Ethnobotanical Leaflets
13: 480-96. 2009.
Ethnobotanical Uses of Plants Among
the Binis in the Treatment of Ophthalmic and
Idu M., G.O. Obaruyi and J. O. Erhabor
Department of Plant
Biology and Biotechnology,
Issued
Abstract
An enthnobotanical survey of plants
used in the treatment of Ophthalmic and
Key words: Ethnobotanical, Plants, Binis,
Ophthalmic, Ear, Nose and Throat, ailment.
Introduction
Traditional medicine has remained the
most affordable and easily accessible source of treatment in the primary health
care system of resource poor communities and local therapy is the only means of
medical treatment for such communities (Yinger and Yewhalaw, 2007).
It has been reported that about one-fifth of Americans use
“natural” supplement such as herbs for maintaining health (Stein, 2004). In
developed countries such as
Ethnobotany is a preliminary method of research, suitable for
gathering information on the use of plants. It has been proven, time and time
again, that the ‘quack’ medical knowledge handed down by the common people
constitutes sources of information useful for scientific research and that many
plants utilized exclusively in popular tradition, when exposed under scientific
examination, have been found to be useful for different sectors in the
industry, therefore science and tradition have a strong connection between
them, science in fact has often traditional origin (Lentini,
2000).
During the last few decades there has been an increasing
interest in the study of medicinal plants and their traditional use in
different parts of the world but documenting the indigenous knowledge through ethnobotanical studies is important for the conservation
and utilization of biological resources (Lev, 2006). There are considerable
economic benefits in the development of indigenous medicines and in the use of
medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases (Azaizeh
et al., 2003). Due to less communication means, poverty, ignorance and
unavailability of modern health facilities, most people especially those in
rural areas are still forced to practice traditional medicine for their common
day to day ailment. Most of these people formed the poorest link in the trade
of medicinal plant (Khan et al., 2005). A vast knowledge of how to use the
plants against different illnesses may be expected to have accumulated in areas
where the use of plants is still of great importance (Diallo
et al., 1999).
In the developed countries, 25% of the medical drugs are based
on plants and their derivatives (
Ethnomedical scholars in time past and
even now have made contributions to the development of the traditional medical
system in
The aim and objective of this study is to
document the Indigenous knowledge of the Bini people
as regards the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of ophthalmic and
Materials and Methods
The Study Area
The study area covered
Ethnobotanical
Information
Ethnobotanical data were collected
through general conversation with informants in the field, between the months
of November, 2007 to February, 2008. During the course of the study fifty
informants were interviewed. Information was obtained through oral interview
guided by structural questionnaire (Appendix 1). Informants were selected based
on their knowledge of medicinal plants either for self-medication or for
treating others. Such informants were accompanied by the researcher to nearby
field for identification and
collection. Plant parts were
collected using standard herbarium format.
During the interview vernacular names, useful plant parts,
method of preparation of remedy, dosage, side effect and contraindications were
recorded.
Species Identification
The plant species were identified with the aid of some published
literatures: A Handbook on West African Weeds (Akobundu
and Agyakwa, 1998); Medicinal Plants of West Africa (Ayensu, 1978); Trees of Nigeria (Keay,
1989); Taxonomy of West African Flowing Plants (Olorode,
1984) and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Plants in Nigeria
(Gill, 1992). The voucher specimens of each species have been deposited at the
Herbarium section of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology,
Results and Discussion
The ethnobotanical survey revealed
that a total of twenty-four (24) plant species distributed in eighteen (18)
families and twenty-two (22) genera (Table 1, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and 5). The
following enumerated plants were identified with respect to their families and
genera. For each species, the botanical name, common name, vernacular name,
folk use, preparation of remedy dosage, literature. For all the plant species,
specific parts were used with different means of preparation of remedy and
different dosages were employed.
Enumeration
1. FAMILY: ASTERACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Ageratum conyzoides
L.
COMMON NAME: Billy goat weed
VERNACULLAR NAME: Ebighedore
Plant Part Used: Leaves
Folk Use: Leaves are
used to treat redness of the eye and inflammation.
Preparation of Remedy:
Leaves are squeezed and the emanating juice is dropped into the eyes as eye
drop.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
The leaves for dressing wounds, inflammation and redness of eye
(Idu et al., 2003). Leaf powder is used orally to
cure leucorrhosea (Katewa
and Asha, 1997). A decoction of the stem bark, leaves
and aerial branches of Ageratum conyzoides is used
against diarrhea (Igoli et al., 2005). A maceration
of the whole plant and whole plant of Sorghum guinensis
is used for treatment of diabetes (Igoli et al.,
2005). Fresh leaves are chewed as an emetic, the
leaves with the leaves of Ocimum and bush pepper are
used as a cure for abdominal disorders (Ayensu,
1978).
