An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in curing some diseases in infants in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was carried out between February and June, 2012. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to fifty (50) respondents made up of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs), herbalists and herb sellers. From the survey, a total of 63 plant species belonging to 33 families were found to be useful in the treatment of cold, malaria, fontanel, diarrhoea, typhoid, chicken pox, measles and small pox. Recipes used in the treatment of these ailments were documented. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dry or freshly collected plants while the traditional solvents of choice includes water, pure honey, lime and aqueous extracts from fermented maize. The methods of preparation were decoction and infusion while method of administration ranges from 1 drop to 1 teaspoonful daily. Survey revealed that leaves form the major part of plant for herbal preparations. Residents in the study area find the traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicines. It is therefore implicated that efforts should be made on how to improve on documentation, conservation and standardization of the medicinal plants in Nigeria. Also, attention of the scientists and health officials should be drawn to the importance and various uses of the medicinal plants and they should intensify on the research to reveal other concealed values.

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The phytochemical and nutritional composition of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. an underutilized vegetable used as substitute for Solanaceous tomatoes by rural dwellers was examined in comparison with majorly cultivated tomato cultivars in Nigeria (Roma VF and Ibadan local). The fruit pulp of T. cucumerina was higher in carotenoid (2053.33 mg/100g), flavonoid (861.67 mg/100g), cardiac glycoside (11.67 mg/100g), alkaloids (93.33 mg/100g), lycopene (118.5 μg/100g), tannin (555.00 mg/100g), oxalate (2.55 mg/100g) and quercetin (5.25 mg/100g) than Roma VF and Ibadan local. However, Roma VF had the highest concentration of saponin (66.67 mg/100g) but there was no significant difference in steroid among the fruits. The Vitamins A, E and C contents of T. cucumerina (5346 μg/100g, 6.23 μg/100g and 25.33 μg/100g) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in S. lycopersicum. T. cucumerina had the highest values of crude protein and crude lipid (1.97% and 0.40%). The fruit pulp of T. cucumerina also had the highest ash and total carbohydrate contents (1.63% and 16.50%). Roma VF was significantly higher in crude fibre and moisture contents (1.77% and 89.40%) than other vegetables investigated. All the evaluated mineral elements (Na, K, Ca Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, P and S) in T. cucumerina compared favourably with S. lycopersicum cultivars. It was observed that T. cucumerina pulp contained an appreciable number of nutrients and secondary metabolites which qualify it as a good substitute to S. lycopersicum.

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Background: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES. Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30 herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox. Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing. Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology, and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants.