Indigenous Knowledge of Herbal Medicines among Adolescents in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:The use of herbal medicines in Nigeria is on the increase. Documented Population based data on the use of herbal medicinal products and indigenous knowledge among the younger generations are lacking in Nigeria and Africa at large.Aim:The aim of this study is to investigate the extent of use and general knowledge of herbal medicines among adolescents in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.Methods:The study covered a total of Two hundred and twenty-eight adolescents randomly selected in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS 1-3) in Amassoma using a semi structured questionnaire/Interview and informal conversation on the respondents.Findings:Nearly all (97%) the respondents have had contact with herbs. Less than 1% had contact with herbs through formal education (teachers/literatures). Stimulation of interest was majorly through parents (53%). Grandparents were the highest (46%) of custodian of indigenous knowledge. Parents were the next (39.7%). Only 39% of the respondents would prefer the use of herbal medicine to modern medicine. Fever was the main ailment mentioned followed by eye ailment and stomach ache. Vernonia amygdalina was the main plant for the treatment of fever.Conclusion:The study revealed that parents are the major custodians of knowledge being transferred to the younger generation and little or none is learnt from Schools. There is therefore the need to include the study of herbal medicines in School’s curricula especially at SS 2 and SS 3 since they are matured enough to appreciate the importance of Herbal medicine so as to prepare them for the promotion of herbal medicine in future and to preserve our indigenous knowledge.

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

“…This is also similar to a report in which crayfish and lizard were used as components of herbal medicine [73]. In Africa, animals and mineral substances are common components of traditional medicine [145].…”

“…Another possible reason may be the fact that leaves are not as seasonal as in the case of parts like seeds, fruits and flowers; they are mostly available for harvesting throughout the year. The use of leaves is found commonly in reports of survey of ethnobotanical studies [73,109,114,115]. The use of infusion in herbal preparation agrees with the general pattern of medicinal plant preparation in Africa [109].…”

“…The excipients in the preparation of the herbal potions included native chalk and salt (Table 1). Also, salt is sometimes added for preservative purpose [73]. World Health Organization (WHO) [74] affirmed that excipients like inorganic ingredients are permissible inclusions in traditional medicines.…”

“…This practice has proved to be helpful in reduction rate of threat on plant species because harvesting leaves in a sustainable manner ensures the continuity of the plant, while harvesting bark and roots may lead to extinction of plant species [113]. It is also a common knowledge that leaves are known to be the main site of synthesis of a variety of secondary metabolites [73]. Another possible reason may be the fact that leaves are not as seasonal as in the case of parts like seeds, fruits and flowers; they are mostly available for harvesting throughout the year.…”

Inclusive Engagement of Indigenous Communities in Scientific Research: Opportunities and Challenges

“…ILCs inhabit some of the richest hotspots on the planet in terms of genetic and molecular diversity (Garnett et al, 2018;Inter Press Service, 2017). ILC knowledge also involves the use of various natural compounds with prophylactic properties for traditional healing and medication (Alade et al, 2015). With proper benefit sharing and consent (Popkin, 2016), such knowledge can be used for the discovery of new therapeutic compounds.…”