Review of folklore medicinal plants used in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso for the treatment of hemorrhoids

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Résumé

Background: Hemorrhoids are very common anorectal conditions. Its treatment ranges from dietary and lifestyle modification to radical surgery. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Traditional Medicine is a common resource for hemorrhoids management.
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the potential efficacy and mechanism of action of plants used by Bobo-Dioulasso traditional healers as treatment for hemorrhoids.
Methods: Data were collected through semi-directive interviews among randomly selected traditional healers belonging to traditional healers' associations in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Results: Fourteen (14) plant species, belonging to 12 families were cited by traditional healers. The fidelity levels were high for Tamarix africana and Trichilia emetica, 100% and 76.5% respectively. No references to ethnomedical uses in hemorrhoids were found in the literature for 4 (28.6%) plants: Lophira alata, Opilia celtidifolia, Alchemilla mollis, Tamarix africana. Only Khaya senegalensis and Parkia biglobosa have shown anti- hemorrhoidal activity in animal models. Also, all the plants identified except Pseudocedrela Kotschyi, (92.9%) are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities.
Conclusion: Although lack of human studies regarding the mentioned herbs is noted, positive results from experimental findings can be considered for new drug discovery supported by traditional experiences.

Mots-clés

Haemorrhoids, Traditional medicine, Bobo-Dioulasso