Ethno-botanical survey of indigenous medicinal plants in Agroforestry farm of Forest Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ethno-botanical survey of indigenous medicinal plants was conducted in Agroforestry farms of Forestry Research institute of Nigeria Arboretum, Ibadan, Oyo State. A structured questionnaire was used. A total of 50 questionnaires were administered to farmers engaging in agroforestry as a method of farming through face to face interview method. Local names of plants mentioned by respondents were documented and their scientific names traced using Floral of West Africa text book. The utilizations of these plants and ailments they treat mentioned by the respondents were recorded. The data collected were presented in percentages and frequencies. The results showed that respondents are more of males (64%) than females (36%). Majority of farmers engaging in agroforestry were illiterates (46%) and married (72%). The total number of species found was 105 which include climbers (17), shrubs (16), trees (33) and herbs (39) were belonging to 49 families. A total number of 20 medicinal plants were found to treat and manage 24 ailments. The ailments indicated were malaria, pile, typhoid., constipation, ulcer, malaria, catarrh, high blood pressure, jaundice, ulcer, convulsion, epilepsy, diabetes, headache, insomania, low sperm count, malaria., obesity, difficult delivery, constipation., infertility, prostate enlargement, tumor ,pile, kidney stone, low immunity and haemorrhoid, measles, fibroid, wound and sore among others. It was observed that most of the plants treated more than 1 ailment except Commelina africana, Alchornea laxiflora, Newbouldia laevis and Tithonia diversifolia. Vegetative parts of medicinal plants used include leaves, bark and roots account for plant materials used in the preparation for treating ailments.