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TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
Original Article
Ethnobotanical survey and threats to medicinal plants traditionally used for the
management of human diseases in Nyeri County, Kenya
Loice Njeri Kamau1,*, Peter Mathiu Mbaabu1, James Mucunu Mbaria2, Peter Karuri Gathumbi3, Stephen Gitahi Kiama1
1Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; 2Department of
Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; 3Department of
Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625 Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
In Kenya, traditional knowledge on herbal medicine has remained a mainstream source of maintaining
wellbeing for generations in many communities. However, the knowledge has been eroded in the course
of time due to sociocultural dynamics virtually advanced by Christianity and formal education especially
in the Kikuyu community. The study documented current ethnobotanical knowledge and threat to the
traditional knowledge on medicinal plants among the Kikuyu community. A survey was carried out in
Mathira, Tetu, Kieni, Othaya, Mukurweini, and Nyeri Town constituencies. Thirty practicing herbalists
were purposively sampled; 5 per constituency. Data was obtained through semi - structured
questionnaires and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 80 ailments treated using 111
medicinal plant species distributed within 98 genera and 56 families were documented. Prevalent
communicable diseases treated using herbal medicine included; gonorrhea (17.5%), malaria (15%),
respiratory infections (12%), colds (10%) and amoebiasis (10%). Non-communicable diseases were; joint
pains (11.1%), ulcers/hyperacidity (8.7%), high blood pressure (8.7%), intestinal worms (11.1%) and
arthritis/gout (10%). Frequently harvested plant materials were; roots, barks and leaves. The study
concluded that, traditional medicine practitioners in Nyeri County possessed wide knowledge of herbal
medicine but this knowledge was on the verge of disappearing as it was largely a preserve of the aged
generation. The study recommended massive campaign about the benefits of using herbal medicine in the
study area. Further pharmacological studies are recommended on the mentioned plant species aimed at
establishing their efficacy and safety as well as standardization as potential drugs.
Keywords traditional medicine, Kikuyu comunity, Nyeri County, Kenya
INTRODUCTION
Traditional knowledge on herbal medicine has remained a
mainstream source of maintaining wellbeing for generations in
many communities (Kamboj, 2000). However, while many
communities in Africa are custodian of sophisticated plant
knowledge (Barrow, 1996), adoption of western culture has
caused rapid erosion of indigenous knowledge (Fratkin, 1996).
The Kikuyu community which largely occupies central Kenya
had most of its culture eroded by western influence as a result
of Christianity, colonialism and formal education (Sindiga et al.,
1995). During the colonial period, Nyeri County witnessed
unprecedented early missionary establishment notably,
Tumutumu Mission in 1908. This was followed by
establishment of a hospital, school and a church by the Scottish
Mission. The mission was a spring board and focal point of
Christianity and education establishment in other parts of Nyeri
region (Presbyterian Church of East Africa, 2011). Similarly,
the Catholic missions particularly, Consolata fathers established
a mission in Nyeri in 1910. The mission established a primary
school in 1924 which is today’s Nyeri High School and, several
other schools. Consolata hospital was established in the same
place in 1937 (Njoroge, 1999). To date, Nyeri County enjoys
one of the highest literacy levels in Kenya (Kenya National
Bureau of Statistics, 2013). The spread of Christianity and
introduction of formal education brought about unprecedented
changes (Sindiga et al., 1995). It came with a cost especially on
the loss of traditions which the missionaries considered
barbaric. Missionaries were disdainful of African traditional
beliefs, attitudes and practices. They were guided by “counter
cultural” model of Christian-culture interaction based on the
assumption that Christianity and indigenous practices were
diametrically opposed and the latter would have to give the
way (Bevans, 1992). Particularly, use of traditional medicine
faced a major setback due to alleged association with witchcraft
and perceived potent of western medication. Consequently, use
of traditional medicine among other cultural practices was
condemned and prohibited among converts (Muraya, 2013).
The effort of missionaries was boosted by colonial government
which introduced the "Witchcraft Act" of 1925” outlawing
traditional medicine in Kenya (Sleap, 2011). Moreover,
establishment of hospitals alongside schools provided an
alternative source of healthcare provision (Njoroge, 1999).
From the foregoing, the Kikuyu culture within which
knowledge on traditional medicine is engrained was rendered
amorphous. Nonetheless, the post-independence era witnessed
*Correspondence: Loice Njeri Kamau
E-mail: loicekam66@yahoo.com
Received March 22, 2016; Accepted May 18, 2016; Published
August 31, 2016
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5667/tang.2016.0007
© 2016 by Association of Humanitas Medicine
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/)
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
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2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
Kikuyu community from Nyeri County grapple with high
prevalence of non-communicable diseases
(http://integratepc.org/hospitals/kenya-only/) that defied
conventional treatment approaches (Lucado et al., 2011).
Further, high incidences of ailments which were resistant to
antibiotics (Laxminarayan and Heymann (2012) continued to
challenge allopathic mode of treatment. This may have driven
the community to seek alternative treatment methods, notably,
several herbal clinics were opened especially in urban centers
in Nyeri, an indication that traditional medicine was gaining
acceptance in Central Kenya. However, future ethno
therapeutic studies of traditional medicine used by the Kikuyu
community from Nyeri County relied on the preservation and
protection from extinction, of traditional medicinal knowledge
engrained in the pre-colonial Kikuyu cultural heritage. World
Health Assembly (1987) expressed the need for member
countries to develop programmes for conserving cultural
medicinal knowledge (Eloff, 1998). This endeavor could only
be achieved through detailed documentation of ethnobotanical
knowledge of different communities. Njoroge and Bussmann
(2006) and Bussmann and Njoroge (2007), documented herbal
medicine for skin and, eye, ear and throat (ENT) around Mt.
Kenya and commonly sold herbs around urban centers in
central region of Kenya. Despite the reported rise in use of
herbal health services in Kenya, little published data was
available on traditional knowledge on herbal medicine used in
Nyeri County. The purpose of the current survey was to
investigate and document comprehensively, traditional
medicinal plants used in the treatment and management of
ailments in Nyeri County.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area and ethnographic background
Nyeri County occurs in Central Kenya and it borders; Laikipia
County to the North, Nyandarua to the West, Murang’a to the
South, Kirinyaga to the East, and Meru to the North East (Fig.
