The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(4):225-239 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15405

Research Article

Traditional medicinal plants for asthma treatment: An ethnobotanical study from southern Benin

Meto Aaron Baudouin Kakpo¹ , Boris Cachon² , Firmin Sagbo¹ , Abdou Satar Akadiri¹ , Gbèwonmèdéa Hospice Dassou³ , Latifou Lagnika¹ , Ménonvè Atindehou¹

Meto Aaron Baudouin Kakpo,Boris Cachon,Firmin Sagbo,Abdou Satar Akadiri,Gbèwonmèdéa Hospice Dassou,Latifou Lagnika,Ménonvè Atindehou

1. Laboratory of Integrative Biology for Therapeutic Innovation (BioInov), Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
2. Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Laboratory (LaRBiMeP), National School of Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology of Dassa-Zoumé (ENSBBA), National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics of Abomey (UNSTIM)
3. Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology, Benin National Herbarium, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 30th April, 2026 / Accepted: 15th July, 2026 / Published : 31st July, 2026

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a public health issue. Conventional treatments are not only expensive but also have side effects. In southern Benin, traditional medicine remains a primary source of care for asthma. Despite the widespread use of indigenous flora, many of these medical species lack documentation. Objective: This study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants used for asthma management in southern Benin. Materials and Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in three major cities, Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, and Porto-Novo, among 58 market herbalists, 15 plant users, and 9 traditional healers. Structured interviews collected socio-demographic information and therapeutic data. Results: A total of 61 plant species from 33 families, including Liliaceae, Anacardiaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae, and Lamiaceae, were identified.  The most frequently cited species were Pancratium trianthum (9.7%), Allium sativum (8.3%), Mangifera indica (6.0%), Citrus lemon (4.6%), and Allium cepa (4.2%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part in treatments. Decoction was the predominant preparation method, and oral administration was most frequent. Conclusion: This inventory lays the groundwork for integrative pharmacology, where Benin's biodiversity becomes the foundation for new sustainable therapeutic solutions for asthma.