Ethno-pharmacological investigations of Moringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. and its production challenges in southern Ethiopia
Open Access
- 23 September 2022
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Public Library of Science (PLoS) in PLOS ONE
- Vol. 17 (9), e0274678
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274678
Abstract
Moringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. is a native plant of Ethiopia with important nutraceutical applications. However, little is known about its nutritional, ethno-pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties. Hence, the present study sought to assess the nutraceutical applications of M. stenopetala among traditional healers in southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 selected administrative units in Gamo Gofa, Segen areas and south Omo zones of southern Ethiopia from May to June 2020. Data were gathered using a semi-structured interview, field observation, and group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Excel 2019 and open code version 4.03, respectively. The results were presented using descriptive statistics, with the fidelity level (FL)% used to distinguish the preferential use of various plant parts. A total of 120 individuals participated in the study, and the majority of them, 89 (74.2%), were male and farmers by occupation. Eight four (70%) of them were residents of the Gamo Gofa Zone. The fidelity level revealed that the leaf and root were the most commonly used parts for nutraceutical purposes. Remarkably, M. stenopetala is used to treat human ailments such as leprosy and kidney and liver infections via various modes of utilisation and administration. As a result, the most common methods of utilising plant products are chewing or consuming crushed plant parts, and the oral route is the much-preferred method of application. On the other hand, the larvae of Moringa moth Nurda blitealis, are a defoliating insect during the rainy season and have been identified as a limiting factor for its production. The nutraceutical aspects of M. stenopetala are extremely important to the rural community in southern Ethiopia. However, the defoliating moth larvae threaten its growth and biomass production, necessitating the need to manage and improve the plant’s productivity and sustainable use. Additionally, conducting experimental studies to validate the plant’s pharmacological potential correspond to a milestone in drug discovery.Funding Information
- Arba Minch University (GOV/AMU/BDC/04/07)
This publication has 27 references indexed in Scilit:
- Local knowledge, use pattern and geographical distribution of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) in NigeriaJournal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013
- Nutritive value of botanical fractions of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala grown in the mid-Rift Valley of southern EthiopiaAgroforestry Systems, 2013
- Ethno-medicinal study of plants used for treatment of human and livestock ailments by traditional healers in South Omo, Southern EthiopiaJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2013
- Contribution of Moringa (Moringa stenopetala, Bac.), a Highly Nutritious Vegetable Tree, for Food Security in South Ethiopia: A ReviewAsian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2011
- Utilisation of priority traditional medicinal plants and local people's knowledge on their conservation status in arid lands of Kenya (Mwingi District)Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2010
- Preparation and use of plant medicines for farmers' health in Southwest Nigeria: socio-cultural, magico-religious and economic aspectsJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2010
- Cultural significance of medicinal plant families and species among Quechua farmers in Apillapampa, BoliviaJournal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009
- Evaluating the nutritive values and in vitro degradability characteristics of leaves, seeds and seedpods from Moringa stenopetalaJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2008
- Contribution to the knowledge of the folk plant medicine in Calabria region (Southern Italy)Fitoterapia, 2007
- Moringa oleifera: a food plant with multiple medicinal usesPhytotherapy Research, 2006