Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used
by Trado-Medical Practitioners (TMPs) in the
Treatment of Typhoid Fever in Gomari
Airport Ward, Jere Local Government Area,
Borno State, Nigeria

OA Sodipo; NN Wannang

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used by Trado-Medical Practitioners (TMPs) in the Treatment of Typhoid Fever in Gomari Airport Ward, Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

Objective: The aim of the work was to carry out an ethnopharmacological survey of plants used by trado-medical practitioners (TMPs) in the treatment of typhoid fever in Gomari Airport Ward in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State.
Methods: Ten (10) respondents (TMPs) were interviewed by primary data using pretested, validated and reliable 53-point structured questionnaire. The plants were identified and authenticated by a plant taxonomist and voucher specimens were prepared. Analysis of data was by cross sectional descriptive statistics.
Results: Results obtained showed that 22 plants from 18 families and 21 genera and 22 species were identified to cure salmonella infection. The family with the largest species was Caesalpinaceae (5 species). Trees were mostly used (41.67%) and the part of the plant used most frequently were the leaves (80.00%). Most TMPs had >15years experience in managing typhoid infection and many of the medicinal plant reipies involved a mixture of plants with only one (1) containing a single plant. Medications were mainly taken orally (90.00%) with 30.00% used as baths. Sometimes adjuncts were added to the plant.
Conclusion: Eventhough the efficacy of the remedies alluded to by the respondents cannot be calimed to be exact, the people used more herbal medicine than orthodox. This survey provides a template for further screening and research on these plants.