Table 1.
Enumeration of documented plants and plant products traditionally used in health management of livestock by the Ameru of Buuri district, Meru County, Kenya (n = 48)
| Botanical name [Family] | Local name | Part(s) of plant used | Disease/ill-health condition treated and (the target type of livestock) [local name] | Method(s) of preparation | Herbarium voucher plant specimens’ number | References in literature supporting the claimed uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acacia drepanolobium Harms ex sjostedt [Fabaceae] |
Muruai |
Bark |
Retained placenta (c) [Kuremera thigiri] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/015 |
[9,28,29] |
|
Acacia mearnsii De Wild. [Fabaceae] |
Muthanduku |
Leaves |
Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukolora] |
Infusion |
K/M/B/12-2011/004 |
[30,31] |
|
Acacia xanthophloea Benth. [Fabaceae] |
Murera |
Bark |
Foot and Mouth disease (r, p, c) [Ikunguri] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/029 |
- |
|
Ajuga remota Benth. [Lamiaceae] |
Kirurite |
Leaves Whole plant |
East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari], Newcastle disease (p) [Kuthinka] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Infusion Cold infusion Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/016 |
[29,30,32] |
|
Ajuga remota Benth. [Lamiaceae] |
Kirurite |
leaves |
Lung diseases (c, g, s, p) [Mauri] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/016 |
- |
|
Allium cepa L. [Liliaceae] |
Gitunguru |
Bulb |
Bloat (c) [Kuuna] |
Concoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/034 |
[9,33-36] |
|
Aloe latifolia Haw. [Aloaceae] |
Cukurui |
Leaves |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka], Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] and Sores/Chronic wounds (c, g, s, p, pg ) [Ironda] |
Decoction Decoction Leaf gel |
K/M/B/12-2011/036 |
[7,37,38] |
|
Azadirachta indica A. Juss [Meliaceae] |
Mwarubaine |
Leaves Roots |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya] |
Decoction Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/006 |
[7,9,33,35,36,39-41] |
|
Cannabis sativa L. [Cannabaceae] |
Bangi |
Leaves |
Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa], Pneumonia (p) [Mpio], and Newcastle (p) [Kuthinka] |
Cold Infusion |
K/M/B/12-2011/037 |
[42-44] |
|
Capsicum annuum L. [Solanaceae] |
Nchini |
Fruits |
Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] and dullness (p) [Kuaga inya] Newcastle disease (p) [Kuthinka] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/022 |
[7,9,33,38,41,43,45] |
|
Capsicum frutescens L. [Solanaceae] |
Nchini |
Fruits |
Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/038 |
[7,33] |
|
Carissa spinarum L [Apocynaceae] |
Mukawa |
Roots Roots |
Infertility (s, g) [Kuthata] Poor milk let down (c) [Kuitha iria] Mastitis (c) [Kuimba riere] and Miscarriage (c) [Guta Njau] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/043 |
[9,34,46] |
|
Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium Vis. [Asteraceae] |
Mbeniko |
Flowers |
General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] Specifically Mites, lice and fleas infestation (c, p) [Nthuuga] and Ticks’ infestation (as an aetiologic agent) (c, p, g, s, pg) [Igumba*] |
Concoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/002 |
[7,47-51] |
|
Commiphora eminii (Engl.) J.B. Gillett [Burseraceae] |
Mutunguu |
Leaves Bark |
Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora], Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*], Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] |
Infusion Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/035 |
[39] |
|
Cordia africana Lam [Boraginaceae] |
Muringa |
Leaves Bark |
Eyes diseases(c) [Meetho*] and General weakness (c, g, s, pg) [Kuaga inya] |
Leaves are crushed to extract juice |
K/M/B/12-2011/019 |
[38-41] |
|
Crotalaria laburnifolia L. [Fabaceae] |
Mucugucugu |
Roots |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/021 |
- |
|
Croton megalocarpus Hutch. [Euphorbiaceae] |
Mukinduri |
Bark |
Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/009 |
[7,29,37,40] |
|
Cucumis aculeatus Cogn. [Cucurbitaceae] |
Kamungu |
Fruits |
Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and Loss of feathers (p) [Guta mbui] |
Concoction Fruits are crushed to extract juice |
K/M/B/12-2011/040 |
[9,30,52] |
|
Datura stramonium L. [Solanaceae] |
Sikisiki |
Leaves |
General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] Specifically Mites, lice and fleas infestation (c, p) [Nthuuga], Ticks’ infestation (aetiologic agent) (c, p, g, s, pg) [Igumba*] Newcastle (p) [Kuthinka] and Foot rot (c, g, s, r, pg) [Maronda maguru] |
Concoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/030 |
[9,40,41,53] |
|
Dodonaea angustifolia L.f. [Sapindaceae] |
Murema ngigi |
Roots |
East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/024 |
[30,46,54] |
|
Dovyalis caffra Warb. [Salicaceae] |
Kariaba |
Fruits |
Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora] |
Ripe fruits are crushed to extract the juice |
K/M/B/12-2011/010 |
- |
|
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. [Boraginaceae] |
Murembu |
Roots |
Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] and Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/041 |
[39,55] |
|
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. [Fabaceae] |
Muuti |
Bark and roots |
Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/020 |
[7,39,42] |
|
Euclea divinorum Hiern. [Ebenaceae] |
Mukirinyei |
Fruits Roots |
Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] and Constipation (c, g, s) [Ntigana*] |
Decoction Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/044 |
