Indigenous uses of plant leaves to treat malaria fever at Omo Forest reserve (OFR) Ogun state, Nigeria.

Abstract

The indigenous uses of forest plant leaves by the enclave dwellers of Omo forest reserve (OFR) Ogun state, Nigeria were investigated to provide further information on the traditional uses of environmental resources such as the forest in healthcare delivery systems. This is in response to the recent upsurge search for alternative systems of medicare to combat infectious diseases like malaria. Well structured and pretested questionnaire were administered through interview schedules on some randomly selected enclave dwellers of OFR. The questionnaire was made to elicit some information on the species of plants, sources, plant types, form and mode of uses. Twenty (20) plant species mostly trees and shrubs whose leaves were usually extracted to effect cure during malaria attacks were recorded. They are either boiled singly or in combination with other herbs and the extracts are administered orally. The wild forests constituted the major source of these leaves and are either used in fresh or dry forms.However, what is not known is the quantities harvested and the dosage levels. The conclusion was reached that malaria fever must have been a serious health problem in the study area as reported in other African societies looking at the large number of plant species used to effect cure traditionally. Further research is therefore essential into the dosage levels as well as the active ingredients. With the fast disappearance of the African flora especially Nigerians' due largely to deforestation the conservation of these plants become essential and is recommended.

Ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of depression by Hausa tribes of Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…Trees were found to be the most used plants followed by climber, then bulb and shrub. Plants are important in traditional treatment of various diseases including depression (Adekunle, 2008). The results of this survey showed that majority (90%) of the herb sellers/traditional medical practitioners (TMPs)/ herbalists claimed no occurrence of side effects following patients' use of herbal preparations.…”

“…The results of this survey showed that majority (90%) of the herb sellers/traditional medical practitioners (TMPs)/ herbalists claimed no occurrence of side effects following patients' use of herbal preparations. Some of the plants revealed in the survey have been cited in the ethnobotanical survey of some African countries (Jinju, 1990;Ayodele, 2005;Adekunle, 2008;Ajayeioba and Ogbole, 2010;Soladoye et al, 2010;Idowu et al, 2010;Oni, 2010) for other disease conditions. Thus, scientific studies on these plants would provide insights into their potentials and understanding the pharmacological actions of the active compounds found in them (Ramana, 2008).…”

Ethnomedicinal survey of some plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…The plant leaves are important ingredient in traditional treatment of various diseases as it occurred as a component in many herbal preparations. 21 Majority of the herbal recipes were observed to be polyherbal (i.e. in combination), while some were prepared from single plant source.…”

Nigerian Medicinal Plants with Potential for the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Disease: Onchocerciasis

“…Plant leaves are important ingredient in traditional treatment of the disease as it featured as a component in many herbal preparations which is in agreement with previous reports. 28,29 The leaves, stems, barks, roots and seeds of the recommended plants are used preferably when fresh than when dry. The preparations are administered mainly as infusion, decoction or powder.…”