Plants used by abagusii traditional healers in the treatment of cancer and other inflammatory conditions

Abstract

An ethnomedical survey of plants used by Abagusii traditional healers of South West Kenya in the treatment of cancer and other inflammatory conditions was carried out. A number of traditional healers were interviewed about the plants that they used in the treatment of cancer, method of preparation and dosage regimens. Their responses were recorded. Each materia medica entry followed the format; Latin binomial; Common name; Vernacular and taxonomic name; parts used; constituents; indications; safety considerations; preparation and dosage. Five plant species were botanically identified. It was found that in this ethnic group greatly depended on herbal remedies I treatment of cancer and its related ailments This study also revealed that the Abagusii healers have an extensive knowledge of their flora. This study also revealed that there is a rapid degeneration of many indigenous herbal medicinal plants, hence the need for their conservation.