1). It is located between latitude 0.4167° S, 36.9500° E. At the
time of the study, it had a population of 693,558 (Male – 49%,
Female – 51%) occupying an area of about 3,337 km2. It is
divided into six constituencies; Tetu, Othaya, Kieni, Mukurwe-
ini, Mathira and Nyeri town. The temperature ranges from an
average annual minimum of 12°C to a maximum of 27°C and
receives rainfall amounts from 550 mm to 1,500 mm per
annum. The long rains starts on March and ends on May while
the short rains sets in from October to December. Nyeri County
leads nationally with a forest cover of 38.5% as compared to a
national cover of 6.99%. The major geographical landscapes of
the County are Mount Kenya (5,199 m) and the Aberdare
ranges (3,999 m) to the east and west, respectively; both are
densely forested with rich plant species diversity. Agricultural
activities are a source of livelihood and the most predominant
economic activities include; tea and coffee which are grown for
exports, large scale horticultural flower farming, greenhouse
farming by small scale vegetable farmers and dairy farming.
The most predominant tribe is the Kikuyu community; others
included the Kamba, Luo, Meru, Embu, Somali, and Borana.
Most of the people living in Nyeri County are of Christian faith.
Nyeri County has one level 5 hospital, three level 4, 18 level 3
and 75 level two health facilities. It has three mission and three
private hospitals, one hospice, one nursing home and 228
private clinics which are spread across the County. The
doctor/population ratio is about 1:6459 and a nurse/population
ratio is 1:143.
Study design and data collection
The study was a cross sectional survey, 30 practicing traditional
medicine practitioners (TMPs) that willingly consented to
participate were purposively sampled (5 per constituency),
through the guidance of officers from Ministry of Culture and
Social Services. The criteria for selecting the target population
were guided by Cohen et al. (2000). According to the authors, a
sample of 30 respondents is the minimum sample size that can
reveal the full range or nearly full range of potentially
important opinions when seeking qualitative data as well as in
working out statistical analysis in quantitative data. Inclusion
criteria were based on those TMPs that were born and practiced
in the study area. Data collection involved interviews,
administration of pilot tested semi-structured questionnaire to
the TMPs, and transect walk. Interviews were conducted in the
native language (Kikuyu) and translated to English by a team
of trained research assistants. The respondents were assured of
confidentiality and that, any information volunteered would be
used for research purpose. Information collected from the
TMPs included; demographic information, traditional
knowledge on herbal medicine (harvesting, processing, dosage,
preparation, route of administration and toxicity) and
challenges in herbal medicine practice.
Sample collection and identification
Medicinal plants used to treat diseases that were mentioned by
the TMPs during the interview were collected by a team of
researchers from the University of Nairobi, research assistants
and TMPs. The plants were identified by a botanist and
voucher specimens were deposited at the University of Nairobi
Herbarium. Information about; habit, habitat, plant part
harvested and scientific name was recorded.
Data analysis
Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during the
study. Qualitative responses were organized into themes while
others were presented verbatim. Quantitative data from
demographic information as well as quantified qualitative data
were presented as proportions, percentages, pie charts and bar
graphs as well as analyzed using SPSS Version 20. The
relevance of medicinal plant species among traditional
medicine practitioners was calculated using the formulae; UVs
(total Use Value of the species for all informants) = (ƩUVis) /
(ni); UVis is the Use Value of the species for a single informant
and nis is the number of interviews by the informant (Hoffman,
2007; Phillips and Gentry, 1993).
RESULTS
Majority of the Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) were
over 57 years (87%) and were of Christian faith (89%). Seventy
seven percent (77%) had formal education out of which 55.6%
had undergone professional training and worked in the formal
sector; however, 20% had since retired. Sixty seven percent
(67%) combined herbal practice with other income generating
activities such as; business, farming, masonry and formal
employment, the other 33% of the practitioners earned their
living from herbalism. The TMPs had long standing experience;
89% had practiced for over 20 years, the other 11% between 6-
10 years. They mainly practiced from their homes (78%); the
other 22% had established a clinic at either Karatina, Mweiga
and Nyeri town. Additionally, they had acquired their skills in
herbal medicine through inheritance from parents and long-
standing experience. Notably, there was no evidence of
apprenticeship or organized structures of passing down
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
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2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
Fig. 1. Map of Africa showing the location of Kenya and Nyeri County.
knowledge which they possessed. However, 67% had acquired
additional information from books, media and internet. Fifty
six percent (56%) had no formal training on herbal medicine
while 44% had attended a government and World Bank
sponsored seminar. The attendees displayed a deep mastery of
appropriate herbal medicine practices during plant harvesting,
preparation, storage, and dosage administration. They were
aware of the group of patients that should be referred to
medical practitioners for specialized treatment based on, age,
sex and magnitude of sickness. Additionally, they learned
management skills which included record keeping and financial
management. Besides uplifting their confidence and self-
esteem in the profession, the seminar had driven out fear
among them. Eighty percent (80%) had registered as members
of the Nyeri Herbalists Association (NYETIPA) under the
Ministry of Culture and Social Services. A total of 80 ailments
treated by TMPs were recorded, common communicable
(infectious) diseases included; colds (53.3%), (50%), gonorrhea
(40%), respiratory infections (33.3%), intestinal worms
(33.3%), and amoebiasis (10.0%) while non-communicable
diseases were; high blood pressure (43%), arthritis/gout (40%),
wounds (40%), joint pain (33.3%), malaria ulcers/hyperacidity
(33.3%), stomachache (33.3%), male sexual dysfunction
(33.3%) and constipation/indigestion (33.3%). Some diseases
Fig. 3. Most common poisonous plant species among the Kikuyu
community, Nyeri County.
Fig. 2. Commonly used plant parts of the medicinal plants.
were treated as one, like arthritis and gout and, ulcers and
hyperacidity (Table 1). For the TMPs to achieve a wholesome
effect they used a holistic treatment approach which included
several herbs like; blood purifiers, appetizers, digestives and
revitalizers and, nutritional vegetables such as stinging nettle
and Macdonald’s eye. They combined 4-5 herbs in the
treatment of one disease; some acknowledged using a cocktail
of up to 20 herbs, thus the saying “gũtirĩ mũtĩ wa mũmwe”,
which means “plant species never grow in isolation”.
