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© A.C. Ayena, M. Agassounon Djikpo Tchibozo, V. Chegnimonhan, T. C. Guidi, H. Adoukonou-Sagbadja, S. Karou, G. A. Mensah, Oudochkina Larissa, Galimova Larissa Vassilevna, C. Agbangla, C. Ahanhanzo, 2016
BIODIVERSITY OF PLANTS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTROENTERITIS
IN SOUTHERN BENIN
Ayena A.C., Laboratoire des Normes et de Contrôle de qualités Microbiologique, Nutritionnelle et Pharmacologique (LNCQmnp), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST); Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01BP526 Cotonou 01/01BP1636RP Cotonou, Bénin. Laboratoire de Génétique et des Biotechnologies, FAST, Cotonou ou 01BP526 Cotonou 01.
Agassounon Djikpo Tchibozo M, Laboratoire des Normes et de Contrôle de qualités Microbiologique, Nutritionnelle et Pharmacologique (LNCQmnp), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST); Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01BP526 Cotonou 01/01BP1636RP Cotonou, Bénin. Laboratoire de Génétique et des Biotechnologies, FAST, Cotonou ou 01BP526 Cotonou 01.
Chegnimonhan K, Laboratore d'Energétique et des Procédés (LAEP), Université de Technologies de Lokossa, BP 133, Lokossa, Bénin.
Guidi T. C., Laboratore d'Energétique et des Procédés (LAEP), Université de Technologies de Lokossa, BP 133, Lokossa, Bénin.
Adoukonou-Sagbadja H., Laboratoire de Génétique et des Biotechnologies, FAST, Cotonou ou 01BP526 Cotonou 01.
Karou S., Centre de Recherche et de Formation sur les Plantes Médicinales, Université de Lomé, Togo, BP 1515.
Mensah G. A., Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB), 01 BP 884 RP Cotonou
Oudochkina Larissa, Centre de Recherche et de Formation sur les Plantes Médicinales, Université de Lomé, Togo, BP 1515.
Galimova Larissa Vassilevna, Centre de Recherche et de Formation sur les Plantes Médicinales, Université de Lomé, Togo, BP 1515.
Agbangla C., Laboratoire de Génétique et des Biotechnologies, FAST, Cotonou ou 01BP526 Cotonou 01.
Ahanhanzo C., Laboratoire de Génétique et des Biotechnologies, FAST, Cotonou ou 01BP526 Cotonou 01.
Context: In Benin, fighting food borne illnesses appears as a real challenge and a public health problem. Among solutions, next to modern medicine, people continue to use herbal remedies. In accordance, the aim of this study is to identify and appropriatly inventory plants and local empirical knowledge related to their use for treating gastroenteritis (diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal cramps).
Materials and Methods: Through a semi-structured questionnaire, interviews with 180 professionals have been conducted for the collection of ethno-botanical and sociodemographic data in southern Benin. The most credible formulations were compiled based on recipes frequencies (Fr) and citations (Fcr).
Results: A total of 53 medicinal species belonging to 51 genera and 34 families were identified. The most represented family is that of Euphorbiaceae (15.09 %), followed by Zingiberaceae (7.55 %). 75 medicinal recipes used to treat gastroenteritis were documented. The most cited species for their constitution are Momordica charanda (12.52 %), followed by Pterocarpus santalinoides (5.66 %), P. amarus, O. gratissimum and finally Mallotus oppositifolius (3.66 %). The plants that contributed to the development of the most credible herbal remedies are: P. amarus and Ocimum gratissimum to help deal with vomiting; Momordica charantia and Pterocarpus santalinoides especially against diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Among the parts of plants used, the leaves are the most solicited ones (66.1 %) while the most common dosage forms are decoctions (57 %).
Conclusion: The results are successful and highlight the urgent need for scientific investigations and the proper preservation of nature in order to promote species.
Key words: plant bio-diversity, ethno-medicine, food-borne illness, Southern Benin
Introduction. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Benin holds a traditional expertise in knowledge of plants facilitated by the local high biodiversity; people resorted to herbal medicine to treat gastroenteritis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) for health care, about 80 % of Africans use African medicine [43]. Thus, nearly 6377 plant species are known and used in Africa. Among them more than 4000 are adopted as medicinal plants, which constitute 90% of the African Traditional Medicine [43]. Previous studies conducted in Benin have shown better results of plants on some microorganisms wich are normally resistant to synthetic drugs [2, 9]. Elsewhere in Africa ethnobotanical studies have been performed for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery in humans and animals [28, 40, 48]. However, the literature shows no study with the 3 symptoms altogether (diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, vomiting). But in Southern Benin, various medicinal plants are used by professionals in African medicine for these purposes. In accordance, this study is to investigate ethno medicinal plants used to treat gastroenteritis in Southern Benin. The goal is to document the plants treating gastroenteritis and supplement the available scientific information and data in the literature review.
