ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 2 (12), pp. 001-005, December, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Ethnophytotherapeutic information for the treatment of high blood pressure among the people of Ilugun, Ilugun area of Ogun State, south-west Nigeria
Lawal, I. O.1*, Uzokwe, N. E.1, Ladipo, D. O.2, Asinwa, I. O.1 and Igboanugo, A. B. I.1
1Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. P. M. B. 5054, Jericho hill, Ibadan, Nigeria
2Centre for Renewable Natural Resources, Research and Development (CENRAD), Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 13 September, 2011
Abstract
Ethnophytotherapeutic information includes the contribution of indigenous knowledge using plants to provide native remedies for varieties of ailment. In African, various species of plants are used in the traditional medicine for the cure of chronic cardio-vascular diseases, where hypertension is one of them. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain enthnomedical information on the treatment of high blood pressure in the Yoruba speaking communities of Ilugun area of Ogun State. Nine species: (Ficus exasperata, Heliotropium indicum, Afromomum melegueta, Justicia schimperi, Persea americana, Talinium triangulare, Afraegle paniculatum, Newboldia laevis and Chenopodium ambrosioides) from different families were identified as being used for curing high blood pressure. Plants are documented for further research on chemical composition and active ingredients contained in these plant parts.
Key words: Ethnophytotherapy, herbal treatment, high blood pressure, Ilugun people, traditional medicines.