The plants occurred in diverse habitats, 23.8% of the herbs
were harvested either from the; bush, crop farms, compound or
boundary. The highest proportion of species growth form was
trees (36%) followed by shrubs (32%), herbs (24%), liana (7%)
and fungi (1%). Regularly harvested plant parts were the roots
(34.1%), leaves (25%), bark (20%) and whole plant (9%) (Fig.
2). In order to conserve medicinal plants, the TMPs obtained
the bark by cutting longitudinal strips or a third of the roots per
plant; others had developed botanical gardens in their farms
where they grew trees like Prunus africana and Azadirachta
indica.
Plant materials were washed and dried before grinding and
stored in water proof containers. Plant medicine was prepared
by boiling (80%), as an infusion (15%), inhalant or through
dermal or nasal application (5%). Frequently used
measurement unit was a glass/cup (equivalent to 250 ml) of
herbal decoction or infusion taken twice or thrice daily,
children took half the adult dose. Preparation was done by the
TMP and therefore cases of over dosage were rarely reported,
but when they did, the effects included;
constipation/indigestion and vomiting which were treated by
administering a laxative and anti-vomiting herb respectively.
Notably, TMPs did not treat infants, pregnant women, very old
people and emergency cases but referred them to hospital for
specialized treatment.
Plant toxicity was reportedly rare, however, 11% of TMPs
acknowledged that, some herbs like; Annona cherimola.
Warbugia ugandensis, Aloe spp. and Senna didymobotrya
caused toxic effects such as diarrhea, mild headache,
stomachache and general body weakness. In particular,
Neoboutonia macrocalyx caused kidney problems, Caesalpina
volkensii and Acacia nilotica (L. Willd) reportedly caused
blood thinning effect while Rhamnus prinoides and Prunus
africana demonstrated diuretic effect. The TMPs neutralized
plant toxicity by adding milk, fats, and bone soup and, by
combining with other plants such as, Rhamnus prinoides,
Periploca linearifolia, Carissa edulis, Rotheca myricoides,
34%
25%
20%
4%
3%
3%
1% 1%
9%
Root
Leaves
Bark
Fruits
Seeds
stem
Flowers
rhizome
whole plant
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
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Fig. 4. Plant families with high proportion of medicinal plant species used in Nyeri County.
prunus africana, Acasia nilotica or Tremma orientalis
depending on the plant type. Also, ½ a glass of Achyranthes
aspera leaves and Ficus natalensis (roots or bark) was added to
the root preparation of Euclea divinorum, Senna didymobotrya
and Cyathula polycephala leaves, to counteract their laxative
effect.
Notably, high level of knowledge in plants that are toxic to
both man and animals was observed among the TMPs. Plant(s)
that were not eaten by goats or those that produced a milky sap
were considered to be poisonous to humans or animals. At least
each TMP mentioned 3-5 toxic plants, this finding explained
why plant toxicity due to adulteration was reportedly rare; a
total of 12 plants were identified and documented (Fig. 3).
The TMPs displayed an in-depth knowledge on herbal
medicine used to manage diseases in the Kikuyu community;
majority (67%) mentioned over 20 medicinal plants without
reference to their records. However, there was no significant
relationship between level of education (p = 0.070) or age (p =
0.889) and traditional knowledge of herbal medicine. A total of
111 medicinal plant species distributed within 98 genera and 56
families were documented (Table 1). Plant families with high
numbers of medicinal plants were; Asteraceae (9.5%),
Euphorbiaceae (7.2%), Labiatae (6.3%), Solanaceae (5.4%) and
Caesalpinaceae (4.5%) (Fig. 4). Plants that showed a high
“User Value” among the TMPs included; Prunus africana,
Rotheca myricoides, Kigelia africana, Warbugia ugandensis,
Croton megalocarpus and Cordia abyssinica (Table 1). The
TMPs from drier parts of the County in particular Kieni sub-
county, possessed more information on traditional herbal
medicine and relied more on knowledge inherited from their
parents.
Despite their deep knowledge in traditional medicine, the
practice faced several challenges, 70% of the TMPs
acknowledged that, there was a general belief among members
of the community that taking herbal medicine causes resistance
to modern drugs. Failure to complete prescribed dose was also
reported, especially when a large quantity of herb decoction
was administered mainly because the patient presumed that it
was an overdose. Other challenges included poor payment for
services rendered by the TMPs and very high expectation from
the patients for immediate healing.
DISCUSSION
Majority of the herbalist were old, an indication that the
practice was not being passed on to the young generation. This
is similar to what was reported in other studies in Kenya
(Muthee et al., 2011; Wambugu et al., 2011). Most herbalists
were of Christian faith; similar observation was made by
Muthee et al. (2011) in Loitoktok District. High level of
education among the TMPs was attributed to early introduction
of education and Christianity by the missionaries (Sindiga et al.,
1995). Lack of laid down structures to pass down knowledge
contradicted Kamenju (2013), report which showed that,
Kikuyu traditional herbalists undertook the practice as a
profession and a means of livelihood and, they routinely passed
the knowledge to the young generation. Besides uplifting their
confidence and self-esteem in the profession, information
acquired from organized seminar had driven out fear among
those that had it instilled in them during the colonial period
(Sindiga et al., 1995). Additionally, high rate of registration
with herbalists’ association was observed in other parts of
Kenya, as reported by Muthee et al. (2011) among the Maasai
herbalists which were practicing in Loitoktok District.
As observed in the present study, respiratory infections and
arthritis have been cited in Tana River County (Kaluwa et al.,
2014). Similarly, a study carried out by Bussman et al. (2006)
cited a high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases,
malaria, gastro-intestinal disorders, parasitic ailments and
wounds among the Maasai of Sekenani. Use of polyherbals in
the treatment of diseases is in agreement with Kamenju (2013)
view that, Kikuyu traditional herbalists’ treatment approach
aims at addressing the root cause of the disease. High usage of
shrub and herbs as reported in this study was in agreement with
The present study revealed increased use of roots, similarly,
a high prevalence in harvesting of roots and bark was reported
among the Ilkisonko Maasai community (Kimondo et al., 2015).
