Herbal Recipes Used for the Traditional Management of Infantile Dermatitis in Odeda, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health
 challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State,
 Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin
 infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES.
 Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30
 herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases
 including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox.
 Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae,
 Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the
 most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using
 pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times
 daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also
 featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing.
 Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural
 relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology,
 and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to
 confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of African Nauclea species: A review

“…Itching could be treated by leaf or root extracts of N. latifolia (Shomkegh et al, 2016;Aniama et al, 2016). This latter extract is also indicated for dermatosis (Erinoso et al, 2016) whereas leaves and bark of N. vanderguchtii (Jiofack et al, 2010) are employed for wound healing. All parts of N. latifolia are also reported as capable of accelerating cicatrisation (Olowokudejo et al, 2008;Lebbie and Guries, 1995;Madge, 1998) while leaf infusion is described to stimulate burn recovery (Gning et al, 2014).…”

African black soap: Physiochemical, phytochemical properties, and uses

“…There are many anecdotal reports on the use of black soap for various ailments, amongst the traditional healers, the soap is a very common vehicle for the application of medicinal plants and also for the treatment of skin diseases 2,51‐55 . Among the Hausas, the soap is known as Sabulun salo which means “soap for drinking” and Sabulun wunka means “soap for bathing.” Sabalun salo is taken orally and It is believed to cure stomach pain 55 .…”