Utilization of Wild Plants for Medicinal Purposes in Selected Tiv Communities of Benue State, Nigeria: An Ethnobotanical Approach

Aims: An ethnobotanical survey of wild plants used for the treatment of ailments was carried out among randomly selected sub-tribes in Tiv communities of Benue State.

Study Design: Group Interviews were carried out with herbalists in each kindred from selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the Tiv ethnic territory of Benue State, Nigeria.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in selected kindreds in Guma, Gboko and Kwande LGAs of Benue state between January and August, 2011.

Methodology: Focused Group Interviews were held with herbalists in each selected kindred in the LGAs to elicit information on plants used in the treatment of ailments in the communities. Ailments treated were listed by the herbalists and plant/plant parts used, mode of preparation and administration were documented and validated by the respondents.

Results: Forty (40) plant species were used in treating twenty-two (22) ailments in Guma LGA, with Anona senegalensis Pers. being the most utilized species in the treatment of different ailments (6 ailments). It was followed by Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. used in the treatment of 4 ailments. In Gboko LGA, 26 plants species were utilized in the treatment of 19 ailments with Maytenus senegalensis [Lam] Excell utilized in the treatment of 5 ailments, followed by Burkea africana Hook.F and Annona senegalensis (3 ailments each). Twenty-eight plant species were utilized in the treatment of 21 ailments in Kwande LGA. Maytenus senegalensis was utilized in treating 4 ailments followed by Burkea africana (3 ailments). Main plant parts utilized for treatment of ailments were leaves (30%), bark (32%) and root (27%).

Conclusion: The respondents admitted that they preferred herbal treatment due to its affordability, accessibility and effectiveness. These claims though not verified could be useful for the identification of plants with medicinal potential for scientific investigation, validation and manufacture of drugs.