Ethnobotanical Survey of Selected Medicinal Plants used by Ogiek Communities in Kenya against Microbial Infections
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Date
2014-11
Authors
Mbugua, Paul K.
Machocho, Alex K.
Okemo, Paul O.
Amuka, Omari
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Abstract
The role played by traditional medicine based on the use
of medicinal plants for health purposes is significant both
in growing and developed economies. Although the use
of medicinal plants is already considerably documented
across the globe, their increased use has only been noted
in the recent past. In the African context, however, the
dosage of such plants together with their pharmacological
observations is yet to be well documented. In this paper,
an attempt is made at documenting such knowledge with
respect to traditional medicine among the Ogiek for future
generations and to serve as a repository for further
scientific studies on traditional medicine. The study was
carried out involving the Ogiek community who live in the
Mau forests in the central Rift Valley of Kenya where they
still depend largely on hunting and gathering. A total of 20
traditional healers aged between 50 and 70 years were
interviewed by use of a questionnaire. It was evident from
the 32 plant families collected that the majority are used
in treating malaria (21.88%), pneumonia (21.88%), stomachache
(21.88%), and tonic related diseases (21.88%).
Other remedies used fewer plant families. It is therefore
recommended that follow up studies pertaining to these
plants be carried out for validation of their efficacy by in
vitro and in vivo studies. It is also recommended that further
studies on hygienic administration of these drugs be
carried out. Conservation of the endangered plant species
involving conventional methods should be encouraged.
There should be clear policies regarding traditional
medical practices in Kenya and elsewhere in East Africa.
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Citation
www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/vol12/i1547-3465-12-627.pdf