This paper reviews the current state and future prospects of ethnobotany in Nigeria. A brief historical background is presented. Books and journals indexed by Scopus and Science Direct were reviewed. Direct search was also made on the official websites of journals specializing in ethnobotany and allied disciplines. The field of ethnobotany manifests in all facets of human activities and relates to cultural and sociological relevance of plants. Ethnobotanical data generated from historical, religious, literary, linguistic, and pharmacological viewpoints serve as useful information regarding indigenous food production, traditional agricultural systems, and source for the development of new medicines. Since the vast majority of ethnobotanical studies conducted in Nigeria center on indigenous medicines, collaborative efforts geared toward efficient health service delivery is essential. This must include accreditation or documentation of traditional healers and herbal medicine vendors as well as policies in drug regulation, quality assurance, and control. Ethical guidelines and equitable sharing of benefits gained from sale of active compounds from source locations should be instituted and implemented. Conservation of indigenous plant resources requires the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge into national development programmes. Curriculum development and inclusion of ethnobotany (as a distinct subject) in Nigerian schools will direct future investigations in this promising field.

Background: African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), a perennial crop that originated from Tropical rainforest of West Africa, is one of the most important economic oil crops in Nigeria providing income for rural and semi-urban folks. This study described the ethnobotany of the plant and evaluated the extent to which it contributes to the livelihood strategies of the Ikale and Ilaje speaking people of Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: Interviews were conducted in the local language and questionnaires were administered to willing respondents. Photographs of tools/machines used in the production of palm oil and allied products were taken. Drawings of the tools were generated on site. Results: The plant is the principal source of palm oil. Major processing tools of palm oil include cracker, presser, digester, and boiling trough. Other products that are derived from oil palm parts are palm kernel oil, kernel meat (for livestock feed), kernel shells (for fuel), palm wine, broom, fish trap, and traditional soap. All these products are made using indigenous methods. They feature in medicinal preparations, traditional ceremonies and are important household commodities. Conclusions: The products derived from oil palm tree serve as means of livelihood in the study communities and are local resources used in everyday activities of the people. The indigenous production methods observed further emphasize the role these products play in the economy of oil palm product makers and sellers. Sustainable tapping of palm wine should be encouraged in order to derive maximum benefits from oil palm tree. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Economic Botany, African Oil Palm, Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Ethnobotanical information on indigenous plants used in the management of infant illnesses was sourced from Bode herbal market in Ibadan South-western Nigeria to preserve indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants, and demonstrate the role of traditional medicine as complementary healthcare system. Methods: Information was gathered using periodic open-ended questionnaire and personal interview. The respondents were randomly selected and consist, fifteen (15) women - herb sellers (of between 25-50, age range) who prescribed workable recipes used in the management of scalp infections, abscess, convulsion and cold shivers. The recipes documented are enumerated and served as groundbreaking preparations in infant diseases’ management. Results: The survey yielded 48 plant species belonging to 31 plant families. The family Fabaceae has the highest number of species followed by Combretaceae, Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae. The leaves and roots constituted the frequency of plant parts used; while the stem has the least frequency. The methods of preparation purposefully cited were decoction, infusion, and soap; others include steeping in cold water and cream whereas the solvent of choice was water. A particular brand of bottle water was preferable for herbal preparation. Other ingredients cited include soft traditional black soap, sulphur, Shea butter, antimony/black lead ore, and local sponge. Method of administration and dosage involves diluting extracts from infusion or decoction in higher parts of water – to be drunk, as well as for bath. Conclusion and Application of Results: The study documented indigenous knowledge of plants used in the management of infants’ ailments. Results showed that herbal medicines have played and will continue to play significant roles as alternative or complementary healthcare delivery system. There is need for the sensitization of indigenous people on the conservation of plant resources especially in cases where the root (part) features in prescriptions. A regulatory measure for herbal practitioners as well as public enlightenment is recommended to help sustain and increase the awareness in herbal therapy to different audience. Again, the isolation and identification of active compounds as well as evaluative toxicity test could reveal and confirm indigenous claims by assurring safety in administration.