ETHNNOMEDICINAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TREATING MALARIA AND THEIR PHYTOCHEMICALS SCREENING. A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OKENE, ADAVI AND AJAKOUTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KOGI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the ethnomedicinal use of medicinal plants for malaria treatment and their phytochemical properties in Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kogi State. The study aimed to identify commonly used medicinal plants, assess the presence of bioactive compounds with antimalarial properties, and examine variations in phytochemical composition across the three LGAs. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect data from 133 respondents. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27, with descriptive statistics used to summarize responses and chi-square tests employed to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings revealed that traditional herbal medicine remains a widely used treatment option for malaria in the study areas. The chi-square test indicated a significant difference in the medicinal plants used across the three LGAs (χ² = 9.85, p = 0.007), suggesting regional variations in plant preferences. However, no significant difference was found in the perception that the identified plants contain bioactive compounds with antimalarial properties (χ² = 4.32, p = 0.115). Conversely, the study found a significant variation in the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants across the LGAs (χ² = 11.67, p = 0.003), reinforcing the impact of environmental factors on bioactive compound concentrations. Based on these findings, the study recommends further phytochemical and pharmacological analyses to scientifically validate the antimalarial efficacy of these plants, standardization of herbal treatments, and policy interventions to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and collaboration between traditional healers and researchers should be encouraged to enhance the safe and effective use of medicinal plants for malaria treatment. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of traditional medicine in malaria control and highlight the need for further research to optimize its use.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Malaria remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. The disease, caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, poses a major public health concern. Despite advances in antimalarial drug development, resistance to conventional treatments, such as chloroquine and artemisinin-based therapies, continues to pose significant challenges (Abiodun et al., 2021). This has led to increased interest in ethnomedicinal approaches—traditional herbal remedies that have been used for generations to combat malaria.

Traditional medicine remains an essential component of healthcare in many parts of Africa, particularly in rural communities where modern medical facilities are scarce. In Nigeria, indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is deeply embedded in cultural practices and plays a crucial role in disease management (Olatokun & Ayanbode, 2021). Ethnomedicinal surveys have revealed the extensive use of plants from the Annonaceae family in malaria treatment, particularly in countries like Cameroon and Nigeria (Tsabang et al., 2022). These plants contain bioactive compounds with potential antimalarial properties, making them promising alternatives to synthetic drugs.

Kogi State, particularly the Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas (LGAs), is known for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices. Over the years, local herbalists and traditional healers have relied on various plant species to treat malaria symptoms. Scientific research has shown that some of these plants contain phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which exhibit antiplasmodial activity (Kubmarawa et al., 2023). A systematic study of these plants can contribute to the discovery of new, effective treatments for malaria.

Several plants have been identified as effective in the treatment of malaria, either through direct inhibition of Plasmodium parasites or by modulating the immune response of the infected individual. One such plant is Daniellia oliveri, which has been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties (Jegede et al., 2020). These properties may help in alleviating the symptoms associated with malaria, such as fever and body pain. Additionally, the stem bark of Daniellia oliveri has demonstrated anti-ulcer activity, which may be beneficial in preventing gastrointestinal complications arising from malaria treatments (Onwukaeme & Udoh, 2019).

Another promising plant is Ficus platyphylla, traditionally used to treat fever and other infections. Research suggests that its stem bark contains saponins with anticonvulsant properties, which may help manage malaria-induced seizures (Chindo et al., 2019). Moreover, Ficus platyphylla has also been reported to promote fertility in female rats, indicating potential hormonal modulation effects that may contribute to overall health during malaria recovery (Ugwah-Oguejiofor et al., 2021).

A study by Abiodun et al. (2021) investigated the antiplasmodial activity of several Nigerian medicinal plants, confirming their efficacy in in vitro models. These findings align with previous research conducted in Burkina Faso, where plants such as Harungana madagascariensis were identified as potential sources of antioxidant and antimalarial compounds (Nadembega et al., 2021). The antioxidant properties of these plants may contribute to malaria management by reducing oxidative stress and improving immune function.

While traditional medicine has played a significant role in malaria treatment, scientific validation of medicinal plants is crucial for their integration into modern healthcare. Phytochemical screening allows researchers to identify the active compounds responsible for the therapeutic effects of these plants. For instance, Garcinia kola has been found to possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects, suggesting that it may have additional benefits beyond malaria treatment (Adaramoye & Adeyemi, 2024).

Similarly, a study by Antia et al. (2023) examined the nutrient composition and antioxidant properties of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark extracts, highlighting their potential use in herbal medicine. The presence of flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids in these plants suggests their potential for treating malaria and other infectious diseases.

One of the major concerns in malaria treatment is the increasing resistance of Plasmodium parasites to conventional antimalarial drugs. The failure of drugs like chloroquine and the emergence of resistance to artemisinin-based therapies have prompted the search for alternative treatments (Patil et al., 2023). Natural compounds derived from medicinal plants offer a promising solution, as they often have multiple bioactive components that make it difficult for parasites to develop resistance.

