An Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used For the Treatment and Management of Cancer in Embu County, Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
Misonge, Onyancha Jared
Kamindu, Gikonyo Nicholas
Wangui, Wachira Sabina
Muita, Gicheru Michael
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Gate
Abstract
Documentation of anticancer plants is not exhaustive in Kenya. The current study therefore was carried
out to identify the plants used for treatment and management of cancer in Embu County. This is part of
the mapping requirements of the laws of Kenya to promote complementary medicine. Analytical crosssectional ethnobotanical study was conducted in Embu County, sixteen key informants were recruited
and provided information about the names of plants, the parts of plant and methods of preparation of the
medicines used to manage cancer. The plants were collected from their natural habitat and identified.
Nine plants were recorded to manage cancers of the breast, prostate and throat. Fagaropsis angolensis,
Hydnora abyssinica and Indigofera swaziensis were recorded for management of cancer for the first time
in this study. It was concluded that traditional medical practitioners of Embu County use plant extracts to
manage and treat cancers of the breast, prostate and throat.
Description
Article
Keywords
Ethnobotany, indigenous plants, Kenya, traditional knowledge, traditional medical practitioners
Citation
Misonge, O. J., Kamindu, G. N., Sabina, W., & Muita, G. (2019). An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment and management of cancer in Embu County, Kenya. J. Med. Plants, 7, 39-46.