Traditional Medicinal Plants of Nigeria: An Overview: September 2016
Traditional Medicinal Plants of Nigeria: An Overview: September 2016
Traditional Medicinal Plants of Nigeria: An Overview: September 2016
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ABSTRACT
The present study represents an attempt to document information on the traditional medicinal
plants that used in Nigeria. A compiled check list of these plants including their Latin names,
families, parts used, medicinal uses, and name in different Nigerian states is the main purpose of
this study. All available information about either the traditional medicinal plants or ethnobotanical
surveys in Nigeria was consulted. The study showed that 325 species and 95 families of
medicinal plants were recognized as being used by most of the people in Nigeria for the
treatment of various common diseases. Fabaceae has the largest number of species (42),
followed by Asteraceae (22), Euphorbiaceae (20), Acanthaceae (13) and Apocynaceae (12). The
largest genera were Euphorbia (6 species), Cola and Hibiscus (5 species for each), Albizia,
Acacia, Combretum and Ficus (4 species for each), Acalypha, Allium, Clerodendrum and Cleome
(3 species for each). The study revealed that traditional medicinal practices have a wide
acceptability among the Nigerian people, probably because they believe in its effectiveness. The
medicinal uses are varied, and the plant parts that are used ranged from leaves, roots, stem, bark
to fruits only, or a combination of two or more in a species or with those of other species.
Enduring and sustainable conservation efforts should be implemented to safeguard these
important medicinal plants.
contribution is as much as 80%. Thus, the economic 2002; Cox, 2005; Kumar et al., 2005; Pei, 2005). But
importance of medicinal plants is much more to in Nigeria, very little information about ethnobotanical
countries such as India than to rest of the world. studies has been documented (Gill, 1992; Sofowora,
These countries provide two third of the plants used 1993; Igoli et al., 1999). Therefore the need for
in modern system of medicine and the health care proper documentation of traditional medicinal
system of rural population depend on indigenous practices among the people in Nigeria where there
systems of medicine. Of the 2, 500,000 higher plant has been a dearth of published information is
species on earth, more than 80,000 are medicinal. immediately called for and this accounts for the
India is one of the world’s 12 biodiversity centres with rationale to undertake the present study.
the presence of over 45000 different plant species.
This study represents an attempt to document
The use of traditional medicine in various therapies information on the traditional medicinal plants used in
by the indigenous population over the world cannot Nigeria. A compiled check list of these plants
be overemphasized, according to the World Health including their Latin names, families, part used, uses,
Organization (WHO), as many as 80% of the world's and name in different Nigerian states is the main
people depend on traditional medicine for their purpose of this study. The documentation of
primary healthcare needs. Due to poverty, ignorance medicinal uses of African plants is becoming
and unavailability of modern health facilities, most increasingly urgent because of the rapid loss of the
people especially rural people are still forced to natural habitat for some of these plants due to
practice traditional medicines for their common day anthropogenic activities.
ailments, most of these people form the poorest link
MATERIALS AND METHODS
in the trade of medicinal plants (Khan, 2002). A vast
knowledge of how to use the plants against different All available information about either the traditional
illnesses may be expected to have accumulated in medicinal plants or ethnobotanical surveys in Nigeria
areas where the use of plants is still of great (Fig. 1) was consulted. Data obtained were collected
importance (Diallo et al., 1999). In the developed and tabulated to give the botanical names, common
countries, 25 per cent of the medical drugs are based names, families and the vernacular names of the
on plants and their derivatives (Principe, 1991). various plant species as well as their uses and the
part(s) used. A total of 325 plants species were
During the past decade, traditional medicinal
encountered in this study. Their names in the various
practices have become a topic of global relevance. In
languages, families, uses and part(s) being used are
many developing nations, a significant number of
shown in Table 1.Classification of the collected data
indigenous populations rely on medicinal plants to
according to the diseases for which these plants used
meet their health care needs. According to Lewis and
to.
