Usage ethnomédical de Vitex congolensis De Wild.&T. Durand (Lamiaceae) à Gbado-Lite, Nord Ubangi en République Démocratique du Congo.

Abstract

This study aimed to document and quantitatively analyze the traditional ethnobotanical uses of the medicinal plant Vitex congolensis in Gbado-Lite, in the Nord-Ubangi Province (DRC). The snowball sampling method was used as previously described. The majority of participants were between 36 and 50 years old (56%), followed by those aged 18 to 35 (34%), while only 10% were over 50 years old. The gender distribution was balanced, with a slight majority of men (52%) compared to women (48%). In terms of educational level, more than half of the individuals (52%) had a secondary level of education, 29% had no formal education, 14% had a primary level, and only 5% had a higher education level. Regarding occupation, farmers were the majority (61%), followed by artisans (21%) and traditional healers (15%), with low representation of students (2%) and other professions (1%). Finally, participants were distributed among four main tribes, with the Ngbandi being the most represented (33%), followed by the Mbanza (27%), Ngbaka (25%), and Yakpa (15%). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves (37%) and bark (35%), followed by roots (25%), with minimal use of leafy stems (3%). In terms of frequency, most users consumed this remedy daily (46%) or 2 to 3 times per week (37%), while only 8% used it rarely. Regarding the form of use, decoction was the most common method (50%), followed by powder (26%) and infusion (22%), with maceration being marginal (2%). All remedies were monospecific, meaning they were prepared from a single plant species. The route of administration was mainly oral (89%), with some cases of anal administration (7%), and very few via body baths or massage (2% each). The duration of use was generally short, with most users taking the remedy for less than one month (71%). Finally, the main reason for use was the treatment of a specific disease (75%), while one quarter used it to improve general health.