Vulnerability of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Sexual Weaknesses among the Ngengele of Tchambi, Maniema (DR Congo)

Hilaire USSENI NASIBU; Dan KAPOLI OMBA; Augustin YAKAYENGO TOKO; Pierre YUMA MADJALIWA; Christophe LOMBA BOSOMBO; Hippolyte NSHIMBA SEYA

Hilaire USSENI NASIBU Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Kindu, BP 122/Kindu, DR Congo; D.E.S Water and Forests Program, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources Management, University of Kisangani, BP 2012/Kisangani, DR Congo
Dan KAPOLI OMBA Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Kindu, BP 122/Kindu, DR Congo
Augustin YAKAYENGO TOKO Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Kindu, BP 122/Kindu, DR Congo
Pierre YUMA MADJALIWA Department of Renewable Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Kindu, BP 122/Kindu, DR Congo
Christophe LOMBA BOSOMBO Department of Plant Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kisangani, BP 2012/Kisangani, DR Congo
Hippolyte NSHIMBA SEYA Department of Plant Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kisangani, BP 2012/Kisangani, DR Congo

Keywords: ethnobotany, vulnerability, medicinal plants, aphrodisiacs, sustainable management

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants to treat sexual weaknesses remains common among the Ngengele communities of Tchambi (Maniema Province, DR Congo). However, the intensive exploitation of roots, bark, and other organs threatens the survival of many species. This study aimed to inventory the locally used aphrodisiac plants and to assess their degree of vulnerability. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 80 traditional healers (32 women and 48 men) across ten villages. A vulnerability index (IVi), based on nine ecological and ethnobotanical parameters, was calculated. A total of 26 species belonging to 15 families were recorded. Among them, 65% were classified as highly vulnerable, including Millettia elskensii (IVi = 2.9), and 35% as moderately vulnerable. The dominant use of bark and roots (59% of reported uses) places significant pressure on natural regeneration. These findings confirm that current management practices are unsustainable and highlight the urgent need for awareness raising, domestication, and participatory conservation strategies.

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