Whole plant contain flavonoids; Cornyzarigum, 5’methoxynobile, Cardinalpinene,
Limonene, cardinene, oxygenated quiterpenoids,
saponin, tannins (Gill, 1992). Whole plant: in
clinical trials with patient is with arthrosis,
administered aqueous extracts of the whole plant, reported analgesic effect in
66% of patients and improvement in articulation mobility in 24% without side
effects. Using aqueous extract of the whole plant also verified effect clinical
control of arthrosis, reporting a decrease in pain
and inflammation or improvement in articulation mobility after a week of
treatment (Idu et al,,
2007).
2. FAMILY NAME: AMARYLLIDACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Crinum jagus
(Thomson) Dandy.
COMMON NAME: Poison Bulb
VERNACULAR NAME: Ogede-odo
Plant part use: Leaves.
Folk use: Leaves are
used for earache.
Preparation of remedy:
Leaves are heated and then squeezed so that the juice comes out and common salt
is added.
Dosage: The mixture of
the juice and common salt is dropped into the ear twice daily.
LITERATURE
The warm leaf juice with a pinch of
common salt is used for ear complaints as an emetic (Gill, 1992). The decoction
of the bulb is used as vermifuge and purgative (Gill,
1992). The bulbs of Crinum jagus and Crinum gluaim are used in traditional medicine in
3. FAMILY NAME:
ANACARDIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Spondias mombin L.
COMMON NAME: Hog plum
VERNACULAR NAME: Okhigha
Plant part used: Leaves
Folk use: Infusion of
fresh leaves is used for the treatment of short sightedness and Infusion of
fresh leaves plus lime juice is used for the treatment of cataract.
Preparation of remedy:
The fresh leaves are squeezed in water and filtered and also fresh leaves are
squeezed in water plus lime juice.
Dosage: One cup thrice
daily.
LITERATURE
The juice from fresh leaves with lime juice is used against
cataract (Adodo, 2004). The leaves are used against
convulsion and stomach ache (Idu et al., 2003).
Infusion of leaves is used for the treatment of cold and cough (
Saponins, resins, tannins and
alkaloids are contained in the leaves; fruit juice and stem bark (Gill, 1992).
Stem bark: Contains Akaloid and tannins (Burkill, 1985), fibre and calcium
(Idu et al., 2002). The stem bark is fungicidal (Burkill, 1985) and showed anti-turmour
property when it was administered on Wister Rat (Idu
et al., 2002).
4. FAMILY NAME: APOCYNACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Rauwolfia vomitoria Afzel.
COMMON NAME: Swizzle stick
VERNACULAR NAME: Akata
Plant part used: Leaves
Folk use: Leaves are used for irritation of
the eyes.
Preparation of remedy: Juice is squeezed out
of fresh leaves.
Dosage: One drop into the eyes daily.
LITERATURE
Urhobo people use the decoction of
leaves to induce sleep (Gill, 1992). Infusion of the powdered root in cold
water is used to treat nervous disorder, hypertension, insomnia and mental
illness (Gill, 1992). Leaf-pulp is taken in drought and used in message for
chest pain and leaf-sap is deemed able to arrest loss of hair and even to
restore it (Bouquet, 1972), alkaloids (Burkill,
1985).
5. FAMILY NAME: ASTERACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Spilanthes filicaulis (Schum and Thom)
J.C.D.
COMMON NAME:
VERNACULAR NAME: Ehie edo oto
Plant
part used: Flower.
Folk use: Used for sore
throat.
Preparation or Remedy:
The flower is mixed with 3 seeds of alligator pepper or dry gin and chewed then
swallowed.
Dosage: It is chewed and
swallowed twice daily
LITERATURE
The leaves along with
alum are recommended as emetic (Gill, 1992). Aqueous extracts of six plant
species used in Cameroonian ethno medicine for the relief of stomach complaints
were tested for anti ulcer activity. An HCL/ETOH solution was used to induce
gastric lesions in male wister
rats (40 – 170g). The extracts of Voacanga africana, Eremomastax speciasa, Emila practer missa, Spilanthes filceaulis and Centella asiatica produced
complete mucosal cytoprotectio ata
dose of 1000, 190, 500, 2000 and 500mg/kg respectively (Tan et al., 1999).
6. FAMILY NAME:
BIGNONIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seeman ex . Bureau.
COMMON NAME: Tree of
life
VERNACULAR NAME: Ikhimwin
Plant part use: Leaves.
