Present state of knowledge and research on the plants used in traditional medicine in Somalia

Plants used in traditional medicine in Somalia have not so far been studied completely, and there are many difficulties owing to the secrecy maintained by traditional healers. Present research is being developed in a centre established by the Ministry of Health and in the Somali National University. A Somali traditional pharmacopoeia is envisaged. Pharmacological screening, chemical, and clinical studies are in progress on a number of plants. An herbarium with 2000 plants has been established.