Ethnobotanical Study of Latex Plants in the Maritime Region of Togo

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Abstract
Pharmacognosy Research,2016,8,2,128-134.
Published:February 2016
Type:Original Article
Authors:
Author(s) affiliations:

Yao Patrick Hoekou1, Tchadjobo Tchacondo2, Simplice Damintoti Karou2, Koffi Koudouvo2, Wouyo Atakpama3, Passimna Pissang2, Apeti Koffi Gbogbo3, Agbelessessi Yawo Woegan3, Komlan Batawila3, Koffi Akpagana3, Messanvi Gbeassor2

1Centre de Recherche et de Formation Sur Les Plantes Médicinales; Laboratoire de Botanique et Ecologie Végétale, Université de Lomé, BP 1515, Lomé, TOGO.

2Centre de Recherche et de Formation Sur Les Plantes Médicinales, Université de Lomé, BP 1515, Lomé, Togo 3 Laboratoire de Botanique et Ecologie Végétale, Université de Lomé, BP 1515, Lomé, TOGO.

Abstract:

Background: In Togo, a little is known about latex plants of the flora used for medicinal purposes. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the latex plant species and their medicinal uses in the Maritime Region of Togo. Materials and Methods: The methodology was based on ethnobotanical semi-structural individual interviews of 220 informants. Quantitative ethnobotanical index was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 33 latex plants species were recorded, from 12 botanical families and 24 genera. The most represented families were Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae with eight species each. The relative importance (RI) value of each species and the informant consensus factor (ICF) of the ailments categories showed that Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. (RI = 2.00) and Euphorbia hirta L. (RI = 1.91) were the most versatile in relation to their uses, and infectious diseases (ICF = 0.922) were the category with the greatest consensus among 17 categories. Conclusion: These latex plants of Togolese flora are variously used in traditional medicine and it would be important to undertake further investigations in phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology to validate their uses.

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Map of Togo showing the Maritime Region

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