The work concerned the stock of medicinal plants used in southern Benin in the traditional treatment of gastroenterites - diseases manifested by diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and vomiting, through ethno-medicinal investigations. Further literature review was made on the ethno-medicinal, microbiological, pharmacological and phytochemical properties of the identified species.
Materials and methods. The surveys were conducted among professionals of traditional medicine (traditional healers, phytotherapists and herbalists), who are sworn practicians operating in the departments of Southern Benin. Other resource persons were also consulted. Benin is a country in West Africa. Southern Benin is an area composed of 6 departments with a high population density where the use of herbal medicine is very common. The region is characterized by a humid tropical climate and 4 unequal seasons, two rainy ones alternating with two dry seasons. The average annual temperature ranges from 25 to 29° C. The humidity remains high - about 85 % in January and February, reaching the maximum of 95 % in October.
The approach used for surveys is a direct and personal consultation using an interview guide followed by the capture of ethnobotanical notes [16]. Twenty-five to thirty (sometimes more people) of both sexes were contacted by the department. In interviews, the information collected focused on the profile of the respondent (age, education level, and ethnicity), his knowledge of the symptoms of gastroenteritis and the offending foods, the frequency and times of onset of the symptoms after a meal, the history of ethno-medicinal knowledge of plants used for the treatment. The data collected on each plant concern also the local vernacular name. All species listed by the respondents (in their local names) were immediately sampled, photographed and their botanical authentications were performed at the National Herbarium of the University of Abomey (Benin). The raw data recorded on the cards were transferred into a database and processed by the statistical software Sphinx 4.5 and Statistica version.
Results. Of a total of 180 professionals surveyed in southern Benin, results revealed that men are more engaged (77.22 %) in traditional medicine than women (22.78 %). The sociocultural characteristics and profiles of the interviewees are presented in table 1. Moreover 100 % of respondents reported that they have acquired their knowledge on medicinal plants after a long accumulated experience over time with their parents
or friends in professional associations.
Table 1
Profiles and socio-cultural characteristics of the interviewees
Rate Sex Age range Traditional healers Phyto-therapists Herbalists Other People Instruct ed* Non instruct ed
M F 25-35 36-65 66-86 Men & Worn en
% Effec tives 77.22 22.78 2.78 21.11 76.11 43.88 26.67 20 9.44 24.44 77.78
Sociocultural groupes
% Effec tives Fon Adja Mina Goun Yorouba Nago Haoussa Igbo
35.55 25.55 18.33 15 2.22 1.11 1.11 1.11
Legend: *: level of elementary school (67.5%); secondary school (32.5 %)
To treat or heal gastroenteritis 53 plant species in total, divided into 51 genera and 34 families are designated. The most represented families are Euphorbiaceae (15.09 %), followed by Zingiberaceae (7.55 %). All plant parts are indicated according to the species for the treatment of diseases (Table 2). Leaves, stem bark, fruits and roots are mainly mentioned for the preparation of herbal medicines. Eight modes of preparation are pointed out: decoction (57 %), tincture (17.6 %), industrial logs (11.6 %), maceration (3.6 %), powder (1.8 %), roasting (3.6 %), calcination (3.6 %) and infusion (0.9). The administration forms are orally (Table 2). But the amount of water and alcohol with the dosage is sometimes done through trial and error.
Taking into account the contribution of plants in recipes (Cpr) formulation (Table 2), the species Momordica charantia is involved up to 12.52 %, followed by P. santalinoides (5.66 %), then P. amarus and Ocimum gratissimum (3.66 %). The least used plants (or the ones with low contribution (1.8 %) include: Elaeis guineensis, Uvaria chamae, Picralima nitida, etc. The frequency of recipes (Fr) is 100% for O. gratissimum in the treatment of vomiting (Table 2). The frequency of recipes (Fr) based on M. charantia in the treatment of diarrhoea and abdominal cramps reaches 94 %.
