Ethnobotanical
Leaflets 12: 851-65. 2008.
An
Ethnobotanical Survey of Herbal Markets and Medicinal Plants in Lagos State of Nigeria
Olowokudejo J. D., Kadiri A. B*.
and Travih V.A.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
For correspondence: deledejo2005@yahoo.co.uk, abkadiri2001@yahoo.com
Issued 30 October
2005
ABSTRACT
An ethno-botanical survey of three
largest herbal markets and medicinal plants used for treating ailments in Lagos
state of Nigeria
was undertaken by means of oral and written questionnaire. Traditional
medicine is undoubtedly a reliable alternative approach to health care
delivery in the metropolis because it is cheap, easily accessible, and
efficacious. Herbs are obtained from bushes around the neighbourhood and
forests from adjacent states. Recipes for the treatment of common ailments which are
reported almost on daily basis such as hypertension,
dysentery, low sperm count and weak erection, coated tongue, pile, menstrual
disorder, leucorrhoea and fevers were
given by the practitioners. Moreover, a list of medicinal plants and their
reported folkloric uses was compiled during the survey. Apparently, daily
health issues of Lagosians are partly taken care of
by traditional medicine and its use is on the increase in Lagos state.
The efforts of the Lagos
State Traditional Medicine Board and Nigeria Natural Medicine Development
Agency are praised in facilitating recognition of herbal medicine in the
metropolis. Government should help in the area of conservation of medicinal
plant and protect patent right of the Traditional Medicine Practitioners to
encourage release of information.
INTRODUCTION
Animals live in equilibrium
with the plants surrounding them, using these plants as sources of food and
intuitively or through years of trials and error, as medicine. Traditional medicine refers to health
practices, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plants, animals and mineral
based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises,
applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses
or maintain well being (NNMDA, 2008; WHO, 2005) . The use of plants as
medicine to cure or prevent illness and to lubricate the wheels of social
interaction at the interpersonal and group level is a behaviour that predates
civilization, and in today’s civilization, it is found in every society
irrespective of its level of development and sophistication (Odugbemi, 2006).
The earliest references to
these medicinal plants as cure for diseases are to be found in the manuscript
of the “Eber papyrus” which contains 700 medical
formulas and it dates back to 16th century B.C (Simpson and Ogorzaly,
1986). The drugs of today’s modern society are products of research and development
by major pharmaceutical companies but among the most important raw materials
researched and developed are naturally occurring materials obtained from
plants. Hence, when we take well packaged medicines today, it is well to
remember that we might be taking a processed plant product. Interest in
medicinal plants as a re-emerging health aid has been fuelled by the rising
costs of prescription drugs in the maintenance of personal health and
well-being, and the bio-prospecting of new plant-derived drugs. Based on
current research and financial investments, medicinal plants will, seemingly,
continue to play an important role as a health aid (Hoareau
and DaSilva, 1999; Moerman, 1996).
In spite of the millions of
chemical compounds currently synthesized in the laboratory, and available for
screening for action of therapeutic value, natural products, particularly of
plants origin remain the most important sources of new drugs (Odugbemi, 2006).
The use of medicinal plants
constitutes an important part of traditional medicine which is a part of
African heritage. Though modern / orthodox medicine has improved the lot of
many people worldwide, it is noteworthy that in many cultures, modern
medicine complements traditional practices as is obtainable in industrialized
societies e.g. China
and India
(Odugbemi, 2006). In these societies, herbal
remedies have become more popular in the treatment of minor ailments, and
also on account of the increasing costs of personal health maintenance.
Indeed, the market and public demand has been so great that there is a great
risk that many medicinal plants today, face either extinction or loss of
genetic diversity.
In Nigeria,
the majority of citizens still use medicinal plants and visit traditional
medicine practitioners for their health care need (Odugbemi,
2006). It was reported by WHO that in Nigeria, the ratio of Traditional
Health Practitioners to the population was 1:110, while the ratio of Medical
Doctors to the population was 1:16, 400 (African Health Monitor, 2003). This
gives credence to the fact that people patronise Traditional medicine
practitioners (TMPs) for their primary health needs
more than orthodox medical doctors.
Medicinal plant is defined as
any substance with one or more of its organ containing substances that can be
used for therapeutic purposes or which can be used as precursors for the
synthesis of antimicrobial drugs (Sofowora, 1982,
1984). It is estimated that there are about 250, 000 – 500, 000 species of
plants on earth (Borris, 1996), of which a relatively
small percentage (1-10%) of these are used for food by humans and animals. It
is possible that more serve medicinal purposes (Moerman,
1996). Medicinal plants contain numerous biologically active compounds such
as carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins,
alkaloids, quinones, terpenoids,
flavonoids, carotenoids,
sterols, simple phenolic glycosides, tannins, saponins, polyphenols, to
mention a few which have medicinal activities.
Lagos
State
is a city in the South-Western part of Nigeria,
located on the Bight of Benin.
