In situ Inventory of Medicinal Plant Species in Democratic Republic of the Congo: A case study of two Community-Based Forests of the Ubangi Eco-Region

A forest inventory was conducted in two community-based forests in the Oubanguian eco-region from November 2016 to May 2017 to identify therapeutically valuable phytogenetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with their use. 269 medicinal plants belonging to 24 families and 26 species have been identified. Morinda morindoides (13.01%), Ricinodendron heudelotii (12.26%) and Triplochiton scleroxylon (10.40%) are the most common species in situ. However, species such as: Urena lobata (0.37%), Monodora myristica (0.37%) and Elaeophorbia drupifera (0.37%) are unfortunately becoming rare in the forest. Leaves (51.73%), bark (41.22%) and stems (0.74%) are the most commonly used. Anemia (22, 66%), sexual impotence (15.60%) and malaria as well as hemorrhoid (11.87 %.) are the most treated diseases. In order to protect plant biodiversity from human pressures, it is suggested the creation of a protected reserve to prevent species erosion and regulate access to these genetic resources in this eco-region for a sustainable development of community-based people. Keyword: Indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, ecosystem protection, sustainable development, Nord-Ubang