Medicinal plant species used in the treatment of skin diseases in Katabi Sub- County, Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

Background: The use of medicinal plants in primary healthcare is central among rural communities in Uganda due to the expensive and often inaccessible conventional healthcare. Skin diseases pose a serious health risk given the challenge of HIV-AIDS whose opportunist infections manifest themselves as skin complications. The study investigated, identified and documented plant species used to manage skin infections, the plant parts used, methods of preparation and administration of herbal remedies.Methods: An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant species used to treat skin diseases was conducted in Katabi Sub-County, Wakiso District in Uganda using semi structured interviews. A questionnaire, checklist, and personal observation were the research instruments used. Descriptivestatistics were used to present the data.