Ethnopharmacological communicationUses of multiple plants prescriptions for treatment of malaria by some communities in southern Ghana

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTo investigate the uses of medicinal plants for management of malaria by the communities around Kakum National Park in southern Ghana.Materials and methodsData were obtained through questionnaire interviews with seven herbalists using standard ethnobotanical methods and voucher specimens where obtained of all the species used to treat malaria.ResultsA total of 33 species in 21 plant families were identified as being used. Over 75% of the species of plants were used in combinations with one to eight other plant species for the management of malaria.ConclusionThe study has shown that multiple plants prescriptions are most commonly used for the management of malaria in the study area. This makes it very complex to standardise and monitor the uses of the plants let alone further our understanding of the active compounds in any one species.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (255KB)Download full-size image