ETHONOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BREAST CANCER IN ALKALERI LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BAUCHI STATE

Background: Breast cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the breast tissue. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The aim of the study is to evaluate the plants used in the management of breast cancer in Alkaleri local government. Method: A retrospective study was conducted using data obtained from traditional medical practitioners in Alkaleri local government using semi structured questionnaire. Results: The research revealed that majority of the patients aged between the range of 40-60 (50.5%), with (79%) of them being married and 97% being women. Most of which have presenting signs and symptom of breast cancer with change in breast size and shape (35%), breast discharge (14%) etc. Also, significant number of them have their left side breast affected (58%) with stage (iii) being the most common stages among the patients. Diagnosis, laboratory investigation was conducted to vehement the occurrence of the breast cancer. The management was done by administering anti-cancer plants such as arrarabi, zogale, kirya, tamoxifen, and others natural products like vincaalkaloids, vincristine, were also recorded. In addition, stomach discomfort(87%) as side effects was recorded. Conclusion: the ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of breast cancer at Alkaeri local government area of Bauchi state, was determined using a semi strutted questionnaire.