Elvin-Lewis (2003), botanically derived medicinals
have played a major role in human societies RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
throughout history and prehistory and people have
Plant species belonging to 325 species and 95
used plants as medicine since the beginning of
families were recognized as being used by most of
civilization, as they were believed to have healing
the people in Nigeria for the treatment of various
powers (Connie and King, 2003). The use of plants in
the tropical and subtropical regions is diversified and common diseases. Table (1) showed the list of the
most of the uses are for medicine, source of food, species, botanical name, local name, uses and parts
used. Some of these plants are cultivated by the
clothing and shelter. But the medicinal uses of plants
people themselves while others grow in the wild. Of
are rapidly declining among the present generation of
the 95 different families which the people of this
local people as a consequence of modernization and
civilization (Cox, 2005). The younger generation is
showing little interest in learning this valuable science
of healing. Usage of medicinal plants to cure
diseases has also been much influenced by religious
practices (Trease and Evans, 1989; Wambebe,
1999). All over the world, several ethnobotanical
studies focusing on medicinal plants have been
documented (Ekpendu et al., 1998; Balansard and
Timon, 2000; Singh and Singh, 2001; Wang et al.,
221
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Table 1: List of the species, botanical name, local names, parts used, and uses.
Families Species Local names Part used Medicinal uses
Acanthaceae
Acanthus montanus Urunhishi Stem-twig, leaves Syphilis,cough,emenic,urethral dischrge
Adhatoda buchhoizii Fruits, whole plant Rhumatism,antiinflammatoy
Asysasia calyciana Orole Leaves skin diseases,weak erection,
Asysasia gangetica lobiri,inana,ntiaturu whole plant snake antidote,piles,urethral discharge
Barleria opaca Arenikosun leaves jaundice,laxatives,snake bite,hemorrhoids
Barleria maderaspatensis ewe-asaju,ewe-isaju whole plant snake bite antidote
Hygrophila auriculata mafowa,bayingiwa whole plant craw-craw,bacteriostatic
Hypostes forskalei Ogbigbo whole plant,roots skin infections
Hypostes vertillaris Ekere whole plant,leaves sore,fever,antiseptic,chest pains
fungal skin diseases,malaria,stomach
Justicia flava odian,oridun whole plant
disorders
Justicia insularis isepe-akera whole plant measles,mallpox
Nelsonia compestria dandun-makiyaya leaves,juice,twigs yellow fever,inflammation,schistosomiasis
Phaulopsis falcisepala Apa-ogbe whole plant wounds,skin parasites,laxative
Amaranthaceae
Achyranthes spera hakorin maciji leaves,roots stomach disorders,abortion,malaria
Alternantheras repens Dagunro whole plant dysentry,antimicrobial,filariasis
Alternantheras selsilis maikai dubu whole plant,leaves snake antidote,piles, astrigent, antibacterial
Amaranthus spinosus Nanijingasaya whole plant abdominal pain,ulcers,gonorrhoea
Amaranthus viridis leaves, roots antihelminthics,dysentry,antipasmodic,diuretic
222
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Anacardiaceae
Anacardium occidentale kasu,kanju bark,leaf,fruits malaria,elephantiasis,leprosy,ringworms
Antocaryon micraster ifa-okete,egin-agbo leaves,fruits general toxic,laxative
Haematostaphis barteri jan danya stem,bark,root emenic,tonic,hepatitis,sleeping sicknes
Heeria insignis kasheshe,hawayenzaki leves,stem,root,bark anthelminthics,aphoradisiac,galactagogue
Isolana campanulata Aghakeze root,stem,bark brochial infetions,skin diseases,hematuria
Mangifera indica Mangoro leaves,roots,stem,bark highblood pressure,skin lesions,insomnia
Monodora tenuifolia Sinin leave,roots Antihamorrhage,toothache,skin diseases
Annonaceae
Annoa squamosa Sharp -sharp,mbugo ago Leaves,fruit,stem Anaemia,dysentery,ulcer,anti -tumor
