Review of folklore medicinal plants used in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Euloges B. Kamboule , Estelle N. H. Youl , Abdul-Gafar V. Coulidiaty , Mâli Koura, Ziemlé C. Meda , Arsène Hema , Appolinaire Sawadogo
1Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
2Centre Muraz, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
3Laboratory of drug development, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Burkina Faso
4Pharmacology, clinical pharmacy and clinical toxicology department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado
Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso
5Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (INSSA), University Nazi Boni, Burkina Faso
6University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Burkina Faso
Corresponding author: Abdul Gafar Victoir Coulidiaty
Email: gafarvictoir@gmail.com, Phone:
ABSTRACT
Background: Hemorrhoids are very common anorectal conditions. Its treatment ranges from dietary and lifestyle modification to radical surgery. In sub-saharan Africa, traditional medicine is a common resource for hemorrhoids management.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential efficacy and mechanism of action of plants used by Bobo-Dioulasso traditional healers as treatment for hemorrhoids.
Methods: Data were collected through semi-directive interviews among randomly selected traditional healers belonging to traditional healers’ associations in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Results: Fourteen (14) plant species, belonging to 12 families were cited by traditional healers. The fidelity levels were high for Tamarix africana and Trichilia emetica, 100% and 76.5% respectively. No references to ethnomedical uses in hemorrhoids were found in the literature for 4 (28.6%) plants: Lophira alata, Opilia celtidifolia, Alchemilla mollis, Tamarix africana. Only Khaya senegalensis and Parkia biglobosa have shown anti- hemorrhoidal activity in animal models. Also, all the plants identified except Pseudocedrela kotschyi, (92.9%) were reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities.
Conclusion: Although lack of human studies regarding the mentioned herbs is noted, positive results from experimental findings can be considered for new drug discovery supported by traditional experiences.
Keywords: Hamorrhoids, Traditional medicine, Bobo-Dioulasso, Traditional healers