An ethnobotanical survey of the Savanna: (2) The medicinal plants of Hadejia and Nguru, northern Nigeria.

Abstract

In order to obtain information on traditional use of plants for medicinal purposes in Hadejia and Nguru towns, 11 herbalists were interviewed. Information on parts of the plants used and the mode of administration in the treatment of the diseases was obtained. Twenty-four species of plant, belonging to 15 families, used in treating 20 conditions, in humans, were recorded during the survey. The family Fabaceae, with eight species, recorded the highest mention. Woody species (80%) dominated herbaceous ones (20%). Of the 20 conditions treated with these plants, 13 were symptoms (e.g., Jaundice), five were physiological diseases (e.g., hypertension) and three were infectious diseases (e.g., malaria). The plants were identified by the first author and their voucher specimens were preserved at the herbarium of the Department of Biological Sciences of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria. This study reveals a wealth of indigenous knowledge that may be exploited for the benefit of mankind: Thus we recommend further investigation to test the claimed medicinal properties of these plants.