Folk use: Decoction of
the leaves is used to treat sore eye, young fresh leaves are used to cure eye
inflammation and redness and the leaves are used for the treatment of ear pain.
Preparation of Remedy:
The leaves are squeezed and the juice from it is dropped into the eye and the
young fresh leaves are crushed in little amount of water and the extract is
dropped into the eye to cure eye inflammation and redness and the leaves are
heated and became weak and squeezed. The juice from it is dropped into the ear
against ear pain.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
A decoction of the roots with the roots of Alstonia
boonei, Jatropha curcas are used for the treatment of epilepsy (Adodo, 2004). The stem bark with clay and red pepper is
used against pneumonia, fever, cold and cough (Idu et
al., 2003) Decoction of leaves is used against dental caries (Okeke, 2003). A decoction of leaves is used for sore eyes
(Irvine 1961; Uphof, 1968). The fresh bark is used
against migraine (Persistent headache) (Adodo,
2004).Leaves and stem bark: In the leaves and the stem bark no flavonoids, saponins, quinines, terpenes, or steroids could be detected (Bouquet, 1972).
7. FAMILY NAME: CAPPARIDACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Euadenia trifoliolata (Schum and Thonn)
Oliv.
COMMON NAME: Euadenia
VERNACULAR NAME: Oboh yeho
Plant
part used: Leaves.
Folk use: Leaves are
used to treat ear ache.
Preparation of remedy:
Heat the leaves and squeeze out the juice dropping it into the ear.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
Roots, stem-bark, fruits
are used for treating tuberculosis, arthritis, otalgia,
aphrodisiac, rectal prolapse (Odugbemi and Akinsulire, 2006).
8. FAMILY NAME:
CARICACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Carica papaya L.
COMMON NAME: Pawpaw
VERNACULAR NAME: Uho
Plant
part used: Seeds.
Folk use: The decoction
of the seed is used for dissolving small fat deposits in the eyes and eyelids.
Preparation of remedy:
The seeds of this plant is boiled in water and extracted.
Dosage: One drop into
the eyes twice daily.
LITERATURE
Uses reported: The
decoction of the root is used as a remedy for bronchitis. The root is also
effective against piles (Adodo, 2004). Leaves: The
infusion of the yellow leaves is used for malarial fever, the infusion of the
green leaves for diabetes and induced hypertension (Adodo,
2004). The decoction of the dried leaves added to other leaves is used for
treating malaria (Idu et al., 2005). Infusion of the
leaves is used to treat stomach ache (Ross, 1999). Seeds: Decoction of seeds is
effective in dissolving small fact deposits in the eyes and eyelids and in
dissolving small fat in cases of overweight (Gomez, 2004). Fruits: An infusion
of the whole unripe fruit into pieces is a very good remedy for intestinal
ulcer. A decoction of the fruit is used against impotence (Adodo,
2004). The fresh fruit is eaten as a treatment for beri-beri
(Bhat et al., 1990). Fruit is also eaten for nausea,
as a carminative, for jaws, as an antipyretic, purgative and for dysentery (Adesina, 1982).
Leaves: The leaves
contain the alkaloid – carpaine, saponin,
tannins, nicotinic acid
and tocopherol
(Gill, 1992). Fruit: The fruit contains beta-ocimene,
4-terpineol, malic acid and methanol (Ross, 1999).
Seeds: The seed contains glucocide carian (Gill, 1992). The seed has myrosin,
caricin and cyclobranol
(Ross, 1999). Fruit and seeds: They contain alkaloids, salts, potassium, malic acid, pepsin, pancreatin, papain, and vitamins A, B, and C. (Gomez, 2004). Leaves:
The acetone extract of the dried leaves have antibacterial activity (Ross,
1999). Fruit: Extract of the ripe dried fruit has abortifacient
effect with 100% effectiveness, ). Seeds: The dried
seeds have no anti-spermatogenic effect (Das, 1980). Ethanol (95%) extract of the seed had hypotensive activity when administrated intravenously to
dogs and respiration was observed to be depressed (Bose et al., 1961).
9. FAMILY NAME:
EUPHORBIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Euphorbia hirta L.
COMMON NAME: Australian Asthma plant/garden spurge,
snake weed
VERNACULAR NAME: Asin Uloko
Plant part used: Stem
Folk use: Latex in the freshly
cut stem is used for treating conjunctivitis and is used for treating ear pain.
