Medicinal flora of Chad: an ethnobotanical investigation into traditional healing practices in N’Djamena city

Traditional medicine plays a significant role in the daily lives of Chadians, harmonizing alongside modern healthcare services provided by medical centers and hospitals. This practice is deeply rooted in the culture, both in rural areas and urban centers across the country. This study aims to comprehensively document the medicinal plants utilized by the residents of N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad. In addition to cataloging the plants, we seek to understand the methods of preparation and administration of traditional remedies. A thorough ethnobotanical survey was conducted in ten districts of N’Djamena between August and September 2021. This approach allowed for a deep dive into the traditional medical practices of the region. The study revealed a remarkable wealth of traditional knowledge in primary healthcare, highlighting the importance of plants in the local pharmacopoeia. At the end of this survey, we interviewed 25 traditional healers, which led to the identification of 60 plant species belonging to 37 different botanical families. Among these, the Fabaceae and Combretaceae families stood out for their frequent use. The collected recipes comprised a total of 159 preparations, with roots (23.33%), leaves (21.66%), and fruits (11.66%) being the most commonly used plant parts. The most prevalent methods of administration were oral (71.66%) and Oral use (16.66%), while decoction (46.66%) and maceration (40%) were the most popular preparation techniques. Water (84.35%) was the most frequently used solvent. These preparations were employed to treat a wide range of ailments, including malaria, typhoid fever, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, diabetes, gonorrhea, and sexual weakness. This study underscores the extraordinary diversity of medicinal plants in Chad and their crucial role in primary healthcare. The 60 identified plants represent promising candidates for experimental studies aimed at developing new herbal medicines. By valuing traditional knowledge and integrating it into modern medical practices, it is possible to promote a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses the varied needs of the Chadian population.