But in a study carried out in India by Kumar and Bharati (2014),
it was observed that, leaves (33 instances) were the most
frequently used plant part. Although root harvesting threatens
plants species, conservation measures undertaken by the TMP
in the present study area were significant towards protection of
the ecosystem. Measurement of the plant medicine using a cup
/glass was also observed by Muthee et al. (2011). TMPs in the
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Number of plant species per
family
Plant family
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
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Table 1. Plants traditionally used in the management of human diseases in Kenya
Plant Family
Botanical name
and Voucher
number
Therapeutic uses
Kikuyu
name
Ppua
Preparation
Growth
forms
Habitat
Ncsb
Use
Value
(UVs)
Acanthaceae
Thunbergia alata
Bojer ex Sims
LNM14/103
Tonsils,
hemorrhagia and
postpartum
bleeding
Kanyanja
Leaves
Decoction
Vine
/Herb
Bu
2
0.06
Acanthaceae
Justicia
diclipteroides
Lindau
LNM14/76
Pain
Numa
Leaves
decoction
Herb
Bu, Cp
1
0.03
Aloaceae
Aloe kedongensis
Reynolds
LNM14/84
Clear pimples,
acne
Mũgwanũgũ
Leaves
Sap
Herb
Cp, Bu
3
0.1
Aloaceae
Aloe lateritia
Engl. LNM14/32
Muscle
inflammation or
elephantiasis
Kĩĩruma
Leaves
Sap
Herb
Cp, Bm,
Bu
1
0.03
Amaranthaceae
Achyranthes
aspera L.
LNM14/117
Wounds (blood
coagulation) /
used to clean
wounds
Mũtegenye
/Kamũtegen
ye
Leaf
Use sap or
pound to
obtain the
juice
Shrub
Bu
1
0.03
Anacardiaceae
Rhus natalensis
Bernh.
ex Kraus
LNM14/96
STDs, fibroids
and colds
Mũthigiũ
Stems
Roots
Leaves
Bark
Infusion
Tree
Bu, Cp,
2
0.06
Annonaceae
Annona
cherimola Mill.
LNM14/53
Cancer
Mũtomoko
Bark
Decoction
Tree
Cf
1
0.03
Apocynaceae
Carissa edulis
(Forssk.)Vahl
LNM14/24
STD polio
arthritis/gouts,
energizer,
stomach ache,
malaria, coughing
/ cold, Male
sexual stimulant
Mũkawa
Leaves
Bark
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cp
8
0.27
Araliaceae
Cussonia holostii
Engl.
LNM14/45
Wounds, high
blood pressure,
irregular
menstrual cycle,
uterine cleansing,
fibroids,
Mũroha
Bark
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
6
0.2
Asclepiadaceae
Mondia whitei
(Hook f.) Skeels
LNM14/44
Appetizer,
stomach
problems,
deworming,
hyperacidity/ulcer
s, male sexual
stimulant, kidney
cleansing,
malaria.
Mũhukũra
Roots
Bark
Decoction
added to soup
Liana
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
6
0.2
Asclepiadaceae
Periploca
linearifolia Dill.
& A. Rich.
LNM14/06
Colds and STDs
Mwemba-
igũrũ
Roots
Sap
Liana
Bu, Bm
2
0.06
Asteraceae
Sonchus
oleraceus L.
LNM14/02
Constipation,
stimulate
digestive system,
cancer
Mũthũnga
Roots
Leaves
Decoction
Herb
Cf
3
0.1
Asteraceae
Tagetes minuta L.
LNM14/48
Wounds, toothe
ache, insect bite
Mũbangi
Root
Stem
Leaves
Crushed,
Chew
Herb
Cf
5
0.17
Asteraceae
Bidens pilosa L.
LNM14/49
Conjunctivitis,
malaria, kidney
cleansing
Mũhehenje
/Mũcheege
Root
decoction
Herb
Cf
5
0.17
Asteraceae
Vernonia
auriculifera
LNM14/40
Stomach ailments,
insect repellant,
intestinal worms,
dysentery
Mũthakwa
Roots
Leaves
Decoction,
whole leaves
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
5
0.17
Asteraceae
Galinsonga
parviflora Cav.
LNM14/08
Measles, tonsils,
colds, asthma
Mũng’ei
Whole
plant
Chew leaves
Decoction
Herb
Cf
4
0.13
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
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Asteraceae
Launaea cornuta
(Hochst. ex Oliv.
& Hiern) C.
Jeffrey
LNM14/03
Constipation and
cancer
Mũthũnga
Roots
Leaves
Decoction
Herb
Cf
3
0.1
Asteraceae
Vernonia
lasiopus
O.Hoffm.
LNM14/23
Malaria,
deworming, male
stimulant, restore
periods in women
Mũchatha
Roots
decoction
Shrub
Bu
3
0.1
Asteraceae
Psiadia
punctulata (DC.)
Oliv. & Hiern
LNM14/90
Male sexual
stimulant
Mũbai or
mũenda
ngueko
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
5
0.06
Asteraceae
Bersama
abyssinica
Fresen.
LNM14/95
Epilepsy and male
sexual stimulant
Mũrumandũ
Leaves
Root
Chew
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cp
2
0.06
Asteraceae
Aspilia pluriseta
Schweinf. ex
Engl.
LNM14/110
Diarrhea
Mũũtĩ
Roots
Decoction
Herb
Bu
1
0.03
Asteraceae
Vernonia
brachycalyx O.
Hoffm.
LNM14/111
Stomach
evacuation
Kagutu
Leaf
decoction
1
0.03
Asteraceae
Spilanthes
mauritiana
(A.Rich. ex Pers.)
DC. LNM14/30
Toothache
Gatharia ita
Flower
s
Roots
Chew
Herb
Bu
1
0.03
Bignoniaceae
Kigelia africana
(Lam.) Benth.
LNM14/33
Gonorrhea,
sphyllis, drugs /
bhang addiction,
jaundice,
madness, cataract,
blood cleanser,
high blood
pressure,
hydrocephalus,
measles,
hemorrhagia and
postpartum
bleeding
Mũratina
Leaves
Bark
Fruit
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
15
0.5
Bignoniaceae
Markhamia lutea
(Benth.) K.
Schum.
LNM14/120
Toothe ache
(mouth wash
before bed)
Mũũ
Bark
Chew
Tree
BM, Bu,
Cp, Cf
1
0.03
Boraginaceae
Cordia africana
Lam.
LNM14/123
Joints, typhoid,
high blood
pressure,
antitumor, chest
infection, and
cardiac stimulant.
Mũringa
Bark
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
12
0.4
Boraginaceae
Ehretia cymosa
Thonn.
