Ethno-botanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps)

C Ekeke,C.A Ogazie,I.G Ugiomoh,M.C Mbalewe,

doi:10.4314/jasem.v25i9.8

Abstract

This document focuses on the ethnobotanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps). A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified in the wraps collected from the study area. These plants are used in the treatment of ailments such as hypertension, typhoid, malaria, boost fertility in females, post-partum (immediately after birth), treatment of diabetes, treatment of arthritis, and induce weight loss. Annonaceae family constituted 9.68% of the total plant family, followed by Acanthaceae, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae with 6.45% each. Among the plant species, Cnestis ferruginea (Connaraceae) occurred in five wraps. This is followed by Alternanthera bettzickiana (Amaranthaceae), Craterispermum cerinanthum (Rubiaceae), and Napoleona imparalis (Lecythidaceae) found in four wraps while Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae), Barteria nigritana (Passifloraceae), Nephrolepis exaltata (Nephrolepidaceae), Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Poaceae), Palisota hirsuta (Commelinaceae), Scleria naumanniana (Cyperaceae), and Sida rhomboidea (Malvaceae) are in three ailments each. These plant species and families with high occurrence are the most effectively used plant groups in the study for the treatment of these diseases.

Highlights

Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps) are combinations of two or more different plant species tied together and the extracts used in the treatment of different ailments in Mbaise land, Imo State, Nigeria
Treatment of Diabetes: A total of 13 plant species belonging to 13 genera and 13 families were found in the wrap used to treat diabetes in the study area (Table 7)
Treatment of Arthritis: Six (6) plant species belonging to 6 genera and 6 families were found in the wrap used to treat arthritis in the study area (Table 8)

Summary

Introduction

The use of herbs in the treatment of some common health challenges amongst the people has become a part of the African people’s culture and in Nigeria (Burkill, 1985, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000; Toranyiin, et al, 2003; Orabueze et al, 2017; Madara et al, 2018), and has come a long way in drug or medicine development and their wellbeing (Burkill, 1985, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000). A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified in the wraps collected from the study area (Table 1).

Results

Conclusion