Qualitative ethnobotanical survey on the virtues of Carapa procera and plants used for protection against mosquitoes in Côte d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: Carapa procera products, particularly the vegetable oil, are prized for their cosmetic, medicinal and especially insect repellent/insecticide properties. The latter property raises questions about the use of this plant against mosquitoes that transmit pathogens within Ivorian communities, given that Côte d'Ivoire is endemic for malaria. There is no scientific report on the use of C. procera and the plants traditionally used to prevent mosquito bites in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim of this study is therefore to determine the virtues of C. procera known to the people of Côte d'Ivoire and to identify the plants they use to protect themselves from mosquito bites. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 16 localities in 6 regions of Côte d'Ivoire. The surveys were carried out using non-probability sampling and semi-structured interviews. The sample for each locality was selected on the basis of response saturation. Samples of available or accessible plants cited by local people were collected for identification in the herbarium. RESULTS: A total of 121 people were interviewed. The study showed that 68.6% of respondents were familiar with C. procera. Carapa procera vegetable oil has been designated as an insect repellent, particularly for flies, mosquitoes and ants. The cosmetic, antimalarial, anti-fatigue and mystical uses of the plant have been listed. The study showed that 47.1% of respondents used plants to protect themselves against mosquitoes. Twelve plant species traditionally used against mosquitoes were identified: Nicotiana tabacum, Hyptis suaveolens, Ocimum basilicum, Citrus sinensis, Azadirachta indica, Elaeis guineensis, Chromolaena odorata, Hoslundia opposita, Ocimum gratissimum, Piliostigma thonningii, Alstonia boonei and Phyllanthus amarus. The most common method of use was to fumigate fresh or dried plants inside homes. CONCLUSION: The study presented the reasons for the use of C. procera and other plants used against mosquitoes in Côte d'Ivoire. It shows the importance of plant substances in protecting communities against mosquitoes, despite the deployment of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs) and the spraying of insecticides by health programmes.