Traditional uses and importance of Strychnos L. (Loganiaceae): A cross-cultural and spatial variation study in Benin

Abstract

• A total of 9 Strychnos species (Loganiaceae) were documented. • Local people in Benin have a rich cultural and traditional knowledge of Strychnos species. • Leaves and fruits were the major parts used. • Indigenous knowledge showed a significantly positive correlation with age, gender and education level. • Conservation approaches are central to sustainable use of Strychnos species. Strychnos spp. are multipurpose wild plants widely distributed across sub-Saharan countries. Their fruits, seeds, and stems are the most exploited parts, which exposes them to local extinction risk. Unfortunately, they have been scientifically neglected in Benin. To contribute to their valorization and sustainable management, this study aimed to (i) document the use knowledge of Strychnos spp. in Benin and (ii) assess the differences and consensus in their uses among people communities, and across bioclimatic zones in Benin. We conducted semi-structured interviews among 11 communities and three bioclimatic zones with 666 dialog partners. Detailed information about uses and homemade herbal remedies regarding the medicinal category was collected. Data were analyzed through the citation frequencies and homemade remedy report (HR) using Excel. Correspondence analysis was performed in the R program to establish relationships between communities, species, and uses. Diagrams were also performed directly online using RAWGraphs to show correlations between people communities and species, bioclimatic zones and species, and bioclimatic zones and uses, respectively. Nine species of Strychnos , designated by a total of 89 local names, are used by local populations. All plant parts were reported. They are involved in 90 uses, distributed into 7 categories of which medicinal uses were the most important (64.09 %). The uses varied among people communities, and across the bioclimatic zones. The study confirms that Strychnos spp. are socio-economically important species in Benin. Findings suggest that many threats affect these species, notably lianas, which are narrowly distributed or confined to forests in southern Benin. Research, policy, and community-based programs are urgently needed to conserve this interesting genus and support human well-being.