Ethnobotanical Assessment of Herbal Medicine Practices for Cancer Treatment among Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Kenya

Abstract

Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) play a vital role in healthcare delivery across Africa, including Kenya. They frequently use herbal remedies to address various ailments, including cancer. However, this practice raises global public health concerns due to the lack of adherence to established policies and guidelines, which poses risks to users. In low-income countries like Kenya, where conventional cancer treatments are often prohibitively expensive, many patients turn to herbal remedies. This situation underscores the need for standardization and monitoring of traditional medicine practices to mitigate risks associated with contamination, improper dosage, and misdiagnosis. Additionally, there is a significant gap in the systematic documentation and scientific validation of these practices. This study aimed to explore the ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of TMPs in Kenya regarding herbal medicine for cancer treatment. The specific objectives were to: Assess the medicinal plants used by TMPs, assess the Practice TMPs' in cancer treatment and Determine TMPs' compliance with WHO guidelines for cancer treatment. A cross-sectional study design, guided by the plant use value theory, was employed. Using purposive sampling, 53 TMPs from five counties were selected in proportion to the county TMP populations. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, observational check list, and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28, including descriptive statistics, means, standard deviations, figures, and proportions, presented through graphs and tables. The study identified 58 unique plants from 14 families. Roots were the most commonly used plant parts (20.6%) for cancer management. Decoctions were the primary preparation method (35%), while poultices were the least used (14.7%). Oral administration was the predominant method. TMPs most frequently treated prostate and throat cancers (20.7%), followed by breast cancer (17.2%). Most new patients (76.9%) were referred by others, with minimal use of modern advertising methods such as social media. Women sought TMP services more than men. Most practitioners (92.3%) planned to pass their knowledge to their descendants. However, compliance with WHO guidelines was low, at only 27%. The study highlights the extensive use of herbal remedies by TMPs in Kenya but also reveals significant issues in practice. There is minimal formal supervision and monitoring of traditional medicine practices, and most TMPs lack formal training, relying instead on inherited knowledge. Awareness and adherence to WHO guidelines are notably low.The health act policy no. 21 of 2017 which empowered the department of Health to provide policies and regulatory institutions that guide the practice of traditional and alternative medicine needs to be implemented by Government. Furthermore, TMPs need to be trained by WHO on best practices of usage of herbal medicines in cancer treatment, the regulatory bodies in Ministry of Health under surveillance therein should provide guidance on registration, licensing and standards, and ensure compliance of TMPs.