Ethnobotanical survey of Uvaria chamae L. in the management of diabetes and infectious diseases in Benin, West Africa

Diabetes and infectious diseases remain major public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. In many developing countries, including Benin, medicinal plants such as Uvaria chamae are used for their management. Despite its widespread use in traditional medicine in Benin, limited systematic data exist on its applications, conservation status, and socio-cultural factors influencing its use. This study aimed to document the traditional uses of U. chamae among practitioners in Benin for the treatment of diabetes and infectious diseases, while exploring opportunities for its valorization and conservation. This cross-sectional survey, conducted between February and March 2025, used a mixed-methods design. Questionnaires were administered to 186 traditional medicine practitioners across seven departments. The findings showed high recognition of U. chamae among respondents (87.1%), with leaves (44.9%) and fruits (36.7%) being the main identification criteria. The plant is predominantly harvested in the wild (72.2%), and 86.1% of respondents reported a sharp decline in its availability. Despite this, only 32.8% reported implementing conservation measures, although 92.6% expressed willingness to adopt them. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between the ethnic origin and the use of U. chamae for the treatment of diabetes (p = 0.019) and infectious diseases (p = 0.001). Respondents showed strong agreement on the use of U. chamae for infectious diseases (Fidelity Level 89.2%) and diabetes (36.2%). Forty-three plants were reported to be used in combination with U. chamae for the treatment of diabetes and infectious diseases. This study showed that the use of U. chamae is deeply rooted in ethnic traditions and highlights the need for in-depth studies on its therapeutic potential for the identified conditions, as well as for sustainable conservation strategies incorporating local knowledge.