Abstract
Ethnobotanical survey of plants used to treat some common viral diseases, such aschicken pox, poliomyelitis, influenza, hepatitis, measles and jaundice was carried out in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States in South Western Nigeria. Questionnaires were distributed among the participants and oral discussions were employed. Two hundred and eight (208) data were collected and tabulated. The Yoruba names, botanical names, methods of preparation and mode of administration of the plants were considered. The research work showed that members of the family Annonaceae (10.3%) were most frequently used, followed by members of Leguminosae (9.9%), and Zingiberaceae (7.9%), for treating chickenpox and measles infections, although all other plants play prominent roles in peoples` health care. Also, knowledge of medicinal herbs was being left in the hands of the elders between the age range of 51-70 years and 71-80 years. The leaves of the plants (45.5%) were mostly used in treating viral infections, followed by the use of stem bark (13.5%). All other parts were less commonly used to treat viral diseases. Mono-prescription was rare in the data collected. Oral application had the highest mode of administration (83.7%), while the combination of both oral and external applications (12.5%) closely followed. Decoction (90.4%) was the most frequently used method of anti-viral herbal preparation, while concoction (0.9%) was least used. Herb sellers (72.6%) constituted the major source of information about the use of anti-viral medicinal herbs, followed by traders, civil servants and herbalists with 17.31, 6.25 and 3.85 respectively. Many plants in the studied area may be a good source of lead molecules needed in viral chemotherapy after extraction of the bioactive components as well as removal of toxic residue following toxicological studies. Key words: Leguminosae, mono-prescription, chickenpox, decoction.
Highlights
Indigenous medicine is recognized worldwide both by the rural populace and the urban elite as an important healthcare resource
The research work showed that members of the family Annonaceae (10.3%) were most frequently used, followed by members of Leguminosae (9.9%), and Zingiberaceae (7.9%), for treating chickenpox and measles infections, all other plants play prominent roles in peopleshealth care
The indigenous name is a reflection of the culture and trade name of area where the plants are mostly found
Summary
Indigenous medicine is recognized worldwide both by the rural populace and the urban elite as an important healthcare resource. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that traditional medicine is an important contribution to its health goals. Medicinal plants have been of importance in the health care system of local communities as the main source of medicine for the majority of the rural population. Plants have nutritional value and, in the eyes of the local people, they have medicinal and ritual or magical values (Adewunmi et al, 2001). Plants have been a major source of medicine for human kind. A total of at least 35000 plants species are widely used for medicinal purposes. The global clamor for more herbal ingredients creates possibilities for the local cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops as well as for
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
