Abstract

A survey was conducted in the central region of Burkina Faso to find out about women's menopause-related disorders and their treatment in traditional medicine. Fifty-six (56) species have been identified to treat different symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, nausea, joint and muscle pain, itching, lower abdominal pain, edema, mood disorders, vertigo. Leaves and stem bark were the most recommended in the preparation of recipes, at 43 and 39% respectively. The majority of the species (60.72%) was local food plants with a high use value (UVs ≥ 0.50). Many chemical groups including alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, anthraquinones, carotenoids, anthracenosides, phenolic acids, coumarins, capable of reducing or eliminating these different symptoms exist in these plants. Also, the presence of several mineral elements such as Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na), Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), Iodine (I), Vitamins A, B, C, F, K, P, E, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fibers, resins and gum show the importance of these plants in human nutrition. These local plants are therefore potential sources for the development of new natural nutraceuticals in the management of menopausal period in women.

Key words: Menopause, medicinal plants, nutrients, phytoestrogens.