Abdulai Turay, Hamza Amin Kargbo, Eugene BS Conteh and Ishmael Abdulrahman Kamara

Traditional medicinal plants play a vital role in primary healthcare in Sierra Leone, especially among rural and underserved populations. However, the integrity of these plant-based remedies is increasingly threatened by adulteration and quality control issues, posing serious risks to public health and undermining their therapeutic potential. This study investigates the extent of adulteration and associated quality concerns in the collection, preparation, and commercialization of selected Antimalarial traditional medicinal plants Cassia sieberiana, Nauclea latifolia, Moringa oleifera, and Senna siamea. Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that local practitioners often lack standardized methods for plant identification, harvesting, and storage, which contributes to the inadvertent use of misidentified or contaminated plant materials. Phytochemical screening and antiplasmodial assays further highlighted variations in bioactive compound concentrations across plant samples, suggesting potential loss of efficacy due to improper handling or substitution. These findings underscore the urgent need for national guidelines on quality assurance, good agricultural and collection practices (GACP), and training programs for traditional healers. Promoting regulatory oversight and scientific validation of medicinal plants will not only enhance their safety and efficacy but also support the sustainable integration of traditional medicine into the national healthcare framework of Sierra Leone.

Pages: 184-188  |  625 Views  191 Downloads