Usage ethnomédical de Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel (Euphrorbiaceae) à Gbado-Lite, Nord Ubangi en République Démocratique du Congo.

Abstract

This study involved quantitatively and descriptively examining the ethnomedicinal uses of Ricinodendron heudelotii in Gbado-Lite (North Ubangi) with the aim of documenting, promoting, and contributing to the conservation of traditional knowledge. The snowball sampling method was used, as previously described. The majority of participants were between 36 and 50 years old (46%), followed by those aged 18 to 35 (35%), and individuals over 50 (19%). Regarding gender, women were slightly more represented (56%) than men (44%). The level of education was relatively low: only 1% of respondents had higher education, 45% had completed primary school, 24% secondary school, while 30% had no formal education. Professionally, almost all respondents (90%) were farmers, with other occupations being marginal (traditional healers 1%, artisans 2%, others 7%). In terms of tribal affiliation, the Ngbandi tribe was overwhelmingly dominant (75%), followed by the Ngbaka (14%), Mbanza (6%), and Ngombe (5%). These data indicate a predominantly rural, low-educated, and sociologically homogeneous sample, dominated by a single ethnic group and agricultural activity. The most commonly used plant part was the bark (79%), far ahead of the roots (13%), leaves (7%), and seeds (1%). Regarding the frequency of use, a majority (60%) used the remedies daily, while 30% used them two to three times a week, 7% rarely, and only 3% once a month. The most common mode of preparation was infusion (54%), followed by powder (31%), decoction (14%), and very rarely chewing (1%). All remedies were monospecific (100%), meaning they used a single plant species. Finally, the main reasons for use were the treatment of a specific illness (72%) and the improvement of general health (27%), while disease prevention remained marginal (1%).