Uses and perceptions of Caralluma adscendens (Roxb.) Haw in western Burkina Faso.

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, rural populations have been able to transmit and conserve a great deal of knowledge about
the use of local plants. The aim of this study is to understand the endogenous knowledge of local populations
about Caralluma adscendens (Roxb.) Haw. and to understand its socio-economic importance for these local
populations. To this end, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 82 inhabitants of Koro, in the
Hauts-Bassins region. The ethnobotanical data were processed using Microsoft Excel. Respondents were
classified by ethnic group, socio-professional category, age and sex. Knowledge and use of Caralluma
adscendens varied from one generation to another, from one ethnic group to another and from one socio professional group to another. The Peulh, people over 60, blacksmiths, traditional healers and gardeners
are the social strata of the population of the village of Koro who are most familiar with the species and its uses. The species is used in traditional pharmacopoeia to treat lower abdominal pain, intestinal worms,
ringworm, otitis and wounds, in veterinary medicine to stimulate puppies' appetite and in cultural medicine
to mark out places of worship. Age, gender, ethnicity and socio-professional group are factors that influence
the knowledge and uses of plants.