Traditional Medicine Treatment of Malaria in Onitsha, South East Nigeria

Abstract

A survey was conducted in the commercial city of Onitsha, South-east, Nigeria to ascertain the plants used in the treatment of malaria and the treatment practice in the herbal markets studied. Information was collected from herb sellers using semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and direct observation. Samples of all plants claimed to have antimalarial property were collected, identified and authenticated. A total of 481 respondents were interviewed. Of these, of which 49.7% were males and 50.3% females. Majority (79.4%) of the respondents were herb-sellers while 20.6% were trainees. Eleven plant species used in the treatment of malaria were identified and information regarding the plants collected. The information collected includes their common names, parts used, methods of preparation, duration of treatment and other medicinal values, compiled. The frequency of encounter of the plants identified during the survey were as follows: Nauclea latifolia (22.6%); Azadirachta indica (17.0%); Sida acuta (11.8%); Cymbopogon citratus (9.5%); Alstonia boonei (7.6%) ; Carica papaya ( 7.3%) ; Morinda lucida (6.7%); Ocimum gratissimum (6 .4%); Mangifera indica (4.2%); Vernonia amygdalina ( 3.8%); and Psidium guajava (3.1%). Sixty percent of the concoction studied contained plant combination than single plants for the treatment of malaria. However, scientific validation of the traditional claims of antimalarial properties is imperative. This will contribute positively to the search for newer and more effective antimalarial drugs.