Ethnomedicinal Study and Screening of Plants Used for Memory Enhancement and Antiaging in Sagamu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to carry out a comprehensive ethnomedicinal survey of plants used as memory enhancer and antiaging in Sagamu Local Government area of Ogun State in south west Nigeria. Methodology: Semi-structured questionnaires were used to conduct interviews with traditional healers, herb sellers and other knowledgeable individuals on use of medicinal plants as memory enhancers and anti-aging. Nine communities were selected randomly for data collection across the rural and urban centers with a total of 110 informants. Results: The informants consist of 92% males and 8% females, 60% were traditional healers, 13% herb sellers while the others were knowledgeable individuals on medicinal plants utilization. Findings revealed 41 plant genera belonging to 31 families of which 46.3%, 26.8%, 17.1% and 12.2% are trees, herbs, climbers and shrubs respectively. Leaves (58.5%) and stem bark (26.8%) are prevalent in plant parts used. Screening of commonly used plants revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, cyanogenetic and cardiac glycosides. Conclusion: Potentials of plants commonly used by indigenous people in the study area as memory enhancer and antiaging are recommended for further pharmacological research and conservation.