Ethnobotanical Survey of Medical Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Viral Infections in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted covering the three Jos North, Jos South and Jos East Local government areas that makeup Jos in Plateau State-Nigeria, on plants used in treatment of viral infections through direct interview of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Herbalist, Herb sellers and some indigenes/residents, using structured questionnaire supported with tape recorder and digital camera. The viral infections include common cold, measles, chicken pox, rabies, bird flu, hepatitis and HIV. The study was aimed at collection and documentation of medicinal plants used in the treatment of viral infections, within Jos. A total of 64 medicinal plants species, represented by 62 genera from 39 families were obtained from the ethnobotanical survey. The recipes for the treatment of the viral infections were also reported. The stem bark was the most commonly used plant used part in the treatment of viral infection with estimated value of 23.6%, followed by leaves (20.8%). Other plant parts used include roots, flower, fruits, rhiomes, seeds and in some cases the whole plant. The present findings, has revealed and documented medicinal plants used in treatment of viral infections in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria for the first time. This information will be beneficial in public health, research and providing lead to plants that can be useful in antiviral drug discovery.