Vibrant West African marketplace with traditional healer examining leafy vegetables.

Leafy Greens to the Rescue: Exploring Benin's Traditional Diarrhea Remedies

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how communities in southern Benin, West Africa, are turning to local medicinal plants to combat diarrheal diseases and improve public health."

Diarrheal diseases pose a significant public health challenge, especially in developing countries, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. In Benin, as in many parts of the world, traditional medicine offers a readily accessible and culturally relevant approach to healthcare.

Leafy vegetables are not only dietary staples but also serve as valuable sources of medicinal compounds. Recognizing this dual role, researchers in southern Benin undertook a study to identify and document the traditional use of leafy vegetables in treating diarrhea.

This article delves into the findings of this ethnobotanical study, revealing the diverse range of plant species employed, their preparation methods, and the cultural knowledge surrounding their use. These findings highlight the potential for integrating traditional remedies with modern healthcare approaches to combat diarrheal diseases and improve public health outcomes.

Unveiling Benin's Anti-Diarrheal Arsenal: A Treasure Trove of Leafy Remedies

Vibrant West African marketplace with traditional healer examining leafy vegetables.

The ethnobotanical survey, conducted in the Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi regions of southern Benin, involved interviews with 140 individuals, including consumers, vendors, and traditional healers. This comprehensive approach ensured a rich collection of data on the identification, preparation, and application of leafy vegetables for treating diarrhea.

The study identified 27 distinct species of leafy vegetables, belonging to 23 genera and 17 botanical families, used in traditional diarrhea remedies. The most prominent families were Amaranthaceae and Lamiaceae, showcasing the diversity of plant life harnessed for medicinal purposes.

Ocimum gratissimum (Tchiayo): The most frequently cited species, used for treating stomach ailments, diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, and candidiasis.
Vernonia amygdalina (Amanvivè): Known for addressing diarrhea, constipation, and intestinal worms.
Crateva adansonii (Hontonzuzoué): Used to treat diarrhea, abscesses, malaria, and constipation.
Sesamum radiatum (Akanmanku/Agbô): Employed for diarrhea and to aid delivery in pregnant women.

These leafy vegetables are typically prepared fresh or dried, then consumed as a side dish (sauce) or used to make herbal teas. This highlights the integration of traditional medicine into daily life, where food and medicine are not viewed as separate entities. The knowledge of these remedies is primarily passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of preserving this cultural heritage.

Empowering Communities Through Traditional Knowledge: Charting a Path Forward

This ethnobotanical study underscores the vital role of traditional healers and plant-based remedies in addressing healthcare needs in southern Benin. By documenting the specific plants used and their preparation methods, the research provides a valuable foundation for future scientific investigations.

Further research is needed to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-diarrheal properties of these leafy vegetables, as well as to isolate and identify the active compounds responsible for their medicinal effects. This could lead to the development of standardized, improved traditional medicines that are both effective and accessible to local communities.

Ultimately, this study emphasizes the potential for integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to create sustainable healthcare solutions that are culturally appropriate and address the specific needs of communities in Benin and beyond. By recognizing and valuing traditional medicine, we can empower communities to take control of their health and well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/ijbcs.v8i4.36, Alternate LINK

Title: Etude Ethnobotanique Des Légumes Feuilles Thérapeutiques Utilisés Dans Le Traitement Des Diarrhées Au Sud-Bénin (Afrique De L’Ouest)

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: Aj Agbankpe, Tv Dougnon, Hs Bankole, B Yehouenou, H Yedomonhan, M Legonou, Tj Dougnon

Published: 2015-01-16

Everything You Need To Know

What role does traditional medicine play in Benin regarding diarrhea?

In southern Benin, traditional medicine is crucial for addressing ailments such as diarrhea. This ethnobotanical study identified 27 leafy vegetables used as remedies. These remedies offer accessible and culturally relevant healthcare solutions, particularly important in developing countries. This approach integrates well-known foods with medicinal uses, highlighting the interwoven nature of food and medicine in the local culture.

How was the research conducted to identify the leafy vegetables?

The ethnobotanical survey, conducted in the Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi regions, involved interviews with 140 individuals, including consumers, vendors, and traditional healers. This comprehensive approach ensured a rich collection of data on the identification, preparation, and application of leafy vegetables for treating diarrhea. This method is crucial because it ensures the collection of diverse and comprehensive information, giving a broad perspective of the knowledge and practices related to the medicinal use of the plants in question.

What types of leafy vegetables were identified in the study?

The study found 27 different species of leafy vegetables, belonging to 23 genera and 17 botanical families, used in traditional diarrhea remedies. The most common families were Amaranthaceae and Lamiaceae. This variety showcases the extensive plant life used medicinally. This diversity highlights the significant breadth of plant resources harnessed for traditional medicine, illustrating the rich biodiversity and knowledge within the region.

Can you give specific examples of plants used and their purposes?

Specific leafy vegetables with medicinal properties identified include: Ocimum gratissimum (Tchiayo) used for stomach ailments, diarrhea, and dysentery; Vernonia amygdalina (Amanvivè) used for diarrhea and intestinal worms; Crateva adansonii (Hontonzuzoué) used for diarrhea and malaria; and Sesamum radiatum (Akanmanku/Agbô) used for diarrhea and to aid delivery. The use of these plants reflects a deep understanding of their specific medicinal properties, integrated into daily life.

How are these leafy vegetables typically prepared and used?

These leafy vegetables are prepared fresh or dried and then consumed as a side dish or used to make herbal teas. This highlights the integration of traditional medicine into daily life. Knowledge is passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. This practice emphasizes the connection between traditional medicine and daily life, and underscores the need to preserve and validate these practices for improving public health.