Management of Malaria: An Account by the Indigenous People of Kashere and Its Environs, Gombe State, Nigeria

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.