Research Title: An Exploratory Ethnobotanical Study of the Practice of Herbal Medicine by the Akan Peoples of Ghana
Researchers: Caroline Abel, BSc (Hons), MNIMH, and Kofi Busia, PhD, BSc (Hons) Herb Med, MCMA
Abstract This exploratory ethnobotanical study took place in Kumasi, the capital city of the Asante, one of the Akan tribes. Data was collected using the multi-method approach of descriptive review, semi-structured interviews with traditional medical practitioners, and brief scientific review. Traditional Akan medicine is holistic and does not separate the physical world from the supernatural world. It is deeply rooted in traditional religion, with illness seen as a departure from the natural equilibrium. Traditional healers are either spiritually based or non-spiritually based.
Below is an excerpt of the information provided by the research.
Medicinal Plants Indicated by Traditional Medicine Practitioners
| Name | Twi Name | Part Used | Preparation | Condition Treated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tetrapleura tetraptera | Prekese | Fruit | Power in soup | Hypertension with diabetes |
| Alstonia boonei | Nyamedua | Bark | Decoction | Hypertension with longstanding fever |
| Stophanthus gratus | Heart failure | |||
| Anthocleista nobilis | Bontodee | Bark | Decoction | Hypertension |
| Ipomoea batatas | Aborodwobaa | Leaves | Decoction | Type 2 diabetes |
| Uapaca guineensis | Kuntan | Stem | Decoction | Hypertension |
Reference
Alternative Medicine Review – Volume 10, Number 2 – 2005
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