Preparation of Remedy:
The stem is broken to extract the latex and dropped into the ear.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
The plant decoction is useful in removing worms in the bowel. It
is also used for asthma and cough (Khan et al., 2005). Leaves; the infusion is
prescribed to nursing mothers for increased lactation. The poultice of the
leaves or the whole herb is a remedy for boils and wound (Gill, 1992). Stem
exudates is used as ear drop for pain (Igoli et al.,
2005). Whole plant: Contain Euphorbol hexacozonate cycloar-tenol, ingenotiriacetate, tinyatoxin,
tannins (Adodo, 2004).
The antispasmodic principle appears not to be toxic orally. The
aqueous extract of the principle was however toxic to the mouse but the
alcoholic extract was on toxic. 0.1 ml of the alcoholic extract increased the
rat limb flow. The alcoholic extract (0.1 ml) relaxed the guinea pig ileum.
Both extract had no effect on rabbit duodenum and neuromuscular function but
depressed the blood. No ganglionic blocking activity
no 5-hydroxyiryptamine-like activities were observed (Hezleton
and Hellerman, 1951).
10. FAMILY NAME: FABACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Albizia lebbeck L.
COMMON NAME: Lebbek tree
LOCAL NAME: Eshegeshege
Plant part use: Leaves.
Folk use: Leaves are
used to treat night-blindness.
Preparation of remedy:
The leaves are squeezed and the juice is applied to the eye as eye drop.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily
LITERATURE
The bark and seeds are astringent and
they are used for the treatment of piles, diarrhea, dysentery and gonorrhea
(Gill, 1992). Seeds, leaves, stem bark are used for astringent, mouth wash,
river-blindness, gonorrhea (Odugbemi and Akinsulire, 2006).
11. FAMILY NAME: FABACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Baphia nitida Lodd.
COMMON NAME:
VERNACULAR NAME: otua
Plant
part used: Leaves.
Folk use: Leaves are
used to treat eye sore.
Preparation of remedy:
Leaves are squeezed and the juice is applied to the eye.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
Leaves, bark, roots and twigs treats
constipation, skin diseases, venereal diseases, ringworm, enema, flatulence,
small pox (Odugbemi and Akinsulire,
2006). Leaves: tannin, flavonoids and saponin glycosides, rich in flavoid
(Onwukaeme, 1995). The constituents from the leaves
of Baphia nitida were
extracted using methanol and acetone as solvents. The extract did not
demonstrate any acute toxic effects in mice within the dose-range used during
this study. The extract inhibited gastric emptying time in rats and intestinal
motility in mice, both effects were manifested in a
dose related fashion. These effects were similar but less pronounced than those
produced than those produced by atropine sulphate.
The extract did not induce gastric ulceration in rats and failed to protect
against acetyl salicylic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats or
histamine-induced gastic ulcer in rats or histamine
induced duodenal ulcer in guinea pig (Onwukaeme and
12. FAMILY NAME: LAMIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Ocimum basilicum L.
COMMON NAME: Sweet basil
and Harry Bail
VERNACULAR NAME: Ebi hihi
Plant part used: Leaves
Folk use: Fresh leaves
are used for earache and for dullness of hearing.
Preparation of remedy:
The leaves are squeezed and the juice is dropped into the ear.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
Leaves are used for respiratory disorders
(Okujagu et al., 2005). Leaves are also used against
fever (Idu et al., 2003). The whole plant is used as
a remedy for gonorrhea, catarrh conditions, cough, constipation, dysentery,
ringworm, carminative, and hypertension as blood tonic (Odugbemi
and Akinsulire, 2006). Leaves have been found to
contain methylchaylcol, linalol,
eugenol, thymol and xanthamicrol (Okujagu et al.,
2005). The whole plant contains essential oil, methylcinnamate,
and terpenes (Gill, 1992).Leaf juice is reported to
be slightly narcotic. The two carcinogens safrole and
estragole (methyl chavicol)
have been reported in some oil (FAO, 1999).
13. FAMILY NAME: LAMIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Ocimum gratissimum L.
COMMON NAME: Tea bush
VERNACULAR NAME: Ebe amwonkho
Plant
part used: Leaves.
Folk use: Fresh leaves
are used to stop nasal bleeding.
Preparation of remedy:
The leaves are squeezed and the juice from it is dropped into the nostrils.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
Leaves boiled, macerated or squeezed in water are taken orally
against typhoid fever (Igoli et al., 2005) leaf juice
is taken orally for coughs (Purkayastha
et al., 2005). The leaves are
used against diabetes (Idu et al.,
2003) also used as a remedy for chest pain, diarrhea, catarrh, to prevent
miscarriage, stop nasal bleeding, relieve cold, headache and bronchitis (Idu et al., 2007) convulsion hypertension coli as anti microbials, anthelmintics and
anti bacterials (Odugbemi
and Akinsulire, 2006).Whole plant has been shown to
yield essential oil which is rich in eugonol and thymol (Sofowora, 1993). Leaves
contain alkaloids, cellulose and saponin (Gill et
al., 1992).Whole plant: The volatile oil from the plant has been shown to
posses some antibacterial properties and the vapour
of the oil was reported to kill protozoa (Sofowora,
1993).
