The Idoma people are indigenous to the middle belt region in North Central Nigeria and they possess a rich history and tradition of using medicinal plants in the management of various ailments. Oral transmission is the primary method by which history is passed from one generation to another. The present study involved an ethnomedical survey done with the aid of questionnaires and it covered Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State which is the headquarters of the Idoma speaking areas of the State. The information obtained showed that over a hundred species of plants from several families were identified and these were being used to manage a wide range of ailments from dysentery and gonorrhea to asthma and pneumonia. The scientific names and the part of the plant used together with their mode of preparation and dosage regimen were also reported. The importance of this kind of documentation was also discussed as it will help to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the tribe and could also serve as a basis for further research on the documented plants and aid in global bio-conservation efforts.
The plant Hymenocardia acida has been used traditionally for decades in Northern Nigeria for the management of different types of pain such as chest-pain, rheumatic pain, tooth ache etc. It is also claimed to be beneficial in the ethno-medicinal management of sickle cell anaemia. The present study evaluates the nutritional properties, toxicity and haematological profile of the ethanolic root bark extract of the plant. Investigation of the acute toxicity of the extract in mice showed it to be safe and well tolerated on oral administration even up to doses of 6,000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological studies on chronic administration of the extract in mice showed no observable organ damage at low dose but at higher doses, a focal area of hepatic necrosis was observed. The globule cells of the intestine were covered with progressive mucin and lymphocyte proliferations were observed within the spleen. Analysis of the blood parameters showed very significant increase in red blood cell count. The results obtained provide a rational basis for some of the uses of the plant in traditional medicine practice.
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