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01-12-2019 | Original Paper

Medico-Religious Plants Employed in Mauritius: A Survey Among Hindu Priests

Authors: Krishnand Luximon, Uddhav Sreekeessoon, Shanoo Suroowan, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Mauritius is renowned for its rich floral and cultural diversity. The aim of this study was to identify and document medicinal plants exclusively employed in rituals and to promote wellness among the Hindu community. In addition, it also highlights poorly documented plants with respect to their safety, efficacy, and herb–drug interaction inducing potential. The informant group included Hindu priests (n = 14) solely, while the relative frequency of citation (RFC) and use value (UV) were utilised to analyse the data. A total of 33 plants were reported in this survey. Sixteen plants were reported by informants to have both medicinal and religious values, while the highest RFC and UV index was obtained by Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (RFC = 0.79; UV = 0.71). Nonetheless, despite known and utilised commonly for years by humanity, various plant species mentioned in this study have been poorly evaluated in randomised clinical trials and for any risks of herb–drug interactions. Hence, there are concerns surrounding the safe use of these plant species particularly among patients suffering from chronic diseases.

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Title: Medico-Religious Plants Employed in Mauritius: A Survey Among Hindu Priests
Authors: Krishnand Luximon
Uddhav Sreekeessoon
Shanoo Suroowan
Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00826-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Medico-Religious Plants Employed in Mauritius: A Survey Among Hindu Priests

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Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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