Study of Manufacturing Conditions of Medicines Derived from Traditional Pharmacopoeia in Benin and Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional medicine has become an important component in the care system of African populations. Many products derived from it are increasingly used in the therapeutic arsenal. This work is an inventory of the production of these drugs in two countries of West Africa, Burkina Faso and Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study that listed the drug manufacturing units producing medicines derived from the traditional pharmacopoeia (MDTP) identified by the health ministries in the two countries was carried out. Results: Thirty-three production facilities, including 10 in Burkina Faso and 23 in Benin, were surveyed. Seven units surveyed in Burkina Faso and 16 in Benin were illegally installed. Only 16 of the 33 units obtain their raw materials from botanical gardens. The rest obtain theirs through picking which is not favorable to the perpetuation of the plant resource. In addition, among the 1041 MDTPs manufactured by the units surveyed, only 1.44% are registered. Finally, shortcomings in applying good practices for harvesting raw materials and manufacturing finished products were noticed. Conclusion: Management and capacity building efforts of MDTPs production facilities by political authorities are still needed to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to the health care of African populations.