Ethnobotanical investigation of nutraceuticals used in the Nyong and Kelle Division, Centre Region, Cameroon

Abstract

This study presents an ethnobotanical investigation of nutraceuticals plants used by the people of the Nyong and Kelle Division, in the Centre Region of Cameroon, to address various ailments. A systematic survey was conducted in ten markets and ten villages, where food traders were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on the medicinal uses of plants. Traditional healers, elders, and community members validated the collected information. A total of 56 plants with medicinal properties were identified, categorized as 30 fruit trees, 19 vegetables, and 7 spices, belonging to 32 botanical families. The Anacardiaceae and Solanaceae families were the most represented. These nutraceuticals were found to treat 28 different illnesses, with the leaves being the most commonly used plant organ. Decoctions were the primary therapeutic indication, and digestive system-related ailments were prevalent. This research contributes to the preservation and dissemination of ethnobotanical knowledge inherited from previous generations.