Les plantes à alcaloïdes utilisées par les populations de la ville de Douala (Cameroun)

Abstract

Objective: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from January to February 2013 in Douala town relating to the various uses of alkaloids plants species by the people.
Methodology and results: Ten districts were surveyed for the census alkaloid plants. These surveys helped conduct semi-structured surveys based on direct questions concerning the therapeutic uses of these plants by the targeted populations. A total of 73 alkaloid plant species were identified of which 21 were herbaceous and 52 woody. Among these species, 30 are indigenous and 43 exotic. They were distributed in 62 genera belonging to 40 families. The supply is provided from farms, secondary forests, gardens, fallows and markets. Solanaceae, Apocynaceae and Rubiaceae are rich in various alkaloids. Leaves, barks and roots are the plant parts mostly used in recipes for the treatment of various diseases. Drugs are mainly administered through the oral root. Secondary metabolites, including alkaloids are unevenly distributed in plants. They are produced at particular stages of development of the flower, fruit, seed or seedling in a specific organ, tissue or cell. Alkaloid plant species are used as major analgesics, antimalarial and to fight against excess uric acid. They are also used as drugs, laxatives, aphrodisiac and as cholinergic or as anticancer agents. They increased heart rate and stimulate the central nervous system with increased vigilance.
Conclusion and application of results: All these properties can justify the inclusion of these non timber forest products in forest management programs for their sustainable exploitation.

Keywords : Solanaceae; Apocynaceae; Rubiaceae; alkaloids; exploitation