Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used by Abagusii traditional healers of South West Kenya in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Abstract

Globally, herbal medicine contribute immensely in the healthcare system of local communities as the primary source of medicinal drugs. The emergence of single and multiple antibiotic resistant strains call for the search of alternative agents with possible antimicrobial effects from natural resources. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the venereal diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse involving oral, vaginal and anal transmissions. The most important pathogenic causes of STIs include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used by Abagusii traditional healers of South West Kenya in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases was carried out and 19 plant species representing 15 genera and 12 families were botanically identified. It was noted that the medicinal plants used may serve as a source of new and effective drugs and also act as an additional source of health manpower. This study found out that the Abagusii traditional healers have vast knowledge of their flora. This study also revealed that there was a rapid disappearance of many indigenous herbal medicinal plants, hence the need for awareness for conservation measures to be emphasized.