Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used for Respiratory Disorders among the Igala and Yoruba (Okun) People in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Respiratory disorders are common problem and cause of death among the Igala and Yoruba (Okun) speaking people of Kogi State due to climatic conditions and scarce health care facilities. The people rely upon the indigenous plant resources to cure various respiratory disorders. The focus for this present study is to document available ethno-medicinal data of plants used for respiratory disorders among the Igala and Yoruba (Okun) speaking people of Kogi State. A total of 84 species belonging to 42 families used to treat respiratory disorders among the Igala and Okun people has been documented. Cough was the disorder treated by the highest number of species followed by asthma, bronchitis, cold, Tonsillitis, Convulsion, Throat infections, Tuberculosis, Epilepsy, Catarrh and then Hiccup respectively. The common plant parts and preparation methods of the medicinal recipes are from leaves, root, seeds, fruit, stem, bark, the whole plant, flower, rhizome, bulb and corm and latex in the form of infusion, decoction, extracts, pastes, juice and or chewed. A sample of 900 respondents from the study areas who have wealth of knowledge in plant use and traditional medicine were drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. A well organized questionnaire was the major source of instrument for data collection. Part of plants and their mode of application will also be sought. It is recommended that detailed phytochemical studies be carried out to ascertain the active ingredients.

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