ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARE IN ALKALERI, DARAZO AND TORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

This study presents an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Alkaleri, Darazo, and Toro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 150 respondents, including herbalists, users, collectors, and vendors, were interviewed using structured questionnaires to document indigenous knowledge related to medicinal plant usage. Demographic analysis revealed a predominance of male informants (78%) and a significant number of participants aged between 31 and 40 years. A total of 71 plant species, belonging to 34 families, were identified across the three areas, with Boswellia dalzielii (Ararabi) emerging as the most frequently cited plant (FL 39.33%). Other highly valued species included Pterocarpus erinaceus, Securidaca longepedunculata, and Moringa oleifera, reflecting their wide therapeutic applications. Leaves and barks were the most commonly utilized plant parts, prepared primarily through decoction and administered orally. The majority of informants acquired their knowledge through family lineage and community tutelage, indicating strong cultural transmission of ethnomedicinal practices. Market and wild collection were the predominant sources of plant materials. This study underscores the rich ethnobotanical heritage of the region and highlights the need for further pharmacological validation and conservation of indigenous plant resources to support sustainable healthcare and biodiversity preservation. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts was conducted according to the standard techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence and absences of phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids and flavonoids, in the methanolic extracts of Boswellia dalzielli (Bark and Leaves), Pterocarpus erinaceus (stem bark and leaves), Securidaca longepedunculata root, and Moringa oleifera Lam leaves. The medicinal effects of the documented plants could be attributable to these associated bioactive phytocompounds, which are synthesized by the studied plants and transferred to humans when consumed or applied. Further empirical investigations to characterize the bioactive phytochemicals and their safety should be done.