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Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine logoLink to Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
. 2018 Jul 25;14:51. doi: 10.1186/s13002-018-0238-3

First large-scale ethnobotanical survey in the province of Uíge, northern Angola

Thea Lautenschläger 1,, Mawunu Monizi 2, Macuntima Pedro 2, José Lau Mandombe 2, Makaya Futuro Bránquima 2, Christin Heinze 1, Christoph Neinhuis 1
PMCID: PMC6060550  PMID: 30045744

Abstract

Background

Angola suffered a long-lasting military conflict. Therefore, traditional knowledge of plant usage is still an important part of cultural heritage, especially concerning the still very poor health care system in the country. Our study documents for the first time traditional knowledge of plant use of local Bakongo communities in the northern province of Uíge on a large scale with a focus on medicinal plants and puts data in context to different parameters of age, gender and distance to the provincial capital.

Methods

Field work was carried out during nine field trips in 13 municipalities between October 2013 and October 2016. In 62 groups, 162 informants were interviewed. Herbarium specimens were taken for later identification. Database was analysed using Relative Frequency of Citations, Cultural Importance Index, and Informant Consensus Factor. Furthermore, significances of influence of age, gender and distance were calculated.

Results

Our study presents 2390 use-reports, listing 358 species in 96 plant families, while just three out of 358 mentioned species are endemic to Angola about one-fifth are neophytes. The larger the distance, the higher the number of use citations of medical plants. Although women represent just a fifth of all citations (22%), their contribution to medicinal plants was proportionally even higher (83%) than those of men (74%). Fifty percent of all plants mentioned in the study were just listed by men, 12% just by women. We made some new discoveries, for example. Gardenia ternifolia seems to be promising for treatment of measles, and Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata has never been ethnobotanically nor phytochemically investigated.

Conclusions

While the study area is large, no significant influence of the distance in regard to species composition in traditional healer’s concepts of the respective village was pointed out. Although several plants were just mentioned by women or men, respectively, no significant restriction to gender-specific illnesses in medical plant use could be found. Merely concerning the age of informants, a slight shift could be detected.

Graphical abstract

Visual representation of the ethnobotanical study in Uíge, northern Angola.graphic file with name 13002_2018_238_Figa_HTML.jpg

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13002-018-0238-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Angola, Ethnobotany, Influence of distance, Gender-specific, Neophytes

Background

Angola is regarded as a country with an unusually rich biodiversity covering a high amount of vegetation zones and habitats [1, 2]. Although several botanists, among them Friedrich Welwitsch (1806–1872), Hugo Baum (1867–1950) and John Gossweiler (1873–1952), visited and studied this richness, the war lasting 40 years did not allow them to carry out continuous botanical or ethnobotanical investigations [1]. Bossard (1987, 1993) investigated Ovimbundu traditional medicine, listing plant names just in Ovimbundu language without identifying botanical species [3, 4]. Nowadays, the considerable work of Figueiredo and Smith [1] creating a plant checklist for the country with about 7000 species represents a useful database for following and future studies. While quite a number of surveys were conducted in Southern Angola, just a few are located in the northern part [5, 6]. Göhre et al. [7] collected ethnobotanical data in disturbed areas around the city of Uíge. Monizi et al. [8] described a high variety of wild plants used for securing human survival in Ambuila, one of the 16 municipalities in the province of Uíge [8]. Heinze et al. [9] conducted the first ethnobotanical studies in the neighbouring province Cuanza Norte. Specific descriptions of fibre uses were given by Senwitz et al. [10]. According to the distribution of the ethnic tribe Bakongo, covering northern Angola as well as the adjacent Bas-Congo area, ethnobotanical studies conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo should reveal comparable results of ethnobotanical uses in Angola [11].

Traditional knowledge is essential for the healthy cultural and social life within a society [12]. It is generally assumed that indigenous traditional knowledge information is going to be lost because it is, at least partly no longer essential for the survival of people. This is either due to influences such as the rapid development of rural areas or because of displacement of indigenous people [13, 14]. Although several infrastructure measures were undertaken in Angola, development is still slow, especially regarding the public health sector. Even if child mortality in Africa decreased during the last two decades, it is still very high. More specifically, Angola has the highest rate in Africa and worldwide and, following Sierra Leone the lowest life expectancy for women and men worldwide [15, 16]. Sousa-Figueiredo et al. [17] detected malnutrition and anaemia as public health problems. Smith et al. [18] documented that the overall prevalence of malnutrition is higher in rural than then in urban areas. In this context, ethnobotanical studies in northern Angola seemed reasonable not only in terms of documentation of the current state but urgently needed to record still existing knowledge. Furthermore, Moyo et al. [19] stated that the rich flora of sub-Saharan Africa suggests enormous potential for discovery of new chemical components with therapeutic value.

In our large-scaled survey in the northern province of Uíge, covering about 60,000 km2, 13 out of 16 municipalities were visited, including both savannah and forest formations. Therefore, this study for the first time

  1. Provides an overview of traditional plant uses and health methods in the province of Uíge

  2. Highlights native as well as introduced plant species used in traditional medicine

  3. Analyses the influence of gender, age and distance from the province capital Uíge with regard to uses and methods

Methods

Study area

The studies were conducted in the province of Uíge located in the very north of Angola, bordering in the north and east to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the south to the provinces of Malanje, Cuanza Norte, and Bengo, and in the west to Zaire province (Fig. 1). According to the Köppen climate classification, the province has a tropical wet or dry or savannah climate Aw [20, 21]. This so-called Guineo-Congolian rainforest climate is characterized by a rainy season lasting at least 6 months, relative air humidity above 80% and typical dense fog, locally called Cacimbo [2224]. Due to the global ecoregions map defined by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the province of Uíge covers the ecoregion called the Western Congolian Forest-Savannah Mosaic [25]. A more precise description of the region was given by White [24] who classified Angola north between the Guineo-Congolian and the Zambesian Regions, i.e., the Guinea-Congolian/Zambesian Regional Transition Zone. According to that classification, this zone is characterized by a high complexity since elements of both formations are present. Edaphic conditions and the existence of a diverse topography strongly influence the formation of distinctive patterns of mosaic vegetation shown in Fig. 1c. Barbosa [26] subdivided the area into six vegetation zones, shown in Fig. 1d.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

a Location of Angola in Africa, b province of Uíge in Angola, c mosaic of forest and savannah patches in the municipality of Ambuila (d) map of study area with vegetation zones, collection sites marked with a black dot and circles representing the distance to Uíge city: inner circle ≤ 160 km, outer circle > 160 km; vegetation zones according to Barbosa [26]. Carta fitogeográfica de Angola. Instituto de Investigação Científica de Angola, Luanda. Graphic: Andreas Kempe

The long lasting war in Angola had a highly negative impact on biodiversity [27]. But also prior to the conflicts, several species of economic value on international timber markets like Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg or species of Entandrophragma were historically exploited and are still under increasing pressure [22]. This rising forest loss is confirmed by global analysis of satellite data [28]. Moyo et al. [19] calculate for Guinean Forests in West Africa a remaining area of 15%. On the other hand, the National Report on forest resources by the FAO [29], based on data captured by Horsten, reported not more than 4% of the Uíge area as productive [7, 30]. Beside deforestation, Göhre et al. [7] reported uncontrolled burning caused by growing agricultural activities. Hence, large areas are heavily disturbed anthropogenically resulting in an increased abundance of Zambezian floristic elements following the destruction of the original vegetation leaving only secondary grass- and woodland [24]. Recordings in the remaining forest patches exhibit tropical rainforest and savannah species assemblages comparable with the Bas-Congo region [11, 31, 32].

Since the vegetation formations are very heterogeneous, traditional use of plants by people is prevalent and manifold. The province comprises 16 municipalities, covering an area of 58.698 km2 inhabited by more than 1.4 million people [33], the majority of which belongs to the Kikongo speaking Bakongo ethnic group [33]. As this Bantu group is also living in the neighbouring countries Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Gabon, manifold influences caused by migration due to political problems and conflicts are part of its culture. Very little is known about the health care system in Angola. Faith-based organizations’ contribution to Angola’s health care system is very low, compared to other sub-Saharan countries [34]. In turn, the government is cutting the health budget due to the falling prices for oil [35]. The lack of health infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is a serious problem resulting in the constant importance of traditional healers and herbal medicines [36].

Data collection

Data sampling was carried out between 5° 58′ 59.2″ and 7° 56′ 59.4″ southern latitude and between 14° 33′ 53.7″ and 16° 17′ 04.5″ longitude, covering 35 localities in 13 municipalities (Fig. 1). According to the distance from the provincial capital Uíge, two distance levels A (≤ 160 km) and B (170–330 km) were defined. During nine field trips between October 2013 and October 2016, 162 informants were involved in the study, 30 of those were interviewed on their own, 132 were interviewed in groups of two to five persons, bringing the total number of interviews to 62. In advance, the University Kimpa Vita formulated credentials to inform the mayors of the municipalities about the planned activities. To establish contact with potential informants, local authorities of the visited villages (called soba and seculo) were informed about the aims and methods of the study and asked to suggest persons with experience in traditional medicine that might participate (prior informed consent). Hence, all the interviews were conducted with at least one traditional herbalist sometimes accompanied by laypeople. We tried to form a gender-balanced research without violating cultural and/or sacred taboos [37]. The specification of the obtained knowledge varied from location to location and person to person. Information was collected during semi-structured interviews, transect walks and group discussions [38]. Criteria used to define the uses reported are based on informant’s statements. Since Silva et al. [39] recommended vegetation inventories to guarantee a correct identification of species and better identification by informants, walks into the traditionally used plant collecting areas were always part of interviews, including forest and savannah formations, since these two habitats alternate very frequently. During field-work, Portuguese language was mainly used, however, in some cases, Angolan colleagues translated into Kikongo. Gender and age of every informant was documented wherever possible. In those cases where the informant did not know his exact age, it was estimated whether the person was younger or older than 40. The following data sets were requested: local plant name, its usage, used plant part and preparation techniques. In case of medicinal plants administration techniques were also documented. Local market surveys and field trips for collecting herbarium specimens completed the investigations. All processes of the surveys were permitted and accompanied by the local authorities. Following the advice made by Ramirez [14] to allow a better contribution and exchange of knowledge, we invited several informants to our presentations and discussions at the University Kimpa Vita in Uíge city. The code of ethics of the International Society of Ethnobiology was followed. The study was carried out in compliance with the agreement of Access and Benefit Sharing. For identification, plants were photographed and plant voucher specimens were collected, dried and stored at the Dresden herbarium (Herbarium Dresdense), Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. In a Memorandum of Understanding between the Instituto Nacional da Biodiversidade e Áreas de Conservação (INBAC), Angola and the Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, signed in 2014, it was agreed upon that duplicates will be returned to Angola as soon as appropriate conditions to store the herbarium vouchers are established. The Ministry of Environment Angola and the Province Government of Uíge issued the required collection and export permits. Identification of collected plant specimens and data analysis was completed in Dresden, Germany. For identification, several floristic works were used: Conspectus Florae Angolensis [40], Plantas de Angola [1], Flore Analytique du Bénin [41], Flora of Tropical West Africa [4246], and Flora Zambesiaca [47]. Additional information was retrieved from Kew Herbarium Catalogue [48] and Naturalis Biodiversity Center [49]. Furthermore, for some plant families, specialists were consulted. The Herbario LISC and Herbario COI were visited in July 2016 and 2017 for comparing plant samples [50]. Use-reports of identified plants were only included in the results if the specimen was at least determined to genus level. The nomenclature used refers to Plantlist.org. Voucher specimen numbers of Herbarium Dresdense as well as photo voucher numbers are given in Table 1. Due to the poor availability of data regarding the information of endangered species, Table 1 includes only additional details on endemism and states of neophytes.

Table 1.

Overview of all collected and identified useful plants from the Province Uíge: Species listed alphabetically; additional information on usage, used plant part (PP), preparation and administration, use category (UC), number of citations and number of informants. Species information provided: Origin: E = endemic; + = listed; (-) = not listed; * = naturalised according to Plants of Angola (Figueiredo and Smith, 2008); vernacular names in Portugues (Port.) and Kikongo (Kik.); Voucher number according to Herbarium Dresdense or Foto voucher (F); Plant parts: B = bark, BU = bulb, F =fruit, FL = flower, L = leaf, LA = latex, MY = mycel, R = root, RE = resin, RH = RH, S = seed, SS= stem sap, ST = stem, W = whole plant, WO = wood; Use Category: C = drugs and cigarettes, D = domestic and charcoal, F = hunting and fishing, H = handicrafts, L = ludic, M = medicine, N = nutrition, O = other, R = ritual, T = dental care and cosmetics