Annona sanegalensis ` Root,bark,leaves,seed Cancer,cough,veneral diseases
Anoridium manni Ewuro –igbo bark Diarrhoea,cough,fever,rheumtism
Clestopholis paterns Apako Leaves,bark Respiratory diseases,turberculosis
Enantia chlorantha Osopupa,kakerim Bark Typhoid fever,hepatitis,jaundice,fever
Greenwayo
Agudugbu roots,leaves,bark Easy labour,weak erectile
dendronsuaveolens
Hexalobus crispiflorus lapawe, apara, oji ogoda roots, whole plant gonorrhoea, cough, malaria
Monodora myristica Abo-lakoshe,ehuru seeds constipation,lice,guinea worms
223
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Araceae
abirisoko,hantsar
Anchomanes difformis roots Diuretic,gonorrhoea
gada,oje
Andira inermis Gwaska seeds,bark skin diseses,antihelmintics
Caladium bicolor eje-jesu leves,rhizome topical application for boils,convulsion,ulcer
Cercestics afzelii laves,stem,bark Purgative
Colocasia esculenta gwaba,kokofun tuber,leaves anaemia,wounds,poison antidote
Culcasia scandens Agunnoma leaves Anaesthetic,pregnancy booster
Asclepiadaceae
Aslepias curassavia Rizgar-kurege root Gastrointestinal disorders
Calotropis procera Tumfafiya leaves,root,bark,latex Elephantiasis,leprosy
Gymnema sylvestre whole plant Diabetes,snake bite antidote
Amarylidaceae
Crinum glaucum isu meri Bulb,flower-stalks Antimicrobial,anti-allergic
Crinum jagus Obase,albasar kwadi Bulb,leaves Tuberculosis
Avicenniaceae
Avicennia africana Ogbun,ofun leaves,stem,twigs Abortifacient
Apiaceae
Certella asiatica whole plant Elephantiasis,skin diseases
Eryngium foetidum Leaves Ulcer,headache
Apium graveolen seleri-saladi whole plant aphrodisiac,stimulant,diuretic
Petroselinum crispum Pasili whole plant vitamin c,stimulant,asthma,conjunctivitis
224
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Apocynaceae
Adenium obesum Gariya stem,roots,friuit,juice wound dressing,cardiatonic,veneral diseases
sickle cell anaemia,rheumatic pains,eye
Alafia barteri Agbari –etu root,leaves
infections
Alstonia boonei Awun,ahun,akpi root,bark,leaves Breast development,filrial woms
Alstonia congensis Ahun,egbu bark malaria,toothache
Carpodinus dulcis whole plant Galactogogue
Cryptostegia grandiflora leaves,latex fungal infections,heart problems
Eruatamia caronaria leaves,stem,root Anthelminthic,skin infections,toothache
Funtumia africana Akoire,mbamiri leaves,stem,root constipation,wounds,weak bladder,jaundice
Funtumia elastica ire,mba stem,twigs,stem,latex jaundice,piles,antipyretics
Hedrantheral bartery Agbo,omode leaves,fruit convulsion,anti-tumour
Landolphia dulcis Ibo stem,roots Rheumatism,cough,kidney diseases
Landolphia owariensis panukuru,ciwoo,oto fresh leaves,roots,seed Malaria,gonorrhea
Balsaminaceae
Impatiens balsamina whole plant Antiseptic,fungicide
Impatiens glandullifera Touch me not sap Application on poison ivy rash
Bombaceae
Adansonia digitata ose,igi-ose,kuka leaves,fruit,pulp,bark Fever,antimirobial,kidney and bladder diseass
Bombax buonopozense Gurjiya whole plant Abdominal pain,blood tonic
Pachira glabra Epa-boro stem,bark,seed stomach disorders,headache,blood tonic
Bixaceae
225
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Burseraceae
Boswellia dalzielli Hano bark,gum,roots urinary disorder,antiseptic
Boswellia SPP Juhii bark anti snake venom
Canarium schweinfurthii origbo,mbiji bark black tongue,roundworms,gonorrhea
Commiphora africana turari,dashi roots,fruits whooping cough,bronchitis
Dacryodes edulis elemi, ube bark,roots,fruits jiggars,skin diseases,elephantiasis
Bignonaniaceae
crescentia cujete igi,iba fruits Receptacle for herbal medicines
Jacaranda spp leaves,bark veneral diseases,spleen tonic
Kigelia africana pandoro,utu rubein roots,fruits,stem,bark kidney disorders,spleen infections,cough
Markhamia tomentosa iru-aya,aya leaves elephatiasis,oedema,rheumatism
