Ethnobotanical knowledge of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) by people living in community forests in North Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background: Prunus africana (Hook. f) Kalkman (Rosaceae) is a multi-purpose species with important utility value for the populations that depend on it. Indeed, local populations living in community forests use P. africana. The objective of this study is to document the different uses of P. africana by local populations in traditional medicine for a better vulgarization for a sustainable management of the resource.Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in four P. africana distribution areas in North Kivu. Data were collected on the basis of a survey from 221 informants. Statistical analysis and calculation of ethnobotanical indices were performed using R 4.1.2 software.Results: Results of the investigations show that P. africana is by far used in medical practices (96.83%). It is also used as wood energy (60.18 %), charcoal (40.27 %), in handicrafts (7.24 %), construction (6.79 %), food (2.26 %) and traditional rites (0.45 %). In traditional pharmacopoeia, the characterization of the uses allowed us to identify 23 diseases for which P. africana extracts are used to treat them. The bark and leaves are the most used organs in the recipes. The decoction (99.5%), the macerated (10.41%) and the powders (7.69%) are the galenic or pharmaceutical forms in which the local populations prepare the remedies. The potions prepared are mainly administered orally (99.5%). Conclusion:The multiple forms of use of P. africana by the populations of North Kivu, both in medicine and in other categories of use, constitute a threat to its survival. For a sustainable management, the results of this study reveal that it is possible to substitute the species P. africana with other plant species with similar potential in order to limit its overexploitation.

Revealing the biocultural importance of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) in three villages, Kediri District, Indonesia

“…Plants serve a variety of purposes, including being a vital and nutrient-rich source of food, a storehouse of medicinal compounds, an integral part of animal feed, a renewable energy source, a raw material for the production of charcoal, a medium for handicrafts, and a necessary component of construction activities (Boakye et al 2023;Metananda et al 2023;Muhesi et al 2023). Various plant species have been identified and explored as potential traditional medicines for the treatment of several illnesses and for other derivative products (Arshad et al 2023;Essandoh et al 2023;Soussi et al 2023).…”