Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Female Infertility in Kita, Mali

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the plants used in the traditional treatment of female infertility in Kita, Mali. Place and Duration of Study: The ethnobotanical investigation has been conducted in the town of Kita (Mali) from April to July, 2021. The data management and analysis were carried out at Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FST), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Mali, between August 2021 and January 2023. Methodology: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out using questionnaire addressed to the available people who gave their free consent. Results: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among fifty-two (52) people, including twenty (20) traditional practitioners, ten (10) herbalists, six (6) people who are both herbalists and traditional practitioners, and sixteen (16) housewives inside the town of Kita.  The survey revealed 38 plant species belonged to 25 botanical families. The most represented families were Moraceae (28.94%), Sapotaceae (26.31%), Fabaceae (26.30%), Apocynaceae (21.05%). The most coveted plant species by the local populations to treat female infertility were Ficus capensis with 26.31%, Vitellaria paradoxa with 23.68%, Stereospermum kunthinum with 21.05%, Leptadenia hastata with 21.05%. The leaves have been the most frequently used organs (43%). These plants were mostly used as decoctions (80%) and administered by oral route (89%).  The commonly associated ailments with female infertility included pelvic pains, dysmenorrhea and Toxoplasma gondii infections. Conclusion: This survey has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the anti-fertility plants used in the town of Kita.