LNM14/94
Wounds and male
sexual stimulant.
Mũrembu
Bark
Decoction
Sap
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
2
0.06
Burseraceae
Commiphora
eminii Engl.
LNM14/74
Clean teeth, snake
bite
Mũkũngũgũ
Bark
Stem
Root
Decoction
Tree
Cf, Cp,
3
0.1
Caesalpinaceae
Senna
didymobotrya
(Fresen.) Irwin &
Barneby
LNM14/39
Intestinal worms,
antifungal, burns,
bleeding gums,
tooth ache,
typhoid,
amoebiasis and
stomache
evacuation.
Mwĩnũ /
Mũĩnũ
Leaves
Decoction
Shrub
Cp, Bu
9
0.3
Caesalpiniacea
e
Caesalpinia
volkensii Harms
LNM14/43
Headache /
migraine
energizer, malaria,
joints
Mũchũthĩ
(Njũthĩ)/
mũbũthĩ
Seeds
Roots
crush to form
a paste
Liana
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
6
0.2
Caesalpiniacea
e
Senna
septemtrionalis
Gonorrhea,
syphilis, intestinal
Mũchingiri
Root
Decoction
shrub
Bu
3
0.1
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
7
TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
(Viv.) H. Irwin &
Barneby
LNM14/70
worms
Caesalpiniacea
e
Caesalpinia
decapetala (Roth)
Alston
LNM14/112
Clean teeth
Mũbaage
Stem
Stem cutting
Shrub
Bu
1
0.03
Canellaceae
Warburgia
ugandensis
Sprague
LNM14/34
Arthritis / gouts,
tooth ache,
stomach
7 problems,
malaria,
respiratory
diseases e.g.
colds, asthma,
chest pain, AIDs,
cancer, anthrax
Mũthĩga
Bark
Root
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
14
0.47
Capparaceae
Maerua triphylla
LNM14/81
Headache and
migraine
Mũkũri-
ũndũ
Root
Decoction
Shrub
Bu
3
0.1
Capparaceae
Capparis
tomentosa Lam.
LNM14/71
Arthritis,
inflammation /
elephantiasis,
joint pain
Mũri ũmwe
Bark
Decoction or
cover the
inflamed
tissue with
bark for 15
minutes).
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Caricaceae
Carica papaya L.
LNM14/46
Skin fungal
infection
Mũbabae
Unripe
fruit
Juice
Tree
Cf
1
0.03
Celastraceae
Hippocratea
africana Loes. ex
Engl. LNM14/93
Sexual stimulant
in men, drying of
wounds and STDs
Mũng’aang’
a
Bark
Roots
Decoction
Liana
Bu
2
0.06
Celastraceae
Maytenus
heterophylla
(Eckl. & Zeyh.)
LNM14/104
Diarrhea
Mũthuthi
Roots
Decoction
Tree
Bu
2
0.06
Celastraceae
Elaeodendron
buchananii Loes.
LNM14/116
Wounds
Mũtanga
Roots
Grinded
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Chenopodiacea
e
Chenopodium
opulifolium
Schrad. ex
W.D.J. Koch &
Ziz LNM14/109
Gonorrhea
Mũiganjo
Bark
Root
Decoction
Herb
Bu, Cp
1
0.03
Crassulaceae
Kalanchoe
marmorata Baker
or K. densiflora
Rolfe. LNM14/31
Tooth ache
Mahũitia /
Mũkondori
Leaves
Heat over the
fire and place
on the
inflamed or
swollen
muscle
Shrub
Bu
1
0.03
Cucurbitaceae
Coccinia
trilobata (Cogn.)
C. Jeffrey
LNM14/108
Syphilis
Kagerema
Leaves
Decoction
Vine
Bu
1
0.03
Dracaenaceae
Dracaena
steudneri
Schweinf. ex
Engl. LNM14/11
High blood
pressure
Ithare
Bark
Root
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cp
2
0.06
Ebenaceae
Euclea divinorum
Hiern
LNM14/73
Diarrhea, typhoid
and
stroke
Mũkinyai
Root
Infusion
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
3
0.1
Euphorbiaceae
Croton
megalocarpus
Del.
LNM14/35
Influenza,
pneumonia,
wounds, family
planning amoeba /
protozoa, typhoid,
over-bleeding
during
menstruation
cycle and birth
Mũkindũri
Bark
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
12
0.4
Euphorbiaceae
Neoboutonia
macrocalyx Pax
LNM14/38
Coughing / cold,
chest, wounds,
family planning,
Mũtũndũ
Bark
Roots
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
9
0.3
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
8
TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
high blood
pressure, cardiac
problem /
hypertrophy,
cholesterol,
chicken pox
Euphorbiaceae
Synedenium
compactum N. E.
Br.
LNM14/77
AIDs, warts and
joints
Watha
Leaves
Decoctionor
Milky sap,
Ash from the
bark
Shrub
Bu, Bm
3
0.1
Euphorbiaceae
Ricinus
communis L.
LNM14/98
Gouts and family
planning
Mwarĩki
/Mbarĩki
Root
Seeds
Root
decoction
3 drops of oil
Shrub
Cf
2
0.06
Euphorbiaceae
Tragia brevipes
Pax. LNM14/100
Male sexual
stimulant and
parturition
Njegeni
Roots
Roots sap
applied on
penis
Decoction
Herb
Bu,
2
0.06
Euphorbiaceae
Bridelia
micrantha
(Hochst.) Baill.
LNM14/106
Gastrointestinal
worms
Mũkoigo
Bark
Decoction
Tree
Bu
2
0.06
Euphorbiaceae
Acalypha
Volkensii Pax
LNM14/115
Wounds
Mũng’aria
Roots
Sap
Shrub
Bu
1
0.03
Euphorbiceae
Euphorbia
gossypina (Pax)
LNM14/86
Respiratory
diseases, leukemia
and energizer
Kariaria
Roots
Stem
Leaves
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cp,
Bm
2
0.06
Flacourtiaceae
Trimeria
grandifolia
(Hochst.) Warb.
LNM14/56
Arthritis / gouts,
hyperacidity /
ulcers, joints
Mũhĩndahĩn
di
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cp
4
0.13
Flacourtiaceae
Dovyalis
abyssinica A.
