Indigenous uses of plant leaves to treat malaria fever at Omo Forest reserve (OFR) Ogun state, Nigeria.

Abstract

The indigenous uses of forest plant leaves by the enclave dwellers of Omo forest reserve (OFR) Ogun state, Nigeria were investigated to provide further information on the traditional uses of environmental resources such as the forest in healthcare delivery systems. This is in response to the recent upsurge search for alternative systems of medicare to combat infectious diseases like malaria. Well structured and pretested questionnaire were administered through interview schedules on some randomly selected enclave dwellers of OFR. The questionnaire was made to elicit some information on the species of plants, sources, plant types, form and mode of uses. Twenty (20) plant species mostly trees and shrubs whose leaves were usually extracted to effect cure during malaria attacks were recorded. They are either boiled singly or in combination with other herbs and the extracts are administered orally. The wild forests constituted the major source of these leaves and are either used in fresh or dry forms.However, what is not known is the
quantities harvested and the dosage levels. The conclusion was reached that malaria fever must have been a serious health problem in the study area as reported in other African societies looking at the large number of plant species used to effect cure traditionally. Further research is therefore essential into the dosage levels as well as the active ingredients. With the fast disappearance of the African flora especially Nigerians' due largely to deforestation the conservation of these plants become essential and is recommended.

Keywords: leaves, Plants, ewe, malaria fever, forest, concoction,

Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (1) 2008: pp. 31-35