Capparidaceae
Boscia senegalensis Anza leaves,fruit,bark malaria,veneral diseases
Combretaceae
Anogeissus lelocarpus Ayin,marike Bark,leaves,seed Taeniacide,skin diseases
Combretum glutinosum Kattakara leaves childhood fever,milk preservation
Combretum grandiflous Ikedike leaves Jaundice
Combretum mucronatum farar geza root,leaves Wounds
Combretum periculatum ogan,okan twigs Appetizer
Commelinaceae
226
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Cannaceae
Canna indica Gwangwama leaves Asthma,malaria
Caricaceae
Carica papaya Ojo,gwanda leaves,seeds,fruits Gonorrhoea,syphilis,mental disorders
Capparaceae
Courbonia virgata Kumkum Root,fruits,seeds stimulant,chest pain
Capparis thonningii ewon,ekiri root Mentrl disorders,fever
Cleome ciliata Ekuya leaves,seeds Convulsion,wounds,sores
Cleome gynandra Ipiya leaves,seeds Rheumatism,ease labour
Creteva adansonii taniya, leaves,seeds Urinary disorders,antipyretic
Cannabinaceae
Cannabis sativa igbo,wiwi leaves,seeds,stem,twigs sedative,lice,dyspepsia
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera caprifolum leaves,flower Respiratory disorders,liver disorders
Cucurbitaceae
Citrullus lanatus Egusi-baara seed,leaves,fruit,pulp woumb expeller,cystitis,diuretic
Coccinia grandis Gurjin daji leaves,fruits Depression,veneral diseases
227
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Crassulaceae
Kalenchoe crenata ejeti,onwa whole plant small pox,convulsion,asthma
Brassicaceae
Brassica oleraceaecapitata Kabeji leaves,seed Antimicrobial
Celestraceae
Celestrus indica ponju-owiwi root,leaves,twigs Antimicrobial,asthma,malaria
Celestrus senegalensis Isepolohun leaves,stem,root Oedema,laxative,gonorrhea
Chailletiaceae
Dichaetalum baneri Ngbu ewa seeds Cough,rheumatism
Cochlospermaceae
Cochlospermum planchorii Rawaya roots,stem-bark Gonorrhoea,menstrual disorder
Cochlospermum tinctorium Balagande whole plant Virginal discharge,bilhazia
Chenopodiaceae
Chenopodium ambroiodes asin,arunpale whole plant Anthelmintics,tumour
228
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Cyperaceae
Cyperus esculentus aya aya whole plant to induce vomiting,menstrual discharge
Mariscus alternifolius Ranransa,ikeregun stem-bases Gonorrhoea,healing wounds
Asteraceae
Acanthospermum,hispidum kashin yawo whole plant yellow fever,turbaculosis,cough
Achillea millefolium Yaro flowers,leaves,seeds haemostatic,wounds,piles
Ageratum conyzoides Urata whole plant wounds,ulcers,sleeping sickness,eyewash
Ambrosia maritima Makarfo whole plant syphilis,stimulant
Aspilla africana yunyun,kalankuwa leaves,flower skin rashes,cleaning sores,corneal opacities
Bidens pilosa abere,langanran whole plant anaesthetic,easy labour,abdoinnal pains
Blumia auria whole plant antipyretic,gastro intestinal pains
Centauriea perrottetii Danyi whole plant skin infections,syphilis
Chromolaena odorata akintola,obiarakara leaves,stem-twigs Antimicrobials,haemostatic,skin diseases
Chrysanthelium indicum Abilere,oyigi whole plant boils,gonorrhoea,jaundice
Conyza canadensis whole plant gonorrhoea,genital diseases,antibacterials
Conyza sumatrensis Olowojeja whole plant Antipyretic,asthma,tuberculosis
Echinacea purpurea rhizome Antimicrobial agents
Eclpa prostrata Abikole,arojoku leaves Elephatiasis,liver ailments,convulsion
Elephantapus scaber root,leaves fever,cough
Emilia coccinea Odundun leaves,root,sap ulcers,hernia,messles
Galinsoga parviflora leaves wounds,analgesic
229
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Dichapetalaceae
Dichappetalum toxicarium alo,ikunmu-agbo stem,bark,stwigs,leaves jaundice,poisonous to animals
Discoreaceae
Discorea dumentorum Esuru,gussami tuber,leaves Analgesic,psychic trouble
Dracaenaceae
Dracaena manni peregun,akuku root,leaves,ruit Antimicrobial,skin diseases
Ebenaceae
Diospyros canaliculata owe,oriloje bark, leaves Antimicrobial,leprosy
