Abstract

Traditional medicine is a common practice among Indigenous populations for treating various diseases. Its use has increased, particularly for challenging diseases such as cancer, where conventional treatments often fall short. Breast and cervical cancers are the most common cancers among women in Burkina Faso. This study aims to document the traditional remedies and plant species used by traditional healers (THs) in the treatment of breast and cervical cancers in Burkina Faso. Specifically, the study aims to: (1) document the socio-professional characteristics of THs in the country; (2) describe their ethnobotanical knowledge related to breast and cervical cancers; and (3) identify the plant species used in the preparation of traditional remedies for these cancers. An ethnopharmacological survey was carried out among THs using a semi-structured interview guide from 11 August to 21 October 2023 across six regions of Burkina Faso. A total of 149 THs participated in the study, with a sex ratio of 1.19 (54% male). Notably, 56.39% of the THs were unfamiliar with the term for cancer in their local languages. However, a lack of familiarity with disease names in local languages does not imply an inability to treat them. In fact, 53% of THs reported treating both types of cancer simultaneously. In total, 60 plant species were used to treat breast cancer, with the most cited being Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss (8.66%), Acacia senegal (L.) Willd (4.66%), and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (4.00%). For the treatment of cervical cancer, 50 species were identified, with Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss (4.63%) and Securidaga longipedunculata Fresen (4.63%) being the most frequently cited. This study, which constitutes one of the first ethnopharmacological surveys on cancer in Burkina Faso, provides a valuable foundation for future research into the antiproliferative potential of these plants.

Key words: Medicinal plants, ethnopharmacology, cancers, Burkina Faso.