THE RELEVANCE OF TOPICAL PLANT USAGE IN TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE: AN INVESTIGATION INTO WEST AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS WITH COSMECEUTICAL POTENTIAL IN SOUTHERN GHANA.

Abstract

Introduction: Cosmetopea, a relatively novel and under-reported field in ethnobotany, is concerned with documenting medicinal plants' cosmetic/skin-related uses across countries and cultures.

Aim: To identify Western African plants and plant preparations traditionally used for skin conditions and other skin applications and to determine the activity of a selected medicinal plant.

Method: A quantitative ethnobotanical survey was conducted within Southern Ghana to investigate knowledge of medicinal plant species and preparations used topically for various skin conditions amongst local and rural communities. Results: Plant use was cited as highest amongst men (76%) and herbal practitioners (60%). In total, the survey revealed 25 medicinal plants distributed amongst 20 plant families with 6 species being most frequently cited overall, which included Senna alata, Ageratum conyzoides, Momordica charantia, Phyllanthus amarus, Alstonia boonei and Ricinis communis. Major skin applications of most plant species reported were for the treatment of skin diseases whilst lesser applications were recorded for cosmetic use. In terms of skin conditions, pimples/rashes was recorded with a high frequency of citations (34.87%). Mixtures were cited as the most common (62%) preparation type whilst raw application was recorded with the lowest usage (3%). A total of 28 medicinal plant recipes were recorded with the leaf plant part being reported with the highest frequency of usage (64%) in preparations. Mechanical extraction techniques including grinding or crushing were frequently cited (46%) whilst solvent extraction namely by water was reported with the lowest use (3%).

Conclusion: It was determined that the uses of such plants are relevant amongst local and rural communities and in the traditional herbal industry in Ghana.