An Ethnobotanical Survey of Herbal Markets and Medicinal Plants in Lagos State of Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2008
Authors
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Kadiri, A. B.
Travih, V. A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Abstract
An ethno-botanical survey of three largest herbal markets and medicinal plants used for treating ailments in Lagos
state of Nigeria was undertaken by means of oral and written questionnaire. Traditional medicine is undoubtedly a
reliable alternative approach to health care delivery in the metropolis because it is cheap, easily accessible, and
efficacious. Herbs are obtained from bushes around the neighbourhood and forests from adjacent states. Recipes for
the treatment of common ailments which are reported almost on daily basis such as hypertension, dysentery, low
sperm count and weak erection, coated tongue, pile, menstrual disorder, leucorrhoea and fevers were given by the
practitioners. Moreover, a list of medicinal plants and their reported folkloric uses was compiled during the survey.
Apparently, daily health issues of Lagosians are partly taken care of by traditional medicine and its use is on the
increase in Lagos state. The efforts of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and Nigeria Natural Medicine
Development Agency are praised in facilitating recognition of herbal medicine in the metropolis. Government should
help in the area of conservation of medicinal plant and protect patent right of the Traditional Medicine Practitioners
to encourage release of information.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Olowokudejo J. D., Kadiri A. B. and Travih V.A. (2008). An Ethnobotanical Survey of Herbal Markets and Medicinal Plants in Lagos State of Nigeria Ethnobotanical Leaflets 12: 851-65.