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Abstract Detail


Society for Economic Botany/BSA Economic Botany Section

Odhiambo, Judith  [1], Lukhoba, Catherine [1], Dossaji, Saifuddin [1].

Ethnomedicinal knowledge in the traditional management of human ailments in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya.

Though the majority of inhabitants in the Kenya rely on ethnomedicinal plant species to manage a wide range of human ailments, much the indigenous knowledge largely remains undocumented. An ethnomedicinal study was conducted to document the plant species used medicinally in the Lake Victoria Basin. Data was collected by interviewing the herbalists from the region. A total of thirty four plant species distributed in twenty one botanical families were identified. The plant family with highest number of plants used for medicine was Compositae, followed by Leguminosae then Labiatae. The herbals were prepared mainly as concoctions and decoctions and were majorly administered orally and dermally to treat ailments such as typhoid, malaria, and chest and skin related complications. A rich knowledge of medicinal plants was recognized and phytochemical and bioactivity analyses of these herbal plants are recommended to determine their safety and efficacy.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - University of Nairobi, School of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 30197,00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Keywords:
Ethnomedicine
Lake Victoria Basin.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 14
Location: Maryland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 3:15 PM
Number: 14008
Abstract ID:374

Canceled

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