It is the largest city in Nigeria
(in terms of population size), the chief port as well as the economic and
cultural centre. The metropolitan area spreads over much of the state,
covering about 3557 sq. km. It has a diverse and fast growing population
resulting from heavy and on-going migration to the city from all parts of Nigeria
as well as neighbouring countries. The population of its metropolis increased
to about 10.1 million in 2003 and the United Nations predicted that the
city’s metropolis will exceed 20 million come 2010.
This population explosion means
that the city’s infrastructure will be under stress. The primary health care
sector, largely the responsibility of the Local Government with support from the
State Government, might not be able to cater for everyone in the state.
Hence, TMPs will have more people coming to them
for their health care needs. This invariably brings medicinal plants, which
are and would be in high demand, under threats of extinction. This trend would
have serious consequences on the survival of some plant species, hence the
need to conserve them. Conservation
of medicinal plants is, therefore, an important step that should be taken in
order to prevent the extinction of threatened species of medicinal plants.
Because of the foregoing, the study was undertaken in order
to provide information on how much in demand the medicinal plants,
availability status of the plants, method of collection, preservation methods
before marketing, medicinal plant farm and conservation methods.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Information was obtained from
herb sellers and traditional medicine practitioners by the means of questionnaire
from three popular and largest markets in Lagos:
Oyingbo, Mushin
and Bariga, located within the Lagos
mainland where the largest proportion of Lagosians
dwell. Cross referencing of facts was
carried out at the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and the Nigeria
Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA. Relevant literature and the University
of Lagos Herbarium
were consulted for plant nomenclature authentication (Gbile,
1984 ). A list of medicinal plants and their
reported folkloric uses was compiled during this survey. Also, some recipes used
for curing several ailments are also reported in the study.
Some of the questions
that were responded to included: market location, sex of practitioner,
medicinal plants sold, medicinal uses of the plant, do you give herbal
prescriptions, do you have herbal farm, where do you collect medicinal herbs,
method of preservation before sale, any information of medicinal plants that
are becoming rare, any conservation approaches known, year of experience in
the trade and cost of services rendered.
RESULTS
Table 1 shows a summary of names of some medicinal plants, their
families, parts that are used, their local names and medicinal importance.
It was reported that plant
parts like roots, bark, leaves and flowers are usually collected from the
forest, around the neighbourhood, along road sides and many other places. However,
it was established that most of the medicinal plants brought to the markets
were randomly collected in the wild and bushes from Lagos
environs and adjacent states. These plant parts are preserved by cutting them
into smaller pieces and then sun-dried or kept in the ceiling of thatched
houses, hung in the kitchen or fire places where they are exposed to constant
heat that dries them up in order to reduce moisture content. Some are ground
into powder and preserved for future use. As regards conservation, most of
the herb sellers and practitioners have no idea about the threat levels of
most of the medicinal plants due to their low literacy level. When asked if
they noticed any scarcity in some particular plants, many of them responded
that the shortage is due to seasonal changes. None of them have personally
monitored medicinal plant farms where medicinal plants are cultivated.
The
collection method was reported in all markets to be hygienic in that well
kept harvesting hatchets are used and transportation of the herbs is done
almost immediately to prevent nutrient degradation.
From the responses to the questionnaire, it was provided that medicinal
preparations offered for sale are made by infusion, decoction, tincture,
macerations, poultices, concoction, powder and pastes. Treatment recipes for
some of the common ailments which affect people in the cosmopolitan Lagos
are presented below:
1.
HYPERTENSION
(a)
Leaves of Persea americana
are made into shreds, dried and taken as infusion.
(b)
Leaves of Senecio biafrae added to fermented
seeds of Parkia
biglobosa
are used to prepare soup which is eaten. Leaves of Talinum triangulare or Basella alba may also be
used.
(c)
Kola nut’s mistletoe mixed
with honey is also effective.
2.
DYSENTERY
(a)
Decoction of the leaves of Grewia flavescence is
made and drunk.
(b)
Leaves of Parquentina nigrescens, Jatropha gossypifolia, Pergularia daemia, Ocimum gratissimum and
Momordica
charantia
are all powdered together and taken with cold pap, or as decoction.
3.
LOW
SPERM COUNT AND
WEAK ERECTION
(a)
Powdered Piper guineensis
and extract from 10 big onions are poured into honey and boiled between 5-10
minutes. A cup to be taken in the morning and at night.
(b)
Manihot esculenta root, Dioscorea sp.
tuber, Garcinia
cola seed, Cola nitida
cotyledon, dried Zea mays, Cnetis ferruginea, seeds
of Mucuna
sloanei, unripe Musa parasidiaca
and Piper guineensis
are all ground together with sugar, and taken with water or cold pap.
(c)
The same plants as the
foregoing in addition with Klainedoxa gabonenesis, sugar and pure bee-honey are mixed together.
A spoonful to be taken like that or with cold pap.
4.
