Abstract

Ethnobotanical investigations were conducted in four Lewoh-Lebang villages (Attuleh, Leleng, Mbindia and Nyitebong) in Lebialem Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon to identify the different plants used in traditional pharmacopoeia for the treatment of human diseases and also to find out other uses of plants in this community. Ethnobotanical information was collected randomly using semi- structured questionnaires and open-ended discussion with male, female and traditional healers, using different age groups. A total of 108 respondents were interviewed and (56%) were male with age ≥55 years. Thirty (30) medicinal plants belonging to 21 families were identified and documented. Guarea thompsonii, Schefflera hierniana and Cyclomorpha solmsii are endemic/vulnerable species. 21 diseases were cured using 30 species with rheumatism being the most frequent ailment and the bark was the most frequently used plant part. 13 species were used as fuel wood, five for fencing, eleven as timber and fifteen for cultural activities. Vernonia conferta (25 citations), Psychotria strictistipula (21 citations),Psychotria penducularis (22 citations) and Coffea sp. (20 citations) (all shrubs) were species used as fuel wood mostly harvested by women. It is very important to conserve these plant species in order to improve on the traditional health care practices in this community.

Key words: Ethnobotanical, Lewoh-Lebang, traditional pharmacopoeia, medicinal plant.