Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used against Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Korhogo Department, Northern Côte d’Ivoire
Kamagaté Tidiane
Biotechnology and Valorization of Agroresources and Natural Substances Laboratory, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, BP 1328 Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
Kouamé Yao Yves
Biotechnology and Valorization of Agroresources and Natural Substances Laboratory, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, BP 1328 Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
Soro Tinnèlo *
Biotechnology and Valorization of Agroresources and Natural Substances Laboratory, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, BP 1328 Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
Touré Abdoulaye
Biotechnology and Valorization of Agroresources and Natural Substances Laboratory, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, BP 1328 Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
Ouattara Abou
Department of Biochemistry-Microbiology, UFR Agroforestry, University of Jean Lorougnon GUEDE of Daloa, BP 150, Daloa, Ivory Coast.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Resistance to commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, constitutes a major public health challenge, particularly in the field of reproductive health.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to document medicinal plants traditionally employed by herbal practitioners against STIs in the Korhogo department.
Methods: An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using an oral questionnaire administered to 80 traditional medicine practitioners from the city of Korhogo and surrounding villages (Côte d’Ivoire).
Results: Seventeen plant species were identified. The most frequently cited were Adansonia digitata (17.65%), Trichilia emetica (11.76%), Carica papaya (11.76%), and Olax subscorpioidea (9.76%). The plant parts most commonly used in remedy preparation were leaves (58.82%), followed by fruits (23.53%), stem bark (11.79%), and roots (5.88%). The predominant preparation methods included infusion (55%), decoction (16.66%), maceration (16.66%), and hydrodistillation (11.68%). Treatment duration generally ranged from one to three weeks, with oral administration being the preferred route (73.68%).
Conclusion: These findings provide an important contribution to the valorization of natural resources in the fight against STIs in the Korhogo department and establish a solid basis for future research.
Keywords: Ethnopharmacology, Korhogo, medicinal plants, sexually transmitted infections