Ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants used for the treatment of wound infections in Benin

Background: Wound infections are a frequent cause of healthcare use. The management of these infections by modern medicine can sometimes prove costly, inaccessible and risky (healthcare-associated infections) for the population of developing countries such as Benin. The use of alternative solutions, such as medicinal plants, therefore seems highly relevant. The aim of this study was to identify the plants used by traditional practitioners to treat infected wounds. Methodology: The survey of market herbalists consisted of three anonymous visits following the recommendations of the triplet method of purchasing medicinal recipes after a reasoned selection of herbalists in selected markets in southern Benin, in the Littoral and Atlantic departments. The survey of traditional therapists involved semi-structured interviews in southern Benin, in the Littoral and Atlantic departments. Ethnobotanical constants were calculated by analyzing the data collection sheets. Results: Fifty-eight (58) plant species belonging to 36 families were reported by market herbalists; of these, the most represented were Fabaceae, Laminaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The plants most frequently used by respondents for wound treatment were Ocimum basilicum L., Lantana camara L., Ocimum gratissimum L. The plant parts used were leaves (68.97%), followed by the bark (13.79%) and then the roots (12.07%). Traditional healers reported Lamiaceae, they offer preparations in the form of powder (50%) and decoction (30%). Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of medicinal plants in the traditional treatment of wounds in Benin, and underlines the need to scientifically validate the efficacy of these plants in the management of wound infections.