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Table 1 Enumeration of documented plants and plant products traditionally used in health management of livestock by the Ameru of Buuri district, Meru County, Kenya (n = 48)

From: A survey of plants and plant products traditionally used in livestock health management in Buuri district, Meru County, Kenya

Botanical name [Family]

Local name

Part(s) of plant used

Disease/ill-health condition treated and (the target type of livestock) [local name]

Method(s) of preparation

Herbarium voucher plant specimens’ number

References in literature supporting the claimed uses

Acacia drepanolobium Harms ex sjostedt [Fabaceae]

Muruai

Bark

Retained placenta (c) [Kuremera thigiri]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/015

[9, 28, 29]

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. [Fabaceae]

Muthanduku

Leaves

Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukolora]

Infusion

K/M/B/12-2011/004

[30, 31]

Acacia xanthophloea Benth. [Fabaceae]

Murera

Bark

Foot and Mouth disease (r, p, c) [Ikunguri]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/029

-

Ajuga remota Benth. [Lamiaceae]

Kirurite

Leaves Whole plant

East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari], Newcastle disease (p) [Kuthinka] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Infusion Cold infusion Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/016

[29, 30, 32]

Ajuga remota Benth. [Lamiaceae]

Kirurite

leaves

Lung diseases (c, g, s, p) [Mauri]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/016

-

Allium cepa L. [Liliaceae]

Gitunguru

Bulb

Bloat (c) [Kuuna]

Concoction

K/M/B/12-2011/034

[9, 33–36]

Aloe latifolia Haw. [Aloaceae]

Cukurui

Leaves

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka], Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] and Sores/Chronic wounds (c, g, s, p, pg ) [Ironda]

Decoction Decoction Leaf gel

K/M/B/12-2011/036

[7, 37, 38]

Azadirachta indica A. Juss [Meliaceae]

Mwarubaine

Leaves Roots

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya]

Decoction Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/006

[7, 9, 33, 35, 36, 39–41]

Cannabis sativa L.

[Cannabaceae]

Bangi

Leaves

Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa], Pneumonia (p) [Mpio], and Newcastle (p) [Kuthinka]

Cold Infusion

K/M/B/12-2011/037

[42–44]

Capsicum annuum L. [Solanaceae]

Nchini

Fruits

Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] and dullness (p) [Kuaga inya] Newcastle disease (p) [Kuthinka] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/022

[7, 9, 33, 38, 41, 43, 45]

Capsicum frutescens L. [Solanaceae]

Nchini

Fruits

Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/038

[7, 33]

Carissa spinarum L [Apocynaceae]

Mukawa

Roots Roots

Infertility (s, g) [Kuthata] Poor milk let down (c) [Kuitha iria] Mastitis (c) [Kuimba riere] and Miscarriage (c) [Guta Njau]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/043

[9, 34, 46]

Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium Vis. [Asteraceae]

Mbeniko

Flowers

General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] Specifically Mites, lice and fleas infestation (c, p) [Nthuuga] and Ticks’ infestation (as an aetiologic agent) (c, p, g, s, pg) [Igumba*]

Concoction

K/M/B/12-2011/002

[7, 47–51]

Commiphora eminii (Engl.) J.B. Gillett [Burseraceae]

Mutunguu

Leaves Bark

Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora], Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*], Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa]

Infusion Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/035

[39]

Cordia africana Lam [Boraginaceae]

Muringa

Leaves Bark

Eyes diseases(c) [Meetho*] and General weakness (c, g, s, pg) [Kuaga inya]

Leaves are crushed to extract juice

K/M/B/12-2011/019

[38–41]

Crotalaria laburnifolia L. [Fabaceae]

Mucugucugu

Roots

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/021

-

Croton megalocarpus Hutch. [Euphorbiaceae]

Mukinduri

Bark

Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/009

[7, 29, 37, 40]

Cucumis aculeatus Cogn. [Cucurbitaceae]

Kamungu

Fruits

Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and Loss of feathers (p) [Guta mbui]

Concoction Fruits are crushed to extract juice

K/M/B/12-2011/040

[9, 30, 52]

Datura stramonium L. [Solanaceae]

Sikisiki

Leaves

General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] Specifically Mites, lice and fleas infestation (c, p) [Nthuuga], Ticks’ infestation (aetiologic agent) (c, p, g, s, pg) [Igumba*] Newcastle (p) [Kuthinka] and Foot rot (c, g, s, r, pg) [Maronda maguru]

Concoction

K/M/B/12-2011/030

[9, 40, 41, 53]

Dodonaea angustifolia L.f. [Sapindaceae]

Murema ngigi

Roots

East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/024

[30, 46, 54]

Dovyalis caffra Warb. [Salicaceae]

Kariaba

Fruits

Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora]

Ripe fruits are crushed to extract the juice

K/M/B/12-2011/010

-

Ehretia cymosa Thonn. [Boraginaceae]

Murembu

Roots

Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] and Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/041

[39, 55]

Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. [Fabaceae]

Muuti

Bark and roots

Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/020

[7, 39, 42]

Euclea divinorum Hiern. [Ebenaceae]

Mukirinyei

Fruits Roots

Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*] and Constipation (c, g, s) [Ntigana*]

Decoction Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/044

[7, 29, 30, 55]

Euphorbia candelabrum Kotschy [Euphorbiaceae]

Kibubungi

Bark/ Latex

East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari]

 

K/M/B/12-2011/001

[7, 9, 29, 30, 40, 52, 55]

Ficus thonningii Bl. [Moraceae]

Mugumo

Bark

Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/039

[7, 30, 40, 55]

Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. [Bignoniaceae]

