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Introduction. Zingiber officinalis est un alicament couramment utilisé seule ou en association avec d'autres plantes pour traiter diverses affections inflammatoires telle que les œdèmes. La présente vise à rechercher l’effet de synergie entre l’extrait aqueux des feuilles de Laurus nobilis et l'extrait aqueux des rhizomes de Z. officinalis dans une perspective de traitement efficient de l’œdème. Matériel et Méthodes. Trois types d'extraits aqueux (L. nobilus, Z. officinalis et L. nobilus + Z. officinalis) ont été testés aux concentrations de 250 mg/ml et 500 mg/ml en suivant des methodes standardisées. Le formol à 1 % a été utilisé comme agent phobogène. Résultats et Discussion. Les résultats montrent que l'extrait aqueux de L. nobilis prévient de façon significative l'œdème des pattes des rats à partir de la 120ème et 180ème minutes du test. Les pourcentages d'inhibition enregistré varient de 37,74 % à 53,57 % pour les concentrations testées. La même tendance d'augmentation du pourcentage d'inhibition est observée avec l'extrait de Z. officinalis qui varient respectivement de 37,74% à 47,61 % à la 120ème et 180ème minutes. Par ailleurs, la combinaison (L. nobilus + Z. officinalis) a montré des pourcentages d'inhibition plus élevé et varient de 52,97 % à 54,16 %. L'analyse des données montre que l'extrait de L. nobilis optimise l'activité anti-œdémateuse de l'extrait de Z. officinalis, ce qui confirme son application traditionnelle. Conclusion. Ces travaux montrent qu’un effet synergique se développe lors de l’utilisation combinée des extraits aqueux de L. nobilus + Z. officinalis. Toutefois des travaux plus approfondis méritent d’être effectué pour un meilleur traitement des affections inflammatoires

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem. In the alternatives being explored for developing new antimicrobials, medicinal plants occupy an important place, particularly in Africa, where they are widely used. This review aims to analyze the potential of medicinal plants from Benin, Togo, Ghana, Burkina-Faso, and Cape Verde in the fight against AMR. A bibliographic search was conducted to explore scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. During this search, particular attention was given to epidemiological data related to AMR in these countries, medicinal plants traditionally used to treat microbial infections and medicinal plants that have been shown to be active on multidrug-resistant microbial strains. In total, 94 manuscripts were investigated. Epidemiological data showed that the problem of AMR is worsening in each target country. In addition, several medicinal plants have been demonstrated to be effective against microbial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics. A total of 532 medicinal plants were identified according to their ethnomedical uses for the treatment of microbial infections. Scientific evidence was collected on the antimicrobial potential of 91 plants. This study showed the potential of medicinal plants in the fight against AMR. Their documented traditional use, coupled with the evidence of efficacy provided, make them interesting sources for developing new antimicrobials.

Article Highlights The study carried out made it possible to rule on the nature and quality of hospital effluents generated in the health structures in Benin. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total solids below, P-redox and suspended solids measured has been determined. The research of pathogenic bacteria as well as the research of heavy metals and antibiotic residues was done. Data were provided on the nature of the bacteria present in hospital effluents and their degree of pathogenicity. The types of heavy metals contained in the samples were reported and compared to the standards in force at the national and international level. The presence of antibiotic residues was evaluated and the most common ones were documented. The presence of residues of some specific antibiotics has confirmed their wide use in human therapeutics. The study raised awareness of the fact that untreated hospital effluent can enter the water table, end up in natural waterways and be the source of many environmental and health problems. The study highlighted the urgency of installing wastewater treatment plants for health facilities in Benin.

