Medicinal Plant Diversity and Traditional Knowledge Among Ethnic Groups in Burkina Faso Central-West Region

This ethnobotanical study, conducted among the Mossi, Lyele, and Nuni populations in Burkina Faso, aims to document and analyze the therapeutic uses of fourteen medicinal plant species. A combined approach involving socio-demographic analysis, use value (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC) calculations, as well as evaluation of preparation methods, dosages, and times of administration was used. Data were statistically processed using RStudio (version 4.5.1). Results show a predominantly elderly population (67% ≥ 50 years) and a high illiteracy rate (72.1%), indicating that traditional knowledge is mostly transmitted orally. Euphorbia hirta emerges as the most used species, with the highest UV and RFC. Other frequently cited species include Spondias mombin, Annona senegalensis, and Acacia macrostachya. Decoction and infusion are the most common preparation techniques. Heatmaps highlight the variability of dosages and administration times depending on the species. A circular network diagram shows the density of interactions between plant species, ethnic groups, preparation methods, and treated ailments, reflecting a systemic organization of traditional therapeutic knowledge. These findings emphasize the need to preserve and promote this ethnobotanical heritage.