Commonly Used Plants for Various Health Conditions in Mlangali Ward, Ludewa District, Tanzania

Background: Although most rural communities in developing countries (DCs) use medicinal plants (MPs) for various health conditions, not enough studies have been conducted to ascertain their vernacular and scientific names, and their specific indications.

Aim: The present study aimed to ascertain the vernacular and scientific names; and the specific indications for plants used in healthcare at Mlangali ward, Tanzania.

Methodology: A structured interview format was used to sample and obtain vital data on plants used in healthcare in the area under study. The specimens collected were then compared with “similar or the same” plants described in pertinent literature. In all cases, both the vernacular and scientific names of the commonly used medicinal plants (CUMPs) were confirmed by a botanist at the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.

Results: A total of 30 plants with their names and uses were obtained. Of these, 13 plants (43.3%) were confirmed by 9 (60%) respondents to be the CUMPs in the area under study. No previous documentation on these CUMPs were found in the community.

Conclusions: All the 30 plants sampled were used in health care in Mlangali ward, but it seemed that because the 13 CUMPs were being commonly used, this has resulted in them being overharvested, with no application of good agricultural practice (GAP) and other conservationist policies. Many of the 13 plants were commonly and similarly used in many developing countries as in the study area. Some had different uses in different cultures and countries; but most had multiple uses in countries where these CUMP were being used. Based on the foregoing, the study recommended that necessary effort be summoned and exerted to document the medicinal uses of the 30 plants, especially the CUMPs, as a forerunner to programs aimed at sustainable conservation of these plants for future uses, including the search for and development of new drugs.