14. FAMILY NAME: LILIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Allium cepa L.
COMMON NAME: Onion
VERNACUALR NAME: Alubarha
Plant part used: Bulb
Folk use: Bulb is used
for treating irritation of the eye, Roasted bulb in the form of poultice is
used for treatment of earache and it is used for brightening eye colour. It is always recommended for people that have dull
or reddish eye colour.
Preparation of Remedy:
The bulb is broken and brought close to the eye to stop irritation, Onion bulb
is roasted, molded with the hand then brought close to the ear i.e., pasted
close to the ear and onion bulb is eaten raw and always used for preparing
meals.
Dosage: The broken bulb
is brought close to the eyes twice daily, and drop twice daily and onion bulb
is eaten daily.
LITERATURE
The bulb eaten raw is used as a remedy for
insomnia, loss of memory and diabetes (Adodo, 2004).
It is also effective for treating hay fever and catarrh and also to cure chest
infection and tuberculosis (Dawodu, 1993) Bulbs are
used for treatment of hemorrhoids, dysentery and asthma (Ahmed et al., 2005).
Bulbs: A compression made of roasted bulb is applied to inflamed or protruding
piles for relief (Gill, 1992).
Bulbs and leaves: Bulbs and leaves contain
riboflavin, sulphur compound-in-prophyl
disulphur (Gill, 1992). It is rich in iodine, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium (Dawodu, 1993). Bulbs contain arginine
histidine and isoleucine
(Ahmed et al., 2005).
Aqueous extract of onion bulb was found to be effective in
inducing diuresis in albino rats. Its diuretic effect
was similar to that of frusemide, indicating it to be
a potent diuretic. The diuretic activity of the extract was associated with
increase loss of Na+ and K+ ions indicating that the diuretic agent might be
acting on renal tubular cells by interfering with ion transport. This
observation thus confirms the traditional claim of this transport (Aguyi and Obi, 1998).
15. FAMILY NAME: MALVACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Sida acuta Burm. F.
COMMON NAME: Broom weed
VERNACULAR NAME: Aihenmmwin
Plant part used: Leaves
Folk use: Leaves are
used to treat bleeding nose and for treating eye pain.
Preparation of Remedy:
Leaves are squeezed and placed at the nostril and the stem is cut into small
pieces and soaked into water for some hours and later used as eye drop.
Dosage: The squeezed
leaves with the juice are put at the nostril to stop nasal bleeding and it is dropped in the eye twice
daily.
LITERATURE
The decoction of the leaves is given for
diarrhea during pregnancy. The crushed leaves are applied over wounds, fresh
cuts and bruises. Leaves are also used as emollient (Gill, 1992). Decoction of
leaves is used in the treatment of hysteria (Dolui et
al., 2004). Root bark: Powdered root bark mixed with sugar and milk is taken
orally in the treatment of gonorrhea (Dolui et al.,
2004). The root and leaves with black pepper are ground and applied locally in
snake bite (Dolui et al., 2004). Isolated Substances:
The leaves contain saponin and mucilage (Gill, 1992).
Entire Plant: It contains the alkaloid – cryptolepine
(Gunatilata et al., 1980). Leaves stem and root
contains saponin, tannin and alkaloids (Okujagu et al., 2005).The root and stem have been reported
to have anti-microbial activity (Warrier et al.,
1997).
16. FAMILY NAME: MALVACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Gossypium hirsutum L.
COMMON NAME: Cotton
VERNACULAR NAME: Ebe Oru
Plant part used: Flower
(cotton)
Folk use: Cotton wool
from cotton seed is used for treating nasal bleeding.
Preparation of remedy:
No preparation.
Dosage: Cotton wool is
placed at the nostril.
LITERATURE
The juice of the leaf is used as eye drop
to relieve convulsions (Gill, 1992). The decoction of the leaf and flower is
given in dysentery (Gill, 1992). Leaves, roots, seeds are used for convulsion,
dysentery, asthma, antipyretic, hypertension, ulcers, contraceptive, relieve abortifient, ease labour (Odugbemi and Akinsulire, 2006).Contains
flavonolglycosides gossipin,
gossypitrin, sitosterol
(Gill, 1992).Gossypol found in the plant has been found to have toxic effect on
parasitic protozoa and viruses, which justify its use in traditional medicine
against scalp infection, dysentery, gonorrhea and as antiseptic (Sotelo et al., 2005).
