Abstract

Background: In Benin, Ocimum gratissimum is consumed by most of the population. This plant is commonly used in traditional medicine. In the Beninese pharmacopoeia, the use of this plant differs according to the users. In view of these differences, it is essential to elaborate the repertoire of the virtues attributed to this plant by ethnomedicinal exploration.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted for 16 months from February 2018 to May 2019. Ethnomedicine surveys were took place in thirty-four markets and the thirteen borough of Cotonou. Target groups are herbalists, consumers and sellers. It was based on a knowledge, attitudes and practices survey. It was conducted using a semi-direct interview technique based on a questionnaire administered in local languages. Statistical treatment has been provided by Epi Info 3.5.3 and IBM SPSS Statistics 19. The Ki2 test has been used and the statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The conservation methods of O. gratissimum induce changes both physical and chemical. The therapeutic and food uses are more cited. Antibiotic property is more recognized. The majority of respondents not respect dosages with reported side effects. Bivariate analyzes revealed significant links between educational level and dosage definition, ethnical groups and commonly used medicinal plants or diseases treated.
Conclusions: This plant is a preventive and curative remedy for some thirty diseases. These results constitute a database in view of the production of improved traditional pharmaceutical based on O. gratissimum.

Key words: Ocimum gratissimum; Medicinal plant; Ethnomedicine; Cotonou.