Rich LNM14/58
Gonorrhea
syphilis,
constipation /
indigestion,
fibroids
Mũkambura
Bark
Leaves
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
4
0.13
Gramineae
Digitaria
scalarum Chiov.
LNM14/102
Gonorrhea,
candidiasis
Thangari
Root
Decoction
Herb
Cf, Cp,
Bu
2
0.06
Gramineae
Saccharum
officinarum L.
Fibroids
Kĩgwa
Stem
Juice
Herb
Cf
1
0.03
Gramineae
Pennisetum
clandestinum
Hochst. ex Chiov.
LNM14/78
Kidney cleansing
Wĩtima
Roots
Decoction
Herb
Cp, Bu,
1
0.03
Guttiferae
Hypericum
revolutum Vahl.
LNM14/40
AIDs
Mũthathum
wa
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Hydnoraceae
Hydnora
abyssinica
Schweinf.
LNM14/17
High blood
pressure, diarrhea,
expel after birth,
hemorrhagia and
postpartum
bleeding
Mũthigira
Roots
Rhizo
me
Decoction
Herb
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
4
0.13
Hypericaceae
Harungana
madagascariensis
Lam. ex Poir.
LNM14/92
Malaria and
stimulate growth
of mammary
glands
Mũitathũa
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu,
2
0.06
Hypocreaceae
Engleromyces
goetzei P.Henn.
LNM14/87
Colds and
pneumonia
Kĩeha kia
mũrangi
Whole
plant
Decoction
Fungi
Bu, Bm
2
0.06
Labiatae
Ajuga remota.
Benth
LNM14/42
Colds, malaria
AIDs tooth ache,
high blood
pressure amoeba /
protozoa
Wanjirũ wa
kieni
Leaves
Roots
Decoction
Herb
Bu, Cp
7
0.23
Labiatae
Leonotis
nepetifolia (L.) R.
Br. LNM14/63
Goiter, intestinal
worms,
conjunctivitis,
irregular
menstrual cycle
Mũchii
Leaves
Decoction
Shrub
Bu
4
0.13
Labiatae
Plectranthus
Stomach problem,
Maigũya
Leaves
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
3
0.1
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
9
TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
barbatus
Andrews
forskohlii
LNM14/67
tooth ache,
constipation
Cp, Bm
Labiatae
Ocimum
kilimandscharicu
m Guaerke
LNM14/68
Respiratory
diseases
insect repellant
Makũri
Leaves
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
3
0.1
Labiatae
Ocimum
gratissimum L.
LNM14/80
Headache /
migraine,
Gonorrhea, colds
Mũkandu
Bark
Leaves
Decoction,
Infusion
Shrub
Bu
3
0.1
Labiatae
Fuerstia africana
T.C.E.Fr.
LNM14/105
Gonorrhea
Gathĩrĩga
Leaves
Decoction
Herb
Bu
1
0.03
Lauraceae
Persea
Americana
Mill. LNM14/19
Bleeding gums,
diarrhea, high
blood pressure,
diuretic, typhoid
Mũkorobia
Seed
Leaves
Fruit
peels
Seed
(infusion,
Leaf
decoction
Peel
decoction
Tree
Cp
Cf
4
0.13
Liliaceae
Aloe secundiflora
Engl.
LNM14/36
Pneumonia,
constipation,
malaria, fibroids,
AIDs, wounds
(apply sap)
Thukũrũi
Leaves
3 drops per
glass
Herb
Bu, Cp
10
0.33
Loganiaceae
Strychnos
henningsii Gilg
LNM14/47
Arthritis / gouts,
back or joint pain,
pain / fatigue,
malaria,
respiratory
diseases
Mũteta
Root
Bark
decoction
Shrub
BuCf,
CpBm
6
0.2
Malvaceae
Sida tenuicarpa
Vollesen
LNM14/57
Gonorrhea,
diarrhea and
toothache.
Kahĩnga
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
4
0.13
Malvaceae
Pavonia urens
Cav.
LNM14/89
Hyperacidity and
tooth ache
Machũna
Leaves
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cp,
2
0.06
Malvaceae
Hibiscus fuscus
Garcke
Stomach
evacuation due to
food poisoning /
afflatoxins
Mũgere
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu
1
Meliaceae
Ekebergia
capensis Sparrm.
LNM14/75
Pneumonia,
induce aggressive
actions, colds and
coughing
Mũnunga
Bark
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
3
0.1
Meliaceae
Melia volkensii
Gürke LNM14/59
Malaria
Mwarubainĩ
Bark
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cp,
1
0.03
Mimosaceae
Mimosa pudica
L. LNM14/113
Asthma
Mũkua-
tũhũ /
Mwĩkuithia
Root
decoction
Herb
Cf, Cp,
Bu
1
0.03
Moraceae
Ficus thonningii
Blume
LNM14/55
Intestinal worms,
colds, dysentery
Mũgumo
Bark
Leaves
decoction
Tree
Cf
4
0.13
Moraceae
Ficus lutea Vahl
LNM14/83
Skin fungal
infection
Mũmbũ
Leaves
Milky sap
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Moringaceae
Moringa oleifera
Lam.
LNM 14/28
Arthritis / gouts,
loss of memory,
prostate cancer,
high blood
pressure
Moringa
Seeds
Leaves
Chew seed,
Leaf
decoction
Tree
Cf, Cp
4
0.13
Musaceae
Musa sapientum
L. LNM14/107
Gonorrhea
Ngoro ya
irigũ
Inflore
scence
(flower
)
Decoction
Tree
Cf
1
0.03
Myricaceae
Myrica salicifolia
Boj. ex Baker
LNM14/99
AIDs
Mũthongoya
Bark
Roots
decoction
Shrub
Bu
1
0.03
Myrsinaceae
Myrsine
africanum L.
LNM14/26
Intestinal worms,
Cancer
Mũgaita
Fruits
Bark
Decoction
Shrub
Bu,
4
0.13
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
10
TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus
globilus Labil.
LNM14/82
Asthma,
pneumonia, cold,
sinuses, epilepsy,
high blood
pressure (bark)
Mubao wa
white
Bark
Leaves
Decoction,
Infusion
Tree
BuCpBM
3
0.1
Myrtaceae
Callistemon
viminalis
(Gaertn.) G.Don
ex Loudon
LNM14/119
Tooth ache
Bottle brush
Leaves
Boil
Tree
Cp
1
0.03
Oleaceae
Olea africana L.
