ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-013, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Ethnomedicines used for treatment of prostatic disease in Foumban, Cameroon
Noumi Emmanuel
Laboratory of Plant Biology, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaoundé I, P.O.Box 47 Yaoundé, Cameroon. E-mail: noumikap@yahoo.fr.
Accepted 19 November, 2016
Abstract
The medicinal plants used for the treatment of prostate diseases and related efficiency in Foumban were reviewed based on the ethnobotanic, some chemical and biochemical reports. A total of 40 plants species belonging to 29 families have been used to prepare 27 remedies, for treatment of specific prostate ailments such as prostatitis, prostatic adenoma (benign tumour hypertrophy) and cancer of prostate. Two plant species (Raphia mambillensis and Vernonia guineensis) are those widely used, the more valued being V. guineensis, called “Guinea ginseng” by traditional healers. Some of the plant species, including Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Arachis hypogaea, Carica papaya, Cucurbita pepo, Elaeis guineensis, Ipomoea batatas, Ocimum basilicum and Prunus africana are known to yield constituents treating prostate diseases.
Key words: Medicinal plants, prostatic diseases, Foumban, Cameroon.