Diospyros mespliformis kalwa,ige root-bark, stem-bark Bilhazia,fertility regulation
Euphorbiaceae
Acalypha fimbriata Kandri leaves syphilis,asthma,antimicrobial,antifungal
Acalypha godseffiana Jinwinini leaves,twigs skin infections,antimicrobials
Acalypha wikesiana Jiwene leaves,twigs antimicrobials,constipation
Alchornea laxiflora Pepe, ijan Stem, root, leaves Veneral disease,antioxidant
Antidesma venosum Aroro stem,bark Anthelmintics
Bridelia ferruginea iri,kirni leaves,stem,bark,root insomnia,mouth wash,gonorrhea
230
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Flacourtiaceae
Caloncoba echinata Ntuebi whole plant and exudate skin infections
Caloncoba glauca Kakandika seed,root,bark leprosy,skin lesions
Geraniaceae
Mansonia senegalensis oil Emmenagogue
Hypoxidaceae
Curculigo piloza Doyar kurege roots Leukaemia,gonorrhea
231
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Hypericaceae
Harungana
Otoro,alilibarrafi stem-bark,root-bark piles,trypanasomiasis
madagascariensis
Irvingiaceae
irvingia gabonensis oro,goron biri leaves sleen infections
Klainedoxa gabonensis kanakoro,odudu bark,seeds measles,chicken pox,skin infections
Lauraceae
Cassythafiliformis Niginigini stem-twigs Antimicrobial,anti-funga,anthelminthics
Cinnamomum zeyianiam Bark,leaves,oil Typhoid fever,vomiting,nausea
Lamiaceae
Leonotis nepetifolia Ekun leaves,root wound,purgative
Leucas martinicensis keke-owu leaves snake bite antidote
Fabaceae
Abrus precatorius oju-ologbo,idon zakara roots,leaves,seeds conjuctivitis,antidote for poison,antimicrobials
Acacia auriculiformis kasia eleti bark Astringent
Afrormosia laxiflora shedun,makarfo roots intoxicant,body pains
Afzelia africana Apa-igbo,akpalata leaves,roots,bark,seeds gonorrhoea,hernia
banabana,tsintsiyar
Albizia adiarthifolia bark gonorrhoea,night blindness,piles
kurmi
Albizia ferruginea Kurmii root,stem,bark,leaves constipation,fish poison
Albizia lebbeck Igbagbo seeds,leaves,stem,bark river blindness,astringent
232
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
233
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Lecythidaceae
Napoleona imperialis Mabungi twigs Asthma,cough
Napoleona vogelii ito,akbodo whole plant Diabetes,fever
Lycopodiaceae
Lycopodium cernuum kuje-kuje whole plant New born skin management
Lythraceae
Lawsonia inermis Lalle leaves,flower,bark spermatorrhoea,jaundice,skin diseases
234
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Loganiaceae
Anthocleista djalonensis shapo,kwari bark,leaves Purgative,rashes,eczema
Anthocleista vogelli Apa oro,sapo seeds,bark Antidote for snake bite
Lobeliaceae
Lobelia molleri whole plant Mental disorders,antimicrobial
Liliaceae
Allium ascalonicum Albasa maigo Leaves, bulb convulsion,dysentery
Allium cepa Albsa bulbs, leaves cough, diuretic, antihelminthic
Allium sativum Ayo, ayuu bulb fever,cough, asthma,antimicrobial
Aloe vera ahon erin leaves juice purgative, guineaworms, breast cancer
Asparagus africana aluki, sarka whole plant antimicrobial, kidney diseases
Gloriosa superba mora, ewe-aje, baurere tubers, leaves gonorrhoea, headlice, antipyretic
alubosa-aloko, hatsin
Pancratium trianthum bulb visual hallucinations, convulsions
manoma
Malvaceae
Abelmochus esculentus kubewa,ila fruits,seeds fever,gonorrhoea,catarrhal infections
Abutilon mauritianum furu,kawo leaves,roots diarrhoea,piles,gonorrhea
Clappertonia facifolia Bolobolo leaves,roots Cough
Hibiscus acetosella Akese leaves Dysentery
Hibiscus asper isapa,dangiraa leaves cough,wounds,diuretic
Hibiscus rosasinensis kekeke,ireagu leaves,stem,flower influenza,wounds,diuretic
Hibiscus sabdariffa sobo,gurguzuu leaves,flowers Diuretics,cough,dressing wounds
235
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Malphighiaceae
Flabellaria peniculata lagbo-lagbo leaves wound,cuts
Meliaceae
