ISHS Acta Horticulturae 344: International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
THROUGH INTEGRATED BIOMEDICALETHNOMEDICAL PREPARATIONS AND ETHNOTAXONOMY, EFFECTIVE MALARIA AND DIABETIC TREATMENTS HAVE EVOLVED |
| Author: | Dr. WIRMUM Clare KINYUY |
| Abstract:
An ethnotaxonomic survey of medicinal plants used in treating malaria locally in cameroon was carried out between December 1989 - July 1990. The primary objective of my survey was to conduct an inventory of all the medicinal plants associated with malaria treatment in order to prepare an effective mixture better than the western drug. The purpose of the study was to establish a baseline data for ethnomedical practices on the treatment of malaria which could be used for future monitoring and comparison as no information on ethno-malaria treatment has never been systematically written except passed orally from generation to generation. Information was obtain from ethnomedical practitioners and herb sellers on the effectiveness of each plant. Through ethnobotanical field studies, and herbarium preservation of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for Heifer Project International Cameroon, some plants were discovered. From ethnopharmacological analysis of preparation formulated it was possible to come up with two natural malaria treatments, each taken for 4 days. Evidently the active ingredient present knocks off the malaria parasite for months and lessens the severity of future attacks. Of the 15 patients that came with +++ MP between January 1990 - July 1992, 10 when tested after the treatment gave negative results, while the remaining 5 were typhoid cases. This impartial analysis of the multi-component preparation has revealed many hidden potential in the plants used. Consequently much effort should be focused in tapping the experience and wisdom of ethnomedical practitioners as regards the seasons and age of the plants collected as well as details of preparations, laboratory analysis, dosage, and use. Also proven incredible are a series of drugless approach in controlling diabetes through nutrition. Ten out of the 17 diabetics so far are proud to handle their diabetes through specific naturally raw or prepared foods instead of sophisticated dishes. | |
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