A review on the phytochemistry and medicinal values of ten common herbs used in Nigeria

Abstract

Herbs are indispensable category of plants with a long history of use in remedying several health related challenges in many countries of the world including Nigeria. Their utilization dates as far back as the primitive age when there was no orthodox medicine. They are repositories of countless number of important bioactive molecules with therapeutic potentials such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, analgesic and anti-malarial functions in living systems. Through advancement in science and technology, the quest for safe alternative medicine has unraveled via several laboratory investigations, various phytochemicals with great healing potentials in various medicinal herbs. This review took a critical review of the phytochemistry and medicinal values of ten (10) herbs used against various ailments and health problems in Nigeria.

Keywords: Herbs, Orthodox, Medicinal, Health, Phytochemicals