Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 9 (3), July 2010, pp 491-495

Ethno-medico-botanical survey of medicinal used in the treatment of asthma in the Nkongsamba Region, Cameroon

Emmanuel Noumi Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Yaounde I, BP 27 Yaounde, Cameroun E-mail: [email protected]

Received 1 April 2008; revised 7 August 2009

The paper provides a brief account of 29 plants from 24 families used by the Mbo community of Nkongsamba, Cameroon, as traditional medicines, in the treatment of asthma. Many of the species claimed to be remedies against asthma by the population are highly effective when compared with the published literature on ethnomedicine or on pharmacology in different regions of Africa. Two plants ( sativa and Datura metel ) are dangerous in the case of overdose and one ( Persea americana ) contra-indicated in pregnancy.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Asthma, Antiasthmatic activity, Cameroon IPC Int. Cl. 8: A61K36/00, A61P9/00, A61P11/00, A61P11/06, A61P11/08

The people of Nkongsamba consider asthma (Wetol ) Nkongsamba is a mountainous agricultural region. as a reversible obstruction of the respiratory tract due Asthma is linked to the environment though the to hyper-secretion of mucus by the windpipe and the patients more often are not aware of it. The use of bronchial tubes reacting to various stimuli. These cigarettes to brave the morning cool and fog, of different symptoms correspond to criteria of clinical pesticides and fertilizers in farming as well as the signs 1-3. Ethnobotanical studies have reported pollen from plants and the dust, are the factors that antiasthmatic plant species in Africa 4-7. However, no contribute to the high prevalence of the asthma such work has been done in Cameroon. Nowadays, disease. there are many conventional drugs to treat and cure asthmatic attack. However, many asthma patients Methodology resort to traditional medicine because of poverty. The The study carried out during 2004-2006 covered objectives of the paper is to provide information on both urban and rural zones of Nkongsamba. Several plant species and recipes used in the treatment of field trips were organized to administer questionnaires asthma, as practiced in the Nkongsamba region, and and interviews to traditional healers. The questions to evaluate the degree of phytotherapeutic were designed to obtain information on their exploitation on asthma in the study area. Nkongsamba knowledge of asthma, plants used in treating the region is located 125 km from Douala, the economic disease, method of preparation and mode of capital of Cameroon, and falls under the Mungo administration. Only the recipes that were cited by at Division (Littoral Province) between 4 o40’-5o N least 3 different informants were retained in the study. latitude and 9 o55’-10 o E longitude. It experiences an These plants were collected, dried, identified and equatorial climate with a long rainy season (February- authenticated by the National Herbarium of November), a short dry season (December-January), Cameroon (YA), Ministry of Scientific and Technical and moderated temperature (22.4 °C) due to its Researches, at Yaounde, Cameroon. The voucher altitude (877 m) and the nearness of mountains specimens were kept in the Plant Biology Laboratory (Koupe, 2,050 m; Lonako, 1,825 m and Manengouba, of the Higher Teachers’ Training College of the 2,396 m). As a result of this climatic condition, it is University of Yaounde I. The degree of usually cool especially in the morning. The bulk of physiotherapeutic exploitation was determined by the population here is made up of the native Mbo tribe evaluating the number of used in the and the immigrant Bamileke tribe. The population treatment of asthma. Hence, the Exploitation Index represents 0.8% of the total population of Cameroon. (EI) was calculated using the formula. EI = %Pm x 492 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 9, No. 3, JULY 2010

