Medicinal plants from the sacred forest of Zadepleu, Man, western Côte d’Ivoire: Ethnomedicinal survey and phytochemical screening

The ethnomedicinal study was undertaken to assess the medicinal benefits of the Zadepleu Sacred Forest for the local population. It identified 32 species used by the local population. The parts of these plants used in medicinal recipes are: leaves and leafy twigs (55%), bark (24%), roots (17%), and fruits and seeds (4%). The leaves are the most commonly used organs (70%). The preparation techniques are: decoction (60%), kneading (25%), and trituration (15%). The preferred method of administration of these phytomedicines is drinking (56%). The calculated Citation Frequencies (FC) revealed five species most commonly used in medicinal recipes: Costus afer, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Khaya ivorensis, Solanum torvum, and Terminalia ivorensis. A phytochemical screening was performed on the organs of these five plants. The results indicated the absence of quinone substances in the various plant species and the presence of saponins and alkaloids in all the plant organs analyzed. These chemical groups resulting from secondary metabolism in plants could justify the empirical use of these plants in traditional medicine. The sacred forest of Zadepleu is therefore of undeniable importance to local populations given its essential contribution to the good health of local populations.