Ethnobotanical survey of the plants used for the management of malaria in Ondo State, Nigeria

• Published in: South African journal of botany 2019-08, Vol.124, p.391-401
• Main Authors: Oyeyemi, I.T., Akinseye, K.M., Adebayo, S.S., Oyetunji, M.T., Oyeyemi, O.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ethnobotanical survey; Malaria; Medicinal plants
• ISSN: 0254-6299; 1727-9321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2019.06.003

An ethnobotanical survey of the plants used for the traditional management of malaria by the residents of Ondo State, Nigeria was carried out. Data was collected by interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 162 indigenous people were interviewed [male, 110 (68%); female, 52(32%)]. A total of 97 plant species belonging to 52 different families were identified. Detailed information about their vernacular names, modes of preparation and previous investigations of their antiplasmodial/antimalarial effects was also compiled. Of the plants identified, the family Euphorbiaceae is predominant while Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale and Cymbopogon citratus are the most cited species. Only a few (37%) of the plants identified have been subjected to scientific investigations, most of which are only preliminary. Of the tested plants, some have shown in vivo activities comparable with that of orthodox antimalarial drugs. There is, therefore, a need to scientifically investigate the antimalarial potential of these plants as they serve as potential source of lead compounds for malaria therapy. •The elderly ones are more knowledgeable about the use of medicinal plants than the younger ones.•A high proportion of the populace still consume medicinal plants to treat malaria.•Majority of these plants have shown in vitro and/or in vivo antiplasmodial/antimalarial effects.