Contribution to the Study of the Exploitation of Plant Species for Medicinal Use in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background and Objective: Medicinal plants are part of the health system in several countries. However, with the advent of climate change, some of these plants are disappearing. The exploitation of plant species for medicinal use in the villages of Yaboya II and Yasekwe, Turumbu Sector in Isangi territory, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo was investigated. Materials and Methods: The survey technique based on a questionnaire coupled with documentary analysis was used. The age of the respondents varied between 20 and 70 years, the majority of respondents were men, i.e., 54.80% against 45.2% of women. The respondents were mostly (51.6%) of primary education level. Results: Twenty-two botanical families were inventoried by local populations for pharmacopeia needs, but the Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae families were the most exploited at 14.29% each, followed by Rubiaceae with 8.57%, Meliaceae and Apocynaceae with 5.716% each. The bark was the part most used by local populations and cooking was the most used mode of consumption. Conclusion: Given that several diseases are cured, to satisfaction, by these medicinal plants, it would therefore be appropriate to help local populations to better manage this natural resource at a time when climate change is threatening.