Abstract Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a widespread mycotic infection that affects a large proportion of women of childbearing age. Its management in traditional medicine is based on the use of medicinal plants. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Ocimum gratissimum L., Lantana camara L. and Pteleopsis suberosa Engl. & Diels used in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Benin. Results The data obtained from the in vitro antifungal test show that the strains tested (ATCC 90028 and two clinical strains: 1MA and 3MA) were more sensitive to aqueous extracts with a better effect for Pteleopsis suberosa. This potential of the tested extracts correlated with their richness in total polyphenols. The extract of the Pteleopsis suberosa was very active on the inhibition of the reference strain ATCC 90028. On the clinical strains (1MA and 3MA) the aqueous extract of Pteleopsis suberosa showed a better MIC on the 1MA strain. In vivo model, inoculation of 100 µL of the concentrated Candida albicans suspension 1.5 × 105 UFC/mL induced the candidiasis of the female Wistar rat. The treatment with the aqueous extract of Pteleopsis suberosa, like fluconazole (reference drug), significantly reduced Candida albicans infection at a dose of 100 mg/kg after 1, 7 and 13 days of treatment. Conclusion This study revealed the potential antifungal of the Ocimum gratissimum, Lantana camara and Pteleopsis suberosa. Pteleopsis suberosa has better antifungal activity in vitro and in vivo. These observations justify the use of their medicinal plant in the traditional treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Benin.

Abstract Background The matter of antimicrobial resistance evokes the urgency to explore alternatives to the antibiotics traditionally used for microbial infections. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of Khaya senegalensis liable for bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections. Results The data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested (Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp.) were sensitive to the extracts of Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A.Juss. (aqueous and hydro-ethanol) to varying degrees. The hydro-ethanolic extract was active on all strains with a MIC of 25 mg/mL coupled with a bactericidal effect. The aqueous extract was only active on the Salmonella spp. strain. Membrane permeability test data show that Khaya senegalensis extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. This potential indicated by the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly (p

Abstract Background Candidiasis, an opportunistic cosmopolitan disease is nowadays like bacterial infections which is a real public health problem. In view of the emergence of Candida strains resistant to existing antifungal agents, alternative solutions should be considered. This is the purpose of this ethnobotanical survey, which aims to identify the medicinal plant species traditionally used to treat candidiasis in traditional markets of southern Benin. Methods The study was performed from October 2015 to January 2018 in the traditional markets of Southern-Benin. Data were collected by two complementary methods: triplet purchase of medicinal recipes (ATRM) from herbalists markets and semi-structured interview (ISS) from traditional healers. Results A total of 109 species of medicinal plants belonging to 44 families have been listed and identified. The most frequently cited species were Pteleopsis suberosa Engl. & Diels, Lantana camara L., Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H. Rob, Ocimum gratissimum L. and Lippia multiflora Moldenke with respectively 43.84, 39.73 and 34.25% citation frequencies for the last three species respectively. Leguminosae (20.18%), Euphorbiaceae (5.50%) and Apocynaceae (5.50%) were the most represented botanical families. Leafy stems were more used than other plant organs. The decoction and the oral route were the most appropriate methods of preparation and administration reported by traditional healers. Conclusion Benin’s plant cover is made up of a wide variety of medicinal plant species used in the traditionnal treatment of candidiasis and which may constitute new sources of medicines to be developed.

Ethnobotanical relevance: Many plants are widely used in traditional medicine across Africa. In Benin, practitioners of Beninese traditional medicine make use of diverse medicinal plants in the traditional management of various diseases including diarrhoea. Aim of the study: This study aimed at highlighting the ethnomedicinal uses of 17 plants in the traditional treatment of diarrhoea and other diseases in southern Benin. Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out using the semi-structured interview method among practitioners of traditional medicine in Benin. This allowed for the identification of the traditional uses of these plants. The ethnobotanical data collected was analyzed using indices such as Use Value, Informant Consensus Factor and Fidelity Index of medicinal plants. A total of 72 informants participated in this study, including 52 market herbalists and 20 traditional healers. Results: The cited plants were involved in the treatment of 39 diseases and symptoms of diseases which have been divided into 15 categories. The most frequently mentioned disease categories were infectious-, blood and digestive diseases,offering treatement for malaria, diarrhoea and fever, amongst others. These plants have maximum potential for the treatment of infectious diseases, as well as metabolic, respiratory, skin, blood, digestive and circulatory diseases. Conclusion: This study revealed that interviewed informants (market herbalists and traditional healers) had good knowledge of the treatment of several diseases using the 17 plants . . It confirmed that the 17 selected plants are used in the traditional treatment of diarrhoea as well as other diseases. This study provided a database for Future pharmacological investigations on the basis of this ethnobotanical documentation.

