Abstract

This study aims to assess the importance and availability of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepern. & Timler, a plant confined to the western region of Burkina Faso and used as an alternative herbal remedy for sickle cell disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 volunteers from western Burkina Faso in May 2021. The interviews focused on the knowledge of the plant, its socio-economic importance, and perceptions of its availability. The Cultural Importance Index (CI) and the Level of Fidelity (NF) were calculated to better evaluate the plant's significance. Z. zanthoxyloides is perceived by informants as an endangered species. Regarding availability, only informants from Baré reported a decline in its populations. The Chi-square test revealed a strong relationship (Cramer's V = 67.4%; p ≤ 0.001) between ethnicity and perception of availability. The medicinal use of the plant showed the highest Cultural Importance Index (CI = 0.96; CI = 0.89) and Level of Fidelity (NF = 96; NF = 88.57). The most utilized parts are the roots and trunk bark, which compromises the species' availability. Given the socio-economic value of Z. zanthoxyloides and the threats to its availability, it is essential to promote assisted natural regeneration, fencing, and the integration of the plant into agroforestry systems to ensure its preservation and sustainability.

Key words: Surveys, herbal drug, plant resources, threatened, preservation, Burkina Faso.

Abbreviation

ANR; Assisted natural regeneration,  CI; Cultural importance index, EN; Endangered, FACA; Fagara and calotropis, Fr; Frequent, IRSS; Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, LC; Least concern, Mfr;  Moderately frequent, NF; Level of fidelity, UFR/SVT; Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, VFr; Very frequent, VU; Vulnerable.