Azadiracta indica Dogon yaro,bedi leaves,stem,bark,seeds Malaria,jaundice,anthelmintics,syphilis
Ekebergia senegalensis madacin dutse,ayape trunk,bark,root Insomnia,root powder induce sneezing
Menispermaceae
Chasmanthera dependens Ato-oloriraun root Diuretic,management of fracture
Cissampelos owariensis Damargaji whole plant Lung diseases,diuretic,blood tonics
Cocparnus pendulus root Antipyretic
Discoreophyllum cummisii Inunurin Fruits,leaves,root Diabetes,Obesity
Myrsinaceae
Embelia guineasis leaves,root Anthelmintics,skin diseases
Embelia schimperi Kiru stem-bark,leaves Antispasmodic,anthelmintic
Molluginaceae
Gisekia pharmacicides leaves,fruits wounds,cut
Moringaceae
Moringa oleifera zogale,bagaruwar makka whole plant Inflammatory diseases,veneral diseases
Moraceae
Antiaris africana Ooro, Ayo, Farinloko stem-bark, root bark,sap Epilepsy, lumbago,Irritation
Berefruit,
Artocarpus altilis Roots, Fruits, Wood Fevers, Sedative
Berefuruhu,Jaloke
236
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Nymphaeaceae
Nymphaea lotus Bado whole plant vomiting,anti-tumour
Nyctaginaceae
Boerhaavia diffusa Baba juji,eso bark,leaves,fruit,flower Blood tonic,emolient
Neprolepidaceae
Neprolepsis bisserata Iramu whole plant pregnancy booster
Onagraceae
Jussiaea linifoliio Bini-sensen leaves Malaria
Ludwigia suffruticossa Ako ewuro odo whole plant Anthelmintics,purgative
Olacaceae
Yellow fever,veneral diseases,mental
Olax subscorpioidea gwanon rafi whole plant
disorders
Orchidaceae
Eulophia millosoni Rhizome Aphrodisiac
Ochnaceae
Lophira alata Eki,uda Root,bark,seeds,leaves Fever,jaundice
Ouratea flava Nkanka leaves,fruit Laxative,vitaminss
237
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Opilliaceae
Opilia celtidifolia Inuwar gada Root,stem Anthelmintics
Oxalidaceae
Oxalis corniculata oneku,tsuku leaves Fever,warts,boils
Passifloraceae
Adenia cissampeloides arokeke,godogbo leaves,stem,bark hypertension,nervous disorders,antimicrobials
Adenia venenata dodo,yaga,arokeke whole plant bronchitis,syphilis
Pontederiaceae
Eichhornia crassipes mako,omi whole plant Skin care
Phytolaccaceae
Hilleria latifolia Ogo,akaato whole plant Breast cancer,urethral discharges
Periplocaceae
Sanguinolenta cryptolepia root,stem Antipyretic,antimicrobial,urinary infections
Pedaliaceae
Pedalum murex whole plant Gonorrhoea,enlarged spleen
Polygonaceae
Antigonon leptopus leaves antimicrobials
Arecaceae
Areca catechu nut urinary tract infections,anthelmintics
Borassus aaethiopum Uburu Roots,juie of nut Respiratory disorders
Cocos nucifera Agbon,kwakwa bark,roots,nut Bronchitis,liver ailments,scabies
238
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Piperceae
Piper nigrum Fruits diuretic,piles,rheumatic pains
Piper umbellatum eweefon,iwere leaves,roots,fruits Rheumatism,inflammatory tumours,diuretic
Rhamnaceae
Gouania longipetata Laghosa stem-twigs Gum infections
Rubiaceae
Amaralia bignoniflora Unemuo leaves,seeds cough,rheumatic pain
Borreria verticillata Irawo leaves,seeds Gonorrhoea,anti-leprosy,antibilharziasis
Cepphaelis manni leaves,bark,roots wounds,antipyretic,dysentry
Cinchona offinalis bark malaria,antibacterial
Coffea arabica kofi,gahwa kernels stimulant,rheumatism,diuretic
Rutaceae
Citrus aurantifolia Dankabuya whole plant jaundice,abdominal ulcer,scurvy,antimicrobial
Citrus limon Babban lemu whole plant Antipyretic,colds
Sapindaceae
Allphylus africanus Alarto leaves,root,bark piles,veneral diseases,anthelmintics
Blighia unijugata ako-isin root,leaves,stem,bark Diabetes,postanatal haemorrhage
Blighia sapida gwanja kusa leaves,fruits,bark Malaria
Dodonaea viscosa leaves Sore throat
Simaroubaceae
Brucea antidysentrica root,bark cancer
239
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Sterculiaceae
Buchcholzia coriaceae Uwuro Fruit,bark Antimicrobials,respiratory disorders
Cola acuminata Oji fruits,nuts Fever
