The use of medicinal plants in self-care in the Agonlin region of Benin.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the extent and type of medicinal plants used in self-care by the inhabitants of the Agonlin community in the Republic of Benin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a total of one thousand mothers. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of the use of herbal medicines in self-care was found to be 51.04%. One hundred and fourteen (114) plant species belonging to 69 families were reported, each with their local names, medicinal use, and parts used. Of all the indications of the identified plants, fever, headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting were the most frequently reported, with malaria treatment recording the highest usage of plant remedies (22%). The plant part most frequently used was the leaves. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that self-care using medicinal plants is a major part of health care in the Agonlin area.