Exploring the Illnesses Treated with Medicinal Ingredients Used by Traditional Practitioners in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Traditional medicine has a long history; African traditional medicine is as old as nature itself and has been in use for centuries in the prevention, treatment and management of many acute and chronic diseases.  This study explores the spectrum of illnesses treated and the medicinal ingredients employed by traditional practitioners in Northwest Nigeria, a region rich in ethnomedical heritage. The research aimed to document indigenous healing practices, identify commonly used medicinal plants, and assess the cultural relevance of traditional medicine in local healthcare in the region. A qualitative ethnobotanical survey was conducted across Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa and Kaduna states. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants, including herbalists, traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), and herb vendors. Information gathered included plant species used, ailments treated, preparation methods, and practitioner demographics. The data were analysed using thematic analysis software. The findings revealed that over 90 distinct medicinal plants were documented, with families such as Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Combretaceae being most prevalent. Commonly treated illnesses included malaria, typhoid, epilepsy, mental illness, infertility, and skin infections. Frequently used ingredients included Securidacalongepedunculata, Vernonia amygdalina, Garcinia kola, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum. Remedies were prepared using plant parts such as roots, bark, leaves, and seeds, often administered as decoctions, infusions, or topical applications. Spiritual healing practices, including divination and incantations, were also integral to diagnosis and treatment, especially for neuropsychiatric disorders. The majority of practitioners inherited their knowledge orally, with limited formal education, underscoring the need for documentation and preservation.