An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment and management of cancer in Embu County, Kenya
Onyancha Jared Misonge, Gikonyo Nicholas Kamindu, Wachira Sabina Wangui and Gicheru Michael Muita
Documentation of anticancer plants is not exhaustive in Kenya. The current study therefore was carried out to identify the plants used for treatment and management of cancer in Embu County. This is part of the mapping requirements of the laws of Kenya to promote complementary medicine. Analytical cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was conducted in Embu County, sixteen key informants were recruited and provided information about the names of plants, the parts of plant and methods of preparation of the medicines used to manage cancer. The plants were collected from their natural habitat and identified. Nine plants were recorded to manage cancers of the breast, prostate and throat. Fagaropsis angolensis, Hydnora abyssinica andIndigoferaswaziensis were recorded for management of cancer for the first time in this study. It was concluded that traditional medical practitioners of Embu County use plant extracts to manage and treat cancers of the breast, prostate and throat.
Onyancha Jared Misonge, Gikonyo Nicholas Kamindu, Wachira Sabina Wangui, Gicheru Michael Muita. An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment and management of cancer in Embu County, Kenya. J Med Plants Stud 2019;7(4):39-46.