Ethnobotany and phytopharmacopoea of the South- West ethnoecological region of Cameroon

Abstract

This study highlight the use, commercialisation, cultivation, and conservation status of the major medicinal plants within the South-West and Littoral ethnoecological regions of Cameroon. The methodology was generally based on direct interview or discussion with the main stakeholder. More than 177 plants (lianas, trees, shrubs and herbs) belonging to 80 families are being used as medicine, several are sold as crude material. The propagation and domestication of the very useful medicinal plants, including the threatened species (Prunus Africana), in the region is neglected. It is important to initiate programs for the establishment of medicinal plant gardens both for livelihood improvement as well as for conservation purposes.   Keys words: Phytopharmacopoea, medicinal plants, ethnoecological region, herbal market, threatened species.