Ethnobotanical survey of the Savanna: (7) Medicinal plants used by traditional healers in treating human conditions in four localities in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the widespread reliance on traditional medicine across Nigeria, 
ethnobotanical knowledge relating to the use of medicinal plants for healthcare 
maintenance remains inadequately documented, particularly in northern Nigeria. This 
study was undertaken to enrich the ethnobotanical knowledge base of Nigeria 
through the documentation and assessment of medicinal plant species utilized in four 
localities within Bauchi State. Ethnobotanical data were obtained from 29 traditional 
healers using structured interviews designed to capture indigenous knowledge on 
medicinal plant use. Information collected included plant species names, plant parts 
utilized, therapeutic applications, and methods of preparation and administration of 
crude herbal remedies. The study documented a total of 105 plant species 
distributed across 42 families, accounting for 236 use reports. These use reports 
were classified into 13 therapeutic categories, with the majority concentrated in 
four dominant groups: infections and infestations, pain-related conditions, digestive 
system disorders, and circulatory system disorders, indicating the prevalence of 
these health concerns within the study area. Family-level analysis revealed that 
Fabaceae was the most represented family with 22 species, followed by Moraceae 
with six species, while Combretaceae and Rubiaceae were represented by five species 
each. Voucher specimens of all recorded taxa were collected, authenticated, and 
deposited in the herbarium of the Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar 
Tafawa Balewa University, ensuring taxonomic verification and future reference. The 
findings demonstrate a substantial reservoir of indigenous medicinal knowledge and 
underscore the importance of preserving this biocultural heritage. The documented 
species represent valuable candidates for pharmacological, phytochemical, and 
toxicological investigations to validate their claimed therapeutic efficacy and 
support their potential contribution to drug discovery and sustainable healthcare 
development.