Table 2
List of plants treating vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and other diseases
Symptoms Species Organ Preparation and Parameters (%) Other diseases
administration Fr Fcr Cpr treated
way
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
S. mombin Leave, bark Tri-Dec /per os 62 12 1.89 Dys
X. aethiopica Fruit Tincture /per os 23 3 1.89 Dys
G. celosioides Entire plant Dec /per os 12 1 1.89 Hepatic disorders
A. digitata Leave Dec /per os 23 1 1.89 -
M. esculenta Leave Tri /per os 12 1 1.89 -
P. nitida Fruit Tincture /per os 7 1.89 Dys/angina/malaria/se xual weakness
Vomiting C. procera Root Dec-Ale /per os 6 1 1.89 Dys
A. hispidum Leave Dec-Ale /per os 6 1 1.89 Dys/malaria/ schistosomiasis/ rheumatic disease
N. laevis Leave Dec /per os 2 1 1.89 Dys/ conjunctivitis
M. oppositi-folius Leave Dec /per os 4 1 3.66 -
H. indicum Leave Tri /per os 5 1 1.89 -
C. papaya Pepin Dec /per os 24 2 1.89 Tuberculosis/ helminthic invasion
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
B. taraxacifolia Leave Tri /per os 12 1 1.89 -
B. pinnatum Leave Extract/per os 13 2 1.89 Sore ear
M. charantia Entire plant Tri /per os 80 10 12.52 Varicella/ulcer
S. liberica Leave Tri /per os 34 1 1.89 Dys
A. cor difolia Leave Dec /per os 23 1 1.89 Dys/ rheumatic disease
J. curcas Leave Tri /per os 34 1 1.89 Dys, gonorrhea/ hemorrhoid/ hepatites
P. amarus Entire plant Dec /per os 98 7 3.66 Dys, hepatites/ dermatoses
O. gratissimum Leave Tri-Dec /per os 100 8 3.66 Dys
S. alata Leave Dec/per os 45 1 1.89 -
A. indica Leave Tri/per os 56 1 1.89 Dys/hepatites
T. subcordata Entire plant Tri/per os 43 1 1.89 -
Vomiting M. paradisiaca Fruit Dec/per os 12 1 1.89 -
A. mexicama Leave Dec/per os 46 1 1.89 Dys/ hepa-tites/oligospermia
P. santalinoides Leave Dec/per os 87 1 5.66 Dys/varicella
S. indicum Leave Dec/per os 34 1 1.89 -
Z. mays Seed Milling ferment/ per os 21 2 1.89 Dys/ malaria/ hepatites
C. aurantiifolia Fruit Tri-Dec/per os 78 3 1.89 Dys
C. annuum Fruit Tincture/per os 45 1 1.89 -
C. acuminata Fruit Tincture/per os 36 2 1.89 Dys
C. oliturus Entire plant Dec/per os 20 1 1.89 Dys/ diseases accompanied by cough
Costus afer Leave Dec/per os 43 1 1.89 Dys
Vernonia Leave Tri/per os 30 2 1.89 -
amygdalina
Aframomum melegueta Seed Tincture/per os 67 1 1.89 Dys
E. guineensis Kernel Mac/per os 4 1 1.89 Dys/hypotension
P. lappacea Leave Dec/per os 32 3 1.89 Metrorragy
S. mombin Leave, bark Tri/per os 67 2 1.89 Dys
U. chamae Root Dec/per os 34 1 1.89 Dys
C.bonduc Leave Dec-Aleo/per os 22 3 1.89 Malaria/ulcer
S. longedunculata Root Dec/per os 24 1 1.89 Typhoid fever
X. aethiopica Fruit Tincture/per os 44 1 1.89 Dys
P. nítida Fruit Powder/per os 61 1 1.89 Dys/angina/malaria/se xual weakness
Diarrhoea / Abdominal Cramps C. procera Root Dec-Aleo/per os 33 3 1.89 Dys
A. hispidum Leave Dec-Aleo/per os 85 1 1.89 Dys/malaria/schistoso miasis/ rheumatic disease
A. digitata Leave Dec/per os 23 1 1.89 -
B. taraxacifolia Leave Mac/per os 55 1 189 Dys
C. oliturus Leave Mac/per os 31 2 1.89 Dys/diseases accompanied by cough
N. laevis Leave Dec/per os 78 1 1.89 Dys/conjunctivitis
H. indicum Leave Tri/per os 55 1 1.89 -
E. cymosa Leave Dec/per os 13 2 1.89 -
C. viscosa Leave Tri/per os 52 1 1.89 Dys
B. pinnatum Leave Extract of juice braise /per os 24 1 1.89 -
