Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Commonly used by the People of Njikoka and Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Commonly used by the People of Njikoka and Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Ifeyinwa Chioma Ezeala1*, Onyinye Ezeala2, Kelvin Chibuzo Onovo1, Ifeanyi Isaac Uche1, Felix Nwafor3, Philip Felix Uzor1, Ngozi Justina Nwodo1

 

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001 Enugu, Nigeria.
  2. University Medical Centre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu, Nigeria.
  3. Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001 Enugu, Nigeria.

 

Key words:

 Ethnobotanical survey, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Malaria treatment, Medicinal plants, Semi-structured questionnaire

 

 

 

 

*Corresponding author:

ifeyinwa.adaka@unn.edu.ng;
DOI:https://doi.org/10.61594/tnpr.v6i4.2025.139

Page No: 247-258
Volume: 6, Issue 4, 2025
Trends in Natural Products Research
Copy Right: NAPREG

Abstract

Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Njikoka and Dunukofia Local Government Areas, Anambra State, Nigeria, to document the indigenous medicinal plants used within the locality to treat various diseases including malaria. A total of 400 respondents (200 from each locality), represented by women (40%, 32%) and men (60%, 68%) respectively, that included traditionalists, herbalists, herb sellers, farmers and civil servants were interviewed using oral and structured interview, participatory observation, group discussion and a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected include plant species, parts used, preparation methods, and medicinal applications. The diverse range of plant species used in treating common ailments, managing chronic illnesses, and spiritual ceremonies were recorded. Indigenous knowledge transmission mainly occurs within families and communities, highlighting the intimate connection between cultural practices and plant use. This survey revealed some challenges such as declining plant populations due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Eighteen (18) plant species belonging to fifteen (15) botanical families including Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae, Araceae, Lauraceae, Fabaceae, Bignoniaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae and Caricaceae were used in this region for the treatment of malaria and other diseases with Azadirachta indica being the most mentioned. The study showed the importance of sustainable harvesting practices, collaborative efforts between ethnobotanists, conservationists, and local communities in protecting both traditional knowledge and biodiversity. The documentation of this knowledge can support the integration of traditional medicine into orthodox healthcare systems, promoting both cultural heritage preservation and sustainable plant resource management.