Contribution to the ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of traditionally used medicinal plants in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea in Lomela area, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In order to collect ethnobotanical information about antidiarrhoeal plants, we performed inquiries among traditional healers, community leaders, and native people of Lomela villages in Congo. Six medicinal plants widely used in this region were designated as having antidysenteric and antidiarrhoeal properties. These six medicinal plants were screened for groups of phytochemical compounds with antibacterial and antiamoebic activities. They were found to contain tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, sterols and/or triterpenes and reducing sugars. Of the six tested plants, three showed prominent antibacterial activity whereas two acted against Entamoeba histolytica. The usefulness of the phytochemical bases and biological activities of these plants as potential source of antidiarrhoeal remedies is discussed.