Traditional Medical Practitioners Research Articles

A Comparative Evaluation of the Antisickling, Elemental and Proximate Analysis of the Leaves of Three Khaya species Found in Nigeria

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is traditionally treated in Nigeria by the Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) with medicinal plants and other plant products. One of the herbs commonly used singly or in combination with other plant materials is Khaya, which is widely distributed in Africa, with three species existing in Nigeria. These are Khaya senegalensis A. Juss (KS), Khaya grandifoliola (WELW) CDC (KG) and Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (KI). In this study we evaluated the anti-sickling activities of the leaf extracts of the three Khaya species leaves with a view to authenticating the ethnomedicinal claims, and assess the proximate as well as the elemental constituents that may contribute to the properties. Dried leaves of the Khaya species were extracted by cold maceration and Soxhlet methods using water, ethanol and petroleum spirit as extractives. Filtered extracts were concentrated in vacuo at 40oC and dried in a lyophilizer. Inhibitory and reversal models were employed to evaluate their anti-sickling effects on Hb SS red blood cells following standard procedures. Proximate and elemental analysis were determined using the simple analytical procedure as described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (AOAC) of 1987, 13th Edition Washington DC P1094 and Dry Ashing method of AOAC 2006 respectfully. Anti-sickling results showed that the Soxhlet ethanol extracts of the Khaya species demonstrated significant (p≤0.05) ability to reverse and inhibit the sickling of red blood cells in-vitro with KI having the highest inhibitory and reversal of 60.04+1.77% and 74.97+2.23% respectively at 4 mg/ml concentration. The proximate analysis revealed the richness of the Khaya leaves in minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. Khaya leaves contained calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and other essential elements within the limits of dietary requirement. Khaya species could therefore be recommended for further development into herbal remedy in the management of sickle cell disease.

Descriptive Study on Treatment of Poisonous Bites Followed by Traditional Medical Practitioners in Vilavancode Taluk, Kanyakumari District

Descriptive Study on Treatment of Poisonous Bites Followed by Traditional Medical Practitioners in Vilavancode Taluk, Kanyakumari District

The use and potential abuse of psychoactive plants in southern Africa: an overview of evidence and future potential

BackgroundMost Bantu ethnic groups in southern Africa utilize indigenous herbal medicines, some of which have psychoactive properties. Traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) commonly use them not only for divinatory purposes but to treat and manage mental and other illnesses. Unfortunately, the research on their results, risks, and benefits do not align. Little is known about their potential abuse among TMPs and community members in southern Africa. Herbal medicines are complex because whole plants are sometimes used, unlike in other treatments which use only one active ingredient. However, if the key mechanisms of action of these ethnomedicinal plants can be identified through socio-pharmacological research, useful botanical agents can be developed. A review of socio-pharmacological studies to evaluate the consequences of exposure to ethnomedicinal plants with psychoactive properties was conducted with the aim of identifying harm reduction strategies and investigating how the plants could be developed into useful botanicals.MethodThe search methods involved retrieval of records from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses Global, and OpenGrey. The English language and human subjects were used as filters. In addition, some information was obtained from TMPs and community members.ResultsThe following psychoactive plants were found to be commonly used or abused: Boophone disticha, Cannabis sativa, Datura stramonium, Leonotis leonurus, Psilocybe cubensis, and Sceletium tortuosum. The commercialization of Cannabis, L. leonurus, S. tortuosum, and Aspalathus is growing fast. The abuse liability of B. disticha, D. stramonium, and P. cubensis appears not to be appreciated. Five countries were found to have TMP policies and three with TMP Councils.ConclusionTMPs in the region are aware of the CNS effects of the identified psychoactive plants which can be explored further to develop therapeutic agents. There is a need to work closely with TMPs to reduce harm from the abuse of these plants.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices towards loiasis in the rural community of Sindara, in central African Gabon.