COATED TONGUE
(a)
Bark of Khaya ivorensis, bark of Pycnanthus angolensis,
bark of Hymenocardia
acida,
bark of Bridelia
ferruginea,
bark and root of Rauvolfia
vomitoria,
bark of Alstonia
boonei,
twigs of Citrus medica, bark of Enantia chlorantha,
bark of Melicia
excelsa
are all cooked and the decoction to be taken.
(b)
Costus afer, bark of Khaya grandifoliola,
bark of Bridelia,
ferruginea,
fruit of Alchornea
cordifolia,
bark of Bridelia
micrantha,
bark of Pycnanthus angolensis, sulphur, and lime water all poured into a
container. One tablespoon of the extract to be taken before breakfast.
5.
PILES
12 seeds of Croton penduliflorus and 7 cubes of
sugar are ground and poured into bottle containing kernel oil (30cl), then
left for 7 days, after which the first dose of two tablespoonfuls will be
taken. Later, one spoonful every morning is to be taken before breakfast. The
drug is to be taken at four days interval.
6.
MENSTRUAL DISORDER
Water or alcohol extract of
the leaves of Dalbergiella
welwitschii
mixed with potash is to be taken for 3 days, morning and evening.
7. LEUCORRHOEA
(VAGINAL DISCHARGE)
(a) Root
of Glyphea
brevis,
root and leaves of Senna
podocarpa,
Senna alata, Allium ascalonicum and
potash are put together into a container, and hot water poured on the
mixture. The recipe is left till the next day. One glass cup to be taken
every morning before breakfast for 3 days. The preparation is also suitable
for seminal discharge in men.
(b) Root
of Croton zambesicus, 3 seeds of Garcinia cola, Acacia nilotica
leaves, 3 seeds of Aframomum
melegueta,
leaves of Mimosa pudica and
small quantity of potash are ground together, and taken with cold pap.
8. FEVERS
A decoction of the root of Sphenocentrum
jollyanum, Zingiber officinale, bark of Khaya grandifoliola, root and bark of Rauvolfia vomitoria,
bark of Alstomia congensis,
root and bark of Senna sceptabilis,
root of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides,
leaves of Ocimum basilicum and sp is taken for
fever.
|
|
Fig
1.
Summary of the medicinal plants that are traded in Lagos.
|
|
S/N
|
Local name
|
Botanical
name
|
Family
|
Part used
|
Medicinal use(s)
|
1
|
Ori (Y)
|
Butryospermum paradoxum
|
Sapotaceae
|
Seeds
|
Nasal decongestion,
catarrh, hypertension, diuretic, antihelmintic.
|
2
|
Ayu (Y)
|
Allium
sativum
|
Liliaceae
|
Bulb
|
Fever, cough,
asthma, antibiotic, diuretic, malaria, hypertension
|
3
|
Ata-wewe (Y)
|
Capsicum
frutescens
|
Solanaceae
|
Fruits, seed
|
Fever, dysentery,
malaria, carminative, stimulant
|
4
|
Yanrin (Y)
|
Lactuca capensis
|
Compositae
|
Leaves
|
Diuretic,
constipation
|
5
|
Abamoda (Y)
|
Bryophyllum pinnatum
|
Crassulaceae
|
Leaves, roots, leaf
sap
|
Cough, diarrhoea,
dysentery, wounds, fever, sedative, diuretic, epilepsy, antifungal,
antimicrobial, anticancer
|
6
|
Jinja, Atale (Y)
|
Zingiber officinale
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Rhizome
|
Cold, cough, asthma,
stimulant, rheumatism, piles, hepatitis, liver
diseases, obesity,
typhoid fever, malaria, digestive disorders
|
7
|
Esuru (Y)
|
Dioscorea dumetorum
|
Dioscoreaceae
|
Tuber, leaves
|
Colic, analgesic,
skin diseases, psychic troubles, malaria, antibilharzial.
|
8
|
Awopa (Y)
|
Enantia chloranta
|
Annonaceae
|
Bark
|
Typhoid fever,
malaria, jaundice, ulcer, rickettsia,
haemostatic, infective hepatitis
|
9
|
Oganwo (Y)
|
Khaya grandifoliola
K. senegalensis
K.
ivorensis
|
Meliaceae
|
Stem, root, bark
|
Treatment of convulsion, fever,threatened
abortion, rheumatism and dermatomycosis.
Treatment of malaria and anaemia
Treatment of malaria, jaundice,anaemia,
arthritis; antihelmintic
|
10
|
Akerejupon (Y)
|
Sphenocentrum
jollyanum
|
Menispermaceae
|
Roots, fruits
|
Treatment of high blood pressure with leaves of Commiphora africana; cough, wounds,
fever, jaundice, breast swelling related to menstrual cycle, malaria;
aphrodisiac.
|
11
|
Ifan, Ifon (Y)
|
Olax
subscorpioidea
|
Olacaceae
|
Roots, leaves,
stem-bark, twigs
|
Yellow fever,jaundice, guinea worm,
toothache, venereal diseases, mental disorders
|
12
|
Aidan, Aridan (Y)
|
Tetrapleura
tetraptera
|
Leguminosae
|
Bark, pod
|
Convulsions, fever, cough, asthma,
insomnia, poison antidote, fractured bones,
gonorrhoea, rheumatism, infertility, bilharzia.
