Ethnobotanical survey and pharmacognostic characterization of medicinal plants traditionally used for schistosomiasis in Huambo, Angola: focus on Gladiolus dalenii and Vernonia britteniana

Background In Angola, schistosomiasis remains a critical public health challenge, where traditional medicine serves as a pillar for primary healthcare. This study documents and evaluates medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) in Huambo to treat this disease, identifying priority species for pharmacological research. Methods Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 TMPs. Results A total of 23 plant species were reported, with Gladiolus dalenii subsp. andongensis (Baker) Goldblatt and Vernonia britteniana Hiern being among the most frequently cited. Their respective subterranean organs (corm and root-tuber) are the primary parts used in traditional preparations. Macroscopic and microscopic characterizations documented a set of characteristic features, including calcium oxalate raphides in G. dalenii subsp. andongensis and sphero-crystalline structures morphologically consistent with inulin in V. britteniana , which contribute for pharmacognostic identification and quality control when interpreted together with the remaining anatomical characters. Conclusion Direct anti-schistosomal evidence remains unavailable for Gladiolus dalenii subsp. andongensis , whereas Vernonia britteniana has previously shown in vitro cercaricidal activity and has undergone preliminary phytochemical characterization. However, comprehensive pharmacological and safety validation of both plant materials remains incomplete. The present findings extend the available evidence by documenting their ethnobotanical relevance and establishing preliminary macroscopic and microscopic identity features for the plant materials used in Huambo. These findings provide a preliminary pharmacognostic and ethnobotanical foundation for further evaluation of their antischistosomal potential and safety.