Species Usage PP Preparation Administration UC Citations Informants
Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, Kiabo (Port.), Kingombo (Kik.), Kiabua, F_01 Diabetes L Decoction Oral M 1 2
Diarrhea L Decoction Oral M 1
Intestinal inflammation L Decoction Oral M 1
Nutrition F N 1
Abrus precatorius L., Dinzenze, Dienguele (Kik.), 44228 Activates lactation L Crudité Oral M 2 2
Cough L Crudité Oral M 1
Erectile dysfunction L Crudité Oral M 1
Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr., Lunzunzu lua mpembe (Kik.) Ndondondo, 43828 Costal pain L Balm Dermal M 1 2
Support birth (faster) L Decoction Oral M 1
- Acanthospermum glabratum (DC.) Wild, Matata, Madiata (Kik.), 43361 Infection legs L Balm Dermal M 1 3
Migraine W Roast, Pulverize Dermal M 1
Open fontanelle (baby, old people) L Balm Dermal M 1
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1
Yellow fever L Balm Dermal M 1
Acanthospermum hispidum DC., Madiatadiata (Kik.), 42727 Skin disease L Dermal M 2 2
Acanthus montanus (Nees) T.Anderson, Kekasanga, Nkeka ngô (Kik.), Indulumba, sosongui, 43375 Angina pectoris L Decoction Oral M 1 7
Epilepsy R Decoction M 1
Hepatitis L M 1
High blood pressure L Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility L Roast, Pulverize Oral M 3
Leg pain L Crudité Dermal M 1
Nutrition L N 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Bath, Dermal M 2
Stomach pains L Enema M 1
Adansonia digitata L., Imbondeiro (Port.), Nkondo (Kik.), Mucua, F_02 Lemonade F N 1 1
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1
Adenia cissampeloides (Planch. ex Hook.) Harms, Nkawu (Kik.), 45030 Infertility women R M 1 1
Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl., Mukekete, Nkenkete (Kik.), Muloa, 43834 Epilepsy SS Crudité Eyes Drops M 1 5
Nutrition L Oral N 4
Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) K.Schum., Gingengue (Port.), Mansasa, Mansansa ma londe, Manzunja, Ntundulu (Kik.), Linguenga, dizaza Xinguenga, Mazasa da queimada, mazaza gingenga, nzaza, Ntundabala, Kizaza, 44161 Antibiotic R Maceration Oral M 1 16
Bloody urin R Maceration M 1
Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1
Convulsion L, SS Crudité Nose Drops M 1
Diabetes R Decoction Hip Bath M 1
Epilepsy R, ST Decoction, Maceration, Crudité Enema, Bath M 4
Epilepsy L Percolation Eye Drop M 2
Hernia R Enema M 1
Inflammation legs R Crudité Bath M 2
Low blood pressure R Maceration Oral M 1
Nutrition F N 6
Parsitic worms R Maceration Oral M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Enema, Bath, Dermal, Oral M 8
Sterility (men and women) R Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Maceration Oral M 1
Vertiz ST Decoction Face Wash M 1
Yellow fever R M 1
Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K.Schum., Gingenga da mata (Port.), Mansasa ma mfinda (Kik.), F_04 Nutrition F N 2 2
Yellow fever R M 1
Aframomum melegueta K.Schum., Ndungu za kongo (Kik.), 44226 Mixture component S M 1 3
Spice S N 2
* Agave sisalana Perrine, Fibra de sisal (Port.), Barabate (Kik.), F_05 Fiber plant L F 1 2
Rope L H 1
Agelaea pentagyna (Lam.) Baill., Kamatatu (Kik.), 42832 R M 1 1
L M 1
Agelanthus brunneus (Engl.) Tiegh., Nkunda nkunda (Kik.), 43338 Eye infection L Percolation Eye drops M 1 2
Stomach pains L Decoction Enema M 1
Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L., Fuatakala, Imbuakatela (Kik.), 43160 Vertigo M 1 1
Albizia adianthifolia (Schum.) W.Wight, Mulu (Kik.), mulukai, 44243 Bleeding R Decoction Enema M 1 11
Cold L Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Construction WO D 1
Cough L Crudité Oral M 1
Epilepsy R Decoction, Maceration Enema M 2
Eye parasites R Percolation Eye Drops M 5
Fodder plant L F 1
Headache R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Hemorrhoids L Decoction Enema M 1
Infidelity of father L Roast, Pulverize Oral R 1
Malaria L Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Nosebleed R Percolation Nose Drops M 2
Albizia ferruginea (Guill. & Perr.) Benth., Makaba, Nsuemba (Kik.), 44220 Epilepsy B Decoction Nose Drops M 1 2
Fodder plant L F 1
Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg., Bunza, Gunze, Wunze (Kik.), kibunge,mbunzi, Kimbunza, Guunze, Muunze, lumbunze, Kiunzia, 42586 Anaemia L Decoction Oral M 1 12
Anaemia B Decoction Oral M 1
Bloody diarrhea R, L Decoction Oral M 2
Decoration graveyard F R 1
Diarrhea L, B Decoction Oral M 2
Eye pain R Percolation Eye Drops M 2
Fire wood WO D 1
Hemorrhoids L Suppository Rectal M 1
Hunting birds F F 1
Open cervix L Balm Anal, Vaginal M 2
Otitis L Percolation Ear Drops M 1
Parasites in eyes R Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Skin disease L, B Balm, Decoction Dermal, oral M 3
Surgery wounds L Infusion Oral M 1
Toothache L, B Decoction Oral M 4
Weakness L, B Decoction Oral M 2
- Allium sativum L., Alho (Port.), F_06 Infertility BU Decoction Oral M 2 2
Stomach pains BU Decoction Oral M 1
Allophylus africanus P.Beauv., Mbanzu mbanzu (Kik.), 41878 Fodder plant L F 2 2
Aloe buettneri A.Berger, Ba dia Nseke (Kik.), kikalango, ndende, 43280 Cough L Crudité Oral M 1 6
Erectile dysfunction ST Decoction Oral M 1
Gonorrhea L, SS Crudité Vaginal M 1
Headache L Balm Dermal M 1
Hernia R Decoction Enema M 1
Mixture component L M 1
Splenomegaly L Decoction Enema M 2
Alvesia rosmarinifolia Welw., Mazima-zima, Mfinguila (Kik.), 43910 Open fontanelle (baby, old people) L Balm Dermal M 1 2
Pain L, ST Infusion Dermal M 2
Vertigo L Balm Dermal, Nose Drops M 2
* Amaranthus caudatus L., Biteku teku, Bowa (Kik.), Gimboa, 43908 Nutrition L N 2 2
* Anacardium occidentale L., Cajú, Cajueiro (Port.), Nkazuwa (Kik.), F_06 Nutrition F, S N 4 3
Vertiz B Decoction Bath M 1
* Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., Abacaxi (Port.),Nanazi (Kik.), F_07 Backache F Fermentation Oral M 1 1
Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl., Nsadia kiula (Kik), 44160 Earache ST Put into Fire Emitted Spume into Ear M 1 2
Splenomegaly BU Decoction Inhalation M 1
Aneilema beninense, Mpimpita (Kik.), 42713 Nutrition L N 1 1
Anisophyllea quangensis Engl. ex Henriq., Mfungua (Kik.), mfuongo, Ifungu, xifungu, 43266 Cough L Decoction Oral M 1 7
Eye parasites R Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Lung problems L Decoction Oral M 1
Nutrition F N 6
Nutrition L N 1
Scoliosis R Decoction Dermal M 2
- Anisophyllea sororia Pierre, lufuongo, F_09 Nutrition F N 1 1
- Annona muricata L., SSi SSi (Port.), Mbundu a ngombe (Kik.), 44055 Nutrition F N 1 1
Annona senegalensis Pers., Lolo kIambulu, Lolo (Kik.), F_10 Bloody diarrhea R Decoction Enema M 1 3
Nutrition F N 1
Stomach pains L, R Decoction, Infusion Oral M 4
Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata (Oliv.) N.Robson, Lolo, Lolo kia ndamba, Nlolo a mpolo, Nzelenge (Kik.), nolopolo, muloloa, Loloalolo, mulolo, molo, Nlolo kafioti, lolonbulu, malolo, dilolo, 43204 After loss of pregnancy R Maceration Enema M 1 23
Anaemia L Decoction, Infusion Oral, Bath M 5
Anaemia R Decoction Oral M 1
Appendix R Maceration Enema M 1
Backache L, R Decoction Oral M 2
Cleaning stomach L, R Decoction Oral M 2
Constipation R Decoction, Maceration Enema M 2
Cryptorchidism R Maceration Oral, Enema M 2
Diarrhea R Decoction Enema M 1
Epilepsy R Decoction, Maceration Enema M 2
Hemorrhoids R Decoction Oral M 1
Hernia R Maceration Oral, Enema M 2
Infertility women R Decoction M 1
Influenza R Maceration Bath M 1
Malaria R Maceration Bath M 1
Nutrition F N 13
Open cervix L M 1
Parasitic worms R Maceration Oral M 1
Scoliosis R, L Decoction Dermal M 2
Stomach pains R Decoction, Maceration Oral M 4
Tea L Infusion N 2
Typhus L Decoction, Infusion Oral M 2
- Antidesma laciniatum var. Membranaceum Müll.Arg., Munzevo nzevo (Kik.) 43259 Bleedings F Decoction Oral M 1 1
Antidesma venosum E.Mey. ex Tul., Mfutila (Kik.), 43868 Skin disease F Swallowing M 1 1
- Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson ex F.A.Zorn) Fosberg, Fruta pão (Port.), Santu Petelo (Kik.), 42674 Nutrition F N 1 1
Asparagus drepanophyllus Welw. ex Baker, Nlandu, Timba timba (Kik.), malekatanga, F_11 Cryptorchidism BU Chewing M 1 2
Strong menstruation BU M 1
Asparagus laricinus Burch., Mandioca (Port.), Dioko dia nkama, Nsensa mpakasa, Nzezangoma (Kik.), 44003 Backache R M 1 4
Cough BU Crudité Oral M 1
Erectile dysfunction BU Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Headache BU Balm Dermal M 1
Infertility (male) BU Eat Oral M 1
Menstruation (severe) RH Decoction Enema M 1
Nosebleed M 1
Stomach pains BU Decoction Enema M 1
Asparagus spec., Nsesa mpakasa (Kik.), 44737 Cough BU Chewing, Cook Oral M 2 3
Erectile dysfunction BU Crudité, Maceration In Palm Wine Oral M 3
- Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Neem, 44233 Stomach pains L M 1 1
Baccharoides guineensis (Benth.) H.Rob., Matita, Nkokomakioko, Nsakaba (Kik.), 43279 Baso BU Crudité Enema M 1 9
Body pain BU Balm Dermal M 1
Burns L Balm Dermal M 1
Constipation BU Pulverize Enema M 1
Cough BU Crudité Oral M 1
Diarrhea BU Maceration Oral M 1
Headache BU Balm Dermal M 1
Inflammation testicles BU Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Injury BU Balm Dermal M 1
Lack of appetite BU Crudité Oral M 1
Sprain BU Balm, Chewing, Tie Around Belly Dermal, Oral M 5
Stomach pains BU Crudité, Decoction Oral, Enema M 4
Trap for mole BU F 1
- Bambusa vulgaris Schrad., Bamboo (Port.), Tutu dia mputu (Kik.), F_13 Construction ST D 2 3
Erosion control W O 1
- Baphia chrysophylla Taub.
Mbidimbidi, Mbidi (Kik.) Ntandambínza F_14
Bloody urin R Decoction Enema M 1 2
Urinal infection R Maceration Oral M 1
Barteria nigritana Nzumizumi (Kik.) 42749 Skin disease L Decoction Dermal M 1 1
Basella alba L. F_16 Nutrition L N 1 1
Bauhinia thonningii Schum. Pata do boi (Port.), Nsakala (Kik.) loloa, musakala 43847 Diabetes R, SS Oral M 1 8
Diarrhea B Decoction Oral M 1
Hemorrhoids B Decoction Oral M 1
Open cervix B Crudité, Decocton Vaginal, Oral, Bath M 3
Tool handle WO D 2
Typhus B Decoction Oral M 1
Weakness after birth B Decoction Bath M 1
Bidens pilosa L. Kimananganzi, Kolokoso (Kik.) 42743 Tea L N 1 2
W M 1
Biophytum umbraculum Welw. Zambakonono (Kik.) 43236 Chills W Decoction Enema M 1 2
Weakness W Decoction Bath M 1
Bobgunnia madagascariensis (Desv.) J.H.Kirkbr. & Wiersema Nzuku (Kik.) muzuku, nsambozeke 43829 Fever B Maceration Enema M 1 2
Open fontanelle L Balm Dermal M 1
Rattle F L 1
* Boerhavia diffusa L. Ditumbato (Kik.) Hepatitis W Maceration Enema M 1 3
Malaria W Maceration Enema M 1
Malaria L M 1
Snakebite L M 1
Yellow fever L Decoction Bath M 1
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. Kwidi, Nkuidi (Kik.) 44141 Nutrition WO N 1 1
Tobacco B C 1
Brassica spec. Couve (Port.), Nkove (Kik.) 42794 Nutrition L N 1 1
Brenandendron donianum (DC.) H.Rob. Mundala ndala (Kik.) 44115 Headache L Balm, Maceration Dermal M 2 4
High fever children L Decoction Bath M 1
Package L O 1
Bridelia ferruginea Benth. Mukalakala, Mwindu, Nkangati (Kik.), munkangati, mukala 44197 Anaemia B Decoction Oral, Enema M 2 15
Bleeding R Decoction Enema M
Bloody diarrhea B, R Decoction Oral M 3
Construction WO D 1
Cough B M 1
Diarrhea L Crudité Oral M 1
Diarrhea B Maceration Oral M 1
Dysentery R Decoction Oral M 1
Fodder plant L F 2
Headache B Smoking M 1
Healing wounds B Incinerate Dermal M 1
Injury B Balm Dermal M 3
Injury R Balm Dermal M 1
Open cervix B Crudité Vaginal M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Strong menstruation B Maceration Oral M 1
Tobacco B Incinerate Nose Drops C 2
Weakness R Crudité Oral M 1
Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill. Minzundu, Mukalakala da mata (Kik.) 44224 Fodder plant L F 6 6
Brillantaisia owariensis P.Beauv. Lemba lemba, Malembalemba (Kik.) 44259 Against storms (totosimalembosi) L R 1 11
Burn injuries L Incinerate Dermal M 1
Crying baby L, R Put into Cradle Dermal M 2
Epilepsy L Maceration Dermal M 1
Growth from the stump L D 1
Headache L Infusion, Maceration Oral, Dermal M 4
Heart problems L Infusion Oral M 2
High blood pressure L M 1
Infertility women L Roast Oral M 1
Madness R, L Percolation Nose Drops M 2
Many uses L Infusion M 1
Solves problems L R 1
Stomach pains L Infusion Oral M 2
Stress L M 1
Struck by lightning L Crudité Oral M 2
Tachycardia L M 1
- Brugmansia versicolor Lagerh. F_17 Insect bite L Balm Dermal M 1 1
Snake bite L Balm Dermal M 1
Burkea africana Hook. Kilobo (Kik.) 44200 Fodder plant L F 3 3
* Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., Mbwengwe, Wando (Kik.), Muando, feijao uandu 44033 Nutrition S N 3 4
Parasites in eyes L Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Calamus deerratus G.Mann & H.Wendl., Junco (Port.), Mbamba (Kik.) 44125 Construction ST D 1 2
Rattan ST H 2
Calvoa seretii De Wild., Nzikinseke (Kik.) 43333 Nutrition L Decoction N 1 1
Canarium schweinfurtii Engl., Kimfwabidi, Mbidi, Mfuambidi (Kik.), Obafu, mumbidi, mbafu F_18 Asthma RE Decoction Oral M 1 8
Backache B Enema M 1
Candle RE O 2
Cough RE Burn Incense Inhalation M 2
Energy source RE D 1
Fodder plant L F 1
Incense RE R 1
Mixture component RE M 1
Nutrition F N 3
Parasitic worms RE Sucking Oral M 1
Stomach pains RE Pulverize, Sucking Oral M 2
B M 1
- Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC., Feijão (Port.), Madezo, Nkasa (Kik.) F_19 Nutrition S Cook Oral M 1 1
* Canna indica L. 42701 Pain when breathing R Crudité Dermal M 1 2
Toys S L 1
- Capsicum annuum, Ndungu za kongo, Ndungu za matebo (Kik.), 42694 Hemorrhoids F Decoction Enema M 1 3
Madness F Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Nutrition F N 1
* Capsicum frutescens, Gindungu (Port.), Ndungu (Kik.) F_21 Nutrition F N 3 3
* Carica papaya L., Mamão (Port.), Papayi (Kik.) F_22 Backache L Crudité Anal M 1 14
Backache R Decoction Oral M 1
Bloody urin R Maceration M 1
Caries R Decoction Mouth Wash M 1
Diabetes R Decoction Oral M 1
Diarrhea R M 2
Diarrhea caused by breast milk L Maceration Oral M 1
Fertility men R Decoction Oral M 1
Flatulence L Balm Dermal M 1
Gonorrhoea R Decoction Oral M 1
Hemorrhoids R Balm, Decoction Dermal, Enema M 2
Induced abortion R Decoction Oral M 1
Injury R Balm Dermal M 1
Madness R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Potency R Decoction Oral M 1
Toothache R Decoction Mouth Wash M 3
Typhus R Decoction Oral M 1
Yellow fever R Decoction Oral M 1
- Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don, 43937 Amoeba R Decotion Oral M 1 3
Beauty, decoration FL R 1
Decoration FL R 1
Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn., Mfuma (Kik.), mufumeira, Kapok 42781 Anaemia B Decoction Oral M 1 2
Canoe construction WO H 1
* Celosia argentea L., sankokolo 43935 Decoration FL R 1 1
Nutrition L N 1
Celosia trigyna L. 43173 Epilepsy L, R Maceration Enema M 2 2
Nutrition L N 1
Celtis gomphophylla Baker, Munzunzua mfinda (Kik.) 44219 Fodder plant L F 1 1
Cereus spec., Nsoma (Kik.) F_23 Lightning conductor W O 1 1
Ceropegia bonafouxii K.Schum. 43253 Skin disease L Balm M 1 1
Chaetocarpus africanus Pax, Kosu kosu, Nkovola, Nkungui a nteka, Nkunguteka (Kik.) 43229 Animal trap ST F 1 5
Cough L Infusion Oral M 1
Fungi on skin F, L Balm Dermal M 2
Lepra L Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Mpungu = bad magic (inflammation arms, genital area) L Decoction M 1
Chassalia cristata (Hiern) Bremek., nlotunlotu F_74 Skin disease R Balm Dermal M 1 1