More than 20 million people are infected with L. loa, and around 40 million live in high or intermediate-risk areas in West- and Central Africa. Although loiasis is associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality, little is known about the perception of loiasis by affected communities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the rural population of Sindara, Gabon, a region characterized by high loiasis prevalence. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Gabon between January and June 2022. During systematic door-to-door visits, randomly selected inhabitants were invited to participate in this questionnaire based survey. Venous blood was collected at midday from all participants for microscopic detection of filarial infection and clinical signs of loiasis were assessed. A total of 150 participants were recruited, of which 66% were infected by L. loa. While almost everyone had some knowledge about L. loa, 72% of the participants understood that L. loa is a parasitic worm. The transmission of L. loa via the deer fly was known to only 21% of participants. The most frequently mentioned clinical symptoms attributed to loiasis were itching (84%), eye worm migration (59%), and conjunctivitis-like symptoms (53%). Participants who experienced migratory loiasis had better knowledge of loiasis and considered it as more serious. Traditional and herbal medicine was reported most often as an available treatment option (72%). While the formal healthcare sector was mentioned as the preferred treatment provider, 60% of the reported infections were treated by traditional medical practitioners. Loiasis is in general well known by this community residing in a region of high L. loa transmission. Important gaps in knowledge were discovered foremost regarding the mode of transmission. The available healthcare system does not seem to provide adequate management for loiasis.

The Practice and Modalities of African Traditional Medicine in Tuberculosis Treatment - A Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Perspective

Aims: This study sought to explore the role of the traditional medical practitioner (TMP) and document the modalities of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in traditional medicine (TM) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Study design: An ethnographic research survey of TMPs in Harare urban. Place and Duration of Study: Harare’s southern suburbs of Warren Park, Mufakose, Budiriro, Belvedere, Mbare (Mupedzanhamo) and Harare central business district, between April and June 2021. Methodology: Fourteen (14) experienced TB practitioners, registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) were recruited for the study. These included exclusive herbalists (36%), spiritualists (14%) and those who used a combination of spiritualism and herbalism (50%) in their practice. Data was collected through semi-structured in-person interviews. The practices and treatment modalities in the traditional treatment of TB were documented; and any linkages with the conventional medical system were identified. Results: Forty-six (46) plant species from 28 families were prescribed in various polyherbal combinations for a maximum of 6 months in difficult cases. TMPs were found to be relevant and knowledgeable in the treatment of TB. In addition to offering alternative or complementary treatment options to patients, TMPs were also agents of health education promotion, and collaborated to some extent with allopathic healthcare providers across the service delivery system from diagnosis to treatment of patients. Conclusion: If formalized, TMPs have the potential to make considerable contributions to TB treatment strategies and help improve treatment outcome in TB patients.

Anti-anemic properties of Pterocarpus marsupium latex and its cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects.

Abstract Anemia is a hematological disorder, and a large number in the developing world are affected with significant morbidity and mortality. Among them, most depend on traditional medicine to strengthen the hematopoietic action. The availability, low cost, and minor side effects are thought to be associated with this high selection rate of traditional medicine. The Pterocarpus marsupium is a medicinal plant native to Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. In which the different components are used by traditional medical practitioners in treating different disease conditions, specifically, latex in enhancing hemoglobin production in anemic patients. However, the scientific evidence for using the Pterocarpus marsupium latex as an anti-anemic agent is minimal. Therefore, this study is planned to evaluate its anti-anemic effect, erythropoietin (EPO)-like effect, toxicity, phytochemical composition, and bioactive ingredients. Consequently, we aim to apply in vitro and in vivo assays to investigate the toxicity and favorable anti-anemic and other hematopoietic potentials of the plant latex using normal human cell cultures, rat-derived hematopoietic stem cell cultures, zebrafish embryos, and phenyl hydrazine-induced anemic rats with identification of bioactive ingredients that might mediate such potentials. If we discover a similar action of EPO in this plant latex, it would be beneficial in the way of treating anemia-associated disease conditions such as chronic renal failure, myelodysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and cancer as a replacement for recombinant human EPO (rhEPO). This will be beneficial in the way of reducing the high cost of rhEPO treatment as well. Finally, an attempt to discover a therapeutic agent for anemia from a safe, natural source will considerably contribute to traditional medicine/herbalism due to the crucial role of traditional medicine in the prophylaxis or therapy of hematological diseases in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Pterocarpus marsupium; Indian kino; Anemia; Toxicity; Latex; Erythropoietin

Experiences of traditional health practitioners in the management of female infertility in Harare urban areas: A qualitative study.

