A survey of plants used for family planning in Bayelsa State, southern Nigeria

Abstract

Aim:The medicinal plants employed in the ethnomedicine of Bayelsa State of Nigeria for family planning are studied. Bayelsa State is largely populated with a low literacy level stimulating a high poverty rate aggravated by dwindling global oil prices. Thus, the need to keep small family size is now embraced by the people of the State. The survey aims to identify and document the plants used amongst the indigenous people of Bayelsa State for planning. Materials and methods: Using semi-structured questionnaires, information was gathered through personal interviews with 39 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and 53 community elders. Results: A total of 35 medicinal plant species representing 33 genera and 26 families were employed by the TBAs and elders for contraception, labor induction, and abortion among the people of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Among these, only three plant species were mentioned for male contraception purpose. Conclusion:The survey provides a veritable source of information for TBAs and medicinal plant researchers. These medicinal plants may be incorporated into the healthcare delivery system of the country. ARTICLE HISTORY

Survey of Traditional Birth Attendants in Sagbama and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State

“…The result of this study is at variance to an earlier report on ethnozoological study involving TMPs of Bayelsa State, where the majority of the informants inherited it from their fore fathers [61]. This connotes that TBAs' practice is mainly given to the informant as a gift which explains why they cherish the gift and are always willing to use it for the betterment of mankind.…”

Ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, herbal drugs, Northern Delta State, Nigeria

“…Earlier researches have reported some of the listed plants in this study for other ethnomedicinal uses such as Abrus precatorius L. (Iyama and Idu 2015), Acanthus montanus (Nees) T.Anders (Akwaji et al 2017;Alade et al 2018), Afromomum melegueta Roscoe K. Schum (Iyama and Idu 2015; Alade et al 2018), Ageratum conyzoides L. (Iyama and Idu 2015), Alchornea cordifolia (Ariwaodo et al 2012;Akwaji et al 2017), Baphia nitida Lodd. (Ajibesin et al 2008(Ajibesin et al , 2012Ariwaodo et al 2012;Alade et al 2018), Carica papaya L. (Alade and Ajibesin 2017).…”

“…Other value families were Euphorbiaceae (10) and Araceae ( 16). Asteraceae and Fabaceae have been earlier reported as the most commonly used family in ethnomedicinal practices in southern Nigeria (Alade et al 2018;Iyama and Idu 2015).…”

“…Studies have been conducted on medicinal plants for their potentials in alleviating health problems. Several intensive studies are currently being undertaken on plant-origin drugs because plants are sources of newer alternatives with lesser side effects (Alade et al, 2018).…”

Effect of Colocasia Esculenta (L.) Schott (Araceae) Ethanol Leaf Extract on Sperm Concentration in Male Wistar Rats

“…This plant is also important in Ayurveda identified ailments such as constipation, alopecia, stomatitis, haemorrhoids and general body weakness 1 .The leaf juice has rubefacient, stimulant and styptic property and is useful in internal haemorrhages, adenitis, otalgia, asthma, arthritis, diarrhoea, internal hemorrhage, neurological and skin disorders 2 . The corm juice has demulcent, laxative and anodyne and contraceptive property in female 3 , it is also employed to treat stomach swelling, general body ache, baldness and fever [1][2] . The plant (all the parts including the leaf) is a staple food throughout Africa due to its notable dietary benefits; the leaves are vital sources of protein, dietary fibre, ascorbic acid and some nutritionally important minerals.…”