17. FAMILY NAME: MORACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Musanga cecropioides R.
COMMON NAME: Umbrella
tree
VERNACULAR NAME: Oghohen
Plant
part used: Root.
Folk use: The root is
used to cure conjunctivitis (eye disease).
Preparation of remedy:
The prop root is cut and the liquid from it is dropped into the eyes.
Dosage: Liquid from the
prop root is dropped into the eyes thrice daily.
LITERATURE
The decoction or infusion of the root is
given an anthelmintic especially for tape worms and
dysentery (Gill, 1992). Root exudates, leaves, bark is used for treating
tapeworm’s dysentery, fever, anthelmintic cough (Odugbemi and Akinsulire, 2006).
Stem bark contain saponins, tannins, flavo with no traces of alkaloids, anthraquinones
and cyanogenetic glycosides (Ayinde,
2003). Presence of kalaic acid in the stem bark and
some other triterpenoid in the leaves, stem bark and
the root (Lontsi et al., 1989).The pharmacological
effects of Musanga cecropioides
on rat thoracic aorta were examined in high K+ medium (55mM), Ca2+ 3mM) induced
vasoconstriction was inhibited by Musanga cecropioides in a concentration – dependent manner. The
tonic contractions elicited by KCL 55mM were relaxed by Musanga
and were more marked in 0.45mM Ca2+ than 1.8mM medium. Sodium – induced
responses were antagonized non competitively by Musanga Sodium sustained contraction was relaxed. The
relaxing effect of Musanga was not antagonized by indomethacin or methylene blue.
It is concluded that Musanga relaxation of the rat
aorta does not involve cyclo-oxygenase, nor cAMP pathway, but unique unlike those of known classical
vasodilators (Aziba, 2005).
18.
FAMILY NAME: PALMAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Cocos nucifera L.
COMMON NAME: Coconut
VERNACULAR NAME: Ivi-Oibo
Plant Part Used: Root
Folk Use: The root is
used as gargle for sore throat
Preparation of Remedy:
Liquid preparation is obtained by boiling the root in water.
Dosage: One cup of
decoction root is gargled in the throat twice daily.
LITERATURE
The decoction of the root is used for
uterine diseases, gleet, bronchitis, liver ailments
and dysentery. It is also used as gargle for sore throat (Gill, 1992). The
decoction of the root with Xylopia aethiopica is used against fibroid (Adodo,
2004). A decoction of the root is effective for aptha,
mouth ulcers or ulcerative mouth lesions (Gomez, 2004). Kernel the ash of the
kernel is used in treating burns (Soma and Batra,
1997). Pericarp: The ash of the pericarp
is applied to treat skin disease (Jadeja et al., 2006).
Fruits: the coconut water contained in the fruit has moderating effect on
cancer cells (Adodo, 2004). The coconut water is an
antidote. It is also used in arresting excessive and continuous purging (Etukudo, 2003).The coconut flesh (Solid endosperm), Contain
13.0% carbohydrates, 36.6.% water, 4.5% protein, 41.6% fat, 3.6 in fibre and 1.0% minerals (Etukudo,
2003).
19. FAMILY NAME: PALMAE
BOTANICAL NAME:
COMMON NAME: Date Palm
VERNACULAR NAME: Ukuon
Plant part use: Fruit.
Folk use: The fruits are
used for relief of sore-throat.
Preparation of remedy:
No preparation.
Dosage: The fruit is
eaten twice daily.
LITERATURE
The sap is demulcent, diuretic and
refrigerant in genito urinary disorder. (Gill, 1992). The fruit are also used for relief of
sore-throat, cough, asthma, fevers, gonorrhea and liver complaints (Gill,
1992). The fruit contained fat, lipid and protein (Vayalil,
2002). A crude acetone extract of the pit of date palm was prepared and its
antiviral activity evaluated against lytic
pseudomonas phage
20. FAMILY NAME: PANDANACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Pandanus
candelabrum P. Beauv.
COMMON NAME: Screw prine
VERNACULAR NAME: Ebo
Plant
part used: Leaves.
Folk use: The fresh
leaves are used against sore throat.
Preparation of Remedy:
No preparation.
Dosage: Fresh leaves are
chewed and the liquid content swallowed thrice daily.
LITERATURE
The infusion of the bark is used in
curing diarrhea, dysentery and enteritis (Etukudo,
2003).