Female infertility is a health and social problem that traditional health practitioners (THPs) have been managing in African communities. This study explored the experiences of THPs in the management of female infertility, specifically focusing on their understanding, diagnosis, and treatment methods for female infertility. This was a qualitative study targeting six THPs in Harare urban areas registered with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) in Zimbabwe. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were followed in the description of the study design, analysis and presentation of findings. The findings revealed that the etiology of female infertility was attributed to biomedical, lifestyle, spiritual, and male factors. Management of infertility depended on the type of THP. Spirit mediums relied on divination and dreams to diagnose and treat female infertility. Herbalists focused on the physical evidence provided by the client through history taking. THPs had a client referral system within their TMPC network. All THPs ultimately used medicinal plants for treating female infertility. THPs play an important role in the management of female infertility. Understanding their contributions to the management of female infertility provides an opportunity to obtain insight into their practices, thus identifying areas that responsible Ministries can use to strengthen traditional health care systems and ultimately improve reproductive health care for women in African communities.

Preliminary Survey on Ethnomedicinal Value of Spontaneous Urban Plants

One of the major global trends of the twenty-first century that has a big impact on our lives is urbanization. By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population, who currently make up half of the population are expected to reside in urban regions. The demands of urban environments can lead to greater poverty and environmental degradation such as poor air and water quality, shortages in water supply, waste-disposal issues, and excessive energy consumption will become worse. Additionally, urbanization encourages the invasion of non-native species by reducing the diversity of plant species, making it difficult to plant growth. Some species, however, exhibit signs of resilience to these challenges and are adaptable to the urban environment. Spontaneous Urban Plants (SUP), also known as "weeds" are frequently found in abandoned urban landscapes. They are neglected as unwelcome, unwieldy, and unkempt, but they thrive in environments where most plants cannot grow. They can grow out of cracks in the sidewalks, in the wall of a garbage ditches, or even in a tiny space inside the walls of houses. This research aims to identify the SUP species with ethnomedicinal values in urban environment. This roadside surveys were conducted to identify SUP species with ethnomedicinal values in 10 urban areas in the Galle district between January and July 2020. Open-ended and semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a total of 37 people including Ayurveda and traditional medical practitioners, community elders and people experts in plants. The acquired data were verified using the Ayurveda authentic books and reputed journals. A total of 50 plant species of 27 families were identified as SUP. Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae were reported as the most represented families. The most plant species are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, followed by respiratory disorders and dermatological conditions. However, ethnomedicinal values of these SUP are yet to be revealed. 
 Keywords: Ethnomedicinal, Spontaneous urban plants, Urbanization, Weed

Review of epilepsy care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Epilepsy imposes a substantial burden on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These challenges encompass the lack of comprehensive disease surveillance, an unresolved understanding of its pathophysiology, economic barriers limiting access to essential care, the absence of epilepsy surgical capabilities, and deeply ingrained societal stigmas. Notably, the national prevalence of epilepsy remains undetermined, with research primarily concentrating on infectious factors like Onchocerca volvulus, leaving other potential causes underexplored. Most patients lack insurance, incurring out-of-pocket expenses that often lead them to opt for traditional medicine rather than clinical care. Social stigma, perpetuated by common misconceptions, intensifies the social isolation experienced by individuals living with epilepsy. Additionally, surgical interventions are unavailable, and the accessibility of anti-seizure medications and healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate. Effectively tackling these interrelated challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including conducting research into region-specific factors contributing to epilepsy, increasing healthcare funding, subsidizing the costs of treatment, deploying mobile tools for extensive screening, launching awareness campaigns to dispel myths and reduce stigma, and promoting collaborations between traditional healers and medical practitioners to enhance local understanding and epilepsy management. Despite the difficulties, significant progress can be achieved through sustained and compassionate efforts to understand and eliminate the barriers faced by epilepsy patients in the region. This review outlines essential steps for alleviating the epilepsy burden in the DRC. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: There are not enough resources to treat epilepsy in the DRC. PWEs struggle with stigma and the lack of money. Many of them still use traditional medicine for treatment and hold wrong beliefs about epilepsy. That is why there is a need for more resources to make the lives of PWEs better in the DRC.