[7,29,30,55] |
|
Euphorbia candelabrum Kotschy [Euphorbiaceae] |
Kibubungi |
Bark/ Latex |
East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari] |
|
K/M/B/12-2011/001 |
[7,9,29,30,40,52,55] |
|
Ficus thonningii Bl. [Moraceae] |
Mugumo |
Bark |
Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/039 |
[7,30,40,55] |
|
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. [Bignoniaceae] |
Murantina |
Bark |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and Dystochia (an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour) (c) [Kuremera njau] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/023 |
[9,32,34,37,39,55] |
|
Lantana camara L. [Verbenaceae] |
Muchomoro |
Leaves |
Pneumonia (c, s) [Mpio] and Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/042 |
[7,39,40,49-51] |
|
Nicotiana tabacum L. [Solanaceae] |
Mbaki |
Leaves |
General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] and Specifically Mites, lice and fleas infestation (c, p) [Nthuuga] |
Concoction Fumigation |
K/M/B/12-2011/025 |
[7,9,29,42,55] |
|
Olea europaea L. [Oleaceae] |
Mutero |
Bark |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/032 |
[7,9,30,33,46] |
|
Plectranthus barbatus Andr. [Lamiaceae] |
Kijara |
Roots Leaves |
Pneumonia (c) [Mpio] and Fresh wounds (c, g, s, pg) [Gutemwa] |
Decoction Leaves are crushed and juice squeezed. |
K/M/B/12-2011/028 |
[7,30,32,37,52] |
|
Plumeria alba L. [Apocynaceae] |
Mubono |
Leaves |
Fresh wounds (c, g ,s) [Gutemwa] |
Leaves are crushed and juice squeezed. |
K/M/B/12-2011/045 |
[39] |
|
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman [Rosaceae] |
Mueria |
Bark |
Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora] |
Concoction (boiled and mixed with honey) |
K/M/B/12-2011/048 |
[7,46,53,55] |
|
Ricinus communis L. [Euphorbiaceae] |
Muariki |
Leaves and Seeds |
East Coast fever [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari] and Bloat (c) [Kuuna] |
Concoction. Seeds are crushed to extract oil |
K/M/B/12-2011/026 |
[7,30,39,42,45] |
|
Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. [Polygonaceae] |
Muraiguna |
Leaves |
Eye diseases (Conjuctivitis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Meetho*] |
Juice is squeezed into the eyes |
K/M/B/12-2011/003 |
[39] |
|
Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby [Fabaceae] |
Kirao |
Leaves Roots |
Anaplasmosis (c) [Ntigana*] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Decoction Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/005 |
[7,30,35,39,52,55] |
|
Senna septemtrionalis (Viv.) H. Irwin & Barneby [Fabaceae] |
Kirao |
Roots |
Anaplasmosis (c) [Ntigana*] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Infusion |
K/M/B/12-2011/011 |
[35,39,56] |
|
Solanecio mannii (Hook.f.) C. Jeffrey [Asteraceae] |
Mutoromboro |
Leaves |
Anaplasmosis (c) [Ntigana*] and Typanosomiasis (c, g) [Mutombo] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/017 |
[7,30,55] |
|
Solanum indicum L. [Solanaceae] |
Ntongu |
Fruits |
Skin rashes (p) [Weere] and Loss of feather (p) [Guta mbui] |
|
K/M/B/12-2011/046 |
[57,58] |
|
Solanum incanum L. [Solanaceae] |
Mutongu |
Roots Fruits |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka], Lumpy Skin Disease (c) [Ngoci] and Foot rot(c, g, s, r, pg) [Maronda maguru] |
Decoction Fruit extract Concoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/031 |
[9,29,33,40,59] |
|
Stephania abyssinica (Dill. & A. Rich.) Walp. [Menispermaceae] |
Gatamba nathi |
Roots |
Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/007 |
[55] |
|
Synadenium compactum N. E. Br. [Euphorbiaceae] |
Muthuuri |
Latex/ Stem |
East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari] |
Latex is applied to the swollen lymph nodes. |
K/M/B/12-2011/014 |
[6,30] |
|
Tagetes minuta L. [Asteraceae] |
Mubangi |
Leaves |
General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] |
Concoction Fumigation |
K/M/B/12-2011/027 |
[7,9,30,35,40,49,50,60] |
|
Tephrosia vogelii Hook. f. [Fabaceae] |
Mucugucugu |
Leaves |
General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] |
Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/047 |
[7,9,33,34,40,49,50] |
|
Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd. [Lamiaceae] |
Kiaraka |
Leaves |
Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*], Typanosomiasis (c, g) [Mutombo] and Miscarriage (c) [Guta Njau] |
Concoction / Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/012 |
[6,39,42,44] |
|
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray [Asteraceae] |
Kingana |
Leaves |
General ectoparasites (c) [Ngumba] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] |
Concoction Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/018 |
[7,30] |
|
Vangueria infausta Burch. [Rubiaceae] |
Mubiru |
Roots |
Pneumonia (c, g, s, p) [Mpio] |
Infusion |
K/M/B/12-2011/013 |
- |
|
Warburgia ugandensis Sprague [Canellaceae] |
Muthiga/ Musunui |
Bark Leaves Roots |
Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] Pneumonia (c, g, s, p) [Mpio] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya] |
Infusion Decoction |
K/M/B/12-2011/033 |
[29,30,61] |
| Zea mays L. [Poaceae] | Mpempe | Maize cob | Retained placenta (c) [Kuremera thigiri] | Maize cob is burnt, grinded into fine powder and mixed with water | K/M/B/12-2011/008 | [35,45] |
Key:c–cattle; g–goats; s–sheep; p–poultry; pg–pigs; r-ruminants; m-mammals; Vernacular names of plants and animals’ disease(s) and/or ill-health condition(s) based on the consensus of key respondents and local government veterinarians working in Buuri district, Meru County.
*Name used to describe two or more closely related livestock diseases/conditions/ill-health.