No abstract

Breast cancer is the leading malignancy in the South Western Nigeria; it is second to cancer of the cervix in the northwest. In north-central, 22.41% of new cancer was registered for breast cancer in five years and accounted for 35.41% of all cancers in women. The limitations of orthodox drugs such as cost, accessibility, effectiveness, and side effects necessitate the search for cheap, safe and effective phytomedicine in cancer management. Thus, this paper reviewed twenty plants used traditionally for the management of breast cancer; this was with a view to presenting them for future research activities and scientific validation of their potency in cancer regimen.

This paper reviews the current state and future prospects of ethnobotany in Nigeria. A brief historical background is presented. Books and journals indexed by Scopus and Science Direct were reviewed. Direct search was also made on the official websites of journals specializing in ethnobotany and allied disciplines. The field of ethnobotany manifests in all facets of human activities and relates to cultural and sociological relevance of plants. Ethnobotanical data generated from historical, religious, literary, linguistic, and pharmacological viewpoints serve as useful information regarding indigenous food production, traditional agricultural systems, and source for the development of new medicines. Since the vast majority of ethnobotanical studies conducted in Nigeria center on indigenous medicines, collaborative efforts geared toward efficient health service delivery is essential. This must include accreditation or documentation of traditional healers and herbal medicine vendors as well as policies in drug regulation, quality assurance, and control. Ethical guidelines and equitable sharing of benefits gained from sale of active compounds from source locations should be instituted and implemented. Conservation of indigenous plant resources requires the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge into national development programmes. Curriculum development and inclusion of ethnobotany (as a distinct subject) in Nigerian schools will direct future investigations in this promising field.

Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae)is an aromatic plant used as aphrodisiac and for the treatment of urinary infection, jaundice, headache and diarrhoea in Nigeria. The plant was screened for phytochemical components using standard techniques. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the plant were evaluated. The free radical scavenging activity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The antimicrobial activity of M. whitei extracts against nine clinical isolates was determined by agar well diffusion method. Data were statistically analysed. The root was richer in saponins and tannins than the leaf whereas the leaf contained more flavonoids. The root gave 47.23% inhibition against DPPH+. There was positive correlation between the polyphenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the plant parts. At 300mg/ml, the water extracts of both the leaf and root were more active than the ethanolic extracts. The higher antimicrobial activity of the water extract could be attributed to the solubility of active constituents of the plant in water. The root showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than the leaf. M. whitei root could be very effective in the management of metabolic and infectious diseases. However, toxicological studies will confirm its safety in administration.

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.