Ethnomedical Survey of Adavi and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas of Ebiraland, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

11With the wide application of traditional medicine in primary health care around the world, there is need to explore and document medicinal plants used in many cultures. A mini-survey of medicinal plants used to treat different ailments in two local government areas, Adavi and Ajaokuta in Ebiraland of Kogi State, Nigeria was undertaken and the plants gathered include Ocimum canum (Labiatae), Heliotropium indicum (Boraginaceae), Anisopus mannii (Asclepidiceae), Senna alata (Caesalpiniaceae), Abrus precatorius (Papilionaceae), Desmodium velutinum (Papilionaceae), Caesalpinia bunduc (Caesalpiniaceae) and Ageratum conyzoides (Compositae). Others are Argemone mexicana (Papaveracea), Phyllantus amarus (Euphorbiaceae), Cassytha filiformis (Lauraceae), Spillanthes filicaulis (Compositae), Chenopodium ambrosiodes (Chenopodiaceae), Edipta alba (Compositae), Dennetia tripentala (Annonaceae) and Newbouldia laevis (Bignoniaceae). The rationales behind the use of these plants for different ailments are discussed against the background of their reported phytochemical constituents and medicinal uses in Nigerian and other cultures. However, there is need to scientifically evaluate these plants to confirm their therapeutic efficacy against diseases indicated and to validate their use in the traditional medical practice of the Ebira people of Kogi State.12

Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Spilanthes filicaulis on Liver Indices and Selected Biochemicals on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatic Damage in Wistar Rats

“…Spilanthes filicaulis is a shrubby plant of the family of Asteraceae. The traditional application of the plant in herbal medicine, according to folklore and some scientific study proved its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent, with diuretic potential as well as antimalarial properties against Plasmodium falciparum [8][9][10][11]. The invitro antioxidant activities of the ethanol leaf extract of Spilanthes filicaulis as reported by Ogunka-Nnoka et al, [12] revealed that the plant possesses antioxidants activities.…”

A REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND MEDICINAL USES OF ANISOPUS MANNII N.E.Br.

“…Extracts of the leaves, stem, bark, and roots are used to control diabetes Musa et al, 2015;Sani et al, 2019). Gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes, both of which have biological oxidation as a significant etiological factor, are treated with A. mannii alone or with other herbs (Atawodi et al, 2014). Sakayau and Kashe Zaki, which literally "sweet murderer" or "killing sweetness" in Hausa, a Hausa language prevalent in Northern Nigeria, were given to the plant because of its antidiabetic qualities (Manosroi et al, 2011;Musa et al, 2009;Sani et al, 2009).…”

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Heliotropium Indicum Ameliorates Hyperglycaemia-Induced Tissue Complications in Albino Rats

“…Helitropium indicum is one of such plants used by TMPs in North Central Nigeria on the management of diabetic complications [6,7]. It is an indigenous plant in Ayurvedic medicine.…”

“…It is found widely in North Central Nigeria and known as Agogo Igun or Ogbe Akuko (Yoruba -Nigeria) and Kalkashin orkorama (Hausa-Nigeria). Various parts of the plant are used in several parts of Africa in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases or infections, inflammations and other forms of wounds [6,11,12].…”