Abstract
Ethnomedicinal investigations were conducted in Abbi Village in Ndokwa local government area of Delta state to identify some medicinal plants used in the traditional pharmacopoeia for the treatment of diseases affecting the human body. Most of the ailments treated or managed by these medicinal plants include malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure and dysentery to mention a few. Twenty-six (26) plant species belonging to eighteen families (18) were recorded. Ethnomedicinal information was collected through questionnaires and personal interviews. The modes of herbal drugs preparation were mainly decoctions while others were macerations and infusions. The most frequently used plant parts were the leaves. The administration routes are through oral and external routes. These medicinal plants are used based on ethnobotanical evidence as being safer, acceptable, affordable, culturally compatible and suitable for chronic treatment. Some of these medicinal plants have some unpleasant side effects which may be related to over doses or other factors leading to mild or acute toxicity in the body. Aside this, if these problems are carefully addressed, it will help to harness the therapeutic potentials of medicinal plant species for further drug development both now and in the nearest future. Public and private involvement in management and utilization of medicinal plants in a sustainable way is essential to combat human pressures on these valuable natural resources.
Recommended Citation
Ogie-Odia, E. A. and Oluowo, E. F.
(2009)
"Assessment of Some Therapeutic Plants of the Abbi People in Ndokwa West L.G. A of Delta State, Nigeria,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2009:
Iss.
8, Article 4.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2009/iss8/4