Navigating neurological disorders: harnessing the power of natural compounds for innovative therapeutic breakthroughs.

Novel treatments are needed as neurological issues become more frequent worldwide. According to the report, plants, oceans, microorganisms, and animals contain interesting drug discovery compounds. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke reviews emphasize neurological disorders' complexity and natural substances' safety. Learn about marine-derived and herbal substances' neuroprotective characteristics and applications. Molecular pathways show these substances' neurological healing effects. This article discusses clinical usage of Bryostatin-1, Fucoidan, Icariin, Salvianolic acid, Curcumin, Resveratrol, etc. Their potential benefits for asthma and Alzheimer's disease are complex. Although limited, the study promotes rigorous scientific research and collaboration between traditional and alternative medical practitioners. Unexplored natural compounds, quality control, well-structured clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration should guide future study. Developing and employing natural chemicals to treat neurological illnesses requires ethical sourcing, sustainability, and public awareness. This detailed analysis covers natural chemicals' current state, challenges, and opportunities in neurological disorder treatment. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Exploring the Integration of AYUSH Systems with Modern Medicine: Benefits, Challenges, Areas, and Recommendations for Future Research and Action

An emerging area of interest in health care is the integration of Indian traditional medical systems, known as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), with contemporary medicine (Modern medicine). It could offer the best of both worlds in terms of a comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment. Despite the potential advantages, integration faces numerous difficulties. It might be challenging for health-care professionals to adopt traditional medicine treatments into their practices due to the lack of scientific data on their efficacy as well as training and teaching constraints. Furthermore, particularly in rural areas, access to traditional medical practitioners may be restricted, and integration may be hampered by cultural stereotypes. It can, however, be used for a variety of medical difficulties, including perioperative care, pain management, cancer care, postchemotherapy care, and the treatment of mental illnesses. Eventually, it might offer a thorough and all-encompassing method of health care. Therefore, the government and health-care organizations must take a proactive role in removing the obstacles and impediments to integration. To completely comprehend the advantages and restrictions as well as to create successful promotional tactics for integrative practices, more research is required. In this paper, we have analyzed various hitches and explored more potential areas to integrate both systems. We concluded with the recommendations to improve the existing system with a lot of positive attitude with patient-centric approaches.

Immunisation services in North-Eastern Nigeria: Perspectives of critical stakeholders to improve uptake and service delivery.

We investigated the perspectives of parents, health workers (HWs) and traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) on immunisation advocacy, knowledge, attitudes and immunisation practice and ways of improving immunisation uptake in Borno State, North-eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study analysing quantitative data from the three stakeholders' categories. It was conducted across 18 local government areas of Borno State. A representative sample of 4288 stakeholders (n=1763 parents, n=1707 TMPs, and n=818 HWs aged 20 to 59years, had complete data. The sample has more males: 57.8% (Parents); 71.8% (TMPs) and 57.3% (HWs). The awareness of immunisation schedule among the stakeholders ranged from 87.2 to 93.4%. The study showed that 67.9% of the parent and 57.1% of the health workers had participated in immunisation except the TMPs (27.8%). Across the stakeholders' categories, between 61.9 and 72.6% have children who had Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI). The most common AEFI was fever. Safety concerns, preference for herbs and charm, culture and religions, and vaccination perception as a western culture were the major barriers to immunisation uptake. While 63.6 to 95.7% of respondents indicated that community leaders, religious and spiritual leaders and TMPs should be involved in immunisation advocacy, 56.9-70.4% of them reported that community leaders should be involved in immunisation policy. Upscaling the critical stakeholders' involvement in advocacy, policy development and implementation of immunization activities may improve acceptance, create demand and engender ownership in vulnerable communities of Borno State, Nigeria. AEFI could be detrimental to immunisation access and utilization. Consequently, health education by health workers needs strengthening to minimise vaccine hesitancy.

