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Description
Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, is a growing concern in Africa, where reliance on traditional medicine remains high. This study asked: How do medicinal plants used by Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in Kumasi contribute to infertility management through their phytochemical composition?
Objectives: To document the prevalence and distribution of TMPs managing infertility in Kumasi, identify the medicinal plant preparations they use, and evaluate their phytochemical constituents.
Methodology: A survey was conducted among 50 TMPs across Kumasi. Medicinal plant products (n=68) were categorized as concoctions, raw herbs, and finished products. Fifteen representative samples were analyzed for phytochemicals including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, and steroids using standard assays.
Key findings: Forty-four TMPs addressed infertility, with equal gender distribution. Herbal shop attendants (29.5%) formed the largest group, followed by herbalists and herb sellers (25% each). Subin recorded the highest number of practitioners (20.5%). Phytochemical analysis revealed high prevalence of alkaloids (93.3%), tannins (93.3%), and saponins (86.7%); moderate flavonoids (53.3%); and low coumarins (33.3%) and steroids (20%). The low presence of steroids aligns with their reported association with infertility.
Implications: The results highlight the prominence of traditional medicine in infertility care in Kumasi, with bioactive compounds that may underpin therapeutic efficacy. Findings provide a foundation for future pharmacological studies to validate safety, standardization, and integration into reproductive healthcare.
Subtheme: Health Systems, Basic Sciences, Biomedical Advances, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Human Wellbeing
Preferred presentation: Oral