Traditional Knowledge on Medicinal Plants Use by Ethnic Communities in Douala, Cameroon

Traditional knowledge is common and important among the tribal people but much of the information is empirical at best lacking logical validation. A number of ethnic communities residing in the study area are partially or fully dependent on the forest resources to meet their requirements. Plants have traditionally been used as a source of medicine in Cameroon since early times for the control of various ailments afflicting humans and their domestic animals. However, little work has been made in the past to properly document and promote that knowledge. Today medicinal plants and the associated knowledge in the country are threatened due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation. The present study analyses traditional knowledge and utilization of 94 species belonging to 84 genera under 46 families in day-to-day life of ethnic communities in Douala region, Cameroon. The diverse ethnic communities such as Bamiléké, Bassa, Béti, Haoussa, Douala, Bakoko, Bassolo, Ngumba, Dibom, Baya and Banen have a good association with plants and their potential role they use for different purposes and treatment of various ailments. The traditional knowledge on the utilization of these plants is widely accepted by the ethnic communities.