Chitosan Porphyrin Composite (CPC) as Photosensitizer in Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy for the Management of Chronic Wounds

Handling wound-related infections represent major challenges among traditional and modern medical practitioners since bacteria can easily invade the tissues and proliferate, hampering the regeneration process. Hence highly efficient photosensitizers (PS) for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) that are able to prevent infection and promote wound healing have been extensively explored in this regard. Chitosan -porphyrin composite (CPC) as a new PS for APDT were synthesis by immobilized porphyrins with different functional groups on chitosan. The structural characterization of the newly obtained PS confirmed the success of the porphyrin immobilization on the solid supports. Their photodynamic efficacy were evaluated and the results indicated that silver meso-tetra (4-methoxylphenyl) porphyrin-chitosan composite (C-AgTMPP) and silver meso-tetra (4-hydroxylphenyl) porphyrin-chitosan composite (C-AgTHPP) have the most favourable antibacterial activity against all bacterial isolates however, majority of the composites demonstrate no significant antimicrobial activity at low concentration.

Predictors of and healthcare utilisation of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in Thailand: a national cross-sectional community-based study in 2015

ObjectiveThe prevalence of depressive symptoms and healthcare utilisation among the ageing population in Thailand is unclear. The study assessed the predictors of and healthcare utilisation of depressive symptoms among an...

Challenges Associated With the Documentation and Digital Preservation of Traditional Medicine by Traditional Health Practitioners in Katsina State, Nigeria

Paper sought to explore challenges associated with the documentation and digital preservation of traditional medicine by the Traditional Medical Practitioners in Katsina State of Nigeria. Traditional Medicine is the indigenous and culturally developed response to the health problems that threaten man’s existence. Traditional medical practices are still shrouded with much secrecy, with few reports or documentations on the profession and on the other hand the adverse reactions of the medicine. In conclusion, documenting and digital preservation of traditional medical knowledge was considered the most important factor that would encourage patronisers to use the medicine and the ascendants’ of the traditional medical practitioners to continue with the practice.

Exploration for analysis of medicinal foods used to manage dyslipidaemia in Sri Lankan traditional medicine

The medicinal foods used to manage non-communicable diseases in Sri Lankan traditional medicine are slowly but steadily disappearing from the country due to many reasons. This study is the first stage of the research project aimed to explore and analyze the medicinal foods used to manage dyslipidaemia in traditional medical practices of Sri Lanka. A qualitative study covering the whole island was conducted cross-sectionally, supplemented by a document review including ancient textbooks and talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera) leaf manuscripts. The study included all the registered traditional medical practitioners of the country, more than 55 years of age. Practitioners with poor memory and feeble health and those who were not in current practice were excluded. The first participant was selected purposively and the rest by using the snowball sampling technique. The investigator administered, validated, open-ended, semistructured questionnaire was the tool used, and the interviews were conducted face to face or using either telephone, zoom, or WhatsApp technology. The saturation was achieved by the 25th participant and data were analysed using the framework analysis technique. Nine medicinal foods including three herbal congees, one herbal beverage, one green leaf salad, and four curry preparations with antidyslipidaemic effects were explored. Sri Lankan native medicine possesses many medicinal foods with antidyslipidaemic effects and they should be explored, scientifically studied, and used as evidence-based management for the smooth control of diabetes mellitus.

A prospective observational study of optimal acupoint selection on patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), which include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD), are common gastrointestinal (GI) diseases that have a large financial impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). Traditional Korean medicine has a particular diagnostic pattern for treating FGIDs. However, FGIDs have not been thoroughly explored because of their complexity. In this proposed study, we will investigate the acupoint selection pattern for FGID patients with various disease patterns, and further determine the best acupoints for treating FGID patients using a machine-learning algorithm. We will collect clinical data from 15 multi-center Korean medical clinics that treat FGID as part of an observational study registry. Patients who meet the criteria will be added to the registry after screening. They will receive a maximum 4-week treatment, and they will respond 3 times to a series of questions. We will investigate how doctors of FGID patients with diverse disease patterns choose the acupoints, and we will use a machine learning technique to identify the best acupoints for treating FGID patients. This will be the first multi-center observational registry study to assess how traditional Korean medical practitioners diagnose and treat patients in the real world. The findings will shed light on how traditional Korean medicine treats FGIDs and demonstrate the rationale for the diagnostic and acupuncture treatment flow.