Skin parasites R Balm Dermal M 1
Chlorophora excelsa (Welw.) Benth., Moreira (Port.), Nkamba (Kik.), murere 44231 Construction WO D 3 4
Infection ST M 1
- Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob., Kongo ya sika, Mubutu (Port.), mabutu, wasabanga, kabukila, Nguengele, Ntumisina 42706 Backache L Crudité Dermal M 1 17
Body pain L Pulverize Dermal M 1
Cold L Decoction Inhalation M 1
Fever L Balm Dermal M 1
Flu L Infusion Oral M 1
High fever L Decoction Oral, Steam Bath M 2
Injury L Balm Dermal M 6
Injury L Pulverize Oral M 1
Malaria L Decoction Oral, Inhalation, Enema M 5
Soil improvement W O 1
Stomach pains L Decoction Oral M 2
Stomach pains (reason: dirty water) L Maceration Oral M 1
Wounds L Balm, Tincture Dermal M 3
Chrysophyllum cf. bangweolense R.E.Fr., Ngonti, Nkosi nti, Ntele (Kik.), muhonga 44156 Constipation R Decoction Enema M 2 4
Hernia R Decoction Enema M 1
Leg ache R Balm Dermal M 1
Parasitic worms R Decoction Enema M 1
Snakebite R Balm Dermal M 1
Splenomegaly children R Balm Dermal M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Enema M 2
Cissus rubiginosa (Welw. ex Baker) Planch,
Faz tudo (Port.), Katambadi, Nkatakata kahendanga, Nkata mbadi, Nkokila mbundu (Kik.), holamo zunzu 42591
Arm pain ST Crudité Dermal M 1 12
Bloody diarrhea L Decoction Enema M 1
Hernia R Enema M 1
Inflammation L Balm Dermal M 1
Inflammation testicles BU Decoction Enema, Testicles M 2
Injury M
Leg pain ST Balm, Crudité Dermal M 2
Nutrition F N 1
Red eyes L Decoction, Percolation Oral, Eye Drops M 2
Rheumatism F Balm Dermal M 1
Skin disease R Balm Dermal M 1
Sprain F Balm Dermal M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Struck by lightning L Balm Dermal M 1
Struck by lightning R Enema M 1
Yellow fever L Decoction Oral M 1
- Citrus reticulata Blanco, Tangerineira (Port.) Lemonade F Oral N 1 1
Tea L Infusion Oral N 1
Citrus spec., Limão (Port.), Lala dia nsa (Kik.) Bloody urin R Maceration M 1 4
Cake F N 1
Diabetes R Decoction Oral M 1
Gonnorrhe R Decoction Oral M 1
Lemonade F N 1
- Citrus x limon (L.) Osbeck, Limão (Port.) Cold F Dermal M 1 4
Cough F Crudité, Decoction Oral M 2
Desinfection F Dermal M 1
Fertility men F Crudité Oral M 1
Fertility men R Decoction Oral M 1
Skin disease FL Balm Dermal M 1
- Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Laranjeira (Port.) F_28 Angina L Decoction Oral M 1 1
Fever L Decoction Oral M 1
- Clematis hirsuta Guill. & Perr., Feijao maluco (Port.), Mankundia (Kik.), Mutsiatsia 43350 Headache L Percolation Nose Drops M 1 1
- Clematis uhehensis Engl. 44009 Puppet F L 1 1
Clematis villosa DC., Zalandemba (Kik.) 44167 Epilepsy R Maceration Oral M 1 1
Clerodendrum formicarum Gürke, Kinda ngolo, Nlombua mvula (Kik.), Nlombamvula 43286 Infection legs L Balm Dermal M 1 4
Leg ache L Decoction Dermal M 1
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1
Stomach pains L Decoction Enema M 1
Urinal infection L, R Oral M 2
Clerodendrum fuscum Gürke, Maculu (Port.), 44213 Anus infection L Incinerate Dermal M 1 1
Mouth infection L Incinerate Dermal M 1
Clerodendrum splendens G.Don, Kindangolo (Kik.) Parasitic worms L Decoction Oral M 1 1
Stomachache L Decoction Oral M 1
Weakness L Decoction, Maceration Oral M 2
Clerodendrum welwitschii Gürke, Ndia a nzamba (Kik.) 43254 Otitis R M 1 1
Clitandra cymulosa Benth., Madinga, Makalanga (Kik.) 43183 Nutrition F N 2 2
Parasitic worms LA Crudité Enema, Oral M 2
Cnestis corniculata Lam., Kizikizamba (Kik.) 43886 Allergic shock R Maceration Oral M 1 1
Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC. 43890 Nutrition F N 1 1
- Coffea robusta L.Linden Café (Port.), Kafi (Kik.) F_30 Toothache R Decoction Mouth Wash M 1 1
Cogniauxia podolaena Baill., Mpakambai, Mazakanbulu 42751 Chills L Decoction Oral M 1 3
Menstrual cramps R Enema M 1
Splenomegaly R Decoction Enema M 1
Cola acuminata (P.Beauv.) Schott & Endl., Cola (Port.), Makazu (Kik.), Nkazu brasa 41880 Aphrodisiac agent S Pulverize Oral M 1 7
Back pain B Decoction M 1
Backache S Pulverize Oral M 1
Diabetes L Decoction Oral M 1
Diarrhea S Crudité Eat M 1
Hemorrhoids S Crudité Oral M 1
Open fontanelle S Balm Dermal M 1
Ritual S R 1
Stimulants S C 1
Weakness S Pulverize Oral M 1
Colletoecema dewevrei (De Wild.) E.M.A.Petit, Nzekazeka (Kik.) F_31 Cough L Chewing Oral M 1 1
Injury B Balm Dermal M 1
- Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Batata malanga (Port.), Malanga (Kik.) F_32 Nutrition RH N 2 2
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson, Nzenze (Kik.) 43978 Sore throat R Decoction Inhalation M 1 1
Combretum collinum Fresen., mugiti 43881 Construction WO D 1 2
Hemorrhoids L Balm, Decoction Dermal, Enema M 2
Combretum psidioides Welw., Nkukuti (Kik.) 44215 Backache R Apply On Surface Dermal M 1 6
Bloody diarrhea L Decoction Oral M 1
Bronchitis F Pulverize Oral M 1
Construction WO D 1
Diarrhea L, ST Decoction Enema M 2
Hemorrhoids B Balm, Roast Anal M 2
Hemorrhoids R Crudité Anal M
Skin disease B Balm, Decoction Dermal, Bath M 3
Stomach pains L Balm Oral M 1
Combretum racemosum P.Beauv., Nsumbila, N'sumbi, Nsumbi a mbi (Kik.), nsumbiele 44794 Bloody diarrhea L Decoction, Maceration Oral M 2 6
Bloody diarrhea R Maceration Oral M 1
Diarrhea L Maceration Oral M 1
Dysentery L Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Enema M 1
Commelina diffusa Burm.f., Kambuakatela (Kik.) 44029 R M 1 1
Costus afer Ker Gawl., Makenia, Mankene, Matumba tumba, Nsangalavu, Nsangalavua, (Kik.) 46847 Activates lactation ST Chewing Oral M 1 14
Cleaning uterus and testicles ST M 1
Cough L Chewing Oral M 1
Enuresis ST Chewing M 1
Epilepsy ST Chewing Eye Drops M 4
Epilepsy L Maceration Dermal M 1
Eye problems ST Percolation Drop In Eye M 2
Gout W Maceration Enema M 1
Insomnia W Maceration Enema M 1
Mixture component L Chewing Oral M 1
Nutrition L, ST N 2
Parasites in eyes ST Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Trypanosomiasis F Oral M 1
Weakness ST Chewing M 2
Yellow fever ST Chewing Eye Drops M 1
Costus spectabilis (Fenzl) K.Schum., Longa di nseke, Longa dia simbi, Ntesi ntesi (Kik.) 42652 Erectile dysfunction RH Chewing, Maceration Oral, Enema M 3 4
Eye problems RH Percolation Eye Drop M 1
Water belly L M 1
Crassocephalum montuosum (S.Moore) Milne-Redh., Bungudi (Kik.), Bungula 43282 Nutrition L M 1 1
Crassocephalum rubens (Juss. ex Jacq.) S.Moore, Bungudi (Kik.), bungudia 44082 Chest pain L Cook Eat M 1 5
Nutrition L N 4
Crinum spec., Bá dia nseke (Kik.) F_34 Yellow fever BU Decoction Enema M 1 1
Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel. ex G.Don) Benth., Mvala (Kik.), nhala, Vala 43907 Baso children R Enema M 1 10
Cleaning body R Decoction Enema M 1
Cold R M 1
Constipation R Crudité Enema M 1
Diabetes R Enema M 1
Epilepsy R Decoction Nose Drops M 1
Fertility men R Decoction Oral M 1
Flatulence R Crudité, Decoction Enema M 2
Gonorrhoea B Decoction Enema M 1
Harelip R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Headache L Decoction Washing M 1
Headache R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Madness R, L Percolation Nose Drops M 3
Malaria R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal M 1
Sexual potency R Decotion Enema, Oral M 2
Splenomegaly L Enema M 1
Croton mubango Müll.Arg., Mbangu mbangu (Kik.) 44230 Backache B Enema M 1 10
Bodypain B Decoction Oral, Dermal M 2
Bone pain B, L Maceration Enema, Bath M 4
Epilepsy L Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Flu B Decoction Steam Bath M 1
Fodder plant L F 2
Joint pain B, L Maceration Enema, Bath M 4
Malaria B M 1
Scoliosis B Balm Enema, Bath M 2
Scoliosis L Balm Enema, Bath M 2
Shadowtree for coffee plantations W O 1
Stomach pains B Decoction, Maceration Enema, Oral M 2
Toys S L 1
Weakness B Enema, Dermal M 2
Croton sylvaticus Hochst., Ndianga, Nsonia (Kik.) 43127 Urinal infection B Crudité Oral, Enema, Anal M 3 1
Cryptolepis oblongifolia (Meisn.) Schltr., Mukonki (Kik.) 44131 Detoxifying L, R Chewing, Put Behind Ear M 3 2
Erectile dysfunction R Chewing Oral M 1
- Cucurbita maxima Duchesne, Muengeleka, Muteta (Port.), Lenge (Kik.), Kosekelenge F_35 Headache F Balm Dermal M 1 5
Nutrition L, F, S N 4
Vertigo F Incinerate Nose Drops M 1
Culcasia angolensis Welw. ex Schott, Mazanzala ngongolo (Kik.) 44133 Package L O 1 2
Snake bite L Percolation Dermal M 1
* Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Sinde (Kik.) 42882 Appetizing L Decoction Oral M 1 2
Aromatization L Decoction Oral N 1
Cymbopogon densiflorus (Steud.) Stapf, Lunsansangu (Kik.), luzango 43869 Anorexia F Decoction Oral M 1 2
Spice FL Decoction Oral N 1
Stomach pains FL Incinerate Oral M 1
Cyperus articulatus L., Nianga za nkoko, Nsaku nsaku, Tangawisi (Kik.), Capi do Tangauisi, Usakusaku, Nlunianganu nloki 43939 Backache RH Enema M 1 6
Erectile dysfunction RH M 1
Foot infection RH Decoction Enema M 1
Stomach pains RH Enema M 1
Toothache RH Tooth Balm M 1
RH Maceration Oral M 1
RH M 1
Cyperus papyrus L., Papiros (Port.), Mabu (Kik.) F_36 Mat ST H 4 4
Cyperus spec. Rope ST H 1 1
E CyphoSTma stipulaceum (Baker) Desc., Nlembuzu (Kik.) 44139 Sore throat R Balm Dermal M 1 1
Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J.Lam, N´safu (Kik.) F_37 Anaemia L Decoction Bath, Oral M 2 3
Nutrition F N 1
Toothache R, L Decoction Mouth Wash M 2
E Dalbergia carringtoniana Sousa, hela 44174 Epilepsy R Percolation Eye Drops M 1 1
Epilepsy L Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Stomach pains R, L Percolation Eye Drops M 2
Dalbergia nitidula Baker, Katete (Kik.) 44135 Scoliosis R Decoction Dermal M 1 1
Sprain R Decoction Dermal M 1
Daniellia alsteeniana P.A.Duvign., Mulomba (Kik.) 44210 Construction WO D 1 3
Erectile dysfunction R Chewing Oral M 1
Scoliosis R Decoction Bath M 1
Stomach pains ST Decoction Oral M 1
Toothache B Decoction Mouth Wash M 2
Weakness R Decoction Bath M 1
Daniellia klainei A.Chev., Nlomba (Kik.) 43982 Eye infection FL Crudité Eye Drops M 1 1
Eye pain FL Crudité Eye Drops M 1
* Datura metel L., tebu, Trampuapuasó 43938 Drug S Crudité Oral C 1 2
Drug L On Hand Dermal C 1
Hallucinogenic S C 1
* Datura stramonium L. F_38 Rheumatism L Pulverize Dermal M 1 1
Desmodium setigerum (E.Mey.) Harv., Lunzila nzila, Luvuma, Mantata, Mungilagila (Kik.) 43826 Hemorrhoids W Decoction Oral M 1 4
Open fontanelle L Balm Dermal M 1
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1
Splenomegaly W Balm Dermal M 1
* Desmodium cf. tortuosum (Sw.) DC., Malama lama (Kik.) F_39 Antiaborting L Maceration Enema M 1 1
Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. 43831 Infertility women L Cook Eat M 1 1
Dialium englerianum Henriq., Mbota, Mbota, Nsamba nzeke (Kik.), Umbota 43176 Charcoal WO D 2 12
Diarrhea L Chewing Oral M 1
Fodder plant L F 3
Headache B Decoction Oral M 1
Hiccup B Decoction Oral M 1
Lepra B Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Nutrition F N 6
Open fontanelle B Balm Dermal M 1
Parasitic worms B, R Maceration Enema M 2
Scoliosis B Balm Dermal M 2
Scoliosis L Decoction, Infusion Dermal, Oral, Enema M 5
Skin disease B Balm, Crudité Dermal M 2
Thrombosis L, R Decoction Dermal M 2
Toothache B Decoction Inhalation M 1
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn., Mvanga (Kik.) 44232 Anaemia B Balm Dermal M 1 2
Fodder plant L F 1
Dioscorea BUifera L., Nsoko (Kik.) F_40 Nutrition BU Roast Slices N 1 1
Dioscorea praehensilis Benth., Gindunga da mata, Inhame (Port.), Nsende za nkaka, Nsende za sadi, Sadi (Kik.), batata kisadi, mitoto 42602 Bloody diarrhea BU Cooked Oral M 1 8
Constipation ST Decoction Enema M 1
Erectile dysfunction R Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility women BU Boiling Enema M 1
Nutrition BU N 3
Nutrition ST N 2
Sterility (men and women) R Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains BU Cooked Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Diospyros heterotricha (Welw. ex Hiern) F.White, Lufua lua ndombe, Munkonki (Kik.), lufua 43975 Cosmetic R O 3 6
Dental care R Chewing Oral T 4
Nutrition F N 1
Skin disease F Swallowing Oral M 1
Splenomegaly R Maceration Enema M 1
Toothache R Chewing Oral M 1
Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (Müll.Arg.) Pichon, Mvondo ngolo, Vondisila, Nzo (Kik.), Ihondegila, muhondixila, Insenge, Kisengi 42725 Construction WO D 1 11
Diarrhea LA Crudité Oral M 1
Diarrhea R Decoction, Pulverize Oral M 2
Diarrhea children R Chewing, Decoction Oral, Enema M 2
Epilepsy L Decoction Steam Bath M 1
Gastrointestinal disease R Pulverize Oral M 1
Glue LA O 2
Mosquito repellent LA Crudité Oral M 1
Parasitic worms R Crudité, Maceration Oral M 2
Snake bite LA Crudité Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Chewing, Crudité, Decoction, Maceration Oral, Enema, Dermal M 5
Vertigo L Decoction Dermal, Oral M 3
Dissotis spec., Mpangi mpangi, Nzangani (Kik.) F_41 Baso L Decoction Enema, Oral M 2 3
Open fontanelle L Balm Dermal M 1
Dombeya burgessiae Gerrard ex Harv. 43954 Rope ST H 1 1
Dorstenia psilurus Welw., Mikombo (Kik.) F_42 Back pain R M 2 6
Chest pain R Decoction Oral M 1
Cough R Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility (male) M 1
Malaria R M 1
Scoliosis R Decoction Oral M 1
So hide marihuana R C 1
Splenomegaly S Decoction Enema M 1
Stomach pains R M 2
Weakness R Maceration Oral M 1
R M 1
Dracaena camerooniana Baker, Nsalabakala (Kik.) F_43 Nutrition L N 2 2
Dracaena mannii Baker, Munzadi nzadi, Nsadisadi (Kik.), kitondo 44797 Angina ST Percolation Oral M 1 7
Baby is crying a lot ST Percolation Oral M 1
Bird trapping F F 1
Fire WO WO D 1
Flu L Maceration Bath M 1
Headache L Balm, Maceration, Crudité Dermal, Bath M 3
Headache B Balm Dermal M 1
Headache ST Decoction M 1
Open fontanelle L Balm Dermal M 1
Otitis ST Percolation Ear Drops M 1
* Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants, Santa Maria (Port.), Kinsidi nzimba (Kik.), kibuekete 42698 Backache W Crudité Anal M 1 14
Bloody urin R Maceration M 1
Cold L Decoction Oral M 1
Fever W Balm, Infusion Dermal, Oral, Inhalation M 4
Fever L Balm Dermal M 1
Flu W Decoction, Infusion Oral, Bath, Inhalation M 4
Flu L Decoction Steam Bath M 1
Headache W Decoction Oral M 1
Headache L Maceration Dermal M 1
Hepatitis L Crudité Enema M 1
Kidney problems L Maceration Enema M 1
Malaria L Balm Dermal M 1
Malaria W Decoction Oral M 1
Open cervix L Crudité Enema M 1
Open fontanelle W Balm Dermal M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal M 1
Vertigo L Maceration Dermal M 1
Yellow fever L Decoction Bath M 1
Ekebergia benguelensis Welw. ex C.DC., Fukamena nkosi (Kik.), koxinti, Nfuka menakoxi, koxanti 43900 Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1 5
Fever R Maceration Enema M 1
Parasitic worms R Maceration Oral M 2
Rheumatism R Balm Dermal M 1
Stomach pains L Decoction Enema M 2
Stomach pains R Decoction Enema M 2
Elaeis guineensis Jacq., Dendê, Palmeira de dendê (Port.), Ngazi, Nkula, Nsamba, Nsoko a bá (Kik.), maruvu da palmeira, palmeira de dend, Kokonote F_44 Activates lactation S Chewing, Crudité Eat, Oral M 2 17
Bloody diarrhea/dysentery F, B Pulverize Oral M 2
Bucket for peanuts L H 1
Cold (sniffles) S Oil Nose Drops M 1
Constipation L Decoction Oral M 1
Cryptorchidism R Decoction Oral M 1
Diarrhea L Crudité Oral M 1
Dysentery B, F Pulverize Oral M 2
Erectile dysfunction R Decoction Oral M 1
Eye parasites F Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Fish trap L F 2