AMP Where % Pm is the percentage of plants in antiasthmatic plant species are employed in 25 recipes respect of total plants of the country, used for with a relationship of 1.16 plants per recipes. The medicinal preparations and AMP the Average number mixture of plants in the recipes lowers the number of of Medicinal Preparation per plant8. preparation per plant (0.86). The high average of quotation per informant (1.93) indicates the degree of Results and discussion asthmatic phytotherapeutic knowledge by the The plants identified are listed with botanical Nkongsamba people. Most of the recipes reported are name/ family/ local name(s) and plant parts used claimed to be highly effective remedies against (Table 1). The number of the recipe and the asthma, since immemorial time and have a wide local percentage of citation for use with respect to the total acceptance as prescriptions with Abrus precatorius , citations are also given along with the mode of use Adansonia digitata, , Eucalyptus and the possible duration of treatment. Twenty nine saligna , Euphobia hirta, Mangifera indica, Ocimum plants species identified are used in 25 preparations, basilicum and Pentaclethra macrophylla. Some of the and the AMP=0.86. The degree of anti-asthmatic 29 plants, hirta , Dicrocephala integrifolia, phytotherapeutic knowledge in Nkongsamba Ocimum canum and Piliostigma reticulatum are determine the average citation per informant (1.93), mentioned for their curative effect on bronchitis and the average number of preparations per plant (0.86) pneumonia 7. Though Anthocleista schweinfurthii was and the value of therapeutic uses per plant (1.16) is not recorded as antiasthmatic in the study, it is used as high. Given that there are approximately 8,000 plants such in Nkongsamba area 5. The use of Euphorbia species in Cameroon, the percentage of medicinal hirta as antiasthmatic is pointed out 6,10 . In Kivu plants used (% pm) is 0.36 (=29/80,000 x 100) 9. The (Zaire), 30 plants are identified with antiasthmatic EI for asthma in Nkongsamba region is %Pm x properties, and some of them, Sida (Sida AMP=0.36 X 0.86=0.30 (The average of 29 plant rhombifolia), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus ) and species of 8,000 multiplied 0.86, the average of Lantana ( Lantana hifolia ) belong to the genus that are preparation per plant species, AMP). Twenty-nine identified in Nkongsamba 6.

Table 1— Antiasthmatic recipes of the Nkongsamba region, Cameroon Recipes Number Plant species family/local Name Mode of use (Voucher specimen number) : Total recipes = 25 (a) Total plant species = 29 Total of medicinal preparations = 25 Total informants = 149 Total quotation of plant species in all recipes = 35 Average of preparation per plant Total quotations = 181 Total plant species/recipes = 25/29 = 1.16 (AMP) = 25/29 = 0.86 Total recipe/information = Total quotations/recipes = 35/25 = 1.4 1.21 1(4.41) Abrus precatorius L/Fabaceae/Esum ewolo One handful of lea ves is boiled in 1 L of water [Noumi 823] for 15 min and cooled, then, half a glassful is drunk trice a day for 2 weeks 2(2.76) Annona muricata L./Annonaceae/Sawa-sop Sixty are infused in 1 glassful of hot water [Noumi 815] for 1 h, then, half a glassful is dr unk twice a day, for 1 week, during crises. 3(2.20) Adansonia digitata L./ Bombacaceae/Emong Five handfuls of dry leaves are boiled in 20 L of [Noumi 814] water for 15 min, and the steam is deeply inhaled with the mouth wide-open. 4(3.31) Boerhavia repens L./ Nyctaginaceae/Djanchele Sixty leaves are macerated in 2 L of water for [Noumi 846] 1 h, and half a glassful is drunk two times a day for 1 week. 5(3.31) Datura metel L./ Solanaceae/Ndu saboe [Noumi 817] Two handfuls of leaves are collected at the beg inning of flowering. The leaves are dried and infused in 1 L of hot water and filtered, then, one glassful drunk for 1 week. 6(8.28) Euphorbia hirta L./ Euphobiaceae/Ntchutchu, Okulbifeg Two handfuls of whole plant are boiled in 2 L of [Noumi 826] water, f or 15 min, cooled and drunk: 1 glassful twice a day for 2 weeks. Contd .— NOUMI: ANTIASTHMATIC PLANTS OF CAMEROON 493

