Nigerian medicinal plants with potential for the treatment of neglected tropical disease: Onchocerciasis

Abstract

The present study is a survey of medicinal plants used to manage onchocerciasis in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Semi structured questionnaires targeted at traditional medical practitioners (TMP), traditional birth attendants, herb sellers, herbalists and elders in the communities was used to collect relevant information. Data collected were analyzed by the use of mention index (UMI) and frequency. Literature review was used to judge the usefulness of the recommended plants in onchocerciasis. There were one hundred and thirty-three respondents comprising of TMP (12.8%), herb sellers (26.3%), herbalist (31.6%) and elders in the communities who do not practice any of the listed professions (29.3%). Plants used for treatment of onchocerciasis infection cut across the local government area. The survey revealed eighty plants from 35 families. Xylopia aethiopica (UMI 0.504) was the most frequently used plant. This was followed by Tetrapleura tetraptera, Allium ascalonicum, Parkia clappertoniana, Securidaca longepedunculata, Plumbago zeylanica and Parquetina nigrescens. The most used plant part was the leaf (34%) followed by the bark (27%) while decoction and infusion were the methods of preparation mostly used. The study showed that the knowledge of plants used in treatment of onchocerciasis disease exist in many communities in Ibarapa Local Government Area. There are 56 plants reportedly identified for use against onchocerciasis as shown in this study with leguminoseae (13.75%) being the most dominant family. The plants included have significant UMI which should prompt further scientific studies to identify the active constituents and determine their toxicological profiles.