Ethnobotanical survey on anti-tuberculosis plants in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the lack of appropriate treatment has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which poses a significant public health challenge and complicates the management of the disease. Purpose This ethnobotanical survey, conducted in the city of Mbuji-Mayi, DRC, aimed to identify traditional remedies used to treat tuberculosis. Methods An ethnobotanical survey was conducted through interviews using a structured questionnaire with 46 resource persons, including household members, herbalists, and traditional practitioners. Information was collected on plant species considered to have anti-tuberculosis properties, the plant parts used, preparation methods, administration routes, and dosage of medicinal recipes. Data were analysed using R software, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Results The survey identified 56 plant species belonging to 25 botanical families, with Rubiaceae (10.7%), Asteraceae (10.7%), Phyllanthaceae (8.9%), and Fabaceae (7.2%) being the most represented. The identified species were categorized as shrubs (37.50%), grasses (37.50%), trees (21.43%), and lianas (3.57%). These plants were reported to treat 40 conditions, including nine tuberculosis-related symptoms, with fever being the most cited symptom (quoted 80 times out of 253 mentions, 31.62%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (36.06%), and decoction (64.82%) was the predominant preparation method. The majority of traditional remedies were administered orally (78.47%). The findings indicate that in the face of limited access to anti-tuberculosis drugs, residents of Mbuji-Mayi rely on medicinal plants to manage tuberculosis, one of the DRC's critical public health issues. These results highlight the potential of medicinal plants in the fight against tuberculosis and suggest avenues for further research into their therapeutic properties. Conclusion This study represents the first ethnobotanical investigation of plants used for tuberculosis treatment in Mbuji-Mayi, DRC. It provides valuable insights into the knowledge of resource persons and traditional practitioners. Further research, particularly chemical screening, ethnopharmacological studies, and evaluations of biological activity, is essential to isolate and characterize promising anti-tuberculosis compounds.

Keywords

• Tuberculosis
• ethnobotanical survey
• medicinal plants
• Mbuji-Mayi
• Democratic Republic of Congo