Medicinal plants and herbalist preferences around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A comprehensive inventory of medicinal plants used by herbalists around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals 295 species, with herbs and shrubs being the most prevalent. The study challenges gender-based stereotypes, finding no significant differences in plant collection preferences between men and women. Most plants (70%) are sourced outside the protected forest area, highlighting the importance of non-forest habitats for medicinal resources. Leaves are the most commonly used plant part, often combined in mixtures. The research employed participatory rural appraisal methods to document these findings, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts and traditional medicine practices.

Medius, K., Esther, K., Anthony, B. C., & Robert, H. (2017). Medicinal plants and herbalist preferences around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 11(8), 161–170. https://doi.org/10.5897/jmpr2016.6317