An ethnobotanical survey of the Savanna: (5) The medicinal plants of Buli Communities in Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey employing Key Informant Interviews (KII) was conducted to 
document indigenous knowledge on medicinal plant utilization among the Buli people across 
four communities. Twenty purposively selected informants, recognized for their expertise in 
traditional healing practices, provided detailed information on plant species used in the 
management of human ailments. Data collected included local plant names, parts utilized, 
preparation methods, modes of administration, and therapeutic indications. The survey 
documented 33 medicinal plant species distributed across 20 botanical families, collectively 
used in the treatment of 19 distinct pathological conditions. The family Fabaceae was the 
most represented, accounting for nine species, indicating its ethnopharmacological 
prominence within the study area. The most frequently cited species were Adansonia digitata, 
Moringa oleifera, and Boswellia dalzielii, reflecting high cultural consensus and perceived 
therapeutic efficacy. Plant parts commonly utilized included leaves, bark, roots, and seeds, 
with decoctions and infusions constituting the predominant preparation methods. Voucher 
specimens were collected, taxonomically authenticated, and deposited in the Herbarium of 
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University to ensure reproducibility and future reference. The 
diversity and frequency of reported species underscore the significant role of traditional 
medicine in primary healthcare delivery among the Buli communities. Given the reliance on 
these plant-based remedies, further investigations are warranted to evaluate their 
phytochemical composition, pharmacological activity, dosage standardization, and 
toxicological safety profiles. Such studies would facilitate scientific validation of traditional 
claims and potentially contribute to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds for 
therapeutic development.