Ethnobotanical Survey of Mangrove Plant Species Used as Medicine from Ouidah to Grand-Popo Districts, Southern Benin

This study investigated the importance of mangrove to dwellers of Ouidah and Grand-Popo Districts, Southern Benin and focused on the medicinal exploitation of mangrove plant species. Data were collected through individual and group interviews on forty respondents. The respondents comprised traditional healers, fishermen, salt preparation specialists and students since medicinal plants harvesting can be done by all categories of the mangrove dwellers. They were required to provide details on mangrove plant species used as medicine details of the plant parts used, the preparation technique and availability of the species. Fourteen species belonging to thirteen genera and eleven families were recorded as medicinal plants in the study area. These species were used by the locals in the region to treat nine diseases and disorders. Malaria was ranked as the most important disease for which mangrove plant species are used. The most important plant parts collected were leaves (64% of plants) and roots (21% of plants). Species such as Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze, Rhizophora racemosa (G. Mey.), Avicennia africana (L.) are on the verge of extinction because of overexploitation of their roots. Long-term conservation strategies of the mangroves are needed.

Author(s): Hubert O Dossou-Yovo*, Fifanou G Vodouhè and Brice Sinsin

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