Medicinal plants for management and alternative therapy of common ailments in Dutsin-Ma (Katsina State) in Nigeria

Abstract

Summary Introduction: Nowadays, many synthetic drugs comes with various degrees of side effects, accumulative toxicity and development of resistance by microorganisms. Medicinal plants used worldwide can be developed into modern drugs with little or no side effects and greater efficacy. Objective: The aim of this paper was to document the alternative therapy used in Dutsin-Ma local community in Katsina state, Nigeria. Methods: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out among 40 traditional herbalists. Out of 106 plants found, screening was conducted to include only plants that are prescribed simultaneously by the entire herbalists. Results: We have found 32 species of medicinal plants from 20 families that are used for management and alternative therapy against common ailments such as malaria, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, hypertension, ulcer, paralysis, typhoid fever and immune deficiency. Conclusion: Traditional medicinal plants provide the alternative therapy for treatment and management of diseases to significant number of people. Herbal practitioners are still relevant to African healthcare system.