Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Tumor Related Ailments in Some Local Government Areas in Kwara State, Nigeria
Publisher / Conference Name
Journal of Basic and Social Pharmacy
Abstract / Summary
Background: Plants materials have been used for medicinal purposes over the years. It is important that natural medicines used in various Nigerian communities are identified and studied for the potentials for standardization and development as sources of new drugs. This survey is an effort in this direction.
Objective: Precisely, the study aimed to survey four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State (Central Nigeria) for the medicinal plants used in the management of tumor related ailments by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs).
Method: Data relating to the identities of the natural medicines, level of education and demographic information of participating TMPs were collected using interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaires. This study is cross-sectional and descriptive, and sampling was purposive. IBM SPSS (V23) software was deployed for data analysis, with p-value set at 0.05 for significance.
Results: A total of forty-five respondents were interviewed (56% male and 44% female). Most of them are fairly educated with 11 to 20 years’ experience as traditional healers. A total of 50 plants were mentioned as being used in the management of tumors and related ailments. Tumor regression was mostly monitored by patients’ verbal responses and physical examinations of affected parts by the practitioner. Most of the healers do not keep records of their treatments.
Conclusion: Several herbs were identified by the TMPs for tumors and related ailments in Kwara, Nigeria. From their responses, the need for improvement is dire. These identified herbs may provide natural sources for drug development of cheaper alternatives in developing countries and globally.
Objective: Precisely, the study aimed to survey four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State (Central Nigeria) for the medicinal plants used in the management of tumor related ailments by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs).
Method: Data relating to the identities of the natural medicines, level of education and demographic information of participating TMPs were collected using interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaires. This study is cross-sectional and descriptive, and sampling was purposive. IBM SPSS (V23) software was deployed for data analysis, with p-value set at 0.05 for significance.
Results: A total of forty-five respondents were interviewed (56% male and 44% female). Most of them are fairly educated with 11 to 20 years’ experience as traditional healers. A total of 50 plants were mentioned as being used in the management of tumors and related ailments. Tumor regression was mostly monitored by patients’ verbal responses and physical examinations of affected parts by the practitioner. Most of the healers do not keep records of their treatments.
Conclusion: Several herbs were identified by the TMPs for tumors and related ailments in Kwara, Nigeria. From their responses, the need for improvement is dire. These identified herbs may provide natural sources for drug development of cheaper alternatives in developing countries and globally.
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