ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TREATMENT OF AILMENTS IN DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Medicinal plants with potentials have contributed significantly in the history and evolution of modern health care system. Plants with medicinal value remain the only way forward as they are gaining more acceptability and recognition all over the world. Medicinal plants used worldwide can be developed into modern drugs with little or no side effects and greater efficacy. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plants used for the treatment of ailments in Dutsin-Ma environs, Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was carried out through the administration of open-ended questionnaires to the age group of 30 and above. No prior appointment was made to the informants. A total of 100 informants were interviewed. It was observed that 32 species of medicinal plants from 20 families are used for the management of common ailments such as malaria, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, ulcer, paralysis, typhoid fever and immune deficiency in Dutsin-Ma environs according to the responses of the 100 informants. Of the total 32 plant species surveyed, 6 plants were found to be used for the treatment of malaria, 3 plants for the management of sickle cell anemia, 7 plants for diabetes, 2 plants for paralysis, 5 plants for typhoid fever, 2 plants for hypertension, 3 plants for ulcer and 4 plants for immune related deficiency. The practice of traditional system of medicine continues to gain wide acceptance due to minimal side effects, affordable cost, population growth and development of drug resistance for current therapies.