Abstract
Many mentally ill people in Goma city, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), seek treatment from Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) that utilize medicinal plants (MPs) in management of various ailments. The study aimed to document the MPs used locally to manage mental illnesses (MIs). An in-depth ethnobotanical survey including 43 respondents selected using snow ball method and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires was conducted in Goma city, in DRC, from May to September 2021. Voucher specimens were collected from the study area and identified at Makerere University Herbarium (MHU). Data were analyzed using ethnobotanical parameters, frequency index, Rahman’s similarity index (RSI) and non-parametric tests as well as Spearman correlation coefficient. A total of 30 plant species, represented amongst 29 genera and 19 families were reportedly used to treat MIs. Of these 63.33% were reported for anxiety, 36.67% for psychosis and 30% for depression. Most abundant taxa were reported for three families including Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Solanaceae. Among MPs used in Goma city, the two priority plant species for anxiety were Euphorbia abyssinica and Cleome gynandra L. While, the two priority plant species for depression were Conyza sumatrensis and Emilia coccinea. High similarity (RSI = 77.42%) was observed in the use of common species for MIs between THPs from both Goma and Karisimbi communes. Results prove that local people of Goma city use MPs species against MIs that could be further studied for pharmacological effectiveness and safety.
Highlights
Mental illnesses (MIs) are a common problem that affects the thinking ability, emotion or behavior of the affected individuals [1]
Among medicinal plants (MPs) used in Goma city, the two priority plant species for anxiety were Euphorbia abyssinica and Cleome gynandra L
Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo [6] [7] [8], the prevalence of mental illnesses (MIs), especially depression and anxiety was reported at 22% and 13% - 23% in provinces affected by war conflicts such as North Kivu (NK) province including Goma city, higher than other provinces of the country
Summary
Mental illnesses (MIs) are a common problem that affects the thinking ability, emotion or behavior of the affected individuals [1]. The prevalence of mental disorders (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 to be 22.1% in the conflict-affected populations [2]. In some African countries such as Somalia, the prevalence of MIs in regions affected by conflict has been reported to be even higher at 33% compared to those of countries less affected by conflicts such as Uganda and Tanzania which were reported to be 4.6% and 5.3% respectively [3] [4] [5]. Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo [6] [7] [8], the prevalence of MIs, especially depression and anxiety was reported at 22% and 13% - 23% in provinces affected by war conflicts such as North Kivu (NK) province including Goma city, higher than other provinces of the country. The local culture, poor health facilities, among many others are reported to have exacerbated the high prevalence of MIs in DRC [6] [10] [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
