Ethnobotanical survey of some medicinal plants used in the treatment of schistosomiasis in Sokoto mteropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affect the well-being of people in Sokoto State-Nigeria. A survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of schistosomiasis was conducted in Kware/Wammakko Local Government areas of the state through the administration of structured questionnaire. The survey from 48 respondents revealed total 9 plant species belonging to different families were found to be frequently used in treatment of schistosomiasis. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses on the plants revealed the presence of secondary metabolites. In Acacia nilotica, flavvnoids (3.53 %), alkaloids (2.3 %), saponins (1.507 %), tannins (64 mg/dl), glycosides (0.32 g%), and steroids (79 mg%) were found to be present. In Balanites aegyptiaca, flavvnoids (2.66 %), alkaloids (2.6 %), saponins (1.05 %), tannins (72 mg/dl), glycosides (0.30 g%) and steroids (91 mg%) were present. In Khaya senegalensis, flavnoids (0.77 %), alkaloids (1.8 %), saponins (0.5 %), tannins (23 mg/dl), glycosides (0.23 g%), and steroids (65 mg%) present. The snails were exposed to different concentrations of plant extracts for 96 hours. Ten experimental snails were exposed to 3 L of water containing 3 plant extracts. Mortality was recorded after every 24hr. to 96hr. No response to needle touch was taken as evidence of death. Dead snails were removed immediately to avoid contamination. The toxicity of the three the plant extracts decreased from 255.10 mg/L (42.7%) 24 hr, 91.61 mg/L (21.1%) 48 hr, 66.74 mg/L (21.6%) 72hr and 100% mortality in 96 hr. The toxicity was found to be time and dose dependent. The data obtained from this research have provided the scientific basis for the use of these plants in treatment of schistosomiasis and these plant could serve as effective, cheap and affordable source of medicinal agents for control of schistosomiasis in the State.

Keywords:  Ethnobotanical; Survey; Schistosomiasis; Sokoto; Nigeria