Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Skin Disorders in Kenya: A Review

Medicinal plants used for dermatological disorders among the Nyamwezi community in Tabora region, Tanzania

“…In most cases, the enema was simultaneously applied with decoctions for the same reason: to treat the disorder from inside the body. Comparable to the findings of this study, the dominant modes of preparation (i.e., crushing, powdering and decoction) and routes of administration (topical application such as paste, enemas, ointment, smearing) of remedies were also reported in other ethnobotanical studies being frequently utilised for treating skin related disorders (De Wet et al 2013, Malik et al 2019, Wanga & Nyamboki 2023.…”

“…Table 3). Similar ethnobotanical studies conducted in northern Maputaland, South Africa (De Wet et al 2013), northern Delta State, Nigeria (Enebeli-Ekwutoziam et al 2021) and Kenya(Wanga & Nyamboki 2023) revealed that most TMPs used for managing DD belong to the Fabaceae family. The comparatively high number of TMPs reported to treat DDs suggests high floral diversity and rich indigenous knowledge in the study area.…”

“…The remaining parts had a PPV of less than one (Figure 3). Leaves are also reported in other ethnobotanical studies in Kenya (Wanga & Nyamboki 2023), South Africa (De Wet et al 2013), Thailand (Saising et al 2022), and Pakistan (Malik et al 2019) as frequently and the preferred plant part used to formulate remedies for managing DDs. The preference utilisation of leaves could be associated with their availability and ease of harvest compared to other plant parts.…”

“…The remedies have many valuable advantages, including notable efficacy, minimal side effects, and cost-effectiveness compared to modern medications (Adane et al 2020, Alkhamaiseh & Aljofan 2020, Ekor 2014. In Africa, TMPs play a pivotal role in managing DDs and related conditions, particularly in rural communities (Asong et al 2019, Oyedemi et al 2018, Wanga & Nyamboki 2023. The widespread utilisation of TMPs by most rural residents is due to inadequate modern health facilities, insufficient medicines and other supplies, low purchasing power due to poverty, socio-cultural beliefs and the fact that TMPs have wide cultural acceptance in rural settings (Chinsembu 2016, Mathibela et al 2019, Tugume et al 2019.…”