Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections in Ebiraland Kogi state, Nigeria

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infection in Ebira land Kogi State, Nigeria was carried out to obtain relevant information on their uses and potentials. Informed consent was obtained orally from traditional heads of the communities and all the participants before inception of the interview. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to the respondents which were mainly Herbalists/Traditional medical practioners (TMPs), Herb sellers, Elders and others (Housewives and Mothers). A total of 87 medicinal plant species representing 80 genera and 41 families were documented. The Common names, Local names, Habit, Habitat, Plant parts used, Indications and mode of preparation were also recorded. The Family Fabaceae was the most represented plant family with 8 species. The trees were the dominant plant habit (35.63%). Leaves were the most used plant part (50.27%), the plants obtained from the wild represented 38% while those cultivated made up 62%. Medicinal plants play a substantial role in the management of gastrointestinal tract infection in the study Area. However efforts should be made to conserve medicinal plant genetic resources and reduce pressures on the remaining germplasm to ensure continued access to these plant materials.