella
alba
and
Euclea
divinorum.
The plants belonged to 55 families with Fabaceae family being the most
frequently used (10), followed by Apocynaceae and Solanaceae, each with
six species, respectively. We identified plants used to determine the sex of
an unborn baby and those used to treat several conditions including anthrax
and cerebral malaria and herbs used to detoxify meat from an animal that
has died from anthrax. Of special interest was
R.
tenella
which is used to
prevent muscle injury.
Conclusions:
We have documented several plants
with potential therapeutic effects. Further research may be conducted to
determine their efficacy. |
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