Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants against ophidian envenomations in the Bonginda/Bikoro Group in DR Congo

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease causing enormous suffering, disability and premature death on all continents. This study aims to inventory the plants involved in the management of snakebite cases in rural areas. A survey was conducted in the Bonginda groupement, Bonginda Territory, Equateur Province in DR Congo during the period from January 2019 to December 2020. Data was collected by the standardized interview method with a focus on individual interview technique. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to traditional healers reputed in the treatment of snakebites. It shows that 17 species grouped into 14 families are used to treat cases of ophidian envenomation in Bonginda. The Fabaceae and Rubiaceae families each have 3 species. The others are monospecific. Among the organs used, leaves predominate with a score of 44.4%. They are followed by the roots (18.5%). Regarding the mode of preparation, the decoction prevails with 27.3%. It is followed by grinding (13.6%). As for the route of administration, local application (28.6%) is ahead of the oral route (23.8%) and purgation (14.3%). Constituents based on medicinal plants are recognized as local heritage.