21. FAMILY NAME: RUTACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Citrus aurantifolia
(Christm) Swingle.
COMMON NAME: Lime
VERNACULAR NAME: Animo ne giee
Plant
part used: Young leaves.
Folk use: Its use for sore
throat.
Preparation of remedy:
Young fresh leaves are grinded and the juice from it is mixed
with gin and little quantity of alum depending on the content of the squeezed
juice.
Dosage: Twice daily.
LITERATURE
The leaves are chewed for bad breath
(Gill, 1992). The decoction of the leaves is used for fever, jaundice,
headache, eye-wash and gargle (Gill, 1992). The roots are eaten as anthelmintic (Gill, 1992). Leaves, stem, root, fruit are
used for fever, jaundice, antimicrobials, abdominal ulcer, gonorrhea,
carminative, hypertensive recipe, flavouring agent,
measles, cough, toothache, anthlmintics, scurvy ( Odugbemi and Akinsulire, 2006).
Graded dose of nature cure bitters (NCB) made from Citrus aurantifolia
were daily administered (100, 200 and 400mg/kg p.o)
to rats for 28days and the effect on body weight, organ weight, clinical signs,
gross pathology, haematology, histology and serum
biochemical parameters were evaluated. The relative weights of the heart, liver
and testes of treated rats were unaffected in contrast to a significant
increase in the relative weights of the lungs, kidneys and spleen. The pack
cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were
significantly reduced whereas total leucocyte counts
and glucose levels were remarkably increased (Aniagu
et al., 2005).
22. FAMILY NAME: SOLANACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
COMMON NAME: Tomato
VERNACULAR NAME: Ekhue
Plant part use: Leaves.
Folk use: Leaves are
used to treat eyes with blood stain.
Preparation of remedy:
Young fresh leaves are squeezed and the juice is dropped into the eyes.
Dosage: One drop, twice
daily.
LITERATURE
. Alkaloid, tomatine, lycopene, carotene, ascorbic acid and vitamin (Gill, 1992).
A glycoside in which four CHO residues are attached to
the 3 – OH group of the aglycone tomatidine,
occur naturally in tomato. It also contain glycoalkaloid
(Blankemeyer et al., 1997).The mechanism of glycoalkaloids in animal and human cells may be disruption
of cell membranes and changes in ions fluxes and interstitial currents of the
membrane (Blankemeyer et al., 1997).
23. FAMILY NAME: SOLANACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Nicotiana tabacum L.
COMMON NAME: Tobacco
VERNACULAR NAME: Itaba
Plant part uses: Leaves.
Folk use: Leaves are
used for eye treatment (Irritation).
Preparation of remedy:
Leaves are squeezed and juice from it is dropped into the eyes.
Dosage: One drop daily.
LITERATURE
Leaves: Traditionally, the leaves are
dried, powdered and used for smoking, chewing dripping and snuffing. The dried
powdered leaves are mixed with potash and used for tooth pain. The ointment
made by simmering the leaves is used as a remedy for cold, ulcers and painful
tumor (Gill, 1992). The powdered leaves are used for curing ringworm and to
expel worms (Idu et al., 2005). The powdered leaf
mixed with honey is used for anemia, while the infusion of leaves and bulb of
garlic is used as a remedy for epilepsy and depression (Adodo,
2004). Leaves contain Alkaloid – normcotine (Gill,
1992); saponin, tannin, nicotine and inulin (Gill, 1992; Adodo, 2004).
The leaf juice contains anabasine (Henry, 1949). It
has a potential use as a nervine depressant and as
anti-convulsant from high coumarine
content. Nicotin from leaves in pure form and in high
dosage has been described as an active poison, but its pharmacology is
different in low dosage when taken orally. (Sofowora, 1993). The juice from the leaf has been
reported to have insecticidal activity (Henry, 1949).
24. FAMILY NAME: STERCULIACEAE
BOTANICAL NAME: Cola nitida (Vent)
Schoet and End.
COMMON NAME: Kola
VERNACULAR NAME: Evbee
Plant part used: Leaves
Folk use: Use leaves for
eye trouble such as night blindness.
Preparation of Remedy:
Leaves are heated and the juice squeezed from it is dropped into the eyes.
Dosage: The juice is
dropped into the eyes, one drop twice daily.