Medicinal plants are a precious heritage for humanity and especially for the majority of poor communities in developing countries who depend on them for primary health care and livelihoods. They are used in traditional practices against urinary tract infections without any scientific evidence for most of the species used. This work aims to have a summary of the literature on some medicinal plants used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. To do this, this study was carried out based on the different medicinal plants cited by herbalists in southern Togo against urinary tract infections. The names of these different plants have each been the subject of research with keywords in search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, FreefullPdf, and others to bring out the traditional use of these plants in the world. From all of the above, it appears that the medicinal plant species cited by actors of the Togolese pharmacopoeia are used to treat several diseases in the world. The organs of these plants, such as leaves, bark, and roots are used in the treatment of common illnesses such as typhoid fever, diarrhea, malaria, bronchitis, and hypofertility. Coughs, colds, skin diseases, toothache, gonorrhoea, viral infections, and many other diseases are treated with these plants. The plants are often combined with other plants in traditional medicine. They are used in the form of decoction, fumigation, herbal tea, and others. The type of disease treated by the plants changes from region to region and is also dependent on the culture of the region in the world. The use of medicinal plants is a very ancient practice. It is a very suitable alternative to modern medicine. However, there is a need to have more detailed studies on these plants, such as their toxicological effects.

Abstract Background Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Benin, treating various diseases such as diabetes, ulcers, parasitic infections, hypertension, and infertility. This plant is under strong anthropogenic pressure due to its overexploitation, putting it in danger of extinction. The study aims to explore the antimicrobial and enzymatic activities of endophytes produced by Pterocarpus erinaceus. Methods Fresh leaves, stems, and roots of P. erinaceus, collected in two phytogeographical zones of Benin, Savalou and Abomey-Calavi of Benin, were sterilized to eliminate surface microorganisms prior to cultivation and isolation of endophytes. Isolated endophytes were tested for various enzymatic activities (catalase, cellulase, protease, lipase, and amylase), and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated by measuring inhibition diameters. The content of total polyphenols and flavonoids was determined by spectrophotometry. Results The results showed that bacterial endophytes have a higher colonization (80.55%) and isolation (69.44%) rates than fungal endophytes (44.44% and 50%, respectively). Bacterial endophytes expressed more enzymatic activities such as lecithinase and amylase, whereas fungal endophytes showed little. Only two fungal isolates (HT1a and HF2b) showed antibacterial activity, and one isolate (HF2b) showed antifungal action against Candida albicans, while no bacterial isolate demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Fungal isolates show significant variation in polyphenol content, while bacterial isolates show similar levels. As far as flavonoids are concerned, bacterial strains such as F3b and SR2C have high levels, unlike fungal endophytes which contain very few. Conclusion These results underscore the importance of conserving P. erinaceus while exploring its endophytes for potential therapeutic applications.

Abstract Background Child malnutrition is a major public health challenge, affecting millions of children worldwide, with alarming proportions of children under five in Benin. The complexity of managing this condition is increased by its potential association with opportunistic pathologies. An interesting approach arises from the use of medicinal plants, to address child malnutrition and its associated pathologies. This study aimed to document the knowledge and practices of Beninese mothers and traditional practitioners with regard to the use of medicinal plants to treat child malnutrition and associated diseases. Methods A total of 844 Beninese mothers and 201 traditional healers were surveyed between March 2022 and August 2023 in the communes of Karimama, Bopa and Za-Kpota in Benin. The respondents’ knowledge of child malnutrition and associated pathologies was explored. The ethnobotanical data collected from the subjects concerned the medicinal recipes used to treat child malnutrition, the medicinal plants that make them up and the methods of use. These data were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices such as the Informant Consensus Factor, the frequency of citation of medicinal recipes types and medicinal plants, and the contribution of plants to medicinal recipes. Results All respondents cited a total of 82 plant species used to treat child malnutrition and associated diseases. These plants were grouped into 37 botanical families, the most common of which were Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Annonaceae. The leaves were the most commonly used part of the plant species identified. The mothers shared 122 medicinal recipes, ranging from recipes based on a single plant to more complex compositions involving five plants. The most notable plants were Moringa oleifera Lam, Phyllanthus amarus Schumach & Thonn, Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, Carica papaya L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. Traditional healers provided 52 plants in 71 recipes, with Moringa oleifera featuring prominently in both single-plant and multiplant formulations. Conclusion This study made it possible to constitute a rich base of medicinal recipes used against malnutrition and associated pathologies, with the preponderant involvement of certain plant species. It is therefore necessary to deepen research on these different identified species in order to scientifically assess their potential.