|
13
|
Akika (Y)
|
Lecaniodiscus
cupanioides
|
Sapindaceae
|
Leaves, roots, young
shoots, seeds, stem-bark
|
Fever, burns, liver abscesses, jaundice,
cough, malaria; purgative,aphrodidiac
|
14
|
Efirin-gogoro, Efirin-oko (Y)
|
Lippia
multiflora
|
Verbenaceae
|
Whole plant
|
Malaria, hypertension, cough, jaundice,
sleepimg sickness; antipyretic.
|
15
|
Botuje, Lapalapa (Y)
|
Jatropha
curcas
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Seed, leaves, stem,
roots, sap.
|
Ringworm, eczema, scabies, fever,
guineaworm, herpes, rectal eczema, black tongue, whitlow, impotence,
irregular menses, convulsion small pox;
colic
|
16
|
Botuje pupa (Y)
|
Jatropha
gossypifolia
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Stem latex
|
Ringworm, ascariasis, antitumor, malaria,
dysentery, dysmenrrhoea.
|
17
|
Ogege (Y)
|
Jatropha
multifida
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Sap
|
Coated tongue
|
18
|
Kooko-oba. (Y)
|
Cymbopogon
citratus
|
Poaceae
|
Leaves, root
|
With Lippia
to
treat malaria; contains highly valued essential oil; malaria,
cough,sprains, lumbago, diuretic diaphoretic.
|
19
|
Apepo, Agbelosun(Y)
|
Pterocarpus
erinaceus
|
Leguminosae
|
Leaves, stem-bark
|
Insomnia, dermatomycosis, breast cancer
fever, dysentery, diarrhoea
|
20
|
Osun (Y)
|
Pterocarpus
osun
|
Leguminosae
|
Root, stem-bark
|
Asthma, dermatomycosis, candidiasis;
antipyretic
|
21
|
Gbengbe(Y)
|
Pterocarpus
santalinioides
|
Leguminosae
|
Bark
|
Skin diseases; antipyretic, astringent
|
22
|
Apabida pupa (Y)
|
Catharanthus
roseus
|
Apocynaceae
|
Leaves, whole plant
|
Diabetes, hypertension, dysentery,
menorrhagia; antileukemic, antitumor.
|
23
|
Ibepe (Y)
|
Carica papaya
|
Caricaceae
|
Leaves, fruits,
seeds
|
With the bark of Mangifera
indica to
cure malaria; gonorrhoea, syphilis, amoebic dysentery, diabetes, mental
disorder, convulsion; papain as meat tendirizer and as digester in
breweries.
|
24
|
Dasa (Y)
|
Dioclea
secandens
|
Leguminosae
|
|
Used to reduce high body temperature.
|
25
|
Agbarin, Epe, Arin (Y)
|
Dioclea
reflexa
|
Leguminosae
|
Seed
|
Asthma, head lice, dandruff, stimulant
|
26
|
Laali, Lali (Y)
|
Lawsonia
inermis
|
Lythraceae
|
Leaves, flower, bark
|
Spermatorrhoea, jaundice, gonorrhoea,
leucorrhoea, ulcer, malaria, menorrhagia, astringent.
|
27
|
Epin (Y)
|
Ficus
exasperata
|
Moraceae
|
Leaves, bark, root,
seeds
|
Hypertension, scabies, stomach disorders,
gonorrhoea, urinary ailments, jaundice; arbotifacient, antipyretic
|
28
|
Ipin (Y)
|
Ficus
asperifolia
|
Moraceae
|
Leaves, root
|
Wounds,cough.
|
29
|
Opoto (Y)
|
Ficus
capensis
|
Moraceae
|
Leaf, stem, fruit,
root
|
Dysentery, oedema, leprosy,epilepsy,
rickets, infertility, gonorrhoea, respiratory disorders; emollient,
astringent; increases lactation.
|
30
|
Asoro (Y)
|
Ficus
elegans
|
Moraceae
|
Leaves
|
Diarrhoea, piles, stomachache, constipation,
craw-craw
|
31
|
Odan-afomo
|
Ficus
mucuso
|
Moraceae
|
Bark of stem
|
Insomnia
|
32
|
Odan-abaa(Y)
|
Ficus
thoningii
|
Moraceae
|
Bark
|
Wounds, fever, dysentery
|
33
|
Ogunro (Y)
|
Ficus
vallis-choudae
|
Moraceae
|
Leaves, stem, latex
|
Jaundice, gastro-intestinal disorders, skin
diseases; antihelmintic, astringent.
|
34
|
Ewuro (Y)
|
Vernonia
amygdalina
|
Asteraceae
|
Leaves, stem, root
|
Measles, stomachache, ringworm, toothache,
gingivitis, pneumonia, malaria, diabetes.