LNM14/27
Intestinal worms,
high blood
pressure, amoeba /
protozoa, joints
Mũtero /
Mũtamaiyo
Stem
Root
Bark
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
6
0.2
Oleaceae
Olea hochstetteri
Bak.
LNM14/69
Gonorrhea,
syphilis,
colds, intestinal
worms
Mũcharage
Bark
Stem
Decoction
Tree
Bu
3
0.1
Oleaceae
Schrebera alata
(Hochst.) Welw.
LNM14/41
Tooth ache
Muga nyoni
Bark
Twig
Chew
Tree
Bu, Cp
1
0.03
Papilionaceae
Erythrina
abyssinia DC
LNM14/72
Gonorrhea,
sphyllis, arthritis /
gouts
Mũhũtĩ
Roots
Bark
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
3
0.1
Phytolacaceae
Phytolacca
dodecandra L
Hér.
LNM14/91
Hyperacidity,
jigger repellant
Mũhoko
Leaves
Powder
Decocotion
Liana
Bu,
2
0.06
Polygonaceae
Oxinum sinuatum
LNM14/52
STDs, candidiasis
Cong’e
Roots
Decoction
Herb
Cf, Cp
4
0.13
Polygonaceae
Rumex
abyssinicus Jacq.
LNM14/114
Pneumonia
Mũgũagũa
/Mũgagatiu
Stem
Crushed/chew
Herb
Bu, Cf
1
0.03
Ranunculaceae
Clematis hirsuta
Guill. & Perr.
LNM14/10
Colds, kidney
cleanser
Mũgaya-
ng’ũndũ
Leaves
Roots
Inhale
crushed
leaves or
roots
Shrub
Bu
3
0.1
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnus
prinoides L.
He’rit
LNM14/18
Arthritis / gouts,
appetizer,
constipation /
digestive system,
hyperacidity /
ulcers, high blood
pressure, male
sexual stimulant,
anthrax
Mũkaraking
a
Leaves
Roots
Bark
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cp
7
0.23
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnus staddo
A. Rich
LNM14/101
Kidney cleansing,
malaria
Ngukura
Roots
Decoction
added to soup
Shrub
Bu
2
0.06
Rosaceae
Prunus africana
(Hook .F.)
Kalkm.
LNM14/20
Animal protein
allergy, STD,
arthritis / gouts,
blood purifier /
cleanse, appetizer,
prostate, arthritis,
stomach
10 problems,
constipation,
malaria
hyperacidity /
ulcers, fibroids,
joints, renew
memory
Mũiri
Bark
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu
Cf
Cp
Bm
17
0.57
Rubiaceae
Galium aparine
L.
LNM14/85
STDs and kidney
cleansing
Gakarakũ
Leaves
Decoction
Herb
Cf, Bu
2
0.06
Rubiaceae
Vangueria
madagascariensis
J. F. Gmel.
LNM14/61
Stimulate
digestion
Mũbirũ
Roots
Decoction
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Rutaceae
Zanthoxylum
usambarense
Toothache and
cleaning teeth,
Mũheheti
Bark,
Stem
Decoction,
Chew
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
9
0.3
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
11
TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
(Engl.)
LNM14/37
malaria, chest
11 problems:
colds, coughing,
asthma
Rutaceae
Toddalia asiatica
(L.) Lam.
LNM14/60
Colds, respiratory
diseases, e.g. cold,
asthma or chest
pain,
tooth ache
Mũrũrũe
Leaves
Decoction
Tree
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
4
0.13
Rutaceae
Clausena anisata
Hook.f., De Wild.
& Staner
LNM14/121
Toothe ache
(mouth wash
before bed)
Mũtathi
Leaf
Root
Decoction
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Solanaceae
Solanum
aculeastrum
Dunal
LNM14/51
Whooping cough,
wounds and male
sexual stimulant
Mũtũra
(mũgandũra
anake)
(Ndura/fruit)
Roots
Fruits
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
5
0.17
Solanaceae
Solanum incanum
L.
LNM14/62
Anti-vomiting,
stomach
11 problems,
hyperacidity,
dyspepsia
Mũtongu
Roots
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
4
0.13
Solanaceae
Solanum nigrum
L.
LNM14/29
Nausea, high
blood pressure,
arthritis/gouts
Managu
Leaves
Decoction
Herb
Cf
3
0.1
Solanaceae
Withania
somnifera (L.)
Dunal LNM14/97
Hyperacidity/ulce
rs
Mũrumbae
Flower
s
Decoction
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp,
2
0.06
Solanaceae
Physalis
peruviana L.
LNM14/65
Hyperacidity
Mũnathi
Whole
plant
Decoction
Herb
Bu
1
0.03
Sterculiaceae
Dombeya
burgessiae Gerr.
ex Harv.
LNM14/118
Stops bleeding
(clotting effect)
Mũkeũ
Leaves
Stem
Sap
Shrub
Bu
1
0.03
Ulmaceae
Trema orientalis
(L.) Blume.
LNM14/64
Asthma
Mũhethũ
Roots
Decoction
Tree
Bu
1
0.03
Urticaceae
Urtica masaica
Mildbr.
LNM14/12
Arthritis / gouts,
high blood
pressure, sexual
stimulant, joint
pain,
Hatha
/Thabai
Roots,
Leaves
Decoction
Herb
Cf, Bu
3
0.1
Verbenaceae
Rotheca
myricoides
(Hochst.) Vatke
LNM14/09
Kidney cleansing,
gonorrhea,
syphilis, STD,
headache /
migraine,
pneumonia,
prostate cancer,
constipation /
indigestion,
malaria,
hyperacidity /
ulcers, amoeba,
typhoid, joints,
brucellosis
Munjuga-
iria
Roots
Decoction
(Boil)
Shrub
Bu, Cf,
Cp, Bm
15
0.5
Verbenaceae
Lantana camara
L.
LNM14/66
Headache /
migraine, athletes
foot, sun burn
Karendi /
Mũkigĩ
Leaves
Crush sniff
decoction
Shrub
Bu
Cf, Cp
Bm
3
0.1
Vitaceae
Rhoicissus
11 tridentata
(L.f.) Wild &
Drummond
LNM14/54
Remove after
birth
Ndurutua
Roots
Decoction
Liana
Bu
1
0.03
Bu-bush, Cf- Crop field, Cp-Compound and Bm-Boundary marker Ppua- Part of plant used, Ncsb- Number of citation
present study did not treat some groups of patients, the findings
contradicted the perception and attitude by pregnant women in
Nigeria who believed that, herbal medicine was safe (Fakeye et
al. (2009) however, it was in agreement with the report by
Muthee et al. (2011).
