Ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of medicinal plants used to treat prostatitis in the south-banga area, ILEBO territory, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

This study focuses on medicinal plants traditionally used to treat prostatitis in the South Banga sector, Ilebo territory, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its objectives were to catalogue the plant species used in the traditional management of prostate conditions, to determine their ethnobotanical significance, to specify the parts used as well as the methods of preparation and administration of the remedies, and to assess their phytochemical profiles.

An ethnobotanical survey based on semi-structured interviews, direct observation and reasoned non-probabilistic sampling was conducted amongst 32 key informants from the six communities in the Sud-Banga sector. The data collected focused in particular on plant species, the parts used, methods of preparation, solvents and routes of administration. Nine medicinal species were identified: Rauvolfia vomitoria, Gardenia ternifolia, Citrus limon, Garcinia kola, Ananas comosus, Morinda morindoides, Senna occidentalis, Senna siamea and Psidium guajava. The Rubiaceae and Fabaceae families are among the best represented in the thesis’s floristic data.

The highest relative frequency of mention was observed for Gardenia ternifolia, Garcinia kola and Ananas comosus (15.63 per cent each), followed by Citrus limon (12.50 per cent). The informant consensus index was 0.758, indicating a relatively high level of consensus regarding the species used. Roots are the most frequently used part of the plant, whilst decoction and oral administration are the predominant method of preparation and route of administration, respectively.

Phytochemical screening revealed several groups of secondary metabolites, notably alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, quinones and quinines, as well as other groups listed in the detailed table in the thesis. Alkaloids were detected most frequently in the summary of results. These observations demonstrate that the populations of the South Banga region possess a diverse body of ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the presence of secondary metabolites alone is not sufficient to establish the clinical efficacy of the plants against prostatitis. Further pharmacological, toxicological and clinical studies are therefore required.

Keywords: ethnobotany, phytotherapy, prostatitis, medicinal plants, phytochemicals, secondary metabolites, South Banga, Ilebo, DRC.

Received Date: August 17, 2026

Accepted Date: September 09, 2026

Published Date: October 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/970