Maasai Enthnoveterinary Medicine: An Avenue of Bioprospecting for Anthelmintics

Abstract

A biopropecting field survey conducted in Maasailand revealed that, the Maasai in Loitokitok division of Kajiado district use Withania app, Clausena anisata, Albizia anthelmintica to control worm infestation. This is the first report on the anthelmintic activity of Withania spp and Clausena anisata. This report further shows that, the Maasai have a rich indigenous knowledge of symptom of diseases, seasonality of helminthes outbreaks and the species most affected. They use this knowledge to confirm diagnosis of helminthes infestation.

The Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 27 2004: pp. 3-4