Cola caricifolia Ogugu leaves Eye infections,ring worm
Cola laurifolia Karanga twigs,stem,bark Toothache
Cola milleni obi-edun leaves,fruit Ringworms,scabies
Cola nitida Obi gbanjo stem,bark,seeds,kernel Diarrhoeas
Hildegradia barteri Kariya bark Epilepsy
Sapotaceae
Butyrospermum
kadanya,osisi seeds Nasal decongestion and cattarhal conditions
paradoxum
Chrysophyllum albidum osan balumo bark,leaves Fever
Scrophulariaceae
Baccopa monnifera whole plant Cough,catarrh,bronchitis
Samydaceae
Casearia barteri Ukpakuzon stem,twigs,bark Oral hygeine
Thymelaeceae
Gnidia kraussiana mada,sungoje,tururibi roor,stem Leprosy,skin diseases
Thelyptoidaceae
Leptogramma pillosiasaila Rhizome Diabetes,obesity
Tiliaceae
240
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Ulmaceae
Celtis midbraedii uta,aziza root Arthritis
Verbenaceae
Clerodendrum paniculatum ora-ojola,adabi root,leaves Anthpyretic,anthelmintics
Clerodendrum capitalum Feregede,illiri leaves,root Anthelmintics,dysentry,gonorrhoea
Clerodendrum umbellatum leaves Wouns,cut
Duranta repens fruits Anthelmintics
Lantana camara Kimba leaves fever,aniseptic
Lippia multiflora Toromaba whole plant Hypertension,antipyretic
Violaceae
Hybanthus enneaspermus Abiwere whole plant Easy and painless child delivery
Zingiberaceae
Afrormosia granum-paraisi oburo-wawa roots anthelmintics
Aframomum scretrum oburo-etu,oguro seeds,leaves Measles,small pox
Aframomun melegueta Citta leaves,seeds stimulant,anthelmintics,small pox
Curcuma longa Gangamu tubers jaundice,anti-tumour,eye wash
Kaempfena nigerica rhizome Mental disorders,hallucinogenic agent
Zygophyllaceae
Balanites aegyptiaca Aduwa,badure root,fuits,seeds,bark Anthelmintics,skin diseases
Guaiacum officinale Stem Urinary disorders,diuretic
241
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Table 2: Total number of species and genera within each recorded family.
Number of
Family Number of species
genera
Fabaceae 42 28
Asteraceae 22 19
Euphorbiaceae 20 12
Acanthaceae 13 9
Apocynaceae 12 9
Cucurbitaceae 9 6
Amaranthaceae 8 5
Annonaceae 8 7
Malvaceae 8 4
Rubiaceae 8 7
Anacardiaceae 7 7
Liliaceae 7 5
Moraceae 7 4
Sterculiaceae 7 3
Araceae 6 6
Capparaceae 6 4
Verbenaceae 6 4
Burseraceae 5 4
Combretaceae 5 2
Zingiberaceae 5 4
Apiaceae 4 4
Bignoniaceae 4 4
Caesalpiniaceae 4 3
Menispermaceae 4 4
Sapindaceae 4 3
Asclepiadaceae 3 3
Bombaceae 3 3
Mimosaceae 3 1
Palmae 3 3
Amaryllidaceae 2 1
Balsaminaceae 2 1
Celestraceae 2 1
Cochlospermaceae 2 1
Commelinaceae 2 2
Cyperaceae 2 2
Ebenaceae 2 1
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Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Number of
Family Number of species
genera
Flacourtiaceae 2 1
Irvingiaceae 2 2
Lamiaceae 2 2
Lauraceae 2 2
Lecythidiaceae 2 1
Loganiaceae 2 1
Meliaceae 2 2
Myrsinaceae 2 1
Ochnaceae 2 2
Onagraceae 2 2
Papilionaceae 2 2
Passifloraceae 2 2
Piperceae 2 1
Simaroubaceae 2 2
Spotaceae 2 2
Tiliaceae 2 2
Zygophyllaceae 2 2
Avicenniaceae 1 1
Bixaceae 1 1
Cannabinaceae 1 1
Cannaceae 1 1
Cannaraceae 1 1
Capparidaceae 1 1
Caprifoliaceae 1 1
Caricaceae 1 1
Chailletiaceae 1 1
Chenopodiaceae 1 1
Crassulaceae 1 1
Brassicaceae 1 1
Dichapetalaceae 1 1
Discoreaceae 1 1
Dracaenaceae 1 1
Geraniaceae 1 1
Hypericaceae 1 1
Hypoxidaceae 1 1
Lobeliaceae 1 1
Lycopodiaceae 1 1
243
Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247
Number of
Family Number of species
genera
Lythraceae 1 1
Malphighiaceae 1 1
Molluginaceae 1 1
Moringaceae 1 1
Neprolepidaceae 1 1
Nyctaginaceae 1 1
Nymphaeceae 1 1
Olacaceae 1 1
Opilliaceae 1 1
Orchidaceae 1 1
Oxalidaceae 1 1
Pedaliaceae 1 1
Periplocaceae 1 1
Phytolaccaceae 1 1
Polygonaceae 1 1
Pontederiaceae 1 1
Rhamnaceae 1 1
Samydaceae 1 1
Scrophulariaceae 1 1
Thelyptoidaceae 1 1
Thymelaeceae 1 1
Ulmaceae 1 1
Violaceae 1 1
244
Fig. 1: General map of Nigeria showing its states
.
