Ethnobotanical Survey Of Medicinal Plants Used For The Management Of Male Sexual Dysfunctionand Infertility In Tana River County, Kenya
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction afflicts 10% of men of all ages,
ethnicities and cultural backqround. In Tana River
County a large percentage of reproductive health
ailments are managed by traditional healers.
Unfortunately, in traditional medicine practice, there
is no documentation and information is passed on
verbally from generation to generation. The aim of
this study therefore was to identify and document
plants that are used for the management of male
sexual dysfunctions and infertility in Tana River
County. An ethno botanical survey was carried out
using structured questionnaires. Nineteen plants
belongi ng to 15 genera and 13 families were
reportedly used to treat hypoactive sex drive,
manage erectile dysfunction/ impotence and treat
male infertility. The plant remedies described and
documented in this study represent valuable
baseline data on indigenous knowledge, upon
which further research can be based. Future
scientific research into the efficacy and safe use of
the herbs could then prove very useful to herbal
medicine practitioners and researchers and will
contribute immensely towards future conservation
efforts of both the plants and the indigenous
knowledge.
Publisher
University of Nairobi,
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10387]