Magnitude, determinants and reasons for parallel use of plants in the management of hypertension in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Most people living in sub-Saharan Africa tend to use medicinal plants to treat various ailments including hypertension. The aim of this study was to gather data on the magnitude, determinants, and reasons for their use in the setting of hypertension in our setting.

Method: We carried out a cross-sectional study in a group of patients with hypertension in Yaounde. This study was carried out between November 2016 and April 2017. In a face-to-face interview, we gathered data on socio-demography, use of medicinal plants, parts of plant used, method of preparation, and prescriber of herbal remedy.

Results: Overall, 410 individuals (152 males and 258 females) participated in the study. The mean age was 66.6 ± 11.1 years. Use of medicinal plants was reported by 149 patients (36.3%, [95% CI: 32 – 41]). The most frequently used plants were Annona muricata (47.7%), Allium sativum (37.6%), and Cymbopogon citratus (37.6%). The main reason underlying the parallel use of plants was a supposed synergistic effect (34.9%). The most used parts of plants were the leaves (81.2%). Decoction was the most frequent mode of preparation (68.5%). Friends mostly recommended the herbal remedy (51.7%). No factor was associated with the parallel use of medicinal plants.

Conclusion: More than one in three patients with hypertension use medicinal plants mostly as decoction of the leaves besides conventional treatment. This use was mainly supported by a supposed synergistic action.

Keywords: Plants, Hypertension, Cameroon