Ethnobotanical study of some plants used in traditional medicine in the Western part (Gemena and Mbuji-Mayi) of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Main Article Content
Abstract
The present study was carried out in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, more specifically in Gemena and Mbuji-Mayi. Its aim was to study the plants traditionally used to treat various illnesses, to complement an earlier study carried out by a team of researchers from the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS). Seventy traditional healers from different ethnic groups were identified and interviewed on a voluntary basis, respecting the principles set out in the Declaration of Helsinki with minor modifications. The ethnobotanical data collected was then supplemented by information on ecological types. Analysis of the data collected reveals that 61 plant species belonging to 21 orders and 33 families were inventoried and collected in the medicinal flora of Gemena and Mbuji-Mayi. The flora studied is dominated by forest species, although phanerophytes and pantropical species predominate in the medicinal flora studied. Trees are the most dominant morphological type. Leaves are the most widely used parts, and diabetes is the most commonly treated disease in both regions. This study has provided a better understanding of local medicinal resources and the associated traditional wisdom. This knowledge will contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, the enhancement of traditional medicinal practices and the search for new sources of medicines. Consequently, it would be desirable to carry out in-depth phytochemical and pharmacological studies on these medicinal plants with a view to their scientific validation.
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
Allabi, A.C., Busiac, K., Ekanmiana, V., Bakiono, F. (2011). The use of medicinal plants in self-care in the Agonlin region of Benin, J. Ethnoph., 133, 234-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.09.028
Bangambingo, D., Nzawele, B.D., Mubenga, O., Lubobo, A.K., Inkoto, C.L., Ngbolua, K.N., Monde, G. (2022). Effects of Fertilization, Variety and Season on Fall Armyworm Attack on Bio-fortified Maize Production in the Kisangani Ecoregion (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences (BirEx) Journal, 4(4), 267-278.
Camou-Guerrero, A., Reyes-García, V., Martínez-Ramos, M., Casas, A. (2008). Knowledge and use value of plant species in a Rarámuri community: a gender perspective for conservation. Human Ec., 36, 259-272.
Chibembe, A.S., Birhashirwa, N.R., Kamwanga, F., Mangambu, M. (2015). Exploitation de Bambous (Sinarundinaria alpina (K. Schum.) C.S. Chao et Renvoize), cause des conflits entre le Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega et la population environnante : stratégie de conservation et de résolution de Conflit. Int. J. Env. St, 72(2), 265-287.
Codjia, J., Houessou, G., Ponette, Q., Boulenge, E., Vihotogbe, R. (2007). Ethnobotany and endogenous conservation of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte) Baill. in traditional agroforestry systems in Benin. Afr. J. Indig. Know, 6(2), 196-209
Davis, Charles C, et al. (2014). The Dominance of Malpighiales in the Plant Tree of Life: An Analysis from a Phylogenomic Perspective" PLOS ONE, 9(7), e102420.
Ezebilo, E.E. and Mattsson, L. (2010). Contribution of non-timber forest products to livelihoods of communities in southeast Nigeria. Int. J. of Sust. Dev. World Ec, 17(3), 231-235.
Ilumbe, B.G., Damme, P.V., Lukoki, F.L., Joiris, V., Visser, M., Lejoly, J. (2014). Contribution à l’étude des plantes médicinales dans le traitement des hémorroïdes par les pygmées de Twa et leur voisin Oto de bikoro, RDC. Congo Sciences, 2(1), 46-54.
Inkoto, C.L., Ngbolua K.N., Kilembe, J.T, Masengo, C.A, Lukoki, F.L., Tshilanda, D.D., Tshibangu D.S-T., Mpiana, P.T. (2021c). A Mini Review on the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Aframomum alboviolaceum (Zingiberaceae). South Asian Research Journal of Natural Products, 4(3), 24-35.
Inkoto, C.L., Masengo, C.A., Falanga, C.M., Mbembo, Bw-M., Amogu J-J.D., Mahendra, S.M., Kayembe, P-P.K., Mpiana, P.T., Ngbolua, K.N. (2020b). A Mini-Review on the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Plant Carica Papaya L. (Caricaceae). Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx), 2(3), 663-675.
Inkoto, C.L., Ngbolua K.N., Bokungu, P.E., Masengo, C.A., Iteku, J.B., Tshilanda, D.D., Tshibangu, D.S-T., Mpiana, P.T. (2021b). Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K. Schum (Zingiberaceae): A Mini Review. SARJNP, 69-84.
Inkoto, C.L., Ngbolua, K.N., Masunda, A.T., Kabengele, C.N., Iteku, J.B., Tshilanda, D.D., Tshibangu, D.S-T. and Mpiana, P.T. (2021a). Microscopic features and phytochemistry of two Congolese medicinal plants: Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridley) K. Schum, and Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae). International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 01(02), 043-052.
Iteku, J.B., Makaya, O.V., Inkoto, C.L., Ngunde-te-Ngunde, S.; Lengbiye, E.M., Tshidibi, J.D., Ngbolua, K.N. (2021). Phytochemical Screening and Assessment of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Antihelminthic Activities of Sarcocephalus latifolius Leaves. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences. DOI: 10.24018/ejfood.2021.3.4.158.
Ngbolua, K.N., Mpiana, P.T., Mudogo, V., Ngombe, N.K., Tshibangu, D.S.T., Ekutsu, E.G, Kabena, O.N., Gbolo, B.Z., Muanyishay, L. (2014). Ethno-pharmacological survey and Floristical study of some Medicinal Plants traditionally used to treat infectious and parasitic pathologies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. International Journal of Medicinal Plants, 106, 454-467.
Kambale.; J.L.K.; Asimonyio.; J.A.; Shutsha.; R.E.; Katembo.; E.W.; Tsongo.; J.M.; Kavira P.K., Yokana E.I., Bukasa K.K., Nshimba H.S., Mpiana P.T., Ngbolua K.N. (2016). Études floristique et structurale des forêts dans le domaine de chasse de Rubi-Télé (Province de Bas-Uélé, République Démocratique du Congo). International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research, 24: 309-32.
Kamini, S. (2007). Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Important. Ethnobot. Leaf., 11, 164 -172.
Kasali, F.M., Mahano, A.O., Nyakabwa, D.S. et al. (2014). « Enquête ethnopharmacologique sur les plantes médicinales utilisées contre le paludisme dans la ville de Bukavu (RD Congo) », European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4, (1), 29-44.
Katemo, M., Mpiana, P.T., Mbala, B.M., Mihigo, S.O., Ngbolua, K.N., Tshibangu, D.S.T., Koyange, P.R. (2012). Ethno-pharmacological survey of plants used against diabetes in Kisangani city (D.R. Congo). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 144, 39-43.
Lenoble, P., Hocquard, J. (2001). Feuillée Ethnobotanique : Ethnobotanique et biodiversité. N° 34, édition Hommes et Plantes, Paris, 41 p
Mangambu, M., Van, Diggelen, R., Mwanga, J.C., Ntahobavuka, H., Malaisse, F., Robbrecht, E. (2012). Etude ethnoptéridologique, évaluation des risques d’extinction et stratégies de conservation aux alentours du Parc National de Kahuzi Biega en R.D. Congo. Géo-Eco-Trop, 36 (1/2) : 137-158
Masengo, C.A, Ngbolua, K.N., Ipepe, D., Mbembo, B.M., Djolu, R.D., Inkoto, C.L., Tshilanda, D.D., Tshibangu, D.S.T., Ilumbe, G.B., Mpiana, P.T. (2022). Enquête socio-économique et activité antifalcémiante de thé de Gambie (Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Verbenaceae) à l’Ouest de la République Démocratique du Congo [Socio-economic survey and antisickling activity of Gambia tea (Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Verbenaceae) in Western Democratic Republic of the Congo]. Rev. Cong. Sci. Technol, 01(01), 24-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5757161/zenedo.022.v1.i1.03
Masunda, A.T., Inkoto CL., Bongo, G.N., Oleko-Wa-Oloko, J.D., Ngbolua, K.N., Tshibangu, D.S.T., Tshilanda, D.D., Mpiana, P.T. (2019). Ethnobotanical and Ecological Studies of Plants Used in the Treatment of Diabetes in Kwango, Kongo Central and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. International Journal of Diabetes and Endocrinology, 4(1), 18-25.
Mbembo, B.W.M., Inkoto, C.L., Amogu, J-J.D., Masengo, C.A., Nagahuedi, J.M.S., Mpiana, P.T., Ngbolua, K.N. (2022). Mini-review on the phyto-chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl. (Malvaceae): A medically interesting bio-resource of multiple purposes in Africa. Natr Resour Human Health 2, 1-8 https://doi.org/10.53365/nrfhh/145511.
Ngbolua, K.N, Mudogo, V., Mpiana, P.T., Malekani, M.J., Rafatro H., Urverg, R.S., Takoy, L., Rakotoarimana, H., Tshibangu, D.S.T. (2013b). Évaluation de l’activité anti-drépanocytaire et antipaludique de quelques taxons végétaux de la République démocratique du Congo et de Madagascar. Ethnopharmacologia, 50, 19-24.
Ngbolua, K.N., Benamambote, B.M., Mpiana, P.T., Muanda, D.M., Ekutsu, E.G., Tshibangu, D.S.T., Gbolo, B.Z., Muanyishay, C.L., Basosila, N.B., Bongo, G.N., Robijaona, B. (2013a). Ethno-botanical survey and Ecological Study of some Medicinal Plants species traditionally used in the District of Bas-Fleuve (BasCongo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo). Research Journal of Chemistry, 1, 01-10.
Ngbolua, K.N., Inkoto, C.L., Mongo, L.N., Masengo, A.C., Masens, Da-Musa, Y.B., Mpiana, P.T. (2019). Etudes ethnobotanique et floristique de quelques plantes médicinales commercialisées à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo. Rev. Mar. Sci. Agron. Vét, 7(1), 118-128.
Ngbolua. K.N., Shetonde, O.M., Mpiana, P.T., Inkoto, C.L., Masengo, C.A., Tshibangu, D.S.T., Gbolo, B.Z., Baholy, R., Fatiany PR. (2016). (Ethno-pharmacological survey and Ecological studies of some plants used in traditional medicine in Kinshasa city (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Tropical Plant Research, 3, 413-42.
Ngbolua, K.N., Mandjo, B.L., Munsebi, J.M., Masengo, C.A., Lengbiye, E.M., Asamboa, L.S., Konda, R.K., Dianzuangani, D.L., Ilumbe, M., Nzudjom, A.B., Kadimanche, M., Mpiana, P.T. (2016b). Études ethnobotanique et écologique des plantes utilisées en médecine traditionnelle dans le District de la Lukunga à Kinshasa (RD du Congo). International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research, 26, 612-633.
Ngunde-te-Ngunde, S., Inkoto, C.L., Kowozogono RK, Zua, T.G., Mayundo, B.K., Iteku, J.B. (2021). Etudes ethnobotanique des plantes utilisées en médecine traditionnelle à Gini (Yakoma, NordUbangi, République Démocratique du Congo). International Journal of Applied Research, 7(1), 36-43.
Omatoko, J., Nshimba, H., Bogaert, J., Lejoly J. Shutsha, R., Shaumba, J.P., Asimonyio, J., Ngbolua, K.N. (2015). Études floristique et structurale des peuplements sur sols argileux à Pericopsis elata et sableux à Julbernardia seretii dans la forêt de plaine de UMA en République Démocratique du Congo. International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 13, 452-463. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1359.9208