Ethnobotanical investigations focused on Balanites aegyptiaca, or desert date palm, which is a tree of the Zygophyllaceae family [8] (Figure 1). It is often found on clay and sandy soils in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia [9]. Its global distribution is limited to the north by Jordan, to the south by Zimbabwe, and from east to west by Senegal and Somalia. Beyond the African continent, B. aegyptiaca is present in some Asian countries, notably Iran, Palestine, Jordan, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Yemen [10].

Balanites aegypytiaca is also called in some local languages [11]-[13].

Wolof: “Sump”;

Sérére: “Model”;

Bambara: “Ségéné”;

Pulaar: “Golétéki”;

Haussa: “Aduwa”;

French: “Dattier du désert, Haguel balanites”.

Figure 1. Representation of the different parts of Balanites aegyptiaca (A: Whole plant; B: Flower; C: Fruits; D: Seeds; E: Branches; F: Trunk).

Figure 2. Geographical location of the survey area in Senegal.

Study Area

Senegal is located in the far west of Africa, between latitude 12˚8' and 16˚41' north and longitude 11˚21' and 17˚32' west. The fieldwork was conducted in August in the department of Linguère (Dodji district). The department of Linguère is located in northern Senegal, in the eastern part of the Louga administrative region, between latitude 15˚24' and 14˚00' north and longitude 15˚07' and 14˚04' west (Figure 2).

A quantitative ethnobotanical study was conducted in the Dodji district. Data was collected from the local population using a questionnaire.

This questionnaire included the informant’s profile (age, sex, ethnicity, education level, occupation, and marital status). The survey focused on the plant parts used, preparation methods, oil extraction techniques, and food, therapeutic, and cosmetic applications. In this quantitative ethnobotanical survey strategy, the target individuals were interviewed based on their knowledge of the plant, their availability, and their willingness to answer questions. The selection process was selective. The primary targets were arborists, individuals or groups who extract oil, and traditional healers residing in the localities at the time of the survey, and aged 19 years or older. These conditions constituted the selection criteria for the respondents.

A total of 101 people were interviewed, including 51 men and 50 women (50.5% male and 49.5% female), from two different ethnic groups (Fulani and Wolof). Individuals aged 20 - 40 years represented 42% of the sample, followed by those aged 40 - 60 years, who constituted 37% of the respondents. Individuals over 60 years of age and those aged 19 years constituted 20% and 1% of the respondents, respectively (Figure 3). Of those interviewed, 96 were married, representing 95% of the total number of people investigated. It should also be noted that 17 people (16.8%) extract the oil using traditional techniques (Figure 4).

Figure 3. Representation of the age groups investigated.

Figure 4. Data Illustration: Gender, marital status and extraction practices.

For each category of use and plant part used, the relative citation frequency (CRF) was calculated according to the formula:

with n = number of people who cited a use category, N = total number of respondents.

The use value was calculated to assess the ethnobotanical importance of B. aegyptiaca according to the formula.

with U_i = Number of uses mentioned by respondent i for a given species, N = Total number of respondents. The results are summarized in the following Table 1.

Table 1. Average of use categories for different parts of Balanites aegyptiaca.

Balanites aegyptiaca is a family plant; the study reveals that all age groups of those interviewed recognized the tree, representing a 100% recognition rate. They also highlighted its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Four percent of those interviewed learned about the plant through traditional healers. Balanites aegyptiaca has vernacular names derived from its uses, such as “Mourtoki” and “Mouthiéki”, all of which refer to the act of sucking in Pulaar.

The data collected from the interviewees highlights the various ways in which this plant is incorporated into daily diets. The pulp of its fruit is particularly prized: 99% of respondents reported sucking it directly, demonstrating its popularity as a natural and readily available treat. The plant’s leaves and flowers are also used in food, although less frequently. 22% of respondents use the leaves, and 6% the flowers, to prepare sauces. These parts are generally cooked with peanut paste and served with couscous in the evening, showing a well-established traditional culinary use. Finally, the oil extracted from the seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca is consumed directly; 34% of respondents reported using it by adding it to well-cooked rice, illustrating another way in which this plant is used in food (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Representation of the different organs consumed.

According to the survey results, the pulp is the most commonly used part of the plant for medicinal purposes. In fact, 72.27% of respondents reported using the pulp for treatment, followed by the bark (32.67%), the whole fruit (19.80%), the leaves (5.94%), and finally the twigs (1.98%). A tiny proportion (0.99%) of respondents used a combination of several parts of the plant, including leaves, twigs, bark, roots, and fruit, to create multi-purpose remedies often intended to treat chronic ailments or ward off supernatural beings.

3.4.1. Fruit Pulp

Local medicinal practices regarding the pulp: 72.27% of respondents specifically use the pulp of Balanites aegyptiaca for therapeutic purposes. This high proportion demonstrates the importance of this part of the fruit in traditional medicine.

Among these users, 59.40% consume the pulp without any prior preparation, often in its raw or dried form. It is used to treat various ailments such as stomach pain, high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, fever, constipation, parasite elimination, and digestive issues. Balanites aegyptiaca pulp helps soothe gastric disorders, regulates blood pressure, stabilizes blood sugar levels, acts as a fever reducer, facilitates intestinal transit with its fiber content, eliminates certain intestinal parasites, and improves digestion after heavy meals. Thus, Balanites aegyptiaca pulp occupies a central place in local traditional medicine. Its use without prior transformation demonstrates empirical knowledge passed down orally from generation to generation, based on the perceived effectiveness of its natural properties.

3.4.2. Stem Bark

The survey reveals that 33% of respondents use the stem bark of Balanites aegyptiaca to treat various ailments. At least ten diseases were identified as being treated with this part of the plant. These include headaches, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), high blood pressure, malaria, toothaches, colds, intestinal parasites (for its deworming effect), myopia, and general fatigue (Figure 6). Furthermore, the bark is used in spiritual practices for protection against evil spirits. The preparation methods mentioned are varied, with fumigation (78%) followed by maceration (12%).

Figure 6. Representation of the diseases treated by the organs of Balanites aegyptiaca.

As part of the therapy, preparations are made to allow for effective administration during patient treatment. However, 60% of respondents prefer to use these organs without preparation, while 35% use maceration, 27% fumigation, 8% decoction, and finally, 5% infusion (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Methods of preparing the organs of Balanites aegyptiaca before administration.

Beyond its medicinal properties, this plant is also of interest in the cosmetic field, particularly through the use of its seed oil and twigs. Survey results indicate that 5% of respondents use this oil as a skin-lightening cream, seeking a brighter and more even complexion. In addition to its lightening properties, the oil is also known for its ability to soften, nourish, and smooth the skin. Alongside topical use of the oil, the twigs of Balanites aegyptiaca are traditionally used as toothpicks or natural toothbrushes. Respondents report that regular use of these twigs helps whiten teeth and eliminate bad breath.