LITERATURE
Leaves: fresh leaves are squeezed in
water and taken from insomnia (Adodo, 2004). The
leaves are used to prevent boils and used as a stimulant (Idu
and Onyibe, 2007). Stem bark: The decoction of the stem
bark is used as an appetizer and as a stimulant. The pulp of the bark is taken
during female confinement (Gill, 1992). Stem bark, seed and kernel are used for
diarrhea, eye trouble as cardiac tonic and as diuretic (Odugbemi
and Akinsulire, 2006).The stem bark, seeds and
kernels have been found to contain alkaloid caffeine, kolatein,
kolatein, starch, lipids, lipase and oxydare enzyme (Gill, 1992).The methanol extract of root
bark for C. nitida was found to be potent against
both Mycobacterium bovis and strains of Mycobarterium vaccae (Adeniyi et al., 2004).
Conclusions
Health
and diseases are measures of effectiveness with which human groups combining
and biological resources adapt to their environment. Every culture irrespective
of its simplicity and complexity has its own beliefs and practices concerning
diseases. The culture of a community determines its health culture. Health
problems and practices of any community are profoundly influenced by interplay
of complex social, economic and political factors. Due to the belief in
supernatural element and religion in matters concerning health, the tribal are
almost invariably found to repose faith in diviners or traditional medicine
men, sorcerers and shamans. However, tribes are not averse in accepting western
medicine, whenever available (Rao et al., 2006).
Presently, it is imperative for developing nations such as
In
The largest number of remedies was used
to treat eye problem followed by ear problem. Of all the plants part used, the
leaves were the most frequently used, followed by the root, stem, flowers, bulb
and seed. The administration of remedies is either internal or external in the
form of juice, decoction and infusion or as paste. Some of the remedies were
based on a single plant source while others were in combination with other
substances and plant species. Some remedies were prepared using ingredients
such as salt, alligator pepper and alcohol.
From the study it was observed that more
than one part of the plant species was used for different ailments examples
include leaves of S. acuta which is used for nasal
bleeding while the stem was for eye pain. It was also observed that in some of
the plant species, one part could be used for more than one ailment, such
plants include the bulb of A. cepa which is used to
treat eye and ear ailment, stem of E. hirta for the
treatment of both eye and ear, leaves of S. monbin
for treating both short-sightedness and cataract and the leaves of N. laevis for the treatment of both eye and ear ailment.
Furthermore, the study also revealed that
more than one plant species can be used for treating the same ailment. Plants
such as A. conyzoides and N. laevis
are used for treatinig redness of the eye and
inflammation. A. cepa and R. vomitoria
are used for treating irritation of the eye, O. gratissmum,
S. acuta and G. hirsutum
are used for treating nasal bleeding. C. nucifera and
P. candelabrum are used for treating sore throat. C. jagus
and O. basilicum is used for treating irritation of
the eye, C. jagus and O. basilicum
is used for treating ear ache. Although these plants have the same usage, each
plant has different methods of preparation using different recipes and
different dosage.
Finally, this study therefore, on 24
medicinal plants used by the binis for the treatment
of eye, ear, nose and throat can possibly be used as a potential source for
making herbal medicines against some diseases and can be treated as a document
for preserving the enthnomedicinal knowledge for
posterity.
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Table 1. Species
distribution and their indigenous uses.
|
FAMILIES |
NO. OF SPECIES |
AILMENTS |
|
Asteraceae |
2 |
Redness of the eye and inflammation, sore
throat |
|
Liliaceae |
1 |
Irritation of the eye, ear ache, dull
coloration of the eyes |
|
Euphorbiaceae |
1 |
Conjunctivitis and ear ache |
|
Anacardiaceae |
1 |
Short sightedness and cataract |
|
Bignoniaceae |
1 |
Redness of the eye and inflammation, sore eye
and ear pain |
|
Apocynaceae |
1 |
Irritation of the eye |
|
Labiatae |
2 |
Ear ache and nasal bleeding |
|
Moraceae |
1 |
Conjunctivis |
|
Malvaceae |
2 |
Nasal bleeding and eye pain |
|
Palmae |
2 |
Sore throat |
|
Pandanaceae |
1 |
Sore throat |
|
Solanaceae |
2 |
Blood stained eyes |
|
Amaryllidaceae |
1 |
Ear ache |
|
Rutaceae |
1 |
Sore throat |
|
Fabaceae |
1 |
Night-blindness |
|
Papilionaceae |
1 |
Eye sore |
|
Capparadaceae |
1 |
Ear ache |
|
Sterculiaceae |
1 |
Night-blindness |
|
Caricaceae |
1 |
Fat deposit in the eyelid |
Fig. 1. Number of species of
plant in relation to eye ailment.
Fig. 2. Number
of species of plants in relation to ear ailment.
Fig. 3. Number of species of
plants in relation to sore throat ailment.
Fig. 4. Number of species of
plants in relation to nose ailment.