Medicinal plants sold in Daloa markets: Traditional knowledge and Public health issues

The aim of this ethnobotanical study is to invent and analyze the medicinal plants sold in the public markets of the city of Daloa, highlighting local traditional knowledge and current public health issues. Data were collected through surveys of vendors and users in six main markets. The combined use of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and direct observation enabled us to collect precise information on the plant species used. A total of 47 medicinal species were identified. The majority of these come from the surrounding rural areas, as well as from central and northern Côte d’Ivoire. Four plant parts are sold: bark (38%), leaves (30%), roots (22%) and stems (10%). The results of the ANOVA test show a highly significant difference between the parts used (F = 23.7; p < 0.0001). Four main preparation methods were observed: decoction (58.2%), followed by maceration (26.3%), grinding (14.6%) and infusion (5.6%). The results revealed a significant difference between preparation methods F (3.17) ≈ 76.2; p < 0.0001). The preparation method is used at a significantly different frequency from the others in our sample. Decoction largely dominates, followed by maceration, then infusion, and finally grinding is very marginal. In all, 12 main pathologies were identified as being treated by the plants sold. Malaria is the most frequently cited pathology, testifying to its importance in traditional medicine in the region.