Table 1— Antiasthmatic recipes of the Nkongsamba region, Cameroon— Contd . Recipes Number Plant species family/local Name Mode of use (Voucher specimen number) : 7(6.62) Eucalyptus saligna Smith/Myrtaceae/Ecleptus, Kapté Four handfuls of leaves are boiled in 3 L of water [Noumi 813] for 10 min. and a hot compress of the decoction is applied using a towel, on the thoracic cage, trice a day for 1week. 8(2.76) Gardenia ternifolia Schum. & Ten fruits are boiled in 2 L of water for 15 min and Thonn./Rubiaceae/Nackack [Noumi 830]. cooled, then half a glassful is drunk 2 times a day for 10 days. 9(2.76) Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth./Bignoniaceae /Nackack Five hundered gm of stem bark are boiled in 2 L of [Noumi]. water for 15 min, then half a glassful is drunk twice a day for 2 weeks. 10(3.86) Lantana camara L./ Verbenaceae /Assona kutchu Fifty gm of flowers are macerated in 1 L of water, [Noumi 818]. then half a glassful is drunk daily for 15 days. 11(4.97) Mangifera indica L./Anacardiaceae/Mangolo Five hundered gm of stembark are boiled in 2 L of [Noumi 822]. water during 15 min, then, a glassful is drunk twice a day for 1 week to subside crises and 3 months to treat the patient. 12(3.31) Nicotiana tabacum L./Solanaceae/Taku [Noumi 840]. Two leaves are infused in 2 L of water. Dose: a) Child: half a glassful trice a day for 1 week; b) Adult: 1 glassful trice a day for 1 week. 13(4.41) Ocimun basilicum L./Lamiaceae/Mesib, Ossim, Ten dried leaves are boiled in 2 glassfuls of water Kotimanjo [Noumi 819]. for 5 min, and the decoction concentrated up to a volume of a glass and cooled, then half a glassful is drunk twice a day for 1 week. 14(4.97) Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth./Mimosaceae/Kombo, Two kg of stembark are boiled in 3 L of water Ebae [Noumi 841]. during 15 min and cooled, then 1 glassful taken twice a day for 2 weeks. 15(4.41) Persea Americana Mill/Laureaceae/Apiè, Pia, Fia Five hundred gm boiled in 2.5 L of water. The [Noumi 829]. de coction is concentrated to 2 L and added to a quarter glassful of hone and cooled. Dose: half a glassful twice a day for 6 days. 16(2.75) Piliostigma reticulatum (D.C.) Thirty gm of fruits are boiled in 1 L. of water. Hochst./Caesalpiniaceae/Esum wetol [Noumi 842]. Dose: a) Child under 1 year old, 1 teaspoonful thricea day; b) Child from 1 to 4 years old, 1 tablespoonful thrice a day; c) above 4 years old, 2 tablespoonfuls thrice a day. 17 (3.86) Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. /Annonaceae/Ekui, Fifty gm of fruits or stembark are boiled in 2 L of lyere [Noumi 838]. water for 15min, and then 2 spoonfuls drank twice a day for 1 week. 18(3.31) Zea mays : L./Poaceae/Nguessang [Noumi 831]. One handful of a stigmas and styles is added with a piece of rock salt and i nfused in 1 L of water, then, 1 glassful drunk twice a day for 1 week. 19(4.97) Adansona digitata L./Bombacaceae/Emong [Noumi Six dried leaves are boiled in 2 L of water for Citrus 814]: 200g of leaves. 15 min and the decoction concentrated up to 1 L is Citrus aurantiifolia /Rutaceae/(Ofunbi beti [Noumi mixed with the juice of 2 fruits of citrus 998]: Juice of two fruits. aurantiifolia (Rutaceae) and 10 tablets of sugar or a suitable quantity of honey. Dose: Child 4-10 years old), 1 teaspoon ful four ti mes a day; adolescent and adult (1 spoonful 4 times a day for 2 weeks; 20(2.76) Allium sativum L./Liliaceae/Al [Noumi 834]: 1 clove. The ingredients are ground and the pas te mixed Petroselimum cirspum (Miller)A. H. with an equal volume of condensed milk. Then, Hill./Lamiaceae/Persil [Noumi 34]: 1 handful. consume the mixture in case of attack to reduce its intensity. Contd .— 494 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 9, No. 3, JULY 2010