The present study revealed that, the TMPs possessed in-
depth knowledge on herbal medicine; similar findings were
reported from Samburu County and Sekenani valley in Maasai
Mara (Bussman, et al., 2006; Nanyingi et al., 2008). In the
present study, family Asteraceae had the highest citations of
medicinal plants, this finding concurred with that of Malik et al.
(2015) in a study carried out in Northern Punjab. As indicated
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
12
TANG / www.e-tang.org
2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
Table 2. Cross-reference of most cited medicinal plants using existing literature
Botanical name and
plant family
Ncsb
Therapeutic uses
Chemical constituents
Prunus africana
(Hook .F.) (Rosaceae)
17
It has antimicrobial activity (Mwitari et al., 2013)
against Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia
marscecens, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus
(Mutuku et al., 2014).
It contains tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids,
glycosides, alkaloids and phenols (Mutuku et al.,
2014)
Kigelia africana (Lam.)
Benth. (Bignoniaceae)
15
It has antiplasmodial (Zofou et al., 2012) and
hepatoprotective activity (Olaleye and Rocha, 2008).
It contains glycosides, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoid
and cardiac glycosides (Abdulkadir et al., 2015)
Rotheca myricoides
(Hochst.) Vatke
(Verbenaceae)
15
It has antiplasmodial activity (Muthaura et al., 2015)
It contains alkaloids, terpernoids and flavonoids
(Jeruto et al., 2010)
Warburgia ugandensis
Sprague (Canellaceae)
14
It has antimicrobial (Mwitari et al., 2013) and
antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium knowlesi
and Plasmodium berghei (Were et al., 2010).
It contains alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and
terpenes (Were et al., 2015).
Cordia africana Lam.
(Boraginaceae)
12
It has antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and
Staphylococcus aureus and, antifungal activity against
Apergillus niger and Candida albicans (Emtinan et al.,
2015).
It contains coumarins, saponins, sterols, flavonoids
and triterpenes (Emtinan et al., 2015).
Croton megalocarpus
Del.
(Euphorbiaceae)
12
It contains alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids,
flavones and catecholics (Waiganjo et al., 2013)
Aloe secundiflora Engl.
(Liliaceae)
10
It contains aloenin which has antiviral (Waihenya et
al., 2005) and nematicidal activity against Ascaridia
galli ( Kaingu et al., 2013)
It contains anthrones (aloenin, isobarbaloin, aloenin B
and barbaloin), chromones and phenylpyrones
(Rebecca et al., 2003).
Senna didymobotrya
(Fresen.) Irwin &
Barneby
(Caesalpinaceae)
9
It has antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus
pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris
(Ngule et al., 2013).
It contains steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins,
phenols, steroids, cardiac glycosides (Ngule et al.,
2013), terpenoids, anthraquinones, tannins and
alkaloids (Nyamwamu et al., 2015).
Neoboutonia
macrocalyx Pax
(Euphorbiaceae)
9
It has antiplasmodial activity (Fabrice et al., 2009).
It contains cycloartane triterpenes and phenanthrene
(Namukobe et al., Namukobe), steroids and
diterpenoids (Kirira et al., 2007).
Zanthoxylum
usambarense (Engl.)
(Rutaceae)
9
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial (Matu and van
Staden, 2003) and antiplasmodial activity against
Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium berghei (Were
et al., 2010).
It contains alkaloids (Atsushi et al., 1995).
Carissa edulis
(Forssk.)Vahl
(Apocynaceae)
8
It has anti-inflammatory, diuretics, hypotensive
(Hanan and Wafaa, 2012) and antibacterial activity
against Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and
Streptococcus pyogenes (Ngulde et al., 2013).
It contains saponins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids
(Ngulde et al., 2013).
Ncsb - Number of citations
in the present study, Njoroge (2012) had reported Prunus
africana and Strychnos henningsii as frequently used herbs in
Central Kenya. TMPs from drier parts of Nyeri County
demonstrated deeper knowledge in medicinal plants and
reported increased use of herbal medicine by the TMPs. Over
reliance on medicinal plants was reported in other drier regions
like Samburu and Tana River Counties which had fewer
medical facilities (Nanyingi et al., 2008, Kaluwa et al., 2014).
The most cited medicinal plants demonstrated various
pharmacological activities as well as phytochemicals (Table 2).
Major challenges facing demand for the services from
TMPs in Nyeri County was attributed to poor perception
towards herbal medicine. A study carried out in Thika and
Nairobi by Njoroge (2012), showed that, “part of the local
populations still holds TMPs with suspicion, erroneously
perceiving them as “witchdoctors”. In a study carried out in
Murang’a, 20 % of patients didn’t believe that herbal medicine
work while 16% said they didn’t like it (Mwangi and Gitonga,
2014). This was in contradiction with the upward trend in the
use of traditional herbal medicines observed in other parts of
Kenya (Mboya, 2003).
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that; the current cohort of traditional
medicine practitioners from Nyeri County possess vast
information about treatment various ailments affecting its
community; despite lack of clientele. The documented plants
had medicinal potential; the most cited herbal medicines
contained common phytochemical compounds such as;
terpenoids, flavonoids and saponins and demonstrated
pharmacological activities such as antimalarial, antibacterial
and antifungal activities. Therefore the study recommended
massive campaign about the benefits of herbal medicine in
order to promote their use. Further research on efficacy and
safety of the documented herbs was encouraged with the aim of
developing drugs that can be used to treat and manage various
diseases.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author(s) acknowledge funding from “Carnegie
Cooperation”, through “Regional Initiative in Science
Education – African Natural Product Network (RISE –
AFFNET)”. They also acknowledge technical support from Mr.
Mutiso in the identification of plant specimen and Nyeri
herbalists for willingly sharing in-depth traditional knowledge
on plant medicine.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declares that there is no conflict of interest
Medicinal plants used in Nyeri County
13
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2016 / Volume 6 / Issue 3 / e21
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