Assessment of Plants Used in Polyherbal Formulations for Traditