Ethnobotanical Utilization of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. according to Herbal Medicine Traders in Benin.

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Abstract BackgroundThis research aimed at gathering knowledge on the medicinal exploitation and magic utilization of Kigelia africana in Benin. The species has received very little attention in Benin where it is widely used in traditional medicine to treat diseases and recently recorded as a threatened speciesMethodsA semi-structured questionnaire was used in different markets in Benin to gather ethnobotanical knowledge on Kigelia africana from herbal traders. Various percentages of traders were calculated, the Use Value of the most traded parts was determined and the two proportions test was performed to check for difference in Use Value.ResultsThirty-six percent of respondents obtained parts of the species both by purchase in their own markets and by travelling far. The same proportion confirmed that they travelled very far before buying parts they used to sell. None mentioned harvesting the plant parts from wild populations. A high proportion of informants (63%) reported selling fruits and bark whereas a relatively low proportion of them (37%) sell fruits, bark and leaves of the species. Bark was recorded as most sold followed by fruits. Leaves were recorded as least sold.The majority of respondents confirmed the scarcity of the species in recent years. Thirteen diseases, disorders and rituals were recorded and the majority oftraders mentioned the use of bark in treating stomach infections followed by gynecological disorders. Fruits were mainly used in magic rituals followed by treatment for stomach infections. Fruits showed a Use Value higher than bark although bark was recorded as most in demand. Five types of preparation were recorded and 54% of traders mentioned bark decoctions while 27% highlighted infusion of fruits in water.ConclusionsKigelia africana plays an important role in local ethnomedicine and bark and fruits were the most traded organs. Its fruits were relatively more important than bark in terms of uses but harvesting and trade of its parts are threats to the species. Urgent conservation tools are needed for its long-term sustainable exploitation.

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