Murantina

Bark

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] and Dystochia (an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour) (c) [Kuremera njau]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/023

[9, 32, 34, 37, 39, 55]

Lantana camara L. [Verbenaceae]

Muchomoro

Leaves

Pneumonia (c, s) [Mpio] and Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/042

[7, 39, 40, 49–51]

Nicotiana tabacum L. [Solanaceae]

Mbaki

Leaves

General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba] and Specifically Mites, lice and fleas infestation (c, p) [Nthuuga]

Concoction Fumigation

K/M/B/12-2011/025

[7, 9, 29, 42, 55]

Olea europaea L. [Oleaceae]

Mutero

Bark

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/032

[7, 9, 30, 33, 46]

Plectranthus barbatus Andr. [Lamiaceae]

Kijara

Roots Leaves

Pneumonia (c) [Mpio] and Fresh wounds (c, g, s, pg) [Gutemwa]

Decoction Leaves are crushed and juice squeezed.

K/M/B/12-2011/028

[7, 30, 32, 37, 52]

Plumeria alba L. [Apocynaceae]

Mubono

Leaves

Fresh wounds (c, g ,s) [Gutemwa]

Leaves are crushed and juice squeezed.

K/M/B/12-2011/045

[39]

Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman [Rosaceae]

Mueria

Bark

Coughing (c, g, s, p, pg, r) [Gukora]

Concoction (boiled and mixed with honey)

K/M/B/12-2011/048

[7, 46, 53, 55]

Ricinus communis L. [Euphorbiaceae]

Muariki

Leaves and Seeds

East Coast fever [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari] and Bloat (c) [Kuuna]

Concoction. Seeds are crushed to extract oil

K/M/B/12-2011/026

[7, 30, 39, 42, 45]

Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. [Polygonaceae]

Muraiguna

Leaves

Eye diseases (Conjuctivitis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Meetho*]

Juice is squeezed into the eyes

K/M/B/12-2011/003

[39]

Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby [Fabaceae]

Kirao

Leaves Roots

Anaplasmosis (c) [Ntigana*] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Decoction Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/005

[7, 30, 35, 39, 52, 55]

Senna septemtrionalis (Viv.) H. Irwin & Barneby [Fabaceae]

Kirao

Roots

Anaplasmosis (c) [Ntigana*] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Infusion

K/M/B/12-2011/011

[35, 39, 56]

Solanecio mannii (Hook.f.) C. Jeffrey [Asteraceae]

Mutoromboro

Leaves

Anaplasmosis (c) [Ntigana*] and Typanosomiasis (c, g) [Mutombo]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/017

[7, 30, 55]

Solanum indicum L. [Solanaceae]

Ntongu

Fruits

Skin rashes (p) [Weere] and Loss of feather (p) [Guta mbui]

 

K/M/B/12-2011/046

[57, 58]

Solanum incanum L. [Solanaceae]

Mutongu

Roots Fruits

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka], Lumpy Skin Disease (c) [Ngoci] and Foot rot(c, g, s, r, pg) [Maronda maguru]

Decoction Fruit extract Concoction

K/M/B/12-2011/031

[9, 29, 33, 40, 59]

Stephania abyssinica (Dill. & A. Rich.) Walp. [Menispermaceae]

Gatamba nathi

Roots

Diarrhoea/dysentery (c, p, g, s, pg) [Kuarwa]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/007

[55]

Synadenium compactum N. E. Br. [Euphorbiaceae]

Muthuuri

Latex/ Stem

East Coast fever (c) [Itaa/Ng’arang’ari]

Latex is applied to the swollen lymph nodes.

K/M/B/12-2011/014

[6, 30]

Tagetes minuta L. [Asteraceae]

Mubangi

Leaves

General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba]

Concoction Fumigation

K/M/B/12-2011/027

[7, 9, 30, 35, 40, 49, 50, 60]

Tephrosia vogelii Hook. f. [Fabaceae]

Mucugucugu

Leaves

General ectoparasites (c, p) [Ngumba]

Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/047

[7, 9, 33, 34, 40, 49, 50]

Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd. [Lamiaceae]

Kiaraka

Leaves

Anaplasmosis (c, r) [Ntigana*], Typanosomiasis (c, g) [Mutombo] and Miscarriage (c) [Guta Njau]

Concoction / Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/012

[6, 39, 42, 44]

Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray [Asteraceae]

Kingana

Leaves

General ectoparasites (c) [Ngumba] and Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka]

Concoction Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/018

[7, 30]

Vangueria infausta Burch. [Rubiaceae]

Mubiru

Roots

Pneumonia (c, g, s, p) [Mpio]

Infusion

K/M/B/12-2011/013

-

Warburgia ugandensis Sprague [Canellaceae]

Muthiga/ Musunui

Bark Leaves Roots

Helminthiasis (c, p, g, s, pg) [Njoka] Pneumonia (c, g, s, p) [Mpio] and General weakness/dullness (c, g, s, p, pg) [Kuaga inya]

Infusion Decoction

K/M/B/12-2011/033

[29, 30, 61]

Zea mays L. [Poaceae]

Mpempe

Maize cob

Retained placenta (c) [Kuremera thigiri]

Maize cob is burnt, grinded into fine powder and mixed with water

K/M/B/12-2011/008

[35, 45]

  1. Key: c–cattle; g –goats; s –sheep; p–poultry; pg –pigs; r-ruminants; m-mammals; Vernacular names of plants and animals’ disease(s) and/or ill-health condition(s) based on the consensus of key respondents and local government veterinarians working in Buuri district, Meru County.
  2. *Name used to describe two or more closely related livestock diseases/conditions/ill-health.