Ethno-botanical Survey of Plants Applied for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the Sudan Savannah Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at the assessment of ethno-botanical plants applied by most the rural people as a therapy for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants was carried out from January 2023 to March 5, 2023 at Dutse, Local Government Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Purposive random sampling technique was used and one hundred and forty (140) structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents which were 40% of population (350). Two major markets sampled were: Tsilliya (Kiyawa) and Shuwarin market (Dutse). Descriptive statistics was used such as table, frequency and percentage. Results showed that majority of the respondents (32.14%) were within the age brackets of 21-30 and 63.57% were married, 63.57% had non-formal education while 53.57% of the respondents’ occupation was herb sellers. The prominent religion in the study area was Muslim (91.43%). A total of 26 plants observed, distributed into 15 families used in the management of eight (8) diseases. Combreataceae (4 species) and Legumenaceae (4 species) had the highest plants in the study area applied for various diseases treatment. Jatropha curcas (8) had the highest frequency followed by Securidaca longepedunculata (6). Gonorrhea is the most prominent disease (8) followed by virginal discharge (6) respectively. Result also showed that maceration had the highest percentage with the total of 68% followed by decoction method which contains 20% followed by infusion techniques which was 8%. Liquid extract was rated least with the total of 4%. Bark was mostly used (37.50%), roots (18.51%), whole plant (18.51%) and leaf (11.11%). It is therefore, necessary to recommend the preservation of the local knowledge of traditional medicine by appropriate identification, conservation, preparation application of the plant species.