|
35
|
Eyin-olobe
|
Phyllanthus
amarus
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Whole plant
|
Fever, ringworm, gonorrhoea, diabetes.
|
36
|
Werepe (Y)
|
Mucuna
sloanei
|
Leguminosae
|
Seeds, root
|
Haemorrhoids, skin diseases; diuretic
|
37
|
Ewe-ina, Yerepe (Y)
|
Mucuna
pruriens
|
Leguminosae
|
Hairs on the pod
|
Intestinal worms, genito-urinary problems
|
38
|
Ahun (Y)
|
Alstonia
congensis
|
Apocynaceae
|
Bark
|
Malaria, toothache; astringent
|
39
|
Mangoro (Y)
|
Mangifera
indica
|
Anacardiaceae
|
Leaves, stem-bark,
root
|
Malaria, diarrhoea, diabetes, hypertension,
haemorrage, insomnia, insanity, asthma, cough; astringent, antihelmintic,
emmenagogue.
|
40
|
Egbesi (Y)
|
Nauclea
latifolia
|
Rubiaceae
|
Inner bark, stem,
sap, roots, fruits, root-bark
|
Cough, febrile condition, thrush, jaundice,
pile, measles, sore, stomach disorders, menstrual disorders; emetic.
|
41
|
Poroporo okababa (Y)
|
Sorghum
bicolor
|
Poaceae
|
Leaves, whole plant,
grains
|
Malaria, fever, blood tonic
|
42
|
Aidantoro (Y)
|
Senna
fistula
|
Leguminosae
|
Pods, leaves
|
Diabetes, liver disorders; purgative,
astringent; with Madunmaro +H2O to cure pile.
|
43
|
Erun obo, Olu-obo(Y)
|
Erythophleum
suaveolens
|
Leguminosae
|
Stem-bark, leaves
|
Chickenpox, gangrenous sores, snake bites,
filarial worms, skin diseases, wounds, HBP; astringent.
|
44
|
Efirin (Y)
|
Ocimum
gratissimum
|
Labiatae
|
Leaves, whole plant
|
Cough, diarrhoea, convulsion, fever,cold,
bronchitis, diabetes, pile, antimicrobial, antibacterial,
antihelmintic,insect repellant; colic.
|
45
|
Ugwu (I)
|
Telfaria
occidentalis
|
Cucurbitaceae
|
Leaves
|
Convulsion, gastro-intestinal disorders,
blood tonic, anaemia.
|
46
|
Orin ata (Y)
|
Zanthoxylum
xanthoxyloides
|
Rutaceae
|
Bark, root
|
Sickle cell anaemia, venereal diseases,
cough, tuberculosis, cancers, urinary disorders, arthritis, gonorrhoea
|
47
|
Jiwini, Ewe larapupa (Y)
|
Acalypha
wilkesiana
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Leaves, twigs
|
Skin rashes, flatulence, antimicrobial,
constipation.
|
48
|
Osepotu, Esoketu(Y)
|
Sida
acuta
|
Malvaceae
|
Leaves, roots
|
Malaria, ulcer, intestinal worms, analgesic,
astringent, antipyretic, boil.
|
49
|
Iso-obo (Y)
|
Sida
cordifolia
|
Malvaceae
|
Leaves, root, seeds
|
Spermatorrhoea, uro-genital disorders,
gonorrhoea, piles, rheumatism, hay fever,
asthma.
|
50
|
Eesinle (Y)
|
Sida
pilosa
|
Malvaceae
|
Leaves
|
Diarrhoea, cuts, wounds
|
51
|
Iseketu pupa
|
Sida
rhombifolia
|
Malvaceae
|
Leaves
|
Diarrhoea, wound; emollient
|
52
|
Ewe moi-moi (Y)
|
Thaumatococcus
danielli
|
Marantaceae
|
Fruits
|
Diabetes; emetic
|
53
|
Dongoyaro(H)
|
Azadirachta
indica
|
Meliaceae
|
Leaves, stem-bark,
fruits
|
Malaria, jaundice, syphilis, eczema,
ringworm, sorethroat, emethic, laxative.
|
54
|
Ahon-erin (Y)
|
Aloe
vera
|
Liliaceae
|
Leaf juice
|
Purgative, guineaworm, skin diseases,
wounds, diabetes, amenorrhoea, immunity.
|
55
|
Eti-erin, Ida-egun, Ida-orisa (Y)
|
Aloe
barteri
|
Liliaceae
|
Leaves
|
Ringworm, amenorrhoea, cough, skin
infection, pile; astringent, aphrodisiac, antihelmintic.
|
56
|
Orogbo (Y)
|
Garcinia
cola
|
Guttiferae
|
Seeds, root,
stem-bark, fruits
|
Dysentery, bronchitis, cough, fever,
toothache, throat and respiratory ailments, liver disorders, headache,
anticancer.
|
57
|
Imi-esu (Y)
|
Ageratum
conyzoides
|
Asteraceae
|
Whole plant, leaves,
roots.
