Ethnomedicinal Study and Screening of Plants Used for Memory Enhancement and Antiaging in Sagamu, Nigeria
T.O. Elufioye
Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
A.T. Oladele *
Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
C.M. Cyril-Olutayo
Drug Research and Production Unit, ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
J.M. Agbedahunsi
Drug Research and Production Unit, ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
S.A. Adesanya
Department of Pharmacognosy, ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Memory enhancement, antiaging, medicinal plants, herbal medicine, Sagamu, Nigeria.