Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used to Treat Erectile Dysfunction in Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi (Benin)

Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction represents a major public health problem in Benin, with a prevalence ranging from 15.2% to 31.7% depending on age groups. Faced with the inaccessibility of conventional pharmaceutical treatments, the Beninese population massively resorts to traditional phytotherapy. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of plants traditionally used in the municipalities of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi to treat erectile dysfunction. Materials and Methods : An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from October to December 2022 among 29 herbalists from traditional markets. The TPMR (Triplet’s Purchase of Medicinal Recipes) methodology was applied, consisting of three successive visits spaced one week apart to progressively identify the most effective plants according to traditional practitioners. Results: The study identified 47 plant species belonging to 28 botanical families during the first visit, which was reduced to 13 species during the third visit. The three most frequently cited species are Acridocarpus smeathmanii (26.92%), Garcinia kola (11.54%), and Voacanga africana (11.54%). The most represented botanical families are Leguminosae (21.27%), Apocynaceae (12.76%), and Annonaceae (6.38%). Roots constitute the most used plant parts (61.70%), mainly prepared as decoctions or macerations. Conclusion: This first systematic survey reveals the richness of the Beninese pharmacopoeia for treating erectile dysfunction. The identification of the three main species offers a promising direction for future pharmacological research. However, in-depth scientific studies, including phytochemical analyses, pharmacological evaluations, and clinical trials, are essential to validate the efficacy and ensure the safety of these plants before any therapeutic application.