|
Wounds, ulcer, craw-craw, digestive
disturbance, diarrhoea, skin diseases, gonorrhoea, eye wash; emetic.
|
58
|
Ila (Y)
|
Abelmoschus
esculentus
|
Malvaceae
|
Fruit, seeds
|
Fevers, gonorrhoea, dysentery, catarrhal infections;
emollient, antispasmodic, tonic
|
59
|
Oju-ologbo (Y)
|
Abrus
precatorius
|
Leguminosae
|
Root, leaves, seeds.
|
Cold, cough, convulsion, rheumatism,
conjuctivitis, contraceptive, aphrodisiac, ulcer, anaemia
|
60
|
Furu (Y)
|
Abutilon
mauritianum
|
Malvaceae
|
Leaves, root
|
Diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, cough, pile;
antipyretic
|
61
|
Ihun, Ewon adele
|
Acacia
ataxacantha
|
Mimosaceae
|
Young leaves
|
Dysentery, backache
|
62
|
Baani, Booni (Y)
|
Acacia
nilotica
|
Mimosaceae
|
Fruits, bark, exudate
|
Skin diseases,fungal infections, insomnia;
emollient.
|
63
|
Dagunro (Y)
|
Acanthospermum
hispidum
|
Asteraceae
|
Leaves, whole plant
|
Yellow fever, tuberculosis, cough,
rheumatism, migraine; purgative.
|
64
|
Ahon-ekun, Irunmu arugbo
|
Acanthus
montanus
|
Acanthaceae
|
Stem-twig, leaves,
roots.
|
Syphilis, cough, urethral discharge, boils,
anaemia; purgative, emetic, antihelmintic.
|
65
|
Ose (Y)
|
Adansonia
digitata
|
Bombacaceae
|
Leaves, fruit pulp,
bark.
|
Malaria, asthma, diarrhoea, kidney and bladder
diseases, caries, antimicrobial, prophylactic, skin diseases.
|
66
|
Efun-ile (Y)
|
Aerva
lanata
|
Amaranthaceae
|
Whole plants
|
Ulcer, wounds, snake bite, kidney and
bladder stones sore; diuretic, purgative, antihelmintic.
|
67
|
Atare (Y)
|
Aframomum
melegueta
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Leaves, seeds
|
Stimulant, smallpox, chickenpox, wounds,
cough, anaemia, rheumatism, measles, malaria, toothache.
|
68
|
Agbari etu (Y)
|
Alafia
barteri
|
Apocynaceae
|
Roots, leaves
|
Sickle cell anaemia, rheumatic pains,
toothache, eye infections.
|
69
|
Alubosa elewe (Y)
|
Allium
ascalonicum
|
Liliaceae
|
Leaves, bulb
|
Convulsion, dysentery.
|
70
|
Ipa (Y)
|
Alchornea
cordifolia
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Leaves, stem-bark,
twig.
|
Fever, rheumatism, antimicrobial, diuretic,
purgative, toothache, cough, gonorrhoea.
|
71
|
Eko-omode (Y)
|
Caesalpinia
pulcherima
|
Leguminosae
|
Bark, leaves, seeds
|
Purgative, emollient, abortifacient,
emmenagogue.
|
72
|
Apa-igbo (Y)
|
Afzelia
africana
|
Leguminosae
|
Root, leaves, stem
bark, seeds
|
Gonorrhoea, stomach disorders, hernia,
lumbago, febrifuge, antiemetic.
|
73
|
Reku-reku (Y)
|
Alternanthera
sessilis
|
Amaranthaceae
|
Whole plant, leaves
|
Astringent, antibacterial, boil, headache,
snake bite antidote.
|
74
|
Kasu (Y)
|
Anacardium
occidentale
|
Anacardiaceae
|
Bark, leaf, fruit
|
Malaria, elephantiasis, leprosy, ringworms,
scurvy, diabetes, warts, typhoid fever, caries; antihelmintic
|
75
|
Sapo, Shapo (Y)
|
Anthocleista
djalonensis
Anthocleista
liebrechtsiana
|
Leguminosae
|
Bark, leaves
|
Skin diseases- rashes and eczema, diabetes,
impotence, abdominal pain; antipyretic, purgative
Skin infection; purgative, antimicrobial
|
76
|
Epa (Y)
|
Arachis
hypogea
|
Leguminosae
|
Nuts
|
Antimicrobial, insomnia.
|
77
|
Oparun (Y)
|
Bambusa
vulgaris
|
Poaceae
|
Leaves, young shoot
|
Gonorrhoea, abortifacient, antihelmintic,
emmenagogue.
|
78
|
Osun, Irosun (Y)
|
Baphia
nitida
|
Papilionaceae
|
Leaves, bark, root, twig.
|
Constipation, skin diseases, venereal
diseases, ringworm, enema, flatulence, smallpox.
|
79
|
Eku, Eso roro (Y)
|
Allanblackia
floribunda
|
Guttiferae
|
Root, leaves,
stem-bark, fruit
|
Malaria, dysentery, toothache,
chickenpox, smallpox, measles.
