Utilization and Conservation of Medicinal Plants for Infant Health in Kitutu Central Ward, Kisii County, Kenya

Traditional medical practice is still an important part of healthcare across various age groups in Kenya. Many studies have majorly looked at medicinal plant products for adult-related ailments such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and infertility; and only a handful of studies exist on the diverse medicinal plants used to treat common infant ailments. This study sought to determine the utilization, distribution, and conservation of medicinal plants for optimum infant health in Kitutu Central Ward in Kisii County. Data was collected by administering questionnaires to 100 parents/guardians and five local herbalists. Thereafter, plant distribution data was obtained from forty quadrats randomly placed across roadsides, farmlands, riparian land, and forest habitats. Data was analysed using Shannon’s Diversity Index and One-Way ANOVA. Results indicate that 18 plant species with a Shannon’s Diversity index of 2.35 are used to manage infant ailments ranging from skin issues, respiratory and stomach ailments by the community. Fifteen plants are used to manage several infant diseases while only three plants were used for specific ailments. Farmland had the highest medicinal plant species diversity while riparian habitat had the lowest. Main conservation strategy was to cultivate and allow the medicinal plants to freely grow within the homestead. Study concludes that medicinal plants form an integral part of infant treatment regimen in Kitutu Central Ward. It is recommended that efficacy of the identified medicinal plants and value addition of the herbal products be done for enhanced affordable medical care. Additional research to document specific medicinal plant species for other age groups like the aged persons also needs to be conducted in the wider Kisii region