1à M. Idu, 1 J.O. Erhabor, 1 O. Timothy and 2 E.S. Osazuwa
1Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, P.M.B.1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
2Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), P.M.B.1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding author’s Email: macdonaldidu@hotmail.com
Abstract: Ethnodermatological data were collected from the Itsekiri people of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State between February and September, 2009. The study was carried out in 3 communities (Okorode-Itsekiri, Okorode-Urhobo and Ogbejaw) within the Local Government council Area. The data were gatheredfrom 15 randomly selected Traditional healers/herbalist with the aid of a structured questionnaire. A total of 30 of medicinal plant species belonging to 21 families and 30 genera were of ethnodermatological importance for the treatment of 17 skin diseases. Herbs and trees form the most used growth form and the fruit being the most cited plant part in a greater number of the remedy preparations. Most of the remedies were prepared from a single plant source with other ingredients and a few common plants.The contributions of this study towards the understanding, documentation and safeguarding of indigenous knowledge and the possible utilization of the plants for greater economic uses were also highlighted.
Keywords: Ethnodermatology, Medicinal plant, Traditional healers, Herbalist, Itsekiri people, Delta State, Nigeria
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