AC Allabi et al. The use of medicinal plants in self-care in the Agonlin region of Benin. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, October 4, 2010.

Allabi and colleagues used a semi-structured questionnaire to investigate the extent and type of medicinal plants used in self-care by the inhabitants of the Agonlin community in the Republic of Benin. A total of one thousand mothers were interviewed. The prevalence rate of the use of herbal medicines in self-care was found to be 51.04%. 114 plant species belonging to 69 families were reported, each with their local names, medicinal use, and parts used. Of all the indications of the identified plants, fever, headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting were the most frequently reported, with malaria treatment recording the highest usage of plant remedies (22%). The plant part most frequently used was the leaves. This study showed that self-care using medicinal plants is a major part of health care in the Agonlin area.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Many of these plants may have applicability for use in developed countries. Different pharmacological companies have undoubtedly explored the potential value of such plants in generating new drugs and medical treatments.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: It could be that many of the drugs you take include ingredients taken from plants and trees found in developing countries. Expanding the exploration of many native plants and trees is a way to closer linking developing and developed countries across the world.