Ethnobiological Investigation of Plant Utilization for the Purpose of Arthritis Management in Nyamira North Sub-County of Nyamira County, Kenya

Traditional medical practices are common among many Kenyan communities, with herbal remedies consistently employed for arthritis treatment, despite the increased availability of conventional medicines. Therefore, it is of paramount significance to document these plants as a means of preserving the cultural knowledge of traditional medicines. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants utilized by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) in Nyamira North Sub- County, Nyamira County. Materials and Methods: A field study was conducted in Nyamira North Sub- County. Thirty-six TMPs were selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Information regarding the plants used was collected and documented. Frequency tables and data triangulation were employed to present the collected data. Results: A total of 48 species of medicinal plants belonging to 30 families and covering 38 genera were identified for use in managing arthritis. Thirty plant species were found to have reports of similar use in the literature, while 18 species were being reported for the first time regarding their use in arthritis. The most encountered families were Asteraceae (16.67%), Solanaceae (8.33%), and Fabaceae (6.25%). Most of the growth forms used were shrubs (46%), followed by herbs (31%), trees (15%), and climbers (8%). The most frequently used plant parts were the root/root backs (56%), followed by the leaves (20%), stem bark (14%), and the whole plant (8%). Conclusion: The present study identified and documented, for the first time, medicinal plants used to treat arthritis in the study area. It also revealed that eighteen (37.5%) of the traditional herbal remedies used to treat arthritis in the study area have not been reported in the literature. However, thirty (62.5%) are reported in the literature for similar use in other communities.

The Effects of Traditional Medical Practices on Health Care Delivery System in Nigeria. Quantitative Case Study of Ibiaku Issiet Community of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This research investigates the factors influencing the persistent use of traditional medicine and its implications for the acceptance and utilization of modern healthcare in the urban local government area of Ibiaku Issiet, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Sociologists and medical sociologists have expressed concerns about the continued reliance on traditional healers, which often disregards modern scientific methods and facilities. A sample of 150 respondents was randomly selected, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The study reveals that the high cost of modern healthcare is a significant challenge rural dwellers face, leading them to seek more affordable traditional medicine. Traditional remedies have effectively catered to the sociocultural preferences and aspirations associated with modern medical care. Nigeria's socio-economic and sociocultural context, characterized by beliefs in witchcraft, spirits, and gods as causes of diseases, make eradicating this deeply rooted cultural heritage futile. Consequently, individuals are more likely to prefer modern medicine to traditional treatment methods. Based on the findings, it is recommended that traditional medicine be granted legal recognition and co-recognition as an official healthcare system in Nigeria. There is a pressing need to enhance the status, funding, and facilities of traditional medical clinics and practitioners and develop comprehensive training programs.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Some Medicinal Plants used in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Traditional use of plants for medicine has been an agelong practice among different ethnicities of the globe before the advent of modern medicine. A study was conducted among the people of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, to find out the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the traditional medical practitioners in the area for the purpose of documenting the available information relating to medicinal plants. Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area comprise of 73 communities, out of which 32 (44%) communities were selected using stratified random sampling. Ethnobotanical data was collected using closed-end questionnaire, group discussion and guided field walk. A total of 500 questionnaire were administered to 37 local herb sellers, 144 traditional medical practitioner and 318 other local informants. Questionnaires used for the interview was divided into Part A & B; A containing demographic information of respondent and part B contained information on medicinal plant such as plant local name, life form, part of plant used, ailments treated, method of preparation, mode of administration, dosage etc. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical method. The investigation revealed that 111 plant species belonging to 53 families are used for the prevention and treatment of 80 ailments. 22.64% of the plant species use for medicinal purpose belong to the ‘’Fabaceae’’ family. The most common of traditional medicinal preparation and administration methods were decoction and oral administration among others. The study revealed that the most of the traditional medicine knowledge in the area is still strictly held in secrecy, with the older generation being the major practitioners. This greatly puts the knowledge of the medicine plants at risk of being eroded in the near future and therefore requires an urgent need for more documentations.