Abstract:
Malaria still remains a major health concern that affects the poor
and marginalised populations. Most of indigenous knowledge about
plants used for the management of malaria is undocumented and the risks
of being lost are on the high. The ethnobotanical study documents the
different types of medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in
Kashere and its environs of Akko L.G.A. of Gombe State. Information
was collected by interviewing 84 informants, using a semi-structured
questionnaire, which included Traditional Medical Practioneers, farmers
and other inhabitants who have experience in the management of malaria.
Collected plant samples were identified and authenticated at the Federal
University of Kashere Herbarium (FUKH). Data was analysed using
frequency and percentages. In this study, 81% of the informants are males
and 19% are females. A total of 63% of the informants have attended
primary school/Islamia education, and 76% of the respondents are aged
above 40 years of age. A total of 41 plants species belonging to 28
families were identified. Most plants used in the management of malaria
in Kashere community belong to Fabaceae (12%), Rutaceae (7%),
Asteraceae (7%) and Malvaceae (7%) plant families. Azadirachta indica
A. Juss is with the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC- 0.74)
among the plants surveyed. The main method of preparation is decoction
and dominant plant parts used in the preparation of remedies were leaves.
The diversity of medicinal plants species used and associated indigenous
knowledge are of great value to Kashere community and their
conservation and preservation is paramount.