|
80
|
Amuje wewe (Y)
|
Brysocarpus coccineus
|
Connaraceae
|
Root, leaves
|
Jaundice, pile,
gonorrhoea, venereal
diseases,
impotence, antitumor.
|
81
|
Ododo-Maria
|
Calendula
officinalis
|
Asteraceae
|
Leaves, root
|
Ulcer, astringent
|
82
|
Bomubomu (Y)
|
Calotropis procera
|
Asclepiadaceae
|
Leaves, root, bark,
latex
|
Diarrhoea,
dysentery, elephantiasis, leprosy, chronic eczema, ringworm, cough,
diaphoretic, emetic, asthma, abortifacient,
convulsion, antipyretic.
|
83
|
Paapo, Origbo (Y)
|
Canarium schweinfurthii
|
Burseraceae
|
Bark.
|
Black tongue, round
worm, gonorrhoea, stomach disorder.
|
84
|
Sese-nla (Y)
|
Canavalia ensiformis
|
Leguminosae
|
Seed
|
Antibiotic,
antiseptic
|
85
|
Abo-oganwo (Y)
|
Carapa
procera
|
Meliaceae
|
Bark, seed, leaves
|
Purgative,
ringworms, boils; carminative, malaria.
|
86
|
Shaworo (Y)
|
Cardiospermum halicacabum
|
Sapindaceae
|
Leaves, root
|
Skin eruption,
piles, rheumatism, emetic, syphilitic sores, amenorrhoea.
|
87
|
Ponju-owiwi (Y)
|
Celastrus indica
|
Celastraceae
|
Root, leaves, twigs
|
Asthma, malaria; antihelmintic, antimicrobial
|
88
|
Araba (Y)
|
Ceiba
petandra
|
Bombacaceae
|
Flowers, leaves,
bark exudates.
|
Diabetes, asthma, gonorrhoea, menorrhagia; emollient, emetic.
|
89
|
Ewe jokoje (Y)
|
Cissampelos owariensis
|
Menispermaceae
|
Root, whole plant
|
Lung diseases, skin
diseases; emmenagogue, antipyretic, diuretic,
blood tonic.
|
90
|
Akintola, Awolowo (Y)
|
Chromolaena odorata
|
Asteraceae
|
Leaves, stem, twigs
|
Antimicrobial,
dysentery, headache, fever, malaria, toothache, haemostatic, skin diseases.
|
91
|
Awusa, Asala (Y)
|
Tetracarpidium conophorum
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Leaves, fruit, bark.
|
Masticatory,
giddiness, thrush, syphilis, dysentery, toothache, snake bite antidote.
|
92
|
Eriro-Ijebu (Y)
|
Vernonia colorata
|
Asteraceae
|
Root, leaves
|
Antipyretic, antihelmintic, astringent; skin diseases, gonorrhoea,
anaemia, poison antidote.
|
93
|
Eeru, Erunje (Y)
|
Xylopia aethiopica
|
Annonaceae
|
Fruit, bark, leaves,
seeds.
|
Stomach ache, cough,
neuralgia, mental disorder, amenorrhoea, bronchitis;
purgative,
carminative.
|
94
|
Igbalode, Muwagun (Y)
|
Tridax
procumbens
|
Asteraceae
|
Whole plant
|
Antipyretic,
haemostatic; backache, stomach ache
|
95
|
Ewe-epo (Y)
|
Waltheria indica
|
Sterculiaceae
|
Whole plant, root
|
Cough, fever,
external haemorrhage,
dysentery,
toothache, malaria, eye drop.
|
96
|
Oori-nla (Y)
|
Vitex
doniana
|
Verbenaceae
|
Leaves, root,
stem-bark.
|
Cough, stomach ache,
ringworm, fever, inflammatory swelling of joints, rheumatism, bad breath,
diarrhoea, catarrh.
|
97
|
Eruju (Y)
|
Uvaria
chamae
|
Annonaceae
|
Root, leaves
|
Jaundice, yellow
fever, sores; febrifuge, purgative.
|
98
|
Afomo (Y)
|
Viscum
album
|
Loranthaceae
|
Whole plant
|
All purpose herb for
cancer, anaemia, HBP,
diabetes, stroke, hysteria, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea; emetic.
|
99
|
Gbongbose,
Anikan wogba-arun (Y)
|
Uvaria
afzelii
|
Annonaceae
|
Bark, leaves
|
Infections of liver,
kidney and bladder;
fever, cough,
skin diseases; purgative.
|
100
|
Ilasa-agborin, Ilasa-omode (Y)
|
Urena
lobata
|
Malvaceae
|
Whole plant leaves
|
Dysentery;
emollient, expectorant
|
101
|
Alupayida (Y)
|
Uraria
picta
|
Leguminosae
|
Leaves
|
Snake bite antidote,
repositioning foetus intra-uterine; aphrodisiac.
|
102
|
Ako-dodo (Y)
|
Voacanga africana
|
Apocynaceae
|
Latex, stem, root
bark.