country consult for medicinals, Fabaceae has the For common diseases like cuts and wounds, Milicia
largest number of species (42), followed by excelsa, Chromolaena odorata, Aspilia africana,
Asteraceae (22), Euphorbiaceae (20), Acanthaceae Manihot esculenta are used for fast healing of
(13) and Apocynaceae (12). These families included wounds. This may only indicate that these plants
also the highest number of genera as well (Table 2). contain therapeutic compounds such as vitamins c
Largest genera were Euphorbia (6 species), Cola and and some amino acids which are responsible for the
Hibiscus (5 species for each), Albizia, Acacia, fast healing of wounds. Others like eye defects and
Combretum and Ficus (4 species for each), ear infections are treated using Alchornea cordifolia
Acalypha, Allium, Clerodendrum and Cleome (3 and Bryophyllum pinnatum, Jatropha curcas
species for each). Forty-three families or about respectively.
44.3% of the total families included only one species.
Diseases such as coughs are cured using varieties of
This study has revealed that traditional medicinal
taxa such as Abrus precatorius, Ocimum
practices have a wide acceptability among the
gratissimum, Garcinia kola and Terminalia
Nigerian people probably because they believe in its
macroptera. Euphorbia hirta is used for the treatment
effectiveness. Also the unavailability and
of asthma while Cassia alata and Parquetina
unaffordability of orthodox drugs may also have
nigrescens are used as tonic (blood purifier).
contributed largely to preference of traditional
Cymbopogon citratus, Blighia sapida and Ocimum
medicine over the orthodox drugs. The medicinal
gratissimum are also effective in the relief of chest
uses are varied and the plant species parts that are
pains.
used range from leaves, roots, stem, bark to fruits
only, or a combination of two or more in a species or Some plants are believed to contain chemicals which
with those of other species. possess anti-malarial properties such as
245
Chromolaena odorata, Mangifera indica, Citrus senegalensis and seven seeds of Aframomum
aurantifolia Psidium guajava, Nauclea latifolia, melegueta are eaten to prevent snake bite. Also
Bridelia ferruginea, Cymbopogon citratus, plants such as Nicotiana tabacum and Datura metel
Anacardium occidentale, Alstonia boonei and are planted around houses to prevent and repel the
Azadirachta indica. These plants are not commonly snakes. The indigenous people believe that some
used individually to cure malaria but two or more of plants could confer longevity (increase their life
the plants are combined together for the treatment of span), for example, Spondias mombin is used to bath
malaria. Khaya senegalensis is used to cure typhoid infants because its name “iyeye” means survival and
fever while Acanthospermum hispidus is used for Garcinia kola is used during naming ceremonies
yellow fever. Others such as Azadirachta indica and because its name “orogbo”, means long life.
Bridelia ferruginea are combined together for the Bryophyllum pinnatum may also be put on window
treatment of Jaundice. frames as it is believed that since the plant does not
die easily, whoever that keeps it will live long. The
Critical ailments such as epilepsy are cured using the
people also used plants such as Glyphaea brevis and
leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Emilia
Abrus precatorius to induce labour, while Alchornea
sonchifolia when made as concoction and
cordifolia and Heliotropium indicum are used for
administered orally to the patient while scrotum
foetal development and arrest abortion or for
elephantiasis is cured with the leaves of Newbouldia
miscarriage respectively.
laevis and tuberculosis with Acanthospermum
hispidus leaves. The people also use Azadirachta In conclusion, this study has revealed that ethno-
indica to cure small pox and chicken pox. Diabetes is medicinal practices are well accepted by the people
cured using the root extract of Urena lobata. Ficus of this country. It is suggested that an enduring and
capensis and Pupalia lappacea are used for the sustainable conservation efforts be put in place by
treatment of Leprosy while Cajanus cajan and Carica the community and government to safeguard these
papaya are used for hypertension and ulcer important medicinal plants.
respectively. Bridelia ferruginea and Anacardium
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