PHARMACOLOGICAL USES OF CUCURBITS AND POPULATION PERCEPTIONS IN THE MOST POPULATED REGION OF NIGER: ZINDER

Mahamane Sabiou Sani Maazou*, Bakasso Sahabi, Aminatou Bako and Haoua Sabo

ABSTRACT

In Niger, the use of medicinal plants by the population is very common. However, few studies have examined plant perception and pharmacological knowledge of the population. To this end, a descriptive ethnobotanical survey, with a convenience sampling, which provides information on the identity of the respondents, the use of plants in general and cucurbits in particular and toxicity, was conducted in the most populated city in Niger. A total of 8 species have been identified. The predominant pharmaceutical form is maceration (42%) and the most commonly used part is pulp (46.90%). The oral route is the most widely used and only 20% of respondents have knowledge of plant-related toxicity. It should also be noted that the use of plants is cultural (p = 0.003) and the supply is in the bush (p = 0.002). 78% of respondents believe that phytomedicines improve their health and 54% believe their effectiveness is very high. The results of this study not only expand the repertoire of medicinal plants in Niger but also and mainly show the need to raise public awareness of the toxic effects of plants.

Keywords: Niger, cucurbits, phytotherapy, Perceptions, populations.