ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Mawunu M*, Garcia Z, Manuel SP, Pedro Nguvulo JC, Mampasi N, Guillame NM, Koto-te-Nyiwa N, Ndiku L and Luyeye L
This study is the first ethnobotanical survey investigating the biodiversity of medicinal plants in the small Songo city (Northern Angola), as well as the indigenous knowledge related to the use of plant resources in healthcare by the local population. The study aims to document and help preserve and pass on this invaluable heritage to future generations. A field study was conducted between March 2020 and September 2021. A total of 522 informants were interviewed using the semi-structured method and random sampling technique. Demographic characteristics of the participants, local names of plants, parts used, and plant preparation methods were investigated and recorded. The database was analyzed using Relative Citation Frequency. The majority (71%) of the medicinal plants in Songo are of exotic origin compared to 29% of the native plants. Of the 62 species identified and considered medicinal according to popular use in the small Songo city, 53 spp. (85.5%) are dicots and 9 spp (14.5%) are monocots. The study recorded 62 plant species belonging to 57 genera and 30 families used as medicines for the treatment of various human diseases in Songo city. The most common families were Fabaceae (7 spp., 11.5%), Solanaceae (6 spp., 9.8%), Asteraceae (4 spp., 6.6%), Malvaceae (4 spp., 6.6%), Poaceae (4 spp., 6.6%), Anacardiaceae (3 spp., 4.9%), and Euphorbiaceae (3 spp., 4.9%). The main morphological forms are shrubs (36.0%), tree (26.1%), and herbs (23.6%). Leaves are the most commonly used organ (69.9%). Decoction (44.4%) and oral intake (60.4%) are the most common modes of remedy preparation and administration (47%), respectively. The main human diseases recorded are cough (10.3%), anaemia (7.9%), malaria (6.9%), diarrhea (6.1%), and yellow fever (5.7%). This high number of medicinal plant species documented shows that herbal remedies are highly utilized to treat various diseases among the local community living in the small city of Songo. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the level of conservation of these species, and also to preserve traditional knowledge of remedies. We conclude that pharmacological and biological studies are necessary to scientifically support the medical potential of these species in the laboratory since they are constantly used in small city of Songo.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Ethnobotanical Plants; Small City of Songo; Angola
