Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review

The plant-based traditional knowledge of many Cameroonian populations concerning beauty and skin care is still poorly documented, yet they are real resources of innovation and economic development. The aim of this study is to document the indigenous knowledge of Choa Arab and Kotoko ethnic group in...

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Main Authors: Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung, Tize Zra, Christine Fernande Nyangono Biyegue, Achille Nouga Bissoue, Suzanne Baraye, Nole Tsabang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2018-05-01
Series:Cosmetics
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/31
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author Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung
Tize Zra
Christine Fernande Nyangono Biyegue
Achille Nouga Bissoue
Suzanne Baraye
Nole Tsabang
author_facet Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung
Tize Zra
Christine Fernande Nyangono Biyegue
Achille Nouga Bissoue
Suzanne Baraye
Nole Tsabang
author_sort Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung
collection DOAJ
description The plant-based traditional knowledge of many Cameroonian populations concerning beauty and skin care is still poorly documented, yet they are real resources of innovation and economic development. The aim of this study is to document the indigenous knowledge of Choa Arab and Kotoko ethnic group in Kousséri (Far North Region of Cameroon) about plants used for cosmetics. Ethnobotanical data collected among key informants revealed a total of 13 plants species belonging to 12 families used by local people. Canarium schweinfurthii Engl and Santalum album L. obtained the highest frequency of citation. Trees are the most abundant life forms, while barks and seeds are the most frequently used parts. More than 40% of recorded plants are used for skin care. The cosmetic allegations of recorded plants include: dermatology, anti-cancers, antioxidant agent, perfume, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wounds healing activity, skin lightening, dental caries, astringent and hair care. They all contain various phytochemicals that are of interest in cosmetics. Despite the strong relationship between the Choa Arab and Kotoko people and herbal cosmetic ingredients, these plants are still less investigated for their cosmetic application. The authors urge for the development of sustainable supply chain for plants with potentials as cosmetics, involving local communities in the planning, implementation and monitoring process, following principles of Nagoya protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
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spelling doaj.art-f8c26b5ffb424d4f9f5d552fa0c017442022-12-21T23:50:59ZengMDPI AGCosmetics2079-92842018-05-01523110.3390/cosmetics5020031cosmetics5020031Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical ReviewEvariste Fongnzossie Fedoung0Tize Zra1Christine Fernande Nyangono Biyegue2Achille Nouga Bissoue3Suzanne Baraye4Nole Tsabang5Advanced Teacher’s Training School for Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala 1872, CameroonAdvanced Teacher’s Training School for Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala 1872, CameroonAdvanced Teacher’s Training School for Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala 1872, CameroonAdvanced Teacher’s Training School for Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala 1872, CameroonAdvanced Teacher’s Training School for Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala 1872, CameroonInstitute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Yaounde 6163, CameroonThe plant-based traditional knowledge of many Cameroonian populations concerning beauty and skin care is still poorly documented, yet they are real resources of innovation and economic development. The aim of this study is to document the indigenous knowledge of Choa Arab and Kotoko ethnic group in Kousséri (Far North Region of Cameroon) about plants used for cosmetics. Ethnobotanical data collected among key informants revealed a total of 13 plants species belonging to 12 families used by local people. Canarium schweinfurthii Engl and Santalum album L. obtained the highest frequency of citation. Trees are the most abundant life forms, while barks and seeds are the most frequently used parts. More than 40% of recorded plants are used for skin care. The cosmetic allegations of recorded plants include: dermatology, anti-cancers, antioxidant agent, perfume, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wounds healing activity, skin lightening, dental caries, astringent and hair care. They all contain various phytochemicals that are of interest in cosmetics. Despite the strong relationship between the Choa Arab and Kotoko people and herbal cosmetic ingredients, these plants are still less investigated for their cosmetic application. The authors urge for the development of sustainable supply chain for plants with potentials as cosmetics, involving local communities in the planning, implementation and monitoring process, following principles of Nagoya protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.http://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/31Choa ArabKotokoindigenous knowledgephytochemicalscosmetics
spellingShingle Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung
Tize Zra
Christine Fernande Nyangono Biyegue
Achille Nouga Bissoue
Suzanne Baraye
Nole Tsabang
Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review
Cosmetics
Choa Arab
Kotoko
indigenous knowledge
phytochemicals
cosmetics
title Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review
title_full Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review
title_fullStr Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review
title_full_unstemmed Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review
title_short Herbal Cosmetics Knowledge of Arab-Choa and Kotoko Ethnic Groups in the Semi-Arid Areas of Far North Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Assessment and Phytochemical Review
title_sort herbal cosmetics knowledge of arab choa and kotoko ethnic groups in the semi arid areas of far north cameroon ethnobotanical assessment and phytochemical review
topic Choa Arab
Kotoko
indigenous knowledge
phytochemicals
cosmetics
url http://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/31
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