Ethnomedical Survey of Medicinal Plants Sold in Local Markets in Akure South, Ondo State, Nigeria

Globally, millions of people in the developing world rely on medicinal plants to improve their primary health care, income generation and livelihood. An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in four markets in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The aim was to document the diversity of medicinal herbs sold in the markets, their modes of preparation, the plant part(s) used, dosage, and the method of utilization. The respondents were primarily women, consisting of buyers and sellers of the herbals. Sixty-three (63) plant species belonging to 33 families were collected and identified. Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Malvaceae had the highest number of species (6 each). Most plant materials were preserved and sold in dried forms, either singly or in combinations. The preparations were prescribed to treat various ailments such as malaria, hypertension, typhoid, jaundice, hyperthermia, skin problems, dysentery, anaemia, gonorrhoea, cough, and measles.