|
Fever, toothache,
cardiac tonic, sores, carious tooth, hypertension, improves mental
alertness.
|
103
|
Egun arugbo, Ekan-ekun (Y)
|
Argemone mexicana
|
Papaveraceae
|
Whole plant, latex,
seed, roots.
|
Jaundice,
gonorrhoea, skin diseases, diuretic, blennorrhoea, abscesses; taeniacide
|
104
|
Berefurutu
|
Artocarpus altilis
|
Moraceae
|
Root, fruit.
|
Fever, astringent,
sedative
|
105
|
Etiponla, Olowojeja (Y)
|
Boerhaavia diffusa
|
Nyctaginaceae
|
Whole herb.
|
Skin diseases,
smallpox, jaundice, gonorrhoea, asthma, cough, yaws, scabies; diuretic,
antipyretic.
|
106
|
Irawo ile (Y)
|
Borreria verticiliata
|
Rubiaceae
|
Leaves, root, whole
plant.
|
Gonorrhoea, skin
diseases, dysentery; antibilharzia, antileprosy, abortifacient,
diuretic.
|
107
|
Osunsun (Y)
|
Carpolobia lutea
|
Polygalaceae
|
Leaves, bark.
|
Rheumatism
toothache; aphrodisiac.
|
108
|
Egusi-baara (Y)
|
Citrullus colocynthis
|
Cucurbitaceae
|
Seeds, whole
plant, root, fruit
|
Antimicrobial,
purgative, antihelmintic,
contraceptive; head
lice bladder stone
|
109
|
Osan (Y)
|
Citrus
aurantium
|
Rutaceae
|
Oil, root, juice
|
Cough, sore throat,
stomach ache, malaria, typhoid fever; carminative, antihelmintic.
|
110
|
Yunyun (Y)
|
Aspilia africana
|
Asteraceae
|
Leaves, flowers
|
Haemostatic,
cleaning sores, corneal opacities, stomach disorders, tuberculosis, nervous
disorders, guinea worm, gonorrhoea, skin rashes.
|
KEY: Y =
Yoruba language, H = Hausa, I = Igbo. Source: Local markets in Lagos state, TMPs and traditional medicine users in Lagos.
DISCUSSION
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It is apparent that the use of herbal medicine in Lagos State is on the
increase. The ubiquitous presence of herb and herbal products marketing both
in the conventional and unconventional way of selling drugs as well as the
sexes and number of people that are involved in the trade is a confirmation
of this assertion. Not only this, year of expertise, standard
of living and material achievements pointed to the fact that the trade is
lucrative in Lagos.
Moreover, patronage and usage of traditional medicine
cut across the social strata of Lagosians. Daily health issues of Lagos state dwellers are taken care of by
traditional medicine. It is well used in Lagos as an
alternative method of health care delivery. It is opted for as a result of
its cost effectiveness, easy access and potency. Recipes
for the treatment of common ailments which are reported almost on daily basis
in Lagos included hypertension, dysentery, low sperm count
and weak erection, coated tongue, pile, menstrual disorder, leucorrhoea and fevers;
these recipes reported in the study are reproducible. The TMPs remain in the business because of cheap source of
raw materials, ease of preparation, overwhelming patronage, government
recognition of their practices, drug effectiveness report from users and due
to the fact that it is the practitioners’ main source of livelihood. However,
a more serious government intervention is required to uplift the quality
status of the traditional medicine practice in the country. The frantic
efforts of Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and Lagos State
Traditional Medicine Board should be praised in ensuring safe delivery of
medicinal preparation in the country. It
was extremely difficult to obtain information from the practitioners; to
combat this, the patent rights of TMPs and herb
sellers should be protected by government. Conservation of these plants is
paramount in order to avoid extinction through education, establishment of
medicinal plant farms, sustainable harvesting approaches and setting aside of
thick forest in the local communities as special forest.
REFERENCES
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World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa. 4:
1.
Borris, R.P., (1996).
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Gbile, Z.O., (1984). Vernacular names of Nigerian Plants
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Hoareau, L. and DaSilva, E.J. (1999). Medicinal Plants: a re-emerging
health aid. Electronic Journal of
Biotechnology. 2: 56-70.
Moerman, D.E., (1996). An
Analysis of the Food Plants and Drug Plants of Native North
America. Journal
of Ethnopharmacology. 52: 1-22.
NNMDA (2008). The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development
Agency (Federal Ministry
of
Science and Technology). Profile. pp.40.
Odugbemi, T. (ed.)
(2006). Outlines and Pictures of Medicinal Plants from Nigeria. pp.1 - 85.
Simpson, B.B., and Ogorzaly,
M.C. (1986). Economic Botany: Plants in
our World.
McGraw-Hill,
Inc. New York. 640pp.
Sofowora, A., (1982). “African Medicinal Plants”,
Proceedings of Conference. University
of Ife, Nigeria. pp 70-73.
Sofowora, A., (1984). Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine
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Wiley and Sons Ltd., New York.pp.1 – 20.
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