Ethnobotanical Assessment of Moringa oleifera Lam. in Southern Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

Research AbstractFor decades, plant species, particularly those used as non-tree forest products (NTFPs), have been known to play an important role in the livelihood of local populations, particularly in rural Africa. The present study investigated the uses of various parts of Moringa oleifera Lam. in southern Benin. It aimed at capturing indigenous knowledge on the uses of M. oleifera as a preliminary step toward future efforts to devise better management options of this plant species. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in southern Benin (Guineo-Congolese zone) with a sample of 439 informants (201 women and 238 men) belonging to Fon, Waci, Xwla, Sahouè, Djerma, Kotafon, Aïzo, Goun, and Yoruba socio-cultural groups. It was found that M. oleifera is known in South Benin under different local names depending on the socio-cultural group. Leaves were the most used part followed by roots, bark, seeds, and pods. Leaves are eaten as a vegetable and also used for medicinal purposes. They are consumed fresh or dried and reduced to powder. Different parts of M. oleifera are used to treat up to 34 diseases according to the local populations. Leaves are also used as fodder for pigs, sheep, and rabbits. The seeds are used to carry out rites for blessing and attracting customers. The study showed that M. oleifera plays an important role in rural areas of South Benin where it is used as a nutritional and medicinal plant. Local populations could benefit by further adoption of the species in agroforestry systems. ResumeDepuis des décennies, les espèces végétales, particulièrement celles utilisées comme produits forestiers non ligneux (PFNLs) sont connues pour le rôle important qu'elles jouent dans la vie des populations locales. La présente étude a porté sur les utilisations

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Use of Botanical Medicines in a Rural Caribbean Territory

“…Many of the plant use reports highlighted in this study overlap with those reported in ethnobotanical studies conducted in West Africa and Europe. M. oleifera (Moringa), which informants in this study reported to be useful for hypertension, cough, and diabetes, has been documented for the same traditional uses in both Benin and Ghana (Oppong Bekoe et al, 2020;Agoyi et al, 2014). Additional parallels are seen with A. indica (Neem), which is used for diabetes and anti-bacterial purposes both in Nigeria and in Barbados, as demonstrated by our findings (Lifongo et al, 2014).…”

Ethnobotanical survey on plants used in the treatment of candidiasis in traditional markets of southern Benin

“…These include: Aïzo (Atlantic Department); Fons (Littoral and Zou Departments); Idaasha, Ifè, Isha (Collines Department); Mahi (Zou and Collines Departments); Goun, Yoruba (Ouémé and Plateau Department); Adja (Mono and Couffo Departments). Some authors who have worked in the same geographical area found the inhabitants belonging to different socio-cultural groups [ 76 – 78 ]. This study therefore shows that Benin is home for a wide variety of medicinal plant species used in the treatment of candidiasis.…”

Status and utilisation of Moringa oleifera Lam: A review

“…All parts of the species are traditionally used for different purposes, but leaves are generally the most used (Popoola and Obembe, 2013;Sivasankari et al, 2014). Seven use categories of M. oleifera, namely medicine, food, fodder, fencing, firewood, coagulant and gum have been identified (Popoola and Obembe, 2013;Agoyi et al, 2014;Sivasankari et al, 2014). The species is mostly used as a traditional medicine and food (Popoola and Obembe, 2013;Agoyi et al, 2014;Sivasankari et al, 2014).…”