Oscar Teka

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in plateau of Allada, Benin (West Africa).

BACKGROUND Malaria remains one of the most important illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. In Benin, it constitutes a major public health preoccupation particularly for children and pregnant women. Until now, population still mostly relies on herbal medicine for malaria healing. Hence this study was carried out to document the medicinal plants used in the plateau of Allada in Benin and to assess local knowledge on traditional medicine in the management of malaria and related symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from 53 informants composed of 23 traditional healers and 30 medicinal plants sellers using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 82 plants species belonging to 78 genera in 43 plant families were recorded as antimalarial in the study area. The families of Rubiaceae and Caesalpiniaceae were the most represented with seven species each. High informant consensus factor (ICF) was recorded in the treatment of malaria (ICF=0.90). High fidelity level (FL=100%) was also recorded for 45.67% of the species used as antimalarial. Dichapetalum madagascariense was the species of high relative frequency of citation (RFC=0.81). The dominant plant parts used in the preparation of remedies were leaves (68%). The decoction (79%) was the main mode of preparation, while oral route (92%) was the principal route of remedies administration. CONCLUSION This study provides plant species used in the plateau of Allada for malaria and related symptoms treatment. We hope that this study could be important for the conservation of traditional knowledge on the antimalarial plants and the improvement of malaria management. However, several plant species used as antimalarial by the traditional medicine practitioners in the study area need to be screened in order to identify the species having antiplasmodial activity.

Mangroves in Benin, West Africa: threats, uses and conservation opportunities

Mangrove ecosystems constitute valuable resource all over the world. They provide habitats for flora and fauna species, protect the coast against erosion and supply various products for local communities. Currently, mangroves are overused and degraded. Up to now, perceptions of local communities on the dynamic of mangrove forest and their acceptable participation forms for mangroves restoration have not been entirely understood. This study was undertaken in order to assess human pressure on mangroves from user perspective and to provide baseline information for its sustainable management in three districts (Grand-Popo, Ouidah and Sèmè-Kpodji) located in the coastal area of Benin. Structured and semi-structured questionnaire surveys regarding perceptions of mangrove forest dynamic, causes of mangrove forest degradation, indigenous restoration strategies and forms of participation were conducted among randomly selected informants. It has been reported that Beninese mangrove ecosystems supply timber and non-timber forest products, rich fishing grounds and salt for local communities. Local communities are aware of the need of restoring and ensuring sustainable conservation of mangrove ecosystems. Dominant measures for restoration and conservation indicated by informants for mangrove users include the reintroduction of traditional rules, avoidance of uncontrolled settlements, planting of mangrove trees, planting alternative fuelwood, use of solar energy for salt production and creation of alternative income generating activities. Planting mangrove trees and alternative cooking energy sources supplying to local communities to avoid mangrove destruction are urgent needs for the coastal area of Benin.

Topographic and edaphic factors determining Chromolaena odorata and Hyptis suaveolens invasion of grassland in the Guineo-Congolian / Sudanian transition zone (Benin)

Objectives: Soil properties-invasive vegetation relationships remains uninvestigated. This study aimed at analyzing the main ecological factors, which explain the spatial distribution of two invasive species: Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) and Hyptis suaveolens (Tea-bush). Methodology and Results: The Data were collected in 33 plots installed randomly according to the phytosociological method. These data were submitted to the Canonical Analysis of Correspondence. The, wet grasslands contamined were distinguished from grasslands of dry plateaus. A difference was also made between establishment and invasion from the step of contamination of both plants. The relevant edaphic main factors related to grasslands on dry plateau were sandy rate, pH, potassium and carbon rate. Wet grasslands of floodplains were located on soils with a high concentration of clay and silt, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, as well as a high cation exchange capacity. Conclusions and application of findings: It could be concluded that the texture-moisture of the soil is the main factor, which explained the invasion intensity and the floristic composition of the investigated savannah. Dry plateau soil and oligotrophe induced the development of these alien plants. Therefore, it was suggested planning activities to prevent the expansion of these species on dry plateau grasslands. Keywords: alien plants, Canonical analysis of correspondence, dry plateau, floodplain, plant community, soil properties