Inventory of medicinal plants in the sacred forests of the Manon Community of Guinea

Background. Today, many animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, even in the sacred forests which are usually rigorously protected. Within the Guinean Manon community, the protection of biodiversity has always obeyed their beliefs and cultural values through their sacred forests[ ¹ ] ^- [ ² ]. Today, these forests are shrinking alarmingly. Aim. To evaluate the vegetation in sacred forests in Guinean Manon area. Results. An interview of 45 indigenous traditional healers and patriarchs led to the collection of 128 plant species from which 110 were identified in the sacred forests. These plants are mainly used in the management of prevalent infectious diseases. Botanical investigations have highlighted the probable extinction of important medicinal plant species such as Pavetta owariensis (Rubiaceae), Cola simiarum (Sterculiaceae), Afrosersalisia afzelii, (Sapotaceae), Calamus deerratus (Arecaceae) along with 37 endangered species including Thaumathococus danielli (Zingiberaceae), Bussea occidentalis (Caesalpiniaceae) and Hannoa klaineana (Simaroubaceae). Many other plant species are in danger of extinction due to deforestation linked to the industrial palm oil, rubber, intensive urbanization and decadence of cultural values. Conclusion. The gradual loss of biodiversity is likely to endanger the foundations of the traditional medicine which was developed and passed on from generation to generation, Considerable efforts are needed to safeguard the little remaining of these Manon sacred forests, sanctuaries of cultures, traditions, and medications

• References

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