Ethno-medicinal survey of plants used by the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State in the prevention of Covid-19 symptoms

Authors

  • Uwemedimo F. Umoh Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel I. Etim 2 Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel E. Attih Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Akpabio Akwaowoh E. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Imoh I. Johnny Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Ubong S. Ekong Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Herbert O. C. Mbagwu Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

Keywords:

Medicinal plants, covid-19, symptoms, prevention, TMPs

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to gather information on local plants used by the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State to prevent covid-19.

Method: Information was collated through the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire to 100 Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs). Thereafter, upon completion of the questionnaires, the sex of TMPs, age of TMPs, local and common names of plants used, parts of plants and methods of preparation were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results: The results of the study revealed 30 medicinal plants from 26 families. The nature of the medicinal plants used were herb, tree and shrub; while the age range of greater than 50 years (48%) accounted for the larger number of TMPs who were interviewed with male TMPs making up 69% of the study population. The study also showed the parts of the plants used to include the leaf (53%), seed (12.5%), stem bark, bulb/rhizome and fruits (9% each) while root and whole plant accounted for 3% each. The methods of preparation used were decoction, infusion, maceration, squeezing and chewing while 55% of medicinal plants used have established antiviral properties.

Conclusion: The result from this study supports the use of medicinal plants in the prevention and management covid-19 symptoms and may provide information to researchers for further studies.

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Published

2024-01-25

How to Cite

F. Umoh, U., I. Etim, E., E. Attih, E., Akwaowoh E., A., I. Johnny, I., S. Ekong, U., & O. C. Mbagwu, H. (2024). Ethno-medicinal survey of plants used by the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State in the prevention of Covid-19 symptoms. Journal of Drug Discovery and Research, 2(2), 1–13. Retrieved from https://ddrg.net/index.php/ddrg/article/view/44

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