Fodder plant ST F 1
Kidney problems F Maceration Enema M 1
Mixture component F, S Oil Dermal M 2
Nutrition F, S N 2
Palm wine SS C 3
Palm wine (prevents foaming) S O 1
Rip pain F Tie Around Body Dermal M 1
Ritual FL, L R 2
Splenomegaly F Decoction Enema M 1
Sprain F Balm Dermal M 1
Sterility (men and women) R Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains S Chewing Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Stomachache F Crudité Eat M 1
Weak child S Oil Dermal M 1
Emilia coccinea (Sims) G.Don, Lalulalu, Malalulalu (Kik.), Lanu 43903 Skin anomaly: Vitiligo L Maceration Enema M 1 3
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 2
Entada abyssinica A.Rich., Nsofi (Kik.) 43942 Asthma L Crudité Oral M 1 7
Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1
Epilepsy R Decoction Enema M 1
Fodder plant L F 2
Headache L Balm Dermal M 2
Malaria R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Parasitic worms R Decoction Enema M 1
Soap R O 1
Stomachache R Decoction Enema M 1
Eremospatha cuspidata (G.Mann & H.Wendl.) H.Wendl., Junco (Port.), Lubamba, Mbamba (Kik.) 44128 Construction ST D 1 2
Fish trap ST H 1
Eremospatha haullevilleana De Wild., Junco (Port.), Lubamba, Mbamba (Kik.) 44129 Constipation ST Decoction Enema M 1 4
Dental care ST T 1
Fish trap ST F 1
Handicraft ST H 1
Penis infection R Decoction Enema M 1
Rattan ST H 1
Eremospatha hookeri (G.Mann & H.Wendl.) H.Wendl., Mbamba (Kik.), mabamba 44122 Construction ST D 1 1
Eremospatha spec., Junco (Port.) F_45 Animal trap ST F 1 1
Eriosema glomeratum (Guill. & Perr.) Hook.f., Bulukutu, Wandu wandu (Kik.), moando 43168 Fodder plant L F 1 3
Tea L N 2
Vertiz L Maceration Bath M
Eriosema spec., Wando wando (Kik.) Diarrhea L Crudité Oral M 2 3
Fodder plant L F 1
Erythrina abyssinica DC., Lungu nlungu, Mungoma ngoma, Ngoma ngoma (Kik.), mulundulundu, mulungulungu 43909 Anaemia children L Decoction Oral, Bath M 2 15
Back pain B Infusion, Decoction, Maceration Oral, Dermal, Enema M 4
Bloody diarrhea R Decoction Enema M 1
Coal WO D 1
Fodder plant L F 3
Hepatitis B Decoction, Maceration Enema, Dermal M 5
Irregular menstruation R M 1
Kidney B M 1
Open cervix B Hip Bath M 1
Weakness B Crudité, Maceration Oral M 2
Yellow fever B Decoction, Maceration Enema, Oral, Bath, Dermal M 6
Yellow fever R Decoction M 1
Erythrophleum africanum (Benth.) Harms, Ngungu (Kik.), lugungu 43233 Caries B, L Decoction Mouth Wash M 2 7
Charcoal WO D 1
Construction WO D 2
Displace rain L R 1
Fodder plant L F 6
Graveyard WO R 1
Leg pain B Balm Dermal M 1
Leg pain R Balm Dermal M 1
Menstruation problems R Decoction Enema M 1
Nosebleed R Decoction Enema M 1
Scoliosis R Maceration Oral M 1
* Euphorbia hirta L., Kimvumina kia nkombo (Kik.) 43934 Amoeba in belly W Eat, Infusion Oral M 2 1
Euphorbia tirucalli L., Muteta (Port.), Mbika (Kik.), Mbiku F_46 Supporting birth LA Dermal M 1 1
- Euphorbia tithymaloides L. 42692 Decoration FLs R 1 1
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf., Mankindangolo (Kik.) 43830 Body pain L Balm Dermal M 1 2
Stomach pains M 1
Weakness L Balm Dermal M 1
Ficus bubu Warb., Catato (Port.),
Milenda (Kik.), milendemukua 44223
Fodder plant L F 1 1
Ficus exasperata Vahl, Nkuakasa (Kik.) 44166 Cleaning of dishes L O 1
Ficus spec., Nkuzu, Nsanga nsanga, Nsuemba (Kik.) F_76 Anaemia L Decoction Oral M 1 3
Nutrition F N 1
Pilao (cassava pot) WO D 1
Weakness children L Balm, Decoction Dermal, Oral M 2
Ficus thonningii Blume, N'sanda (Kik.), muzandi 44154 Rheumatism B, L Decoction Bath M 2 5
Ritual W R 2
Support birth B Decoction Oral M 1
Symbol W R 2
Fleroya stipulosa (DC.) Y.F.Deng, Nlongua (Kik.), mulongo 43882 Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1 1
Construction WO D 1
Gaertnera paniculata Benth., Nzuni nzuni (Kik.) 44173 Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1 2
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal, Oral, Enema M 3
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Garcinia huillensis Welw., Kabobo (Kik.) 43854 Diarrhea FL M 1 1
Nutrition F N 1
Garcinia kola Heckel, Ngadiadia (Kik.) 44246 Infection legs L Balm Dermal M 1 6
Intestine pain S Eat Oral M 1
Malaria S Chewing, Eat Oral M 4
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1
Snake bite S Chewing M 1
Snake repellent S R 2
Stomach pains S Eat Oral M 1
Typhus S Chewing Oral M 2
Yellow fever S Chewing, Crudité Oral, Enema M 2
Gardenia ternifolia subsp. jovis-tonantis Schumach. & Thonn., Nkia, Nkindia, Nlemba nzau (Kik.), ndai, Ndía 43245 Bloody diarrhea B Eat Oral M 1 13
Debaso F Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Diarrhea B Eat Oral M 1
Epilepsy R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Joint pains L Decoction Oral M 1
Lightning conductor L R 1
Lightning conductor F O 1
Malaria F Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Measles F Balm Dermal M 1
Measles F Crudité Oral M
Measles S Swallow Oral M 5
Pain S M 1
Parasites in mouth F Decoction Mouth Wash M 1
Prevent measles S Crudité Eat M 1
Stomach pains L Chewing Oral M 1
Stomach pains B Decoction Oral M 1
Toothache F Crudité Oral M 1
Typhus S M 1
Weakness L Infusion Oral M 1
S Swallowing Oral M 1
Geastrum spec. F_47 Urinal infection MY Decoction Oral M 1 1
Weakness MY Decoction Oral M 1
Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel, Malavu manuni (Kik.), kazeka nkuadi 44010 Backache B Enema M 1 3
Bird trap FL F 1
Urinal infection BU Maceration Anal, Vaginak M 2
Gloriosa superba L., Pisa maluca (Port.), Dioko dia kiana, Mvia lawu (Kik.) 42734 Decoration FL R 1 6
Male potency RH M 3
Parasitic worms RH Balm, Eat Dermal, Orak M 2
Stomach pains RH Balm, Eat Dermal, Oral M 2
Ximbasu = bad magic RH Balm, Eat Dermal, Oral M 2
Gnetum africanum Welw., Mfumbwa (Kik.) 41876 Diabetes L Cooked Eat M 1 1
Nutrition L N 1
Gongronema latifolium Benth. Antivenin L Chewing Oral M 1 1
Bloody diarrhea L Chewing Oral M 1
Stomach pains L Chewing Oral M 1
- Gossypium barbadense L., Algodão (Port.), Vusu (Kik.) 42693 Caries R Maceration Mouth Wash M 1 3
Costal pain M 1
Heartache L Decoction Oral M 1
Otitis S Oil Ear Drop M 1
Gymnanthemum glaberrimum (Welw. ex O.Hoffm.) H.Rob., Nsaku nsaku, Nsalukiayakala, Salu kia luyakala (Kik.), Salu 44157 Aborting R Maceration Bath M 1 5
Backache R Chewing Oral M 1
Constipation R Decoction Oral M 1
Fever L Decoction Steam Bath M
Infertility L M 1
Parasitic worms R Maceration Oral M 1
Tea L N 1
Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir., Fitila, Leka, Ntunu, (Kik.), Kitunu, Mtunu 43268 Appendix B Decoction Enema M 1 9
Construction WO D 1
Diarrhea L Crudité Oral M 1
Headache L Oral M 1
Hepatitis L Balm Enema M 3
Hepatitis B Enema M 2
Housebuilding WO D 1
Menstruation B Decoction Enema M 1
Open cervix L Balm Enema M 1
Skin disease B Decoction Enema M 1
Skin disease L Enema M 1
Splenomegaly B Decoction Enema M 1
Stain LA H 1
Yellow fever B Decoction Enema M 1
Heinsia crinita (Afzel.) G.Taylor, Nsiamuna, Nsangumuni (Kik.) 43181 Anorexia B Maceration Oral M 1 2
Constipation B Maceration Oral M 1
Cough R Maceration Oral M 1
Fever R Maceration Oral M 1
Stomachache B Maceration Oral M 1
Helichrysum globosum Sch.Bip., Mpemba (Kik.) 43892 Stomach pains R Decoction Enema M 2 2
Helichrysum mechowianum Klatt, Kutu kua ngô (Kik.) 42728 Otitis L Incinerate Ear Drop M 1 2
Toilet paper L O 2
Helichrysum spec., Dimpaludi (Kik.), Dipakula 44116 Earache R Percolation Ear Drop M 1 3
Parasitic worms R Decoction, Maceration Enema, Oral M 2
Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern, Usse (Port.) F_48 Anaemia children L Decoction, Infusion Oral M 2 2
Heart problems L Decoction, Infusion Oral M 2
Nutrition L Decoction, Infusion Oral N 3
Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H.Walter 42612 Nutrition L N 1 1
Hugonia macrocarpa Welw., Kisilua (Kik.) 43126 Urinary infection R Infusion Oral M 1 1
Hymenocardia acida Tul., Mpete, Mvete (Kik.), lovete, kihete, Vete, kiheta, Iheta 42738 Anaemia L Decoction Bath, Oral M 2 22
Bloody diarrhea R Maceration, Decoction, Enema Oral M 7
Cough L Crudité, Decoction Oral M 2
Diarrhea L Crudité, Eat Oral M 2
Diarrhea B M 1
Fainting R Decoction Inhalation M 1
Hemorrhoids L Balm, Decoction Dermal, Enema M 3
Inflammation legs R Decoction Dermal M 1
Inflammation testicles S Decoction Enema M 2
Lepra B Decoction Dermal M 2
Madness L, R M 12
Open cervix B Crudité Vaginal M 2
Paralysis L Decoction Dermal M 1
Save pregnancy B Crudité Oral M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal, Oral, Enema M 5
Sprain B Bandage Dermal M 1
Stimulation L Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Toothache B Decoction Mouth Wash M 1
Weakness L Decoction Oral M 1
Weakness R Funge Oral M 1
Hymenocardia ulmoides Oliv., Mbanga nvete, Nkalangangula (Kik.), nzangambala, mbangahete 43930 Anaemia L Crudité, Decoction Oral M 2 10
Bloody diarrhea L Chewing Oral M 1
Cleaning blood L Decoction Oral M 1
Construction WO D 2
Cough L Crudité, Decoction Oral, Enema M 3
Diarrhea L Chewing, Crudité Oral M 2
Epilepsy L Decoction Enema, Oral M 2
Scoliosis L Balm Dermal M 1
Sprain L Balm Dermal M 1
Stomach pains L Chewing Oral M 1
Wound L Decoction Dermal M 1
Hypoestes forsskaolii (Vahl) R.Br., Kimana ngangi (Kik.) 43329 Inflammation L M 1 1
Wounds L M 1
Hypoxis angustifolia Lam., Ba dia nseke, Lumpakuludia (Kik.) 44136 Erectile dysfunction BU, L Pulverize Dermal M 2 2
Supporting pregnancy L M 1
Hypselodelphys poggeana (K.Schum.) Milne-Redh., Mangungu (Kik.), mungungu 41883 Package L O 2 2
Impatiens spec., Ndaka mboma (Kik.) F_49 Stomachache W Crudité Enema M 1 1
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch., Sonja (Port.), Nsioni (Kik.) 44098 Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1 2
Underweight baby RH Maceration Bath, Oral M 2
Indigofera capitata Kotschy, Nkeka za ngô (Kik.), munkando 43364 Breathing problems L Decoction Oral M 1 2
Bronchitis L Decoction Oral M 1
Cough L Decoction Oral M 1
Tumor R Balm Dermal M 1
Indigofera erythrogramma Baker, Mbadi mbadi (Kik.) 44015 Stomach pains R Chewing Oral M 1 1
Indigofera podocarpa Baker f. & Martin 44198 Constipation R Maceration Enema M 1 1
* Inga edulis Mart., Banana macaco (Port.), gazela 44781 Charcoal WO D 5 5
Fodder plant L F 1
Nutrition F N 2
Ipomoea prismatosyphon Welw., Kiniata (Kik.) 43948 Splenomegaly BU Decoction Enema M 1 1
* Jatropha curcas L., Mpuluka, Sinde dia nkaka (Kik.), umpulukua, Mumpulukua, Puluka, Mupululuka 43845 Dermal infection RE Dermal M 1 9
Diabetes R Decoction Oral M 1
Diabetes L Decoction Oral M 1
Epilepsy L Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Fencing W D 1
Inflammation L Decoction Dermal M 1
Malaria L Pulverize Enema M 1
Skin disease L Pulverize Enema M 1
Skin disease LA Dermal M 1
Toothache LA Decoction Mouth Wash, Inhalation M 2
L M 1
Kalanchoe crenata (Andrews) Haw., Ntontozi (Kik.), Luikaika, totozi, mukaikai, kayuki 44194 Against storms (totozimalembozi) L R 1 7
Earache L Percolation Ear Drops M 2
Eye problems L Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Lepra L, R Decoction Enema M 2
Otitis L Percolation Ear Drops M 1
Struck by lightning L Crudité Oral M 1
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. F_50 Bottle F O 1 1
Landolphia camptoloba (K.Schum.) Pichon, Mbungu mbungu (Kik.), nzozu, Mata 44119 Nutrition F N 4 4
Landolphia congolensis Nutrition F N 1 1
Landolphia owariensis Nutrition F N 1 1
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl.
Nkumbi (Kik.), mukumbi 43179
Diabetes B Maceration Oral M 1 12
Eye problems B Percolation Eye Drop M 2
Fracture B Balm Dermal M 1
Hemorrhoids B Balm Dermal M 1
Hemorrhoids L Decoction, Maceration Oral, Dermal M 2
Lazeration B Apply On Surface Dermal M 1
Leg injury B Balm Dermal M 2
Sprain B Bandage, Decoction Dermal M 2
Toothache B Decoction Mouth Wash, Inhalation M 4
Buculosis FL, L Decoction M 2
Wounds on chest FL, L Decoction M 2
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl., Nkumbi (Kik.), kanda, kakumbi 44158 Bloody diarrhea R Decoction, Maceration Oral M 2 4
Colorant R O 1
Diarrhea L, R Decoction M 2
Erectile dysfunction R Chewing Oral M 1
Strong diarrhea R Crudité Oral M 1
Lannea welwitschii (Hiern) Engl., Nkumbi (Kik.) 43832 Scoliosis B Decoction Dermal M 1 2
Toothache B Decoction Inhalation M 1
Lantana angolensis Moldenke, Bulukutu (Kik.) 44740 Tea L N 1 1
* Lantana camara L. 43374 Cough L Infusion Oral M 1 2
Obstructed airways L Infusion Oral, Steam Bath M 2
Tea L N 1
Laportea mooreana (Hiern) Chew, kahidi 44164 Asthma L Decoction Oral M 1 1
Lasimorpha senegalensis Schott, Tiokola, Tiokuela (Kik.) 44019 Fodder plant L F 1 2
Packaging L O 1
- Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Menstrual cramps F Incinerate M 1 1
Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br., Kumba dia mvuala (Kik.) 42874 Epilepsy L Maceration Enema M 2 3
Hepatitis L Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains L Decoction, Maceration Oral, Enema M 2
Leptactina benguelensis (Welw. ex Benth. & Hook.f.) R.D.Good, Idídi 42825 Nutrition F N 1 1
Leptoderris congolensis (De Wild.) Dunn, Mfundi (Kik.) 42614 Birthing problems L Incinerate Vaginal M 1 1
Leptoderris nobilis var. Latifoliolata, Muika wa mbua (Kik.) 43357 Backache L Maceration Enema M 1 1
Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Bulukutu (Kik.), tandela 44101 Appetizing L Decoction Oral M 1 3
Cleaning lymph L Decoction Oral M 1
Tea L Decoction Oral N 1
Luffa cylindrica (L.) M.Roem., Nsanu (Kik.) 42712 Cosmetics F T 1 4
Sponge F O 4
Maesopsis eminii Engl., Ntendani (Kik.), mutendani 43904 Backache Enema M 1 2
Splenomegaly B Decoction Enema M 1
* Mangifera indica L., Mangueira (Port.), Manga (Kik.) 42871 Anaemia L Decoction Bath, Oral M 2 7
Caries B Decoction Mouth Wash M 1
Corn wine production B C 1
Diarrhea B Decoction, Maceration Oral M 3
Flavour for lunguila B Decoction Oral C 1
Heart problems B Decoction Bath, Oral M 2
Ingredient for wine (lunguila) B C 1
Nutrition F N 2
Open cervix B Decoction Bath M 1
Vertiz B Decoction Bath, Oral M 2
- Manihot esculenta Crantz, Mandioca (Port.), Nsak (Kik.), kisaka 42760 Activates lactation BU Crudité Oral M 1 5
Bee repellent L F 1
Eye parasites R Percolation Eye Drop M 1
Skin disease L Decoction Dermal M 1
Toothache BU Incinerate Dermal M 1
- Manihot glaziovii Müll.Arg., Nkueza, N´saki (Kik.), mandioca do kongo F_52 Nutrition L N 3 3
Repair LA O 1
Manotes expansa Sol. ex Planch., Menga menga (Kik.), mamengamenga 43953 Hemorrhoids L Ss M 1 4
Nose bleeding L Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal, Oral, Enema M 3
Stomach pains L Pulverize + Water Oral M 1
Maprounea africana Müll.Arg., Kanzonzo, Mbunza, Nsiele nsiele (Kik.) 42808 Constipation L Decoction, Eat Oral M 4 15
Constipation R Eat Oral M 2
Constipation B M 1
Cough L Decoction, Eat Oral M 2
Diabetes R Crudité Oral M 1
Epilepsy R Chewing Oral M 1
Hernia R Decoction Enema M 1
Leg pain R Balm Dermal M 1
Open cervix L Crudité Vaginal M 1
Poor lactation L Chewing Oral M 2
Potbelly R Eat Oral M 1
Scoliosis R, L Decoction Dermal M 2
Toothache L Chewing, Crudité, Decoction Oral, Inhalation M 5
Toothache R Decoction Mouth Wash M 2
Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K.Schum. ex Engl., Nsasa (Kik.) 43915 Eye problems R Percolation Eye Drops M 1 2
Infertility L Bath M 1
Misfortune L Decoction Dermal R 1
Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty, Nkaiala 43972 Injury L M 1 1
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv., Malekambua (Kik.) 43896 Fodder plant W F 1 1
Premature contractions (pregnancy) W Oral M 1
Stomach pains pregnancy W Oral M 1
- Millettia laurentii De Wild., Pau preto (Port.) Construction WO D 1 1
Millettia versicolor Baker, Pau ferro (Port.), M´bota (Kik.), Mbotembandu 43220 Construction WO, B D 2 8
Coppice for fencing ST D 1
Malaria L Decoction Oral M 1
Rheumatism L Apply On Surface Dermal M 1
Rip pain B Tie Around Body Dermal M 1
Sprain L Decoction, Apply On Surface, Balm Dermal M 3
Tendon strain L Decoction Dermal M 1
* Mirabilis jalapa L., jovan, Belle de nuit 43131 Anaemia L Infusion Oral M 1 2
Decoration W M 1
Nutrition L Infusion Oral N 1
Momordica charantia L., Dimbunzu, Lumbuzua mbuzua, Mambuzu, (Kik.), Mbusuabusua 42620 Antifertil M 1 8
Backache W Put into Trousers Dermal M 1
Baso M 1
Childhood disease L M 1
Clean babys belly L Enema M 1
Clean breast milk L Enema, Oral M 2
Constipation L Maceration Oral, Bath M 3
Stomach pains L Maceration Enema, Oral M 4
Momordica foetida Schumach. F_53 Chills L Decoction Oral M 1 1
Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels, Kimbiolongua, Londolondo (Kik.) 44674 Bodypain R Chewing Oral M 1 12
Cough L Balm Dermal M 1
Dental care R T 2
Erectile dysfunction R Crudité, Chewing, Decoction Oral M 13
Nutrition L N 7
Tooth cleaning R, WO T 1
Vegetable L N 1
Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal, Mpeve (Kik.) 44707 Aphrodisiac agent S Pulverize Oral M 1 15
Appetizing F, S Pulverize Oral M 2
Backache S, F Infusion Oral M 3
Chest pain R Decoction Oral M 1
Cough S Balm Dermal M 1
Cough R Decoction Oral M 1
Debaso S Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Fever S Eat, Infusion Oral M 2
Infertility S Decoction Oral M 2
Inner diseases B, S Oral M 2
Kidney S Roast Dermal M 1
Malaria S Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Parasitic worms B, S Oral M 2
Premature contractions (pregnancy) S Oral M 1
Scoliosis S, R Decoction Dermal M 2
Splenomegaly S Decoction Enema M 1
Sprain S M 1
Stomach pains pregnancy S Oral M 1
Stomachache S Roast Eat M 1
Weakness R, S Maceration Oral M 3
Morinda lucida Benth., Nsiki (Kik.), masiki, nxiki 42744 Intestinal bacteria R, L Decoction Oral M 2 8
Malaria L, B Decoction Oral M 3
Parasitic worms B, L Decoction Oral M 3
Parasitic worms R Decoction Oral M 1
Splenomegaly L Decoction Enema M 1
Sterility (men and women) L Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains L Decoction Oral, Enema M 5
Stomach pains B, R Decoction Oral, Enema M 4
Typhus L, R Decoction Oral M 2
Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redh., Disu dia lunguenia, Meso-nkama (Kik.), Kongobololo, Nkongobololo 43356 Cleaning blood L Decoction M 1 11
Parasitic worms L Decoction, Infusion Oral, Enema M 7
Stomach pains L Crudité, Decoction Enema, Oral M 10
Stomach pains R Decoction Oral M 1
Typhus R, L Decoction Oral M 2
Weakness L Decoction Oral M 1
- Morus nigra L., Doce (Port.), Amoreira F_54 Fodder plant L N 1 2
Nutrition F N 2
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Feijao maluco (Port.), Mankundia (Kik.) F_55 Foamy urine L Decoction Oral M 1 2
Halluzinogens L C 1
Soil improvement W O 1
- Musa × paradisiaca L., Banana (Port.), Mambuatisa, Mfuka wa dinkongo (Kik.) Cough F Balm M 1 9
Diarrhea F Cook Eat M 1
Hemorrhoids F Incinerate Dermal M 1
Nutrition F, L N 2
Rheumatism L Apply On Surface Dermal M 1
Sanitary pad L O 1
Skin disease FL Balm Dermal M 1
Toothache F Incinerate Dermal M 1
Traditional banheira L D 1
Transport L H 1
Musanga cecropioides R.Br. ex Tedlie, Nsenga nsenga, Nsenga (Kik.) Musenga, musengasenga, F_75 Birthing problems L Decoction Enema M 1 6
Dehydration R, SS Drink Oral M 1
Diarrhea FL, L Incinerate Dermal M 2
Injury FL, L Incinerate Dermal M 2
Revitalization ST Drink Oral M 1
Toothache B, L Decoction Mouth Wash M 2
Weakness R, SS Crudité Oral M 2
Mussaenda arcuata Poir., Mabolebole, Nsiamuna (Kik.) 42654 Anorexia R Chewing Oral M 1 7
Hepatitis L, R M 2
Menstruation problems R Infusion Enema M 1
Nutrition L, F N 3
Parsitic worms R Maceration Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction, Maceration Oral M 2
Support birth L Infusion Oral M 1
R Decoction Oral M 1
E Mussaenda nijensis R.D.Good, Nzamuna 43224 Nutrition F N 1 1
Mussaenda spec., Nsamuna (Kik.) F_56 Nutrition F N 1 2
Otitis R Percolation Ear Drops M 1
Myrianthus arboreus P.Beauv., Mbonzo (Kik.), Ntusu, Mbonzu 43174 Nutrition F N 2 3
Yellow fever L Decoction Oral M 1
Yellow fever ST Eye Drops M 1
- Newbouldia laevis (P.Beauv.) Seem., Kafuki, Kavuki, kuvuiti 43913 Fence ST D 1 3
Hemorrhoids R Hip Bath M 1
Hemorrhoids M 1
Thrombosis B Decoction Dermal M 1
- Nicotiana tabacum L., Tabaco de kimbundu (Port.), Mfomo, Tabaco (Kik.), Kizumba, Lulongu 42883 Cigarettes L C 3 7
Cryptorchidism R Roast Dermal M 1
Eye problems L Extract Juice Eye Drops M 1
Eyesight L Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Hernia L Balm Dermal M 1
Sore throat L Maceration Nose Drops M 1
Stomach pains L, R Roast Dermal M 2
Nymphaea lotus L., Longa dia maza (Kik.) 44143 Infection legs L M 1 1
Ochna afzelii subsp. mechowiana (O.Hoffm.) N.Robson, Nkosi nti, Ngonti (Kik.), muhonga 44187 Anaemia B Decoction Oral M 3 10
Anaemia L Decoction M 1
Backache B Decoction Oral M 2
Body pain B Decoction Oral M 1
Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1
Eye problems L Decoction Steam Bath M 1
Increases blood B Decoction Oral M 1
Lepra B Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Paralysis L Decoction Dermal M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal M 3
Sculptures WO H 1
Skin disease B Decoction Oral M 1
Sore throat B, L Decoction Steam Bath M 3
Tool handle WO D 1
Weakness B Decoction Oral M 1
Ochna pygmaea Hiern, Ndombe, Nsosi (Kik.) 44181 Epilepsy R Percolation Eye Drops M 1 1
Parasitic worms R Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Splenomegaly R Decoction Enema M 1
Ocimum gratissimum L., Dinioka nioka, Lumba lumba, Mazudi zudi, Mansusua nsusua (Kik.) 42649 After birth L Decoction Bath M 1 7
Cold L Decoction Oral M 1
Flu L Decoction Inhalation M 1
Flu W Decoction Bath M 1
Malaria W Decoction Oral M 1
Malaria L Decoction Inhalation, Enema M 2
Pain L Balm, Infusion Dermal, Oral M 2
Spice L N 1
Toothache L Chewing Oral M 1
M 1
- Oldfieldia africana Benth. & Hook.f., Mfilu (Kik.) 44731 Vomit R Decoction Enema M 1 1
Oncoba dentata Oliv., Dikaka dia ndianga (Kik.) 42821 Urinal infection B Maceration Oral, Enema, Anal M 3 1
Oncoba welwitschii Oliv., Mbamba (Kik.) 45033 Cold (sniffles) R, SS Crudité Nose Drops M 1 13
Constipation B, F Decoction Enema M 2
Construction WO D 1
Eye pain R, SS Crudité Eye Drops M 1
Fish hunting F F 1
Fodder plant L F 2
Headache L Infusion Inhalation M 1
Headache R Maceration, Percolation Nose Drops M 4
Nutrition F N 2
Paralysis L Decoction Dermal M 1
Parasitic worms M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction, Infusion Dermal, Oral, Enema M 5
Stain F H 1
Stomach pains R Maceration Nose Drops M 1
* Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Nutrition F N 1 1
- Ouratea welwitschii (Tiegh.) Exell, Kombasesa (Kik.) 44064 Animal trap L F 1 2
Scoliosis L Decoction Bath M 1
* Pachira glabra Pasq., Amendoim (Port.), Nguba (Kik.) F_58 Nutrition S N 1 1
Palisota ambigua (P.Beauv.) C.B.Clarke, kudi 44175 Nutrition L N 1 1
Palisota schweinfurthii C.B.Clarke, Mabunda bunda (Kik.), kibundabunda, Pau kisongo F_70 Abrasion F, L Decoction Dermal M 2 15
Family problems F Crudité Oral R 1
Gonorrhoea BU Decoction Eat M 1
Impotence L Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility men R M 1
Inflammation legs L Balm Dermal M 1
Lepra L Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Lepra F Pulverize Dermal M 1
Nutrition ST N 1
Package of cola Ss for storage L O 1
Paralysis L Incinerate Dermal M 1
Potency ST, R Decoction Enema M 2
Rheumatism L Decoction Dermal M 1
Ritual L R 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Bath, Dermal M 2
Sexual potency R Enema M 1
Sore throat F Swallowing Oral M 1
Tea ST N 1
L M 1
Palisota ambigua, kudi 44783 Nutrition L N 1 1
Parinari capensis Harv., salaki, salakia, salakizu, ikia 42733 Bloody diarrhea L Maceration Oral M 1 6
Breathing problems L M 1
Cough L Decoction Oral M 2
Nutrition F N 5
Scoliosis L Decoction Enema M 1
Paropsia brazzaeana Baill., Mbasa, Mbasa nseka (Kik.) 43129 Backache L M 1 6
Diarrhea L Decoction Enema M 1
Infertility women L Chewing Oral M 1
Inflammation leg R Decoction Dermal M 1
Leg ache L, R Decoction Oral M 2
Menstruation (severe) L Chewing Dermal M 1
Pain while playing soccer L Apply On Surface Dermal M 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal, Oral, Enema M 3
Stomach pains R Decoction M 1
Xibasu = bad magic R M 1
Parquetina nigrescens (Afzel.) Bullock, Mputumputu (Kik.) Diarrhea L Crudité Oral M 1 1
Stomach pains L Crudité Oral M 1
* Passiflora foetida L., 44257 Nutrition F N 2 2
Paullinia pinnata L. 43906 Activate lactation L Decoction M 1 1
Pauridiantha mayumbensis (R.D.Good) Bremek., Simão (Port.) 44014 Scoliosis L Decoction Bath, Dermal M 2 1
Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill., Hamba (Kik.) 43341 Flatulence R Chewing Oral M 1 1
Nutrition F N 1
Pentarhopalopilia marquesii (Engl.) Hiepko, Nkombo (Kik.) 44176 Constipation R Decoction Enema M 1 2
Stomach pain R Decoction Oral M 1
Perichasma laetificata Miers, Kazilingizimue (Kik.) 41875 Epilepsy R Crudité Oral M 1 2
Helps solving problems R Chewing, Put into Pocket R 4
Protection during war R R 1
- Persea americana Mill., Abacate, Abacateiro, Caroso de abacate (Port.), Mavoka, Mvoka (Kik.) Headache B, S Balm Dermal M 2 3
Hemorrhoids B Balm Dermal M 1
Hemorrhoids B Decoction Enema M 2
Stain F H 1
Petersianthus macrocarpus (P.Beauv.) Liben, Nsati (Kik.) 44188 Fodder plant L F 1 1
* Phaseolus vulgaris L., Makasikila (Kik.), 42758 Nutrition S N 1 1
Nutrition L N 1
Phyllanthus polyanthus Pax, Mantomina (Kik.) 44016 Cough L Chewing, Pulverize Oral M 2 1
Phyllanthus spec., Mfunga mfunga (Kik.) 44251 Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1 1
* Physalis angulata L., Bulabula, Mabulabula (Kik.) 44793 Stomach pains L Maceration Enema M 1 2
Stomach pains baby L Enema M 1
Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn., Kumpidi (Kik.), Kapidi 44780 Nutrition F N 1 4
Parasitic worms F Oral M 1
Spices F N 2
Stomach pains F Oral M 1
Cough F Crudité Oral M 1
Piper umbellatum L., Lembe, Lembe kia mfinda, Malemba lemba, Nkángati (Kik.) 42664 Burn L Crudité Dermal M 1 5
Chest pain L Eat Oral M 1
Newborn baby crying L Colocate In Bed Dermal M 1
Nutrition L Decoction N 3
Support birth L Eat Oral M 1
Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan, Nsinga nsinga (Kik.) 42798 Splenomegaly Decoction Enema M 1 1
* Plantago major L. 43841 Gastritis L Decoction Oral M 1 1
Typhus L Decoction Oral M 1
Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br., Batata gitamba 42813 Nutrition BU N 1 1
Pleiotaxis rugosa O.Hoffm., Matita, Ntalamakatesi, Telema katesi (Kik.) 43893 Abdominal infect R Chewing Oral M 1 8
Anorexia L Crudité Oral M 1
Diabetes L Decoction Oral M 1
Diarrhea BU, L Decoction Oral M 2
Hunters goos luck R R 1
Infertility men R Decoction Oral M 1
Inflammation testicles BUs Decoction Enema, Dermal M 2
Lack of appetite R Chewing Oral M 1
Parasitic worms L, BU Decoction Oral M 2
Stomach pains R Chewing, Decoction Oral M 4
Plumbago zeylanica L., Bau bau (Kik.) 42829 Fever R, L Bath M 2 1
Leg ache R Dermal M 1
Pollia condensata C.B.Clarke, Caldeia (Port.), Kiesekiese, Mpimpita (Kik.) mampipita, pipita 44227 Fraud S Swallowing Oral R 1 7
Helps solving problems S Put into Pocket, Swallowings Oral R 4
Pleasure S L 1
Ritual S R 1
Splenomegaly M 1
Protea petiolaris (Hiern) Baker & C.H.Wright, Kikumbi kia ngunga, Mbimbi, Mvanga, Sokila (Kik.) 44208 Charcoal WO D 2 5
Diarrhea R M 1
Fodder plant L F 1
Headache L Balsam Dermal M 1
Infertility R Decoction Enema M 1
Menstruation problems R Decoction Enema M 1
Rheumatism L Decoction Dermal M 1
Stomach pains R Decoction Enema M 2
Pseudospondias longifolia Engl., Nviwa (Kik), nviwua, nviua 44199 Anaemia L Decoction Bath, Oral M 2 4
Backache L Fermentation Oral M 1
Diarrhea B Maceration Enema M 1
Hemorrhoids L Decoction Oral M 1
Nutrition F N 1
- Psidium guajava L., Goiaba, Goiabeira (Port.),Mfuluta (Kik.) 42660 Asthma L Infusion Oral M 1 8
Bloody diarrhea R Decoction Oral M 1
Cough L Infusion Oral M 2
Diarrhea L Chewing, Crudité, Decoction Oral M 6
Nutrition F N 5
Psorospermum febrifugum Spach, Kilengo lengo, Kisoko soko, Lengula, Mfiofio, Mfitila, Nfiofiofio, Nlengula, Nsoko nsoko, Windu wakiana (Kik.), Fiofio, kifitile, Mhotola 42626 Bird trapping F F 2 19
Bleeding R Decoction Enema M 1
Bleeding penis L Chewing Oral M 1
Bloody diarrhea L Chewing, Decotion Oral, Enema M 2
Bloody diarrhea B Decoction Enema M 1
Cough L Chewing Oral M 1
Decoration F Put On Bed R 1
Diarrhea (heavy) L Chewing Oral M 1
Eye problems F Swallowing Oral M 3
Heart problems L Roast Oral M 1
Hemorrhoids L Decoction Enema M 1
Lepra L Incinerate Dermal M 1
Lepra (maladimakay) B Decoction Dermal M 1
Nosebleed R, L Percolation Nose Drops M 2
Skin disease B Balm, Decoction Dermal M 4
Skin disease F, SS, R Balm Dermal M 5
Typhus F Swallowing Oral M 1
Psychotria spec., Nseke nseke (Kik.) F_59 Injury B M 1 1
Toothache B M 1
Pteridium aquilinum subsp. Africanum, Matekua, Manzemba nzelele, Mitekua, (Kik.), kinzelele 42671 Asthma L Decoction Oral M 1 8
Leg ache L Decoction Dermal M 1
Nosebleed L M 1
Nutrition L N 6
Skin disease L Crudité Dermal M 1
Vertigo L Balm, Percolation Dermal, Nose Drops M 2
Pterocarpus angolensis DC., Nkula nkula, Ntete mbula, Nkosu (Kik.) 42735 Bloody diarrhea R Decoction Enema M 1 6
Children not walking F Balm Dermal M 2
Medicine R M 1
Menstruation (severe) R Decoction Enema M 2
Save pregnancy R Maceration Enema M 1
Smoking F C 1
Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) Warb., Muscada (Port.), Banda nzazi, Ndidila, Nlenda, , Munzanga, Nozungu nkumbi (Kik.) 44478 Construction WO D 1 7
Drums WO L 1
Fodder plant L F 3
Infertility women F, B M 2
Spice S N 1
Raphia spec., Bordão (Port.), Matombe, Nkulu (Kik.) F_60 Asthma F Incinerate Oral M 1 20
Bottle cork for maruvu can L O 1
Bronchitis F Balm Dermal M 3
Construction L D 4
Diabetes F Crudité Oral M 1
Fiber L H 1
Fish trap L H 2
Fodder plant ST F 3
Measles L Incinerate Dermal M 1
Nutrition F N 1
Palm wine SS C 2
Parasitic worms F Crudité Oral M 2
Typhus F Roast Eat M 1
Raphia textilis Welw., Bordão, Maruvo (Port.) F_61 Fiber L H 1 1
Palm wine SS C 1
Rauvolfia mannii Stapf, Zumbu dia nkento (Kik.) 43923 Drug B C 1 1
Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel., Mvuala, Nzumbu dia kabonzo, Zumbu, Mundungu (Kik.) 42723 Drug B C 1 8
Infertility men R Maceration Enema M 1
Malaria R Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains B Chewing Oral M 1
Stomach pains R Crudité Oral, Enema M 5
Renealmia africana Benth., Dinsasa dia mpumba, Mansansa (Kik.) 43946 Backache R, F M 2
Malaria R, F M 2
Nutrition F N 1
Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum(Müll.Arg.) J.Léonard, Munguela, Monguela (Kik.) 42845 Drum WO L 1
Fodder plant L F 5
