RESEARCH ARTICLE Economic value, endogenous knowledge and distribution of Picralima nitida (Stapf) T. Durand and H. Durand in Africa [version 1; peer review: 2 not approved] Ghislain Comlan Akabassi 1-3 , Elie Antoine Padonou 2,4 , Achille Ephrem Assogbajo 2 , Noël Zirihi Guede 3 1 UFR Biosciences, African Center of Excellence for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture, Cocody, Abidjan, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote d'Ivoire 2 Laboratory of Applied Ecology, University of Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, 05 BP 1752, Benin 3 Laboratoire de Botanique, Unviversity Félix Houphouët Boigny, Cocody, Abidjan, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote d'Ivoire 4 School of Tropical Forestry, National University of Agriculture, Kétou, Porto-Novo, BP 43, Benin First published: 06 Jul 2020, 3:29 https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13087.1 Latest published: 15 Oct 2020, 3:29 https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13087.2 v1 Abstract Background: Picralima nitida (Apocynaceae) is an important African medicinal plant species. It is frequently used in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries for manufacture of drugs against infectious diseases, malaria, diabetes and cancer. Despite its important, the species can be rare, especially in the Dahomey Gap (in contrast to the Guineo-Congolese region). There is also a controversy on its distribution. To ensure the sustainable use of the species, this study evaluated the economic value, endogenous knowledge and effect of climate gradient on the distribution of the species in Africa. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in the Dahomey Gap with 120 informants randomly interviewed. A literature review of scientific papers and books was used to provide information on the uses, distribution and threats of the species in the Guineo-Congolese region. Results: The results revealed that P. nitida products were more expensive in the Dahomey Gap than the Guineo-Congolese region. All parts of the species were collected and used for 34 treatments. The species had low density and distribution in Dahomey Gap compared to the Guineo-Congolese region. Conclusions: P. nitida is used across its distribution areas with important economic values. Adapted management strategies are needed for the sustainable use and conservation of the species. Keywords Climate gradient, Dahomey gap, Guineo-Congolese region, Picralima nitida, distribution, conservation. Open Peer Review Reviewer Status Invited Reviewers 1 2 version 2 (revision) 15 Oct 2020 version 1 06 Jul 2020 report report Martin J. Potgieter , University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa 1. Christian Mikolo Yobo , Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale du Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologiques (IRET/CENAREST), Libreville, Gabon 2. Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. AAS Open Research Page 1 of 20 AAS Open Research 2020, 3:29 Last updated: 15 OCT 2020