For example, Jatropha curcas has been investigated for its potential antiviral and antimalarial properties, showing promise in inhibiting the hemagglutinin protein of influenza viruses (Patil et al., 2023). This suggests that similar mechanisms may be at play in its antimalarial activity. Additionally, Kigelia africana, a traditional African medicinal tree, has demonstrated antibacterial activity, supporting its potential use in treating secondary infections associated with malaria (Grace et al., 2022).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality (Abiodun et al., 2021). Despite advancements in synthetic antimalarial drugs, the increasing resistance of Plasmodium parasites to conventional treatments, such as chloroquine and artemisinin-based therapies, necessitates the urgent search for alternative treatment options (Patil et al., 2023). Ethnomedicinal approaches, which involve the use of traditional herbal remedies, have long been practiced in Nigeria. However, scientific validation of these medicinal plants remains limited, especially in Kogi State, where indigenous knowledge is rich but underexplored.

Several studies have documented the traditional use of medicinal plants for treating malaria in different parts of Africa (Tsabang et al., 2022; Nadembega et al., 2021). However, most research efforts have focused on regions such as Cameroon and Burkina Faso, leaving significant gaps in Nigeria-specific studies. While some Nigerian studies have investigated the phytochemical properties of medicinal plants, they have largely been conducted in other states, such as those by Kubmarawa et al. (2023) and Olatokun & Ayanbode (2021), leaving Kogi State underrepresented in scientific literature. The extent to which locally available medicinal plants in Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs possess antimalarial properties remains unknown, creating a gap in knowledge that this study seeks to address.

Additionally, while previous research has identified the therapeutic potential of plants like Daniellia oliveri and Ficus platyphylla, their applications have primarily been studied in contexts such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or fertility-related benefits (Jegede et al., 2020; Ugwah-Oguejiofor et al., 2021). Their direct antiplasmodial activity, particularly in the context of malaria treatment, remains inadequately explored. Furthermore, many studies on medicinal plants focus primarily on in vitro assessments, without comprehensive ethnobotanical surveys that capture indigenous knowledge and usage patterns (Grace et al., 2022).

This research aims to fill these gaps by conducting an ethnomedicinal survey of malaria treatment practices in Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs of Kogi State. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the phytochemical composition of selected medicinal plants, comparing findings across the three LGAs. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific validation, this study will contribute to the identification of potential plant-based antimalarial therapies and provide a foundation for future drug development.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants used in treating malaria in Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas and to analyze their phytochemical composition. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify and document the medicinal plants traditionally used for malaria treatment in the selected LGAs.
2. To conduct phytochemical screening of the identified plants to determine their bioactive constituents.
3. To compare the phytochemical composition of these medicinal plants across Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs.

1.4 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the common medicinal plants used in treating malaria in Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs?
2. What bioactive compounds are present in the identified medicinal plants?
3. Are there significant differences in the phytochemical constituents of these plants across the three LGAs?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The study is guided by the following null hypotheses:

1. There is no significant difference in the medicinal plants used for malaria treatment across Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs.
2. The identified medicinal plants do not contain significant bioactive compounds with antimalarial properties.
3. There is no significant variation in the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants across the three LGAs.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it contributes to the documentation and preservation of indigenous knowledge on the use of medicinal plants for malaria treatment in Kogi State. Many traditional healing practices are at risk of being lost due to modernization and lack of proper recording. By documenting these practices, this research ensures their continuity and potential integration into formal healthcare.

Second, the phytochemical screening of medicinal plants will provide scientific validation for their use in malaria treatment. Identifying bioactive compounds with potential antimalarial properties could pave the way for the development of novel herbal-based therapies, reducing reliance on synthetic drugs that are prone to resistance.

Third, a comparative study of medicinal plants across Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs will highlight variations in traditional practices and plant composition, providing insights into regional differences in plant efficacy. This information is valuable for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners seeking to promote evidence-based traditional medicine.

Lastly, this study could encourage further research and investment in plant-based antimalarial drugs, contributing to Nigeria’s broader efforts in combating malaria and strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas in Kogi State. It focuses specifically on medicinal plants used for treating malaria and does not extend to other diseases. The study involves an ethnomedicinal survey to document the plants used by traditional healers and local communities, followed by laboratory-based phytochemical screening to analyze the active compounds present in these plants. The research does not include clinical trials or pharmacological testing on human subjects.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Ethnomedicinal Survey – A systematic study of traditional medicinal practices, focusing on the knowledge and use of medicinal plants by indigenous communities.

Medicinal Plants – Plants with bioactive compounds that have therapeutic properties and are used in traditional or modern medicine.

Malaria – A mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, characterized by fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

Phytochemical Screening – The process of identifying and analyzing the chemical compounds present in plants, particularly those with potential medicinal properties.

Bioactive Compounds – Naturally occurring chemical substances in plants that have biological effects on living organisms, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or antimalarial properties.

Local Government Area (LGA) – An administrative subdivision in Nigeria, representing a specific geographical area with local governance structures.

Traditional Medicine – A system of healthcare practices based on indigenous cultural beliefs and knowledge, often involving the use of herbal remedies.

Drug Resistance – The ability of disease-causing organisms, such as Plasmodium parasites, to survive and multiply despite the presence of pharmaceutical drugs designed to kill or inhibit them.