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
M. charantia Entire plant Tri/per os 94 1 12.52 Dys/varicella
E. hirta Entire plant Dec/per os 34 1 1.89 Dys
E. kamerunica Latex Extract of juice braise/per os 21 1 1.89 -
A. cordifolia Root Dec/per os 56 2 1.89 Dys/ rheumatic disease
J. curcas Leave Tri/per os 71 1 1.89 Dys
P. amarus Entire plant Dec/per os 76 15 3.66 Dys/hepatites/dermat oses
S. virosa Leave Dec/per os 43 2 1.89 -
F. indica Leave Dec/per os 34 1 1.89 Dys
O. gratissimum Leave Tri -Dec/per os 84 1 3.66 Dys/gastrointestinal candidiasis
S. alata Leave Dec/per os 31 1 1.89 -
Diarrhoea / Abdominal A. indica Leave Tri/per os 45 1 1.89 Dys/varicella/ hepatites/ asthenia
Cramps K. senegalensis Bark Dec/Alc/per os 34 2 1.89 Dys/dermatoses
T. subcordata Entire plant Tri/per os 55 3 1.89 -
P. guajava Leave, root Tri- Dec/per os 78 1 1/89 Dys /bleeding/ hemorrhage/hepatites
P. santalinoides Leave Dec/per os 88 1 5.66 Dys/varicella
S. indicum Leave Dec/per os 55 1 1.89 -
C. aurantiifolia Leave Tri- Dec/per os 65 1 1.89 -
V. paradoxa Bark Dec/per os 50 1 1.89 Dys
C. annuum Fruit Tincture/per os 21 1 1.89 -
S. lycopersicum Fruit Dec/per os 46 1 1.89 -
C. acuminata Fruit Tincture/per os 55 1 1.89 Dys
C. nida Fruit Tincture/per os 51 1 1.89 -
V. doniana Bark Dec/per os 11 1.89 -
C. afer Leave Dec/per os 30 1.89 Dys
A. melegueta Seed Tincture/per os 21 1.89 Dys
C. longa Rhizom Dec-Alco/per os 10 1.89 Dys
Legend: Fr: Recipe Frequency; Fcr: Cited Frequency of Recipes; Diar: diarrhoea; Cpr: contribution of a plant in recipes; Dys: dysentery; Tri: trituration; Dec: decoction; Mac: maceration
Ultimately, 16 plant species are indicated for treating diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, then vomiting 9. Plants treating all the 3 symptoms together are in number 28 (Table 3).
Table 3
Distribution of plants according to gastrointestinal disorders
Gastroenteritis Plant species Number
Abdominal cramps/ diarrhoea E. hirta, E. kamerunica, P. lappacea, U. chamae, C. bonduc, S. virosa, F. indica, K. senegalensis, V. doniana, V. paradoxa, P. guajava, S. lycopersicum, C. longa, E. cymosa, C. rutidosperma, S. longedunculata 16
Vomiting G. celosioides, M. esculenta, M. oppositifolius, C. papaya, S. liberica, M. paradisiaca, A. mexicama, Z. mays, V. amygdalina 9
Abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea A. cordifolia, E. guineensis, S. mombin, X. aethiopica, P. nítida, C. procera, Acanthospermum hispidum, Adansonia digitata, Blactuca taraxacifolia, Newbouldia laevis, P. amarus, O. gratissimum, S. alata, A. indica, T. subcordata, P. santalinoides, S. indicum, C. aurantiifolia, C. annuum, C. acuminata, C. oliturus, C. afer, A. melegueta, J. curcas, H. indicum, B. pinnatum, M. charantia, C. nitida. 28
The citation frequency values of recipes (Fcr) for the treatment of vomiting and abdominal cramps with Calotropis procera and for the treatment of diarrhoea with P. amarus range from 1 to 15 %.
Discussion. This study of the plants index used in the treatment of gastroenteritis in southern Benin reveals that the respondents are some professionals who have good and well proven ethno-medicinal knowledge on plants utilized against gastroenteritis. It appeared that men are more engaged in traditional medicine than the opposite sex.
