Abubakar Bello Usman
Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria
Title: Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Typhoid Fever in Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Abubakar Bello Usman
Abstract
The use of botanical raw materials to produce pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, dietary supplements and many industrial materials constitute an important global resource in terms of healthcare and economy. In Nigeria and other developing countries, the indigenous knowledge on the uses of plants lies maily with the olders who are decreasing in number due to death and other unforeseen occurrences. An Ethno-botanical survey was carried out to obtain information on the ethno medicinall plants used by the people of Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria, in curing enteric fever. Oral interviews were conducted and 34 informants availed themselves for the interview and were consulted. All relevant information obtained from the respondents was recorded. Valid nomenclature, along with local names, family names, part of the plant(s) used, methods of preparation and administration and 54 plant species belonging to 27 families as well as 7 unidentified species that are commonly used by the people of the state in ethnomedical treatment of the ailment were documented. Those interviewed included traditional practitioners, local herb sellers, traditional rulers, hunters, farmers and patients. Results showed that the people of Gombe State are knowledgeable on herbal medicine in the treatment of diseases and ailments. However, further scientific validation of the traditional claims of anti-typhoid properties is imperative. This would establish their candidature for any possible future research for active principles and the possible development of new cheaper and more effective anti-typhoid drugs, as well as in the conservation of this rich diversity of medicinal plants.