Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Sterculia setigera Del. in the Sudanian Zone of Togo (West Africa)

Abstract

Ethnobotanical knowledge is useful in development of management and conservation of plant genetic resources. In this study, ethnobotanical investigations were conducted in Sudanian zone of Togo to identify use values knowledge of Sterculia setigera tree. Information was obtained with the aid of semistructured interviews. Three (3) ethnic groups: Bassar, Moba, and Konkomba belonging to ten (10) localities were investigated. Use knowledge of Sterculia setigera through these ethnic groups was assessed using four use indices: reported use (RU), plant part value (PPV), specific reported use (SU), and intraspecific use value (IUV). Sixty (60) informants of 43 years old were interviewed. The plant parts values and specific uses are raised more in the Moba's ethnic group. The main quoted uses are medicinal, religious, food, and cosmetic. Thus, fourteen (14) treatments of ailments are assigned to it. Considering the various uses, it is crucial to validate scientifically the therapeutic uses and safety of these plants through phytochemical screening, different biological activity tests, and toxicological studies.

Quantitative Approach of Sterculia setigera Del. (Sterculiaceae) Ethnobotanical Uses Among Rural Communities in Togo (West Africa)

“…The use values of S. setigera plant parts were assessed by comparing the mean reported use values between ethnic groups, gender, age, and occupation. The knowledge of local use of S. setigera was assessed using four use indices (Atakpama et al 2012, Avocevou-Ayisso et al 2012: the reported use (RU), the plant part value (PPV), the specific reported use (SU), and the intraspecific use value (IUV).…”

“…This knowledge varies according to locality, gender, ethnicity, cultural belief, and interrelation such as intercultural marriages, friendships, and religions (Atakpama et al 2012, Atato et al 2010, Avocevou-Ayisso et al 2012, Ayantunde et al 2008. It could be also influenced by age, occupation (Ayantunde et al 2007, Poderoso et al 2012, Schunko et al 2012, environmental factors such as re- …”

“…G.Don, Pentadesma butyracea Sabine, Tamarindus indica L., Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst., and Sterculia setigera Delile are well known by indigenous people for their multiple uses (Ademola et al 2013, Atakpama et al 2012, Avocevou-Ayisso et al 2012, Ekué et al 2010, Fandohan et al 2010, Gouwakinnou et al 2011, Kaboré et al 2011, Koura et al 2011.…”

“…Its medicinal and cosmetic uses were noticed, respectively, by Adjanohoun et al (1986) and Péréki et al (2012). Ethnobotanical and structural aspects in the Sudanian zone of Togo had been investigated by Atakpama (2010) and Atakpama et al (2012). The species is threatened in its natural habitat due to (1) harvesting of tissue, especially for medicinal purposes, (2) sociocultural status (fetish tree or home to evil spirits according to the custom of each ethnic group), and (3) the total ignorance of the economic value of its gum (Atakpama et al 2012).…”

“…The gum is used in folk medicine to cure toothache (Musa et al 2011) and in the preparation of various pharmaceutical products (Elkhalifa & Hassan 2010, Rhourri-Frih 2009. Traditionally, the leaves have been used in the treatment of malaria and rickets (Atakpama et al 2012) while the bark is used to treat cough, hypertension, headache, asthma, bronchitis, wounds, fever, toothache, abscess, diarrhea, and snakebite (Belem et al 2007, Betti et al, 2011, Igoli et al 2005, Lawal et al, 2010, Musa et al 2011, Tapsoba & Deschamps 2006. Several studies give supportive evidence to the use of this plant as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory in folk medicine (Babalola et al 2012, Ouédraogo et al 2013.…”