These observations confirm the work of Mehdioui and Kahouadji [35], who reported that African customs define man as the head of the family and grant him loads of defense and protection of family members. Furthermore, the work of Upadhyay and al. [51] showed a correlation between age and ethno-medicinal knowledge level.
Moreover, it is accepted that in Africa it is the older people who have the most proven ethno-medicinal knowledge [14, 18, 30]. Thus, it is also stated that accurate knowledge on the uses of medicinal plants and their properties is usually acquired following a longtime experience transmitted from one generation to another. Frequent use of the leaves and barks for the constitution of recipes has been previously reported in the literature [12, 33]. Other studies have also shown the wider use of fresh plants as raw materials [23, 24, 42].
The 53 plant species recorded for the treatment of gastroenteritis represent roughly 2 % of the Beninese flora globally estimated at 2.807 species [7]. The ethnomedical studies by Gairola and al. [28] revealed 45 genera and 30 families of plants utilized by the Bhoxa communities in India. But 27 species are indicated for dysentery, 41 for diarrhoea and 18 for both diseases including Euphorbia hirta cited in this study. The latter is indicated in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, asthma, bronchitis and conjunctivitis [7, 13].
The work of Gairola and al. [28], mentioned that E. hirta are among the plants that treat dysentery and diarrhoea. Ragassa and Cornelio [46] had isolated bark of the trunk, roots and leaves of E. hirta of triterper-nes. Fractions 1 and 2 of the triterpenes of the plant have inhibited the activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but only fraction 2 is active on E. coli.
The antifungal activities of crude extracts of Euphorbia kamerunica were tested. Bacterial growth was observed at concentrations of 2.5 mg and 5 mg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract inhibited the growth of Micro-sporum audouinii during 9 days of the experiment at 2.5 mg/ml [42].
The work of Rokaya and al. [48], relating to plants used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in Mali have identified 947 species classified into 158 families and 586 genera; 348, 340 and 307 species for diarrhoea, stomach aches and dysentery respectively.
According to Offiah and al. [40], to treat diarrhoea, especially in veterinary medicine in Nigeria, 57 species of 47 genera divided into 25 families are used.
The work of Agassounon and al. [4], emphasized that the fundamental problems of professionals in Benin traditional medicine are: the archiving the knowledge, the amount of water added to prepare decoctions, infusions, macerations or that of the local alcohol used for the tincture and the dose to be administered for treatments.
The use of M. Charantia (12.52 %) against diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and vomiting (Table 3) confirms, a priori, anti-diarrhoeal properties and anthelmintic plant, already reported by Arbonnier [13]. Hypoglycemic properties of the species were also studied [47]. The acute toxic effects of M. charantia in Sprague Dawley rats at doses of 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg body weight, showed dizziness and depression during the first 30 minutes. However, no significant difference in water consumption, body weight gain and food intake. The methanol extract of Mallotus oppositifolius has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [20]. Ocimum gratissimum is an antibiotic indicated for the traditional treatment of infectious diseases and ulcers [19]. These antidiabetic properties have been demonstrated [25].
Musa paradisiaca is traditionally used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, intestinal lesions, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, uremia, nephritis, high blood pressure and heart [32].
The work of Tsumbu and al. [50] has shown the ability of aqueous extracts of the leaves of M. escu-lenta to inhibit the peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion. Its contents of polyphenols and flavonoids have been determined by standard colorimetric methods.
The phytochemical screening of bark Newbouldia rod laevis has revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids with a total absence of cyanogenic glycosides. The chloroform fraction was found to be more active on Gram-negative bacteria while the aqueous extract is more active on Gram+ ones [6].
P. santalinoides whose frequency is equal to 5.66 % indicates a significant bias in traditional medicine. The parts of the plant are utilized to treat hemorrhoids, fatigue, dysentery and dystocia [7].
The work of Lorke [11, 34] showed a lack of acute toxicity sheets P. santalinoides. Anticancer studies of this plant have been reported by Fadeyi and al. [26]. The antimicrobial property of ethanolic extracts of leaves of P. santalinoides on Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli UB1005; Salmonella typhi; Staphylococcus aureus MR), responsible for gastroenteritis was studied with the phytochemical profile [15]. According Bruneton [17] the saponins are antimicrobial and antidiarrhoeal; flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and steroids have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Regarding P. amarus and O. gratissimum (3.66 %), they are preferred respectively in the treatment of fevers and infectious diseases [4, 7]. Furthermore, P. amarus is indicated for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension [5, 8, 33], its hypoglycemic activity is also reported. The Phyllanthus amarus extracts contain lignans, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols and alkaloids. These species have antiviral properties, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, nephroprotective, hepatoprotectives anddiurectic [45].
