The Use of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Diarrhoea in Ibibio Land: A Survey

Abstract

Diarrhoea is the passing of loose or watery stools at least three times per day or more frequently than normal for an individual. It is closely associated with poor hygiene and under nutrition. Medicinal plants have been known to provide alternatives to orthodox medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea in most parts of Africa. This survey was carried out to document the various medicinal plants and their use in the treatment of diarrhoea in Ibibio land, Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria. The outcome showed a total of 14 plants species of 9 families, with the family Anacardiaceae being the most commonly used, while Ocimum gratissimum was the most used plant. The leaves remained the part of the plant commonly used, and the most commonly used method of administration was by a decoction of the plant part. An ethnobotanical survey of the plants used in other locations for the same purpose, which is also present in Ibibio land gave a total of 53 plant species of 41 families mostly Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Combretaceae and Lamiaceae. A comprehensive list of medicinal plants which will provide an array of options for the treatment of diarrhoea especially in areas where there are no healthcare facilities is therefore provided. Future investigations should aim to isolate, purify, and identify their bioactive components.