Abstract :
[en] Introduction
Infectious diseases are a real public health problem. Faced with the problem of
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in their treatments, it is essential to find alternative
solutions.
Purpose
The present study aimed to gather more information about medicinal plants used to treat
infectious diseases by traditional healers in two markets of Brazzaville City, in the Republic
of Congo.
Methods
This ethnobotanical survey was carried out through individual interviews in the local
language, using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results
From August 24 to September 02, 2022, fifteen traditional healers were enrolled, 7 men and 8
women. The average age of respondents was 47 years old. The literacy level was 60%. Most of the
traditional healers belonged to the Lari ethnic group. Their knowledge of plant use was largely
derived from cultural heritage. Twenty-three plant species were identified. These were Acacia
nilotica, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Cyathula prostrata, Caladium bicolor, Hua gabonii,
Aframomum stipulatum, Annona arenaria, Acanthus montanus, Asystasia gangetica, Alchornea
floribunda, Milletia congolensis, Mangifera indica, Phaulopsis poggei, Anthonotha macrophylla,
Dichrostachys glomerata, Heinsia crinita, Alstonia congensis, Acanthus montanus, Rauvolfia
obscura and Carica papaya. The most represented family was Acanthaceae (17.39%). Carica
papaya (18.96%) was the most frequently cited species for the treatment of infections. The leaves
represented the plant parts most used by the respondents (26.02%). Decoction (48%) was the
preparation technique most frequently used to facilitate drug administration. The oral route was the
most widely used (52%). Malaria and gonorrhea (22.8%) topped the list of infections treated by
traditional healers.
Conclusion
These findings illustrate the wealth of indigenous knowledge of plants with anti-infectious
properties in the Congolese flora. They also highlight the potential of traditional medicine
plants as sources of new antimicrobial agents, which could play an essential role in
combating antimicrobial resistance.