The ethanolic extract (80 %) of Pupalia lappacea orally administered to rats at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, significantly reduced nociception (p < 0.01) induced by acetic acid. This extract significantly increased the jump latency hotplate indicating that P. lappacea has morphinomimetics properties. The extract of P. hydroethanolic lappacea revealed the presence of steroids and triterpenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds responsible for the antinociceptive and antipyretic activity [38].
The extract of P. guajava contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenes and steroids. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of leaves of P. guajava on S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were reported by Ghosh and al. [10, 29, 36] have justified the antimicrobial activity of this plant on S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa by the presence of flavonoids. Studies by Anju and al. [10], with the methanol extracts of P. guajava showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.78 //g/ml and the inhibitory bactericidal concentrations (IBC) 50 //g/ml for E. coli.
S. mombin treat diarrhoea, dysentery, gonorrhoea and leucorrhoea [7]. According to Corthout and al. [21], its leaves have antimolluscides and antimicrobial properties; the antibacterial activity is due to the phenolic compounds. The administration of intraperitoneally at doses of 1600 and 3200 mg/kg aqueous decoction of leaves of S. mombin caused tremors in rats at the 12th hour [3].
Sesamun indicum has been reported as a good protector against ultraviolet light, against the wind and solar radiation and therefore in skin care [49].
The ability of the aqueous extract of rhizomes Sansevieria liberica to protect against liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride was studied in Wistar albino rats. The extract was administered to both normal rats and rats treated with carbon tetrachloride dose of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. The results showed that treatment with the extracts of the plant protects the liver against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride [31].These species have broad spectrum on Gram+ and Gram- bacteria.
The aqueous, chloroformic, or methanolic extracts of roots and leaves of Securidaca longedunculata showed inhibitory activity against Gram + and Gram-. The diameters of the zones of inhibition ranged from 15 to 20 mm. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 0.591 to 6.25 mg/ml, while minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were in the range from 1.56 to 6.25 mg/ml [37].
The methanolic extracts of leaves of Senna alata showed higher antimicrobial activity than extracts with petroleum ether and ethanol. Unidentified and purified active components showed low activity against Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus Niger at a concentration of 70(ig/ml while a higher activity was observed against all microorganisms tested at a concentration of 860 (j.g/ml [44].
Solanum lycopersicum is a major source of important nutrients, including lycopene, B-carotene, flavonoids and vitamin C [27].
The antimicrobial efficiency of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Vermonia amygdalina and Uvaria chamae was demonstrated on strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio spp. These extracts moderately inhibited the growth of S. aureus and S. pyogenes with a zone of inhibition between 9-15 mm [41].
The leaves of Vitex doniana contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates and proteins. Its extracts with acetone, ethanol and methanol inhibited E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, B. subtilis and S. aureus [39].
The extracts of Triclisia subcordata with methanol and hexane are active against S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans [1]. The work of Dassou and al. [22] has identified Zea mays, Vitellaria paradoxa and Capsicum annuum species used in veterinary medicine in the northern region of Benin.
Conclusion. In this study, the results of ethno-medicinal investigations treating gastroenteritis plants led to the identification of 53 medicinal species, distributed in 51 genera and 34 families grouped in with 75 recipes used by the professionals of traditional medicine in South Benin. The data obtained from grassroots communities indicate that Momordica charantia, Pterocarpus santalinoides, Phyllanthus amarus and Ocimum gratissimum are the most cited plant and used to treat diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and vomiting. However, the plants involved in the most credible recipes P. amarus and O. gratissimum for vomiting and M. charantia and P. santalinoides for diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. In sum, although modern medicine knows an evolution, people have not abandoned ethnomedicine. Plant species identified as credible in this study, deserve appreciation through very extensive scientific studies to obtain new natural drug against gastroenteritis.
Acknowledgement. The authors thank all the traditional medical professionals contacted, express their acknowledgments to Dr. Aristide Adomou, Lecturer, National Herbarium of Benin and his assistants for their contribution to the botanical identification of the plants. They are thankful to International Foundation for Science (IFS) and Oganization OPCW for financial support under grant n°F/5550-l.
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