DIVERSITE ET USAGES TRADITIONNELS DES PLANTES MEDICINALES ANTIFONGIQUES DANS LA REGION DU PORO (NORD DE LA COTE DIVOIRE)

The use of medicinal plants is attracting renewed interest in the search for new natural molecules, given the growing resistance of fungal diseases to current treatments. This study aims to identify the antifungal plants used in Poro region (Ivory Coast) to promote these resources. Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Korhogo (KGO), Dikodougou (DIKO), Sinematiali (SINE), and MBengue (MBG) departments. Stratified proportional sampling was using as methodology. The data collected made it possible to characterize surveyed population and analyze floristic diversity and the ways in wich plants are used. The results are revealed a predominance of males (66.67%) and a high illiteracy rate (70%). The most represented age group is between 39 to 58 years old. The floristic approach identified 101 plants species divided into 90 genera and 34 botanical families. At KGO, 47 species belonging to 46 genera and 21 families, at DIKO, 31 species grouped into 29 genera and 20 families at SINE, 28 species divided into 27 genera and 18 families and at MBG, 55 species from 50 genera and 20 families were identified. The floristic composition varied according to the departement, as indicated by Jaccard similarity index (Sij < 0.5). The plants species confirmation index revealed 17, 15, 10, and 8 plants species used against fungal diseases in the departments of MBG, KGO, DIKO, and SINE, respectively. Leaves with 58.82% in DIKO, 47.06% in SINE, 42.65% in KGO, and 41.75% in MBG are the most organs used. This study highlights antifungal potential of plants from Poro region and the associated indigenous knowledge. The plant diversity identified represents a major asset in the search for new molecules that are effective in treating fungal diseases.