Table 1— Antiasthmatic recipes of the Nkongsamba region, Cameroon— Contd . Recipes Number Plant species family/local Name Mode of use (Voucher specimen number) : 21(6.62) Cannabis sativa L ./Cannabinaceae/Banga, Essum me Two hundred gm of leaves and 100 g of Cari ca Sativum crispum muse [Noumi: 821]; 200 g of leaves. papaya leaves are infused in 1L of water for 1hr, Carica papaya . L./Caricaceae /Fofolo [Noumi 1069]: then, 1 glassful twice a day for 1 week. 100 g of leaves. 22(2.76) Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn./Bombacaceae/Bouma The leaves are boiled i n 2 L of water during Pentandra citus [Noumi 828]: 20 dried leaves 15min, and the decoction concentrated to Citrus aurantiifolia : 15 fruits. 1 L is added with the juice of 15 fruits of and 10 tablets of sugar. Dose: half a glassful once a day for 2 weeks 23(2.76) Sida acuta Burnf./Malvaceae/Sem sem [Noumi 824]: All the plant parts are ground and added to 20 g Asteraceae 30 g of leaves. of palm kernel oil, then, one tablespoon full eaten Dicrocephala integrifolia /Asteraseae/Dulgne three times a day for 1 week. [Noumi 670]; 10 g of whole plant. 24(2.20) Ipomoea batatas (L.) Mam./Convolvulaceae/Mekip The leaves are boiled in 5 L of water for 20 min, [Noumi 847]: 30 leaves. then, used as a stream bath twice a day for Citrus aurantiifolia : 40 leaves. 3 days. Eucalyptus saligna : 40 leaves. 25(6.07) Psydium guajava L./Myrtaceae/Gwaba [Noumi 839]; The ingredients are boiled in 4 L of water, the 25 young leaves. juice is added and the mixture is boiled once Mangifera indica : 25 leaves. more. The medicine obtained is generally used Zingiber officinale Roscoe/Zingiberaceae/Ndjindja for children. Dose: [Noumi 203]: 50 g of the roots. a) from 1-4 years old: 1 teaspoonful thrice Citrus aurantiifolia : 2 glassfuls of juice. a day; b) from 4-10 years old: 2 teaspoonfuls before eating, thrice a day, for 2 weeks.

During fieldwork, it appeared that some of these Some of the recipes have dangerous side effects in plants also have other therapeutic effects; Adansonia case of overdose; Datura metel is very toxic and digitata against diarrhoea, Carica papaya against provokes delirium with dizzy spells, drunkenness, intestinal worms, Kigelia africana in developing hallucinations and visions; C annabis sativa is teenage girl breast, Ocimum basilicum as hypnotic 17 . Persea americana is used for abortion in antiinflammatory, Euphorbia hirta in dysentery and the Sangmelima region and a pregnant woman must fever 11-12 . Abrus precatorius and Nicotiana tabacum not use its recipe 18 . As a recommendation, are aphrodisiac 13 . Some plants yield substances acting phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological against asthma. Glyzine of Abrus precatorius is anti- studies of these plants should be undertaken to show inflammatory and antiallergic 14 . Tropane and its the efficiency level of those antiasthmatic recipes. derived alkaloids (hyoscyamine, atropine and scopolamine) are spasmolytic and mitigate salivary Acknowledgement gland and bronchial tube secretions 15 . An agent of Thanks are due to Mr Noutsa, who participated in Cannabis sativa has hypnotic properties in respiratory this survey by providing information on medicinal affection 4. In Euphorbia hirta , there is an agent which plants used in the treatment of asthma. has an effect on respiratory and heart centres and gives interesting results in case of spasmodic asthma References by dilating bronchial tubes 7,10 . The essence of 1 Barnes PJ & Chung CP, Inflammatory mediators and asthma, Ocimum basilicum has antispasmodic property to Pharmacol Rev , 40 (1988) 49. 4 2 Duval D, Mécanisme d’action des gluco-corticoïdes dans nervous dyspepsia . The bark extract of Pentaclethra l’asthme: Asthme et hyperréactivité bronchique , (Edit macrophylla causes a reduction in the response to Masson & cie, Paris), 1991. acetylcholine and histamine 16 ; annonaceine, an 3 Le Garnier-Delamare, Dictionnaire des termes de Médecine , e alkaloid with morphine-like action is yielded in 24 édition, (Edit Maloine, Evreux), 1995, 1095.

Xylopia aethiopica 4. This shows that many of the 4 Kerharo J & Adam JG, La Pharmacopée Sénégalaise Traditionnelle, Plantes Médicinale et Toxiques , (Edition preceding plants react by many active principles. Vigot-Frères, Paris), 1974, 1011. NOUMI: ANTIASTHMATIC PLANTS OF CAMEROON 495

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