Abstract Traditional medicine (TM) is a significant resource for primary healthcare management all over the world, and principally in Africa. Quality improvement activities that promote evidence-based practices and the integration of traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems can help improve the quality of patient care. In the Republic of Benin (West Africa), traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) provide different treatments and ways of use, depending on the ailments and the medicinal plants used. The present study aimed at documenting the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Beninese TMPs regarding the use of medicinal plants and the challenges associated with their activities. A focus group survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of 91 TMPs in 8 departments of the Republic of Benin. The respondents had an average age of 50 years old and belonged to various categories of TMPs. Medicinal plants are harvested depending on the season and time of the day, and are dried in the shade before being used as decoctions or infusions. Nevertheless, the majority of TMPs do not conduct the necessary tests for quality control, efficacy or toxicity of the proposed remedies, which raises several scientific interrogations, particularly for the treatment of mental and brain-related disorders. Among ~ 110 plants used in the treatment of several pathologies, 66 were revealed as threatened species. The challenges faced by TMPs are mainly material, financial and technical difficulties. The present study reports the importance of intervention to modernize TM practices in Benin. Quality improvement could enhance healthcare delivery and provide support for evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing behavioral, social, and environmental determinants of health.

Hepatic diseases represent a public health problem. Among the approaches to their management is the use of traditional treatments based on the use of medicinal plants. In Benin, several recipes based on Cochlospermum tinctorium are used in the treatment of hepatitis without a real scientific basis. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects and acute oral toxicity of 10 of these recipes. The variables studied were the variety of C. tinctorium (wild form vs. cultivated form), the species associated with C. tinctorium (Combretum micranthum vs. Chromolaena odorata), and the proportion of C. tinctorium in the recipe (1; 4/5; 1/2). The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/bw was evaluated in Wistar rats subjected to hepatotoxicity induction through the administration of 5 g/kg of paracetamol. Acute oral toxicity was assessed following the OECD 423 protocol. The results revealed an absence of acute oral toxicity for the 10 recipes. The hepatoprotective tests conducted indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of C. tinctorium is dose dependent. The wild variety of C. tinctorium had a better hepatoprotective effect than the cultivated one. The association with C. micranthum enhances the hepatoprotective effect of C. tinctorium, unlike that with C. odorata. This study emphasizes that the combination of C. tinctorium with C. micranthum in the treatment of hepatitis is scientifically justified and it exhibits a dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect.

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the primary health care of the population in developing countries such as Benin. The national universities of Benin conduct research on the pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical properties of these plants, but the resulting knowledge often does not lead to the development of phytomedicines for the improvement of public health. This study aims to assess the current status of research on medicinal plants in Benin. A literature review was conducted using various search engines, and the collected data was analyzed. The results indicate that research on the biological properties of medicinal plants is still in its early stages, with limited and inadequate methodological approaches. These limitations highlight the urgent need to enhance research practices and facilitate the development of effective and safe phytomedicines.

Objective: Hypercholesterolemia is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The present study is conducted to evaluate the lipid lowering activity of leaves and fruits of Solanum macrocarpon, a vegetable, on Wistar rats experimentally rendered hypercholesterolemic by Triton X-100. Materials and Methods: The leaves and fruits were administered (p.o.) for 7 days to rats at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg of body weight. Atorvastatin was used as reference treatment drug. The data were analyzed by the Brown-Forsythe ANOVA, Dunnett’s T3 multiple comparison test, and Dunnett’s t test. All tests were done at the 5% significance level. Results: Administration of S. macrocarpon (fruits as well as leaves) resulted in a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in the treated groups compared with the untreated hypercholesterolemic group, regardless of the administrated doses. A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was observed in the treated groups. Hepatic disorders due to the Triton have been corrected by S. macrocarpon. Conclusions: This vegetable effectively suppresses experimental hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats, suggesting a protective role in cardiovascular diseases. Its use by individuals at risk should be promoted.