Abstract

Human activities, such as over-exploitation for food, fuel, craftwork, construction, and medicines, have resulted in species depletion and near extinction due to lack of re-afforestation. This ethnobotanical study was conducted to assess indigenous knowledge on the use and regeneration of Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) in the Noun Division, West Region of Cameroon. The Snowball sampling technique, combined with the "show and tell" approach and semi-structured questionnaires, was used. A total of 300 respondents were interviewed, including 58 herbalists (19.3%). Most respondents were found to be between 50 and 70 years old (61.3%). The majority of respondents were men (67.7%). The study revealed that N. latifolia was highly used for medicine (55%), fuel (20%), craft (10%), food (10%), and ritual practices (5%). The plant parts used were roots (45%), stem bark (20%), leaves (15%), stem (10%), fruits (6%), and flowers (4%). Frequently used formulations included decoction (43%), maceration (30%), concoction (15%), infusion (7%), and others (5%). Methods of administration used were oral (53%), topical (38%), and inhalation (8%). Regarding regeneration, only 20% of the population acknowledged that the plant can be regenerated, but they lacked knowledge on how. Given the numerous therapeutic and nutritional values of the plant, developing domestication strategies for its conservation is crucial.

Key words: Ethno-botanical survey, domestication, indigenous knowledge, regeneration, Nauclea latifolia.