Headache L Balm Dermal M 1
Nutrition F N 1
Stomach pains B Decoction, Maceration Enema M 2
* Ricinus communis L., Mpanza, Ngono, Mahanzu, Gimono, Mbono (Kik.) 42668 Constipation S Chewing Oral M 1 6
Eyes pain L Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Hemorrhoids L Decoction Bath M 1
High blood pressure L Balm, Decoction Dermal, Bath M 2
Inflammation L Decoction Dermal, Bath M 3
Scoliosis S Crudité Dermal M 1
Stomach pains S Chewing Oral M 1
Rothmannia whitfieldii (Lindl.) Dandy, Lubanzi lua mpakasa (Kik.) F_62 Tattoo F Extraction R 1 1
* Saccharum officinarum L., Cana de açúcar (Port.), Cana de lunguila (Kik.) Wine SS Decoction Oral C 3 3
- Sambucus canadensis L., Mumvumbi (Kik.) 42580 Food aches L Balm Dermal M 1 1
Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A.Bruce, Kilolo kia pumba, Lolo, Lolo kia mabundu, Nlolo, Nzelenge (Kik.) 43154 Anaemia L Balm, Decoction Dermal, Bath, Oral M 3 16
Antibiotic R Decoction Oral M 1
Diabetes F Crudité Oral M 1
Diarrhea R Maceration Oral M 1
Erectile dysfunction R Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility R Decoction Enema, Oral M 3
Malnutrition L Balm Dermal M 1
Parasitic worms R Chewing Oral M 3
Parasitic worms B Maceration Oral M 1
Revitalization (many diseases) B, R Maceration Oral M 2
Stomach pains R Decoction, Maceration Oral M 6
Stomach pains L Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains F Eat Oral M 1
Stomach pains R, B Maceration Oral M 2
Strengthening R Maceration Oral M 1
Typhus R Decoction Oral M 1
Womens infertility B Decoction Oral, Enema M 2
R M 1
-Sarcophrynium prionogonium (K.Schum.) K.Schum., Folha de kwanga (Port.), Makaya ma kwanga (Kik.) F_63 Baskets L H 1 2
Package L O 1
Schinziophyton rautanenii (Schinz) Radcl.-Sm., Dikelekese (Kik.) 44018 Charcoal WO D 1 1
Schizophyllum commune, Cogumelo, Turu turu (Port.), Luvua, Kakeketele, Okulokulo (Kik.) F_64 Nutrition F N 4 4
Sclerocroton cornutus (Pax) Kruijt & Roebers, Ndingambuela, Nguingui mbuela, Ntekele, Nbatekela, Ndingui mbuele, mutekele (Kik.) 43897 Bird trapping F F 2 8
Breathing problems L, B Decoction Oral M 2
Constipation L M 1
Cough R, B, L Chewing, Decoction Oral M 12
Flu B Chewing Oral M 1
Toys F L 1
Sclerosperma mannii H.Wendl., Mamia, Manga (Kik.) Construction L D 1 2
Construction L D 1
Roofing L D 1
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen., Nsunda nti, Nsunda (Kik.), Misunda 42740 Backache R, B Balm, Decoction Dermal M 5 14
Body pain R Balm, Pulverize Dermal M 2
Breathing problems R Decoction Inhalation M 1
Bronchitis R Balsam Dermal M 1
Cold R M 1
Constipation R Crudité, Decoction Oral, Enema M 2
Hemorrhoids (internal) R Decoction Oral M 1
Inflammation R, L, B Balm Dermal M 4
Leg ache R Balm Dermal M 1
Muscle cramp R Decoction Dermal M 1
Pain R Balm Dermal M 1
Scoliosis R, L, B Balm, Maceration Dermal, Enema M 5
Stomachache R Decoction, Maceration Enema M 3
Thrombosis R Maceration Enema M 1
Selaginella myosurus Alston, Malekazanga, Mazangazanga makita (Kik.) 44262 Ritual bath W R 1 2
Scoliosis W Decoction M 1
* Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Balakasa (Kik.) 44134 Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 2 2
* Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Manioka nioka, Mansambi nsambi nkau, Nioka nioka (Kik.) 42630 Coffee S C 1 13
Constipation R Maceration Oral M 1
Diarrhea R Maceration Oral M 1
Dysentery L Crudité Oral M 1
Infertility women R Decoction Oral M 1
Kidney problems L Maceration Enema M 1
Liver problems R M 1
Loss of appetite R Crudité, Decoction Enema M 3
Respiratory problems S Roast Oral M 1
Stomach pains R, L Chewing, Crudité, Decoction, Maceration Oral, Enema M 15
Stomach pains baby (first 2 weeks) L Enema M 1
Vomit R Maceration Oral M 1
* Senna septemtrionalis (Viv.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, Malulu (Kik.), Malulua 43177 Stomach pains L Enema M 1 1
Sesamum indicum L., Bulukutu, Wanguila (Kik.) 43895 Cicatrices S Oil Dermal M 1 2
Inflammation S Oil Dermal M 1
Nutrition S N 1
Pain W Decoction Inhalation M 1
Thromboses S Oil Dermal M 1
Weakness W Decoction Inhalation M 1
Sesamum radiatum Schumach. & Thonn., Wandu wandu, Wanguila (Kik.) 42742 Blemished skin L Decoction Bath M 1 2
Typhus L Decoction Enema M 1
Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr., Nkuamba (Kik.), Kuanda 42632 Induced abortion R Crudité Enema M 1 1
Setaria megaphylla (Steud.) T.Durand & Schinz, Capim do diabo (Port.), Kangaya, Makangaya (Kik.) 43246 Arm pain L Balm Dermal M 1 5
Fodder plant L F 2
Supports birth L Maceration Oral M 1
Urinary bladder pain R Decoction Oral M 1
Sida urens L., Lumvumbu (Kik.) F_65 Madness L Percolation Nose Drops M 1 1
Smilax anceps Willd., Mpolo, Ngila ngila, Nzila nzila (Kik.) 43197 Bloody diarrhea L, R Crudité, Decoction Oral M 4 13
Cough L Decoction Oral M 2
Epilepsy L Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Erectile dysfunction R Chewing Oral M 2
Hernia R Enema M 1
Infection legs L Balm Dermal M 1
Inflammations L M 1
Neck pain L M 1
Skin disease L Balm Dermal M 1
Skin disease F Eat, Swallows Oral M 2
Tea L Decoction N 1
Vertigo L Balm, Percolation Dermal, Nose Drops M 2
R Decoction M 1
* Solanum aethiopicum L., Mbolongwa (Kik.) 43113 Nutrition F N 1 1
* Solanum americanum Mill. Parasitic worms F Chewing Oral M 1 1
Stomach pains F Chewing Oral M 1
Solanum macrocarpon L., Couve preta (Port.), Lezo (Kik.) 44099 Nutrition L, F N 2 2
* Solanum mauritianum Scop., Daniel, Malulua branca 44682 Appendix L Decoction Enema M 1 3
Constipation L Decoction Enema M 1
Knee pain L Apply On Surface Dermal M 1
Measles M 1
Stomach pains L Decoction Enema M 1
* Spondias mombin L., Gajajeira, Gajaja (Port.), Mungiengie (Kik.) 42879 Diarrhea B Decoction M 1 4
Eye problems B Percolation Eye Drop M 1
Fence ST D 2
Nutrition F N 1
Yellow fever L Decoction Bath M 1
- Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Agua de joelho (Port.) 42710 Chest pain W Decoction Oral M 1 5
Clean lungs W Balm Dermal M 2
Inflammations W Balm Dermal M 1
Knee pain W Balm Dermal M 1
Shoulder pain L Apply On Finger Dermal M 1
Skin disease W Decoction Oral M 1
Typhus fever L Decoction Oral M 1
Weakness L Crudité Oral M 1
Steganotaenia araliacea Hochst., Mumvumbivumbi, Nkula mvumbi (Kik.), kitomona, Mukala mvumbi 43172 Analgesic R Decoction Oral M 1 7
Backache L Decoction Oral M 3
Bad dreams L R 2
Body pain L Maceration Bath M 1
Cold R Dedoction Oral M 1
Gonorrhoea R Maceration Oral M 1
Insomnia R Maceration Oral M 1
Refreshment B Maceration Oral M 2
Scoliosis R Decoction Dermal M 1
Stomach pains R Dedoction Oral M 1
Sterculia quinqueloba (Garcke) K.Schum., Mulendi (Kik.) 44732 Backache L Roast Dermal M 1 1
Construction WO D 2
Fiber plant B H 1
Fodder plant L F 1
Inflammation L Roast Dermal M 1
Sterculia tragacantha Lindl., Milenda, Ntutu (Kik.)
Nkombolokia, kombolokia 44004
Fire WO WO D 1 6
Fodder plant L F 1
Handicraft F R 1
Hemorrhoids B Decoction Oral M 1
Prenatal infection B Maceration Enema M 1
Urinal infection B M 1
Stomatanthes africanus (Oliv. & Hiern) R.M.King & H.Rob., Kisalu kia kento, Nkutakani, Salu kialukento (Kik.) 44748 Backache L, W Decoction Enema M 2 4
Erectile dysfunction L Decoction Oral M 1
Fatigue L Decoction Oral M 1
Good development of baby during pregnancy R M 2
Heart problems L Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility L M 1
Supports pregnancy L Decoction Oral M 1
Strophanthus welwitschii (Baill.) K.Schum., Luvuma, Mvuma (Kik.) 42757 Talisman F R 1 2
M 1
Strychnos cocculoides Baker, Maboque (Port.),
Kahole 44124
Baso children F, R Enema M 2 9
Cryptorchidism R Maceration Oral M 1
Diarrhea F Crudité Eat M 1
Drinking vessel F H 1
Flute F L 1
Hernia R, F Chewing Oral M 2
Nutrition F N 8
Parasitic worms R Maceration M 1
Stomach pains R Chewing, Decoction, Maceration Oral, Enema M 4
Stomach pains F Chewing Oral M 1
Strychnos pungens Soler., Mabumi, Mbumi (Kik.), Kahola muanda, mbitu 43884 Hernia F Decoction M 1 3
Pain after birth L Leaves Put into Clothes, Decoction Dermal, Enema M 2
Rat trap F F 1
Skin disease B Balm Dermal M 1
Stomach pains F Decoction M 1
Symphonia globulifera L.f., Ntadia ngombo (Kik.) 43924 Cough L Chewing Oral M 2 2
Witchery LA R 1
Synsepalum cerasiferum (Welw.) T.D.Penn., Nsuama nkima (Kik.), musuamankima 43283 Backache B Enema M 1 1
Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC., Nkizu, lungama (Kik.) 44138 Bloody diarrhea R Decoction Oral M 1 12
Diarrhea B, L, R Maceration, Decoction Oral M 4
Fodder plant L F 3
Nutrition F N 8
Parasites in eyes B Percolation Eye Drops M 1
Protection of eyes L R 1
Stomach pains B Decoction Oral M 1
Toothache B Decoction Inhalation M 1
Typhus B Decoction Oral M 1
- Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston F_66 Nutrition F N 1 1
Tabernaemontana crassa Benth., Ngavua za mputu (Kik.) 42823 Construction WO D 1 3
Hiccup B, L Maceration Oral M 2
Snakebite F, LA Extraction Dermal M 1
Tagetes minuta L., Nkamansongo (Kik.) 42576 Flu L Decoction Steam Bath M 1 1
Tapinanthus dependens (Engl.) Danser, Kikunda 42763 Headache L, ST Decoction Steam Bath M 2 1
Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f., Bualu, Mbaka (Kik.) 42824 Epilepsy L Ss Eye Drops M 1 5
Fish toxin L F 5
Terminalia brachySTma Welw. ex Hiern, mungolo, moeia 44180 Fever F Crudité Oral M 1 2
Flu F Crudité Oral M 1
Fodder plant L F 2
Sore throat R Decoction Inhalation M 1
Stomachache R Decoction Enema M 1
- Terminalia catappa L. F_67 Decoration village W R 1 1
- Tetracera stuhlmanniana Gilg, Nkudi a nkayi (Kik.) 43833 Nutrition SS N 1 1
- Thonningia sanguinea Vahl, Langa dia mfinda, Mbengela, Timba timba (Kik.), pisa de maluca 43263 Cough RH Chewing, Maceration Oral M 2 9
Erectile dysfunction RH Chewing, Decotion Oral M 9
Parasitic worms RH Crudité Oral M 1
Stomachache RH Crudité Eat M 1
Urinal infection RH Syrup Oral M 1
Thunbergia lancifolia T.Anderson, Malavu dia nsongui, Malavu masonguia (Kik.), mpandazeka 44011 Constipation R Maceration Enema M 1 4
Hernia R Decoction Enema M 1
Parasitic worms R Decoction Enema M 1
Stomach pains R Maceration, Decoction, Chewing Oral, Enema M 4
* Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray, Malulua, Malulu (Kik.) 44090 Constipation L Enema M 1 1
Decoration graveyard FL R 1
Parasitic worms L Enema M 1
Trema orientalis (L.) Blume, Ndia nuni (Kik.), Mudianuni, mezendenguenia, yanuni 44216 Fodder plant L F 2 3
Heartache L, B Decoction Oral M 2
Host plant L F 1
- TriStma leiocalyx Cogn., Banana de deus (Port.), Kimbunga mbunga, Mbunga mbunga (Kik.). makondo makambolo F_73 Nutrition F Crudité Oral N 4 4
Triumfetta cordifolia A.Rich., Luvunga, Mpunga, Mvungila, Ngongi (Kik.), gigonge, punguila, mpunguele, xipunga, kivungala 42650 Baskets ST H 1 8
Fiber ST H 2
Fish trap ST F 1
Jute sack ST H 2
Rope ST H 3
Skin problem R Balm Dermal M 1
- Uapaca vanhouttei De Wild., musambi 44171 Fodder plant L F 1 1
Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC., Zumbu (Kik.) 42629 Male potency R M 1 2
Stomach pains R, BU Crudité Enema M 2
Urena lobata L., Kikulokoso, Kolokoso, Lunzunzu, Makolokoso (Kik.), punga 43227 Backache L Balm Dermal M 1 11
Constipation R Decoction Oral M 1
Dysentery L Enema M 1
Flatulence baby L Enema M 1
Healing umbilicus of newborn L Apply On Surface Dermal M 1
Hemorrhoids R Crudité M 1
Kidneys L Balm Dermal M 1
Nosebleed R Crudité M 1
Pregnancy hard belly Crudité Oral M 1
Rope ST H 2
Stomach pains children L Pulverize Enema M 1
Stomach pains while birth L Crudité Oral M 1
Wounds L Balm Dermal M 1
Vangueria infausta Burch., mamuemuita 43857 Nutrition F N 1 1
- Vernonella subaphylla (Baker) H.Rob. & Skvarla, Makútula 42795 Inflammation finger L Dermal M 1 1
Typhus fever R M 1
Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Malulu (Kik.) 43285 Dermal infection BU Balm Dermal M 1 5
Constipation children L Maceration Enema M 1
Dermal allergy L Balm Dermal, Bath M 3
Malaria L Crudité M 1
Parasites L Infusion Oral M 1
Parasitic worms L Infusion, Decocton Balm Oral, Dermal M 3
Stomach pains L Decoction M 1
- Vernonia jaegeri C.D.Adams, Matita (Kik.) 43888 Stomach pains R Crudité Enema, Oral M 2 1
Skin infection BU Balm Dermal M 1
Vitex doniana Sweet, Mfilu (Kik.), mulolo, Filufilu, nzulozulo, Mafilu 43366 Backache L Decoction Oral M 1 9
Constipation R Decoction Enema M 2
Cough L Decoction Oral M 1
Diarrhea R Maceration Oral M 1
Epilepsy R M 1
Fatigue B, L Decoction Oral M 2
Flu L Decoction Inhalation M 1
Headache L Decoction Inhalation M 1
Hemorrhoids (internal) L Decoction Oral M 1
Nutrition F N 1
Scoliosis R, L Decoction Enema, Bath M 4
Stomach pains R Decoction Enema M 1
Tea L N 4
Thrombosis R Decoction Dermal M 1
Vitex madiensis Oliv. Anaemia L Decoction, Infusion Bath, Oral M 3 20
Antibiotic L Infusion Oral M 1
Back pain L Decoction, Infusion Oral, Dermal M 3
Backache B Decoction Oral M 1
Bloody diarrhea R, L Decoction Oral M 2
Body aches L Infusion Dermal M 1
Ceremony L R 1
Chest pain R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Cleaning L Decoction Oral M 1
Cough L Decoction Oral M 1
Diabetes L Decoction Oral, Enema M 21
Epilepsy L Decoction Enema M 1
Eye problems R Squeeze Eye Drops M 1
For children during mango season L Infusion Oral M 1
Headache L Infusion, Decotion Dermal M 2
Headache R Percolation Nose Drops M 1
Nutrition F N 2
Nutrition R Roast N 1
Parasitic worms L Maceration Oral M 1
Ritual to overcome illness W R 1
Scoliosis L Decoction Dermal, Oral, Enema M 4
Sterility (men and women) L Decoction Oral M 1
Stimulation L Decoction Oral M 1
Stomach pains L Decoction Oral, Enema M 4
Tea L Infusion Oral N 3
Weakness B, L Decoction Oral M 2
Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich., Nkuwa nkuwa, N´sanu (Kik.), nkuakua, Mvamba kuakua F_71 Aphrodisiac agent F Pulverize Oral M 1 16
Aromatization B, F N 2
Asthma F Crudité Oral M 1
Backache F Crudité Oral M 2
Chest pain R Decoction Oral M 1
Childhood disease: Kikongo F Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Construction WO D 2
Cough F Crudité Oral M 1
Cough R Decoction Oral M 1
Debaso F Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Flavour for meal F N 1
Infertility men F Decoction Oral M 1
Infertility women S Roast Oral M 1
Inflammation testicles F Decoction Enema M 2
Kidney F Roast Dermal M 1
Malaria F Pulverize, Balm Dermal M 1
Mixture component F M 1
Parasites in stomach F Decoction Oral M 1
Scoliosis F, R Decoction Dermal, Oral M 2
Skin problems R, S Balm Dermal M 2
Splenomegaly F Decoction Enema M 1
Sprain F M 1
Stomach pains S Pulverize Oral M 1
Universeal remedy F M 1
Weakness F Maceration Oral M 3
Xyris spec., Capim (Port.) F_72 For tattooing L R 1 1
Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P.G.Waterman, Nkongo mayeno (Kik.) F_68 Bottle cork ST O 2 4
Injury foot ST Balm Dermal M 2
Toothache B Crudité Dermal M 1
* Zea mays L., Milho (Port.), Masangu, Nzemvo za masangu (Kik.), maiz Aids F Infusion Oral M 1 5
Flavour for lunguila S Decoction Oral C 1
Testicle pain F Infusion Oral M 1
Urinary stone F Decoction Oral M 1
Vertigo S Balm Dermal M 1
Vertigo ST Incinerate Dermal M 2
- Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Gengibre (Port.), Tanga wisi (Kik.) F_69 Aphrodisiac agent RH Pulverize Oral M 1 2
Backache RH Pulverize Oral M 1
Mixture component RH M 1
Weakness RH Pulverize Oral M 1
Chest pain RH Pulverize Oral M 1

Data analysis and ethnobotanical indices

All collected data sets were put into a database using Microsoft Excel. Corresponding to the research issue, the use of pivot-tables allowed the systematic processing of the large and detailed data set (nearly 40,000 data fields) to correlate different features with each other. Tableau Software was used to create selected diagrams. The basic structure of use-reports to list the information follows the principle “informant i mentions the use of species s in the use category u” [51, 52]. Out of the collected data, 10 use categories were defined: “medicinal use (M)”; “nutrition, spices and herbal teas (N)”; “domestic and charcoal (D)”; “Hunting, fishing and animal feed (F)”; “dental care and cosmetics (T)”; “drugs and cigarettes (C)”; “handicrafts (H)”; “ludic, childrens’ toys (L)”; and “rituals (R)”. Uses mentioned less than eight times were summarized in “Others (O)”, including soaps, toilet paper, glue or agricultural purpose like soil improvement inter alia. Since the majority of data refers to medicinal plants, this category was differentiated into 41 secondary categories according to the treated illnesses (Table 5). We used this detailed classification to enable later pharmaceutical studies because in this field the local people who provide information are not capable of classifying different subcategories according to modern medicine since ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge in several cases does not clearly distinguish.

Table 5.

List of 10 species representing ≥50% citations of women and men, respectively (%) and highest number of use-reports (UR), with their habitat (H), Habitat: S = savanna, F = forest, V = village; *neophyte

Species mentioned mainly by women UR % H Species mentioned mainly by men UR % H
Aframomum alboviolaceum 15 54 S Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata 32 91 S
Dialium englerianum 8 50 S Hymenocardia acida 28 70 S
Jatropha curcas* 7 64 V Securidaca longipedunculata 26 90 S
Combretum psidioides 6 86 S Sarcocephalus latifolius 25 78 S
Ekebergia benguelensis 6 67 S Monodora myristica 24 80 F
Stachytarpheta cayennensis* 6 67 V Vitex madiensis 23 66 S
Gaertnera paniculata 5 100 F Chromolaena odorata* 22 88 S
Cola acuminata 5 63 F Psorospermum febrifugum 22 85 S
Zingiber officinale* 4 100 V Bridelia ferruginea 21 84 S
Strychnos pungens 4 80 S Morinda lucida 21 91 S, F

Statistical methods were performed to figure out the influence of age, gender, plant habitat, and distance to Uíge city, use categories and application forms to each other. Chi-square test of independence was used to determine whether a significant relation between two variables exists [53]. Using the Checklist of Plants in Angola [1], the proportion of neophytes was determined.

In order to allow comparing recorded data to other studies, the following quantitative ethnobotanical indices were calculated: Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC), Cultural Importance Index (CI) as well as the Informant Consensus Factor (FIC) regarding the secondary categories of illnesses. The Relative Frequency of Citations presents the local significance of each plant species and is calculated for each species as the quotient of the frequency of citations (FC) and the total number of informants (N) [54] (Formula 1). Tardío and Pardo-de-Santayana [51] introduced the CI to ensure data of different studies being compared due to versatility of species use. If the species use would be mentioned in every use category, ten in our study, the CI would be this total number of use categories, i.e. also 10 [51]. In case the species is used in just one use category the CI would be equal to the RFC (Formula 2). Since interviews often were conducted in groups of informants, the number of groups (62) instead of the number of informants (162) was used to calculate the indices.

FIC indicates the homogeneity of the knowledge of the informants [55] (Formula 3). Values differ from 0 (no concordance) to 1 (full accordance). High values therefore illustrate that healers use the same species for the treatment of the same illness.

RFCs=FCsN=i=i1iNURiN

Formula 1: Calculation of the Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC): s = species, FC = Frequency of Citation by one informant; N = total number of informants [54].

CIs=u=u1uNCi=i1iNIURuiNI

Formula 2: Calculation of the Cultural Importance Index (CI): s = species, u = use categories; N = total number of informants, i = informants, NC = the number of use categories, URui = the use report of informant I in use [51].

Fic=nurntnur1

Formula 3: Calculation of the Informant Consensus Factor (Fic): nur = number of use-reports in each use category; nt = number of taxa used [56].

Literature available on medicinal applications of the listed plant species were used for comparison: Neuwinger [57], Iwu [58] and Latham and Konda ku Mbuta [11] of which the latter two reported data in the adjacent Democratic Republic of Congo [11, 57, 58]. In the following the term citation is used in the same way as use-report.

Results and discussion

General findings on vegetation of used plants

The heterogeneity of Uíge’s landscapes and vegetation formations is mirrored by a high variability of data. Nevertheless, several tendencies can be postulated. Our study presents 2390 use-reports (Table 1). Three hundred fifty-eight species representing 96 plant families were identified, 17 of them only to genus level. Of these used plant species, 35% were trees, 26% perennial herbs, 16% shrubs, 12% climbers, 10% annuals and less than 1% parasites. In contrast to a study in southern Angola [6] and one in Namibia [59], woody plants are not used more frequently in our study area compared to herbs since herbaceous plants are found all year around due to the humid forest habitats, and because the much shorter dry season results in a higher availability of plants from savannah areas [6, 24]. Apparently, men (13%) use more climbers than women (8%) certainly due to the fact that climbers are a characteristic element of forest and transition zone where men are going to hunt regularly. However the difference is not significant (chi-square test, P = 0.108, χ2 = 2.578). The use patterns of the other growth forms do not differ between genders in contrast to, e.g. in Eastern Tanzania, where women are more responsible for collecting herbaceous plants while men work with arborescent species [60].

Concurrently, 27% are plants growing in different savannah types, 24% in forests, and 21% in the transition zone connecting these two ecosystems. Furthermore, 20% of the used plants are cultivated, 7% were collected in disturbed areas and 1% are water plants. Comparing habitat and growth form data, some features become apparent. Forty-five percent of the forest species are trees, 21% climbers. This proportion is shifting towards the transition zone where 40% are trees and 31% climbers. These often anthropogenically induced forest edges are characterized by a moist climate with a simultaneous high solar radiation imitating natural gaps caused by treefall. As tropical rainforest disturbance increases, relative abundance of climbers increases, as well [61, 62]. In contrast, from the collected plant species of the studied savannah formations, 42% are trees and 32% perennial herbs [24]. Fifty percent of species collected in disturbed areas are annual herbs, which confirms the fact that annuals are typical for disturbed areas [63]. While just three out of 358 mentioned species are endemic to Angola, 71 species are naturalized that is equivalent to one fifth, 73% of which are still cultivated. In total, 15% of all citations refer to these species. This high number is not surprising. Different studies document the integration of introduced plants into the ethnobotanical repertoires of people [7, 64, 65]. In a study in Brazil, Santos et al. [66] even detected that invasive species overall were considered useful more often than non-invasive species. A closer look reveals that the naturalized species do not fill a gap described in Alencar et al. or Medeiros et al. [67, 68]. They make up a small part in all medicinal categories with an average of 14%, with just one exception in the category “fevers, malaria” where they represent 36%. Out of the 53 citations for this disease category, 15 citations are based only on Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (8) and Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (7). Although a wide range of species exist to treat stomachache, the most frequently used species is Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, introduced from tropical America, and used for various applications worldwide [69].

Angola’s turbulent history as a Portuguese colony and the resulting cultural influences from other Portuguese colonies such as Brazil led to an interchange of plant use and knowledge as for Nicotiana tabacum L., which arrived in Africa in the 1600s or Arachis hypogaea L., which was incorporated at the same time into African ethnomedical systems [70]. In particular, certain arable crops from the New World were introduced in Angola, especially from the Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Actual international listings and reports on neophytes and invasive species are still very incomplete for Angola [71, 72]. According to the list of invasive species in Eastern Africa [73], 24 species of our study are detected to have invasive potential. Due to our observations in northern Angola, six plant species display an invasive behaviour: Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob., Inga edulis Mart., Lantana camara L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Solanum mauritianum Scop., and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray. The species of most invasive power Chromolaena odorata forms dense thickets in savannah and forest gaps, disrupting forest successions.

Local people are aware that this plant is not native to their region. Different myths surround its arrival suggesting that Chromolaena odorata was introduced rather recently [32, 72]. Nevertheless, in terms of its traditional use in our study, it is in 6th position regarding its RFC-value (Table 2).

Table 2.

List of the 11 species with the highest Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) including habitat, used plant parts (PP), use categories (UC), number of citations (NC), and Cultural Importance Index (CI). Habitat (Hab.): C cultivated, F forest, S savannah. Plant Parts: B bark, F fruit, L leaf, R root, S seed, SS stem sap, ST stem, W whole plant, Wo wood. Use category: C drugs and cigarettes, D domestic and charcoal, F Hunting, fishing and animal feed, H handicrafts, L ludic, childrens’ toys, M medicinal use, N nutrition, spices and herbal teas, R rituals, T dental care and cosmetics, O others; *neophyte

Species Hab. PP UC NC RFC CI
Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata S R, L, F M, N 50 0.371 0.435
Hymenocardia acida S B, L, R, S M 40 0.355 0.355
Vitex madiensis S B, L, R, F, W M, N, R 43 0.323 0.468
Psorospermum febrifugum S B, L, R, F, SS F, M, R 29 0.306 0.371
Raphia matombe F F, L, SS, ST C, D, F, H, M, N, O 24 0.306 0.371
Chromolaena odorata* S L, W M, O 26 0.274 0.290
Elaeis guineensis C B, F, FL, L, R, SS, S C, F, H, M, N, O, R 35 0.274 0.387
Aframomum alboviolaceum S F, L, R, ST M, N 34 0.258 0.339
Sarcocephalus latifolius S B, F, L, R M 32 0.258 0.242
Smilax anceps S F, L, R M, N 20 0.258 0.226
Xylopia aethiopica F B, F, R, S, Wo D, M, N 33 0.258 0.306

With regard to the species number, the predominant used plant families are Fabaceae (11.7%), Asteraceae (6.1%) and Rubiaceae (5.6%), followed by Apocynaceae, Malvaceae and Euphorbiaceae (4.2%). The distribution of plant families is difficult to discuss without referring to the occurring vegetation units. Our results therefore confirm the mosaic like heterogeneity of the studied area, influenced by Guineo-Congolian rain forests, Zambesian dry evergreen forests, Miombo woodlands and secondary (wooded) grasslands [24]. This shows a respective preference: species from Fabaceae and Asteraceae have a high percentage of used savannah plants (> 50%) while the percentage of forest plants increases within the other families, especially in Rubiaceae (26%).

The quotient of citations and species number within one plant family (C/S) emphasizes the importance of citations within one plant family, including the fact that big families like Fabaceae or Asteraceae inherently show high citation numbers. As illustrated in Fig. 2, some plant families were mentioned with just a few species but high citation rate (high C/S). For example in Annonaceae, 120 citations for 5 species lead to a C/S of 24. While the families Annonaceae and Asteraceae exhibit an equally high number of citations, the number of species is considerably higher in Asteraceae. The proportion for one species therefore is much higher in Annonaceae than in Asteraceae. By contrast, in Solanaceae, 34 citations for 11 species lead to a C/S of 3.1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

Plant family distribution correlating species number with the number of citations including data about its C/S-Quotient depicted by the size of the circles. Abbreviations of families: ANN Annonaceae, ACA Acanthaceae, ANA Anacardiaceae, APO Apocynaceae, ARE Arecaceae, AST Asteraceae, EUP Euphorbiaceae, HYP Hypericaceae, LAM Lamiaceae, MAL Malvaceae, PHY Phyllanthaceae, POL Polygalaceae, RUB Rubiaceae, SOL Solanaceae, ZIN Zingiberaceae

Ethnobotanical results

Willingness of visited people to collaborate was very high. One hundred sixty-two informants were interviewed in 62 groups. Two thirds were older than 40 years. Some healers specialized on one or two diseases only while others demonstrated their broad knowledge to heal a large variety of diseases (Additional file 1).

Seventy-six percent of the citations collected in our study refer to medicinal uses, 10% to nutritional use and 4% to its use as fodder plant. The remaining 10% are divided into the other 7 use categories. Although the unequal split of citations within the 10 use categories suggests a low use of plants in some of them, plenty of species are used for several purposes and daily needs. Thus, 41 species are used for domestic applications, 33 species for rituals, 29 species as drugs or cigarettes, 21 species for handicrafts and 9 for ludic ambits. Compared to other studies (e.g. Vodouhê, [74]), the percentage of medicinal uses is very high, although Göhre et al. [7] detected quite similar use category distributions. One reason might be that our study design required at least one person with knowledge of traditional medicine to accompany the interview. On the other side, this split is an indication of the crucial role of plants in rural health care.

In general, the predominantly used part is the leaf (37%, 890 citations, 220 species), followed by the different stem tissues wood, bark, bast fibres, and resins (17%, 407 citations, 110 species), underground organs like roots, tubers and rhizomes (15%, 367 citations, 140 species) as well as fruits and seeds with 15% (354 citations, 114 species). In some cases, the whole plant (56 citations, 27 species) or flowers (16 citations, 12 species) were used. Regarding only the medicinal use category, the proportion of the citations describing the use of leaves remains almost unchanged with 39% (689 citations, 178 species) while the proportion of the use of underground organs increases by more than the double to 32% (582 citations, 137 species). This detected plant part percentage is consistent with the one observed by Urso et al. [6], Giday et al. [75], or Cheikhyoussef and Embashu, [76]. As already mentioned and discussed in Urso et al. [6], the intensive use of underground organs in medical applications may be due to the fact that underground organs need effective defence strategies based on a high content of secondary metabolites [6, 77]. By contrast, the studies of Upadhyay and Kumar [78] and Panghal et al. [79] confirm leaves as the most frequently used plant part in remedies [78, 79]. In this context, strain and increasing mortality in species of which primarily bark and roots or bulbs are collected for remedies, are discussed [8083]. No awareness of interviewed people in Uíge province for this emerging problem was detected during our study.

As expected, in the category “nutrition”, the main plant parts used are fruits (57%), leaves (31%), and seeds (5%) which is in concordance with literature [6, 76]. Fruits are consumed fresh, except the fruits of Adansonia digitata L., Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn. and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. which can also be dried. Tubers, although an important source of starch, were seldom mentioned. This may be because during field trips these tubers are not abundant but normally cultivated. For fodder purposes, mainly, leaves are used (75%); fruits and stem tissues only play a subordinate role.

Stems and timber, respectively, are the main plant parts used domestically (67%). Except the significantly more frequent utilization of fruits and seeds by women (chi-square test, P = 7 × 10−5, χ2 = 15.8), no other gender-specific difference was detected. This result could be caused by the daily behaviour and responsibilities women have; those inter alia walk to and work in the field, carry and take care of the children while collecting edible fruits along the wayside. For the Ibo women in Nigeria for instance, their ownership of fruit trees was described [84].

Ethnobotanical indices of used plants

RFC and CI of all mentioned species were calculated to evaluate the importance of the species use. Here, 67% of the species have a RFC below 0.05, 14% between 0.05 and 0.1, and 20% more than 0.1. The values range from 0.37 to 0.02. The species with the highest RFC also show a high variety of its used plant parts and use categories (Table 2). The calculated CI covers values from 0.47 to 0.02 with an average value of 0.07 while Göhre et al. [7] calculated an average value of 0.09 in savannah regions near Uíge city.

Eight of the 11 species listed in Table 2 are typical savannah species demonstrating the importance of this vegetation in traditional plant usage [7]. The most important species is Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata (Oliv.) N. Robson, a subshrub, which, due to its woody rhizome, is able to regrow after periodical fires. Fruits are edible, frequent and therefore known by everyone. Its medicinal use is broad but with focus on gastrointestinal disorders. This application was mentioned for the related A. stenophylla and A. stenophylla subsp. nana [57]. Hymenocardia acida Tul. as well as Psorospermum febrifugum Spach are frequent small savannah trees often used for treating bloody diarrhoea, bleeding or anaemia due to its red root bark producing a reddish coloured decoction and therefore related to blood, according to the tradition of local people. We noticed a comparable relationship between the bark of Erythrina abyssinica DC., which produces a yellow decoction and is used to treat yellow fever, and the use of pulverized thorns of the trunk of Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P.G.Waterman to treat injuries to the feet. Hence, for some plants, appearance is related to functionality, comparable to the doctrine of signatures developed by Paracelsus in the sixteenth century [85, 86]. The shrub Vitex madiensis Oliv. produces edible fruits and has a wide variety of healing properties. Another frequent tree is Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A.Bruce whose roots are often sold at local markets as a tonic. Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) K.Schum. is a common perennial that produces edible fruits sold at local markets during the late rainy season. Smilax anceps Willd. is the only climbing plant in this list, widespread in African savannahs and therefore used diversely [57].

Secondly, three species (Elaeis guineensis Jacq., Raphia matombe De Wild., Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich) are an important part of remedy mixtures and thus quite well known in the literature [57]. Several liposoluble substances can be dissolved in the oil of Elaeis guineensis fruits, which is therefore used for skin diseases [57, 58]. At the same time, palm fruits present a food for better nutrition and health due to its components such as palmitic-oleic rich semi solid fat as well as vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols [87]. Xylopia aethiopica is most commonly used as an addition to remedy mixtures of pulverized seeds due to its diverse constituents [58, 88]. In contrast, the other palm species Raphia matombe is one of the most important species in Bakongo culture inter alia because of its common traditional utilization to produce palm wine [89]. In addition, alcohol also serves as solvent for active ingredients [9092]. Some plants traditionally are macerated in alcoholic beverages and used in medical applications, mainly as aphrodisiac or against pain [57]. However, parts of Raphia also serve as base for other applications such as the leaf rachis for domestic use, edible fruits or fibres for handicrafts [32].

Interestingly, the invasive species Chromolaena odorata, native to Central-America, is part of the list but also used worldwide for the same purpose or other applications [90, 91, 9395]. Its biochemical and antimicrobial activities as well as anticancer properties are already well studied [96, 97].

Ethnobotanical indices of medical plants

If we consider only medical plants, the selected ethnobotanical indices attain values similar to those for the useful plants in general. Out of the 1813 use reports, 68% of the listed plant species exhibit a RFC below 0.05 (corresponding to 3 citations maximal, 13% between 0.05 and 0.1 (4 to 6 citations), and 19% more than 0.1 (from 7 citations up). The values range from 0.34 to 0.02. The species with the highest RFC in this use category are shown in Table 3. Eight of them are already mentioned in Table 3. The calculated CI values range from 0.44 to 0.02 with an average value of 0.08.

Table 3.

List of 11 medical plant species with the highest Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) including habitat, used plant parts (PP), and Cultural Importance Index (CI). Habitat: C cultivated, F forest, S savannah. Plant parts: B bark, F fruit, L leaf, R root, S seed, SS stem sap, ST stem, W whole plant; *neophyte

Species Habitat PP RFC CI
Hymenocardia acida S B, L, R, S 0.3387 0.4355
Vitex madiensis S B, L, R 0.3226 0.4032
Psorospermum febrifugum S B, F, L, R, SS 0.3065 0.3226
Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata S L, R 0.2903 0.4032
Chromolaena odorata* S L 0.2581 0.3226
Sarcocephalus latifolius S B, F, L, R 0.2581 0.4032
Aframomum alboviolaceum S L, R, ST 0.2419 0.3226
Dysphania abrosioides* D L, R, W 0.2419 0.3226
Maprounea africana S B, L, R 0.2419 0.3226
Monodora myristica F B, F, R, S 0.2419 0.371
Xylopia aethiopica F F, R, S 0.2419 0.3387

Ten percent out of 1813 citations for medicinal uses refer to stomach ache (183 citations), 8% to respiratory diseases (140 citations), 7% to pain and rheumatism (124 citations), 6% to diarrhoea (115 citations) and 6% to headache and weakness (101 citations). According to Heinrich et al. [55], the informant’s consensus can help to select plant species for further pharmaceutical analyses. The calculated Informant Consensus Factor (FIC) of the 41 secondary use categories ranged between 0 and 0.78. The disease “measles” has the highest FIC (0.78), followed by the disease groups “diarrhoea” (0.61), “skeletal deformation” (0.6), “anaemia” (0.58) and “stomach ache” (0.58). For 14 out of the 41 defined disease categories, FIC was below 0.2. Table 4 shows the plant species, which were cited at least five times for one disease, sorted by the Informant Consensus Factor (FIC) of each disease. Statistical analysis with Chi-square test of independence did not detect any significance in gender-specific treatment of the 41 disease categories, except in the treatment of scoliosis (chi-square test, P = 1 × 10−9, χ2 = 37.1).

Table 4.

Diseases with at least one species mentioned with 5 citations listed in order of its Informant Consensus Factor (FIC). In square brackets the number of citations of disease category (UR) and the FIC; Known to literature: + known, – not known, *indirectly related; Literature used: Neuwinger, Iwu, Latham and Konda ku Mbuta [11, 57, 58]

Disease Species UR L
measles [UR 10; FIC 0.78] Gardenia ternifolia subsp. jovis-tonantis 8
(bloody) diarrhoea, dysentery
[UR 115; FIC 0.61]
Bridelia ferruginea 11 +
Hymenocardia acida 10 +
Psidium guajava 8 +
Combretum racemosum 6 +
Diplorhynchus condylocarpon 6 +
Elaeis guineensis 5 +
Lannea edulis 5 +
Syzygium guineense 5 +
skeletal deformation, scoliosis
[UR 82; FIC 0.6]
Aframomum alboviolaceum 8
Dialium englerianum 7
Hymenocardia acida 5
Oncoba welwitschii 5
Securidaca longipedunculata 5
anaemia [UR 39; FIC 0.58] Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata 6
Ochna afzelii subsp. mechowiana 5 +
stomachache [UR 183; FIC 0.58] Senna occidentalis 16 +
Morinda morindoides 11 +
Morinda lucida 10 +
Sarcocephalus latifolius 10 +
Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata 6 +
Rauvolfia vomitoria 6 +
Diplorhynchus condylocarpon 5 +
erectile dysfunction, impotence [UR 59; FIC 0.57] Mondia whitei 13 +
Thonningia sanguinea 9 *
injury, sprain [UR 40; FIC 0.56] Chromolaena odorata 7 +
hepatitis [UR 16; FIC 0.53] Erythrina abyssinica 5 +
skin infection, problems, leprosy, cicatrices [UR 79; FIC 0.5] Psorospermum febrifugum 11 +
Chaetocarpus africanus 5 +
parasitic worms (intestine) [UR 59; FIC 0.48] Morinda morindoides 8 +
Morinda lucida 6 +
fever, malaria [UR 53; FIC 0.48] Chromolaena odorata 8 *
Dysphania ambrosioides 7 +
toothache, caries [UR 44; FIC 0.47] Maprounea africana 7 +
heart problems, blood pressure [UR 18; FIC 0.47] Brillantaisia owariensis 5
respiratory diseases [UR 140; FIC 0.47] Dysphania ambrosioides 6 +
rheumatism, gout, pain [UR 124; FIC 0.47] Croton mubango 11 +
Securidaca longipedunculata 9 +
Vitex madiensis 6 +
headache, vertigo, weakness, fatigue [UR 101; FIC 0.45] Oncoba welwitschii 5 +
Vitex madiensis 5 +
eye parasites, eye problems [UR 36; FIC 0.4] Albizia adianthifolia 5 +
epilepsy, convulsion [UR 42; FIC 0.39] Costus afer 5 +
constipation, flatulence [UR 48; FIC 0.34] Maprounea africana 7 +

The importance of traditional medicinal plants is demonstrated by the high number of medical use-reports (76%). This value coincides with those of former studies in this area [7, 9]. The relatively low FIC values could be explained by the heterogeneity of vegetation forms in the studied area. In case of non-availability of one plant species, another will be chosen to treat the same disease. Cheikhyoussef et al. [59] reported much higher FIC due to the considerably lower number of citations, described species and disease categories [59]. The FIC encouraged us to choose reliable data of plants which could be analysed either in medical or phytochemical studies. The majority of the medical applications mentioned at least five times (Table 4) is already known and documented [11, 57, 58], but a few citations are new to science (18%), e.g. Gardenia ternifolia subsp. jovis-tonantis (Welw.) Verdc. seems to be promising for treatment of measles; except in Göhre et al. [7], the use of Brillantaisia owariensis P.Beauv. for cardiovascular diseases was still not documented and Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata was neither ethnobotanically nor phytochemically investigated although several studies document the use of related species [7]. With decreasing number of citations the quantity of still unknown uses increases. The disease skeletal deformation/scoliosis is rarely mentioned in ethnobotanical literature as its management is dominated by physiotherapies and bracing and not by herbal preparations. Hulse mentioned deer antlers to cure skeleton deformities according to Chinese medicine and called it of dubious credibility [98]. A study from Namibia mentioned Ximenia americana L. as a cure for scoliosis [59]. The standard reference Neuwinger [57] neither mentions skeletal deformation nor scoliosis as traditionally treated diseases [57]. Nevertheless, we documented this traditional healing concept as part of Bakongo health treatment culture.

Administration methods vary from community to community, from healer to healer and from disease to disease. Using a decoction to prepare a remedy is the most frequently found method of preparation (45%), followed by the manufacture of an ointment (13%), maceration (12%) and the application as raw material, while nearly half of all preparations are administered orally (45%), followed by dermal application (20%) in only 16% is an enema used. This is in contrast to commonly used methods used in West African traditional health systems [99]. According to these analyses of administrations, the four most important combinations of preparation and application of medicinal plants are (1) decoction taken orally (21%); (2) raw material crushed, taken orally, chewed or swallowed (14%); (3) maceration of plant parts taken orally (11%); and (4) the preparation of ointment applied to the skin (11%). These findings are in line with those of several studies [6, 7, 100].

Nutritional plants

Thirty percent of mentioned plant species do have a certain nutritional value for local people. Out of the 107 species used for nutrition, 10 were cited more than five times. Besides the species already listed above (Aframomum alboviolaceum (F), Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata (F), Vitex madiensis (F)), these are as follows: Anisophyllea quangensis Engl. ex Henriq. (F), Dialium englerianum Henriq. (F), Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels (L), Parinari capensis Harv. (F), Pteridium aquilinum subsp. africanum (L.) Kuhn (L), Strychnos cocculoides Baker (F) and Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. (F).

The use of these species is comparable to Biloso and Lejoly [101], who found very similar results in the province Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Termote and Van Damme [102] as well as Latham and Konda ku Mbuta [11] also point out the economic importance of these species. On the other hand, 12% of the citations (13 species) are plants which up to now are not known to literature [7, 9, 11, 103105]. Especially one species should be highlighted: Dracaena camerooniana, whose leaves are locally known as nsalabayakala, is also sold at local markets and therefore of economic value. By contrast, fruits like those of Cnestis ferruginea or Renealmia africana might be edible but not of good taste, so that just a few people do consume these wild fruits, found in the forests. Furthermore, for the consumed aerial parts of Hilleria latifolia toxicity studies showed histopathological changes at high doses [106]. As several species are just cited once, further studies on reliability of data as well as on distribution of species, and their nutritive values and toxicities are recommended.

Influence of gender, age and distance

Gender

It is postulated that women and men have separate and unique relationships with biodiversity [37]. Different studies detected either a gender-specific plant use [59, 107] or gender-independent knowledge [108]. In our study, two thirds of informants were male, one third female. In average, female informants concentrate on using plants from savannahs (49%) and villages (38%) while male interviewees focus on the use of forest (40%) and savannah (44%) species.

Although women represent just a fifth of all citations (22%), their contribution to medicinal plants was proportionally even higher (83%) than those of men (74%) (chi-square test, P = 9 × 10−6, χ2 = 19.7). Deleting use categories “medicinal plants” and “nutritional plants”, the remaining use categories can be broken down in detail. It appears that all use categories are nearly homogenously distributed regarding their number of citations between genders and do not differ significantly from each other (chi-square test, P > 0.05).

Fifty percent of all plants mentioned in the study were listed just by men, 12% just by women. When looking at more details of the use category “medicinal plants”, a similar pattern can be seen: 48% of the plants were brought up by men only and 14% just by women. The ten most important species mentioned for medical application by women and men, with a percentage of more than 50%, respectively, and the highest numbers of use-reports are shown in Table 5. There is thus a strong suspicion that these species might have a medical application for illnesses specific to women as in Cheikhyoussef et al. [59] or mentioned by Kamatenesi-Mugisha [109]. By contrast, our analyses do not confirm this assumption. Medical plant applications especially for women’s illnesses (menstruation problems, birth, pregnancy, open cervix, lactation, and abortive use) are not significantly more frequently quoted by women than others (chi-square test, P > 0.05). On the other hand, mens’ specific illnesses (erectile dysfunction, impotence) and the associated plants are not mentioned just by men, but by women too. On the contrary, percentages are almost evenly distributed.

In Bakongo culture, both sexes play a plurality of roles. Nevertheless, a majority of men hunts while women maintain the household, take care of the children and work in the field. However, individual differences from person to person blur these culturally not strictly fixed boundaries, so that men also help on the fields. The results of our study on the influence of gender on plant usage in all areas of daily life did not show prominent differences of genders in traditional plant usage of Bakongo tribes. Handicraft and house constructing activities are performed by both sexes, depending on the transfer of knowledge within the families rather than on gender. Not even in the context of gender-specific illnesses, significant differences could be detected. That all adds up to the conclusion that treatment of illnesses is open and pragmatic and not biased by gender. This notion also contradicts the self-perception of male healers who “use plants of whose women do not know their effects”. But further studies should be undertaken to support this observation, also because the percentage of women was low.

Distance to Uíge city

As the study was conducted in the whole province covering an area of 59,000 km2, different vegetation zones are included which merge together seamlessly forming a complex mosaic. For this reason, it is difficult to detect a clear influence of the distance in regard to species composition in traditional healer’s concepts. What could be detected significantly with respect to the distance to Uíge city are differences in two use categories. The larger the distance, the higher the number of use citations of medical plants ranging from 72% (zone A) to 80% (zone B) (chi-square test, P = 9 × 10−6, χ2 = 19.6) while the use of nutritional plants decrease from 12% (zone A) to 8% (zone B) (chi-square test, P = 0.002, χ2 = 9.6). Neither plant part utilization nor medical plant explanation or age of informants was significantly different. With increasing distance from the city Uíge and its manifold offers of modern society such as health centres or supermarkets, no significant difference of plant usage could be detected (chi-square test, P > 0.05). Similar results were achieved by Ávila et al. [64] who, depending on different urbanization levels, documented the maintenance of a similar ethnobotanical repertoire in Brazilian Quilombola groups. In contrast, Pirker et al. [110] stated an influence of rural–urban urbanization and globalization processes on traditional knowledge. This should be more fully investigated, especially in accordance with the shifts from traditional healing to modern health care in Angola.

Age

Nearly one third of informants were younger than 40 years whereas only a quarter of all citations were mentioned by this group. The older people therefore show a significantly greater knowledge (chi-square test, P = 0.000955, χ2 = 10.913). Especially concerning the use category “medicine”, significantly more uses were mentioned by the older people (chi-square test, P = 0.00097, χ2 = 10.877). Voeks [107] described a similar situation in northeast Brazil and justified his results to show that the greater knowledge of plant medicinal properties was linked to the greater age of the participant. The reason that the number of young healers is comparatively low is explained by the slow process of transferring knowledge from one generation to another [59]. Further studies should compare firstly younger people and secondly people from urban and rural areas, regardless of their knowledge.

Conclusion

Despite (or because of) the long-lasting military conflict in Angola, traditional knowledge of plant usage is still an important part of cultural heritage. Plants therefore are essential elements in all areas of livelihood, especially in the medical sector. This situation is compounded by the still very poor health care system in the country, especially in rural areas.

The study reveals the following key messages:

  1. A considerable heterogeneity in plant usage of the studied area could be detected, influenced by the high complexity of flora composed of both, Guineo-Congolian and Zambesian elements and the diverse topography.

  2. Although the area is large, no significant influence of the distance in regard to species composition in traditional healer’s concepts of the respective village was found.

  3. Although several plants were just mentioned by women or men, respectively, no significant restriction to gender-specific illnesses in medical plant use could be found.

  4. Merely concerning the age of informants a slight shift could be detected, because one third of informants were younger than 40 years whereas only one fourth of all citations were mentioned by this group. Regarding the analysis within use categories, this tendency could not be substantiated significantly.

  5. At least three species are worth evaluating for their pharmacological potential due to their high FIC value regarding the following diseases: Gardenia ternifolia subsp. jovis-tonantis seems to be promising for treatment of measles; Brillantaisia owariensis has still not been analysed for treating cardiovascular diseases; Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata was mentioned for treating anaemia.

People in Angola still depend very much on the natural environment, and the knowledge of how to use plants in their daily life is fundamental—even people living in the large cities or urban areas do have family in the rural regions or at least have lived part of their life there. But by virtue of the already existing and for the future expected urbanization and the resultant loss of direct dependence upon nature, traditional knowledge is expected to be lost in future [111], especially if taking into account that Angola has a high amount of unused land, suitable for crops which will be converted in near future, resulting in a negative impact on biodiversity [112]. The study therefore at the same time provides an important contribution of traditional knowledge documentation, which so far is very rare for the area investigated here. Collected data are a worthwhile base for the establishment of a Botanical Garden integrated in the Universidade Kimpa Vita in Uíge with focus on useful plants. Furthermore, ethnopharmacological studies of several selected plant species might usefully be undertaken.

Additional file

Additional file 1: (139.3MB, mov)

Short movie: Two of the authors during field studies in Uíge. A traditional healer demonstrates the preparation and application of an herbal funnel. (MOV 142656 kb)

Acknowledgements

The analysis and discussion contained within this article would not have been possible without the contribution of knowledge from the villagers of the province of Uíge. The University Kimpa Vita was an essential base for operations and provided logistical support. The authors would like to thank Barbara Ditsch, Gerard van der Weerden, Paul Latham, Christian Schulz, Daniel Nickrent, Anne Göhre, Roseli Buzanelli Torres, Thomas Couvreur and Ulrich Meve for assistance in the identification of selected herbarium specimens. We are also grateful to the Herbarium LISC in Lisbon and the Herbarium COI in Coimbra, Portugal for the assistance as well as to the Botanical Garden of the TU Dresden for cultivating plants until essential characters for identification appeared. Thanks to Andreas Kempe for preparing Fig. 1 and Stefan Bischoff for preparing Fig. 2.

We acknowledge support by the Open Access Publication Funds of the SLUB/TU Dresden.

Funding

The fieldwork in Angola was supported by a travel fund from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the program “Strategic Partnerships” of the TU Dresden. These published results were obtained in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional da Biodiversidade e Áreas de Conservação (INBAC) of the Ministério do Ambiente da República de Angola.

Availability of data and materials

All data are available from the corresponding author. All voucher specimens are deposited in the Herbarium Dresdense (DD) of the Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. As soon as suitable conditions are established, parts of the collection will be deposited at University Kimpa Vita, Uíge, Angola.

Abbreviations

CI

Cultural Importance Index

COI

Herbarium Coimbra

FIC

Informant Consensus Factor

LISC

Herbarium Lisbon

RFC

Relative Frequency of Citations

Authors’ contributions

TL carried out field work, analysed the collected data and drafted the manuscript. MM, MP, JLM and MFB participated in field work and established contact with local people. CH and CN participated in the design of the study and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ information

Since 2012, the Universidade Kimpa Vita in Uíge, Angola and the Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, have a multifaceted cooperation including the establishment of a Botanical Garden with the focus on local medicinal plants as well as biodiversity assessments.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Footnotes

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13002-018-0238-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Contributor Information

Thea Lautenschläger, Email: thea.lautenschlaeger@tu-dresden.de.

Mawunu Monizi, Email: m.mawunu2000@gmail.com.

Macuntima Pedro, Email: mpedrob@hotmail.com.

José Lau Mandombe, Email: juliete_mk@hotmail.com.

Makaya Futuro Bránquima, Email: franciscobunga0404@gmail.com.

Christin Heinze, Email: christinheinze@gmx.de.

Christoph Neinhuis, Email: christoph.neinhuis@tu-dresden.de.

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Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Additional file 1: (139.3MB, mov)

Short movie: Two of the authors during field studies in Uíge. A traditional healer demonstrates the preparation and application of an herbal funnel. (MOV 142656 kb)

Data Availability Statement

All data are available from the corresponding author. All voucher specimens are deposited in the Herbarium Dresdense (DD) of the Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. As soon as suitable conditions are established, parts of the collection will be deposited at University Kimpa Vita, Uíge, Angola.


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