Folk Medicinal Values of Plant Folia among the Ijaw Tribal Community of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Authors

  • J Kayode Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
  • E D Adedeji Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
  • M K Olanipekun Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
  • A A Oyedeji Department of Biological Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/

Keywords:

Folk medicine, plant folia, conservation, Ijaw tribe, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined plant folia used in folk medicine by  the Ijaw tribe of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Plant species  whose leaves were valued for folk medicine were  identified through field visits and interviews of relevant  stakeholders. The interviews were conducted through the  use of a semi-structured questionnaire matrix. They were  focused, conversational and two-way in communication.  The diseases they cure and / or prevent were identified as  well as their mode of administration. The results obtained  revealed that 44 plant species that belonged to 31 families  have their leaves valued for medicine and health  maintenance in the study area. These consisted of 19  herbs, 8 shrubs and 17 trees. Field observation revealed  that leaf harvesting in the identified shrubs and trees were  not annihilative as the number of leaves harvested were  substantially low compared to the number of leaves  possessed by these plants hence harvesting was non predatory to the mother plants. However, leaf harvesting  in herbs could be annihilative and predatory, especially in  species with less number of individuals in the study area.  The examination of the respondents’ indigenous  knowledge on these species revealed that the species  would thrive in the study area. Also, the species have  multiple utilities values in the study area that could serve  as incentives for their cultivation. Strategies that would  enhance sustainable supply of the identified species were  proposed. 

References

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Published

2018-06-05

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 1 (2018): Bio-Science Research Bulletin (Jan-Jun) 2018

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Folk Medicinal Values of Plant Folia among the Ijaw Tribal Community of Bayelsa State, Nigeria . (2018). Bio Science Research Bulletin, 34(1), 8–18. https://doi.org/10.48165/