Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Skin Infections and Arthritis in Bova, Southwest, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: According to WHO data published in 2020, the mortality rate from rheumatoid arthritis in Cameroon was 0.01%. Skin infections affect people of all ages, from neonates to the elderly, and account for approximately 34% of all diseases encountered worldwide.Therefore, the objective of this study was to carry out an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used to treat skin infection and arthritis, in Bova village, South West Region of Cameroon. Methods: The study was carried out during a period of 3 months (April to June 2024) with the data collected between May 2nd –May 19th, 2024, at Bova village, South West region of Cameroon. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the name, type, method of preparation, and mode of administration of medicinal plants used in the treatment of skin infections and arthritis. The plants obtained were authenticated at the National Herbarium in Yaoundé-Cameroon. The data obtained was keyed in Microsoft Office Excel 2013 and presented in a frequency distribution table and charts. Results: A total of 71 participants participated in the survey, where 49(69.01%) were females and 22 (30.99%) were males. The survey identified 31 plant species from 24 plant families used for treating skin infections and/or arthritis. The Asteraceae family (5 species) was the most mentioned. The leaves 17 (54.83%) were the most used plant part, maceration and decoction were the common methods of preparation, and topical application was the commonly used mode of administration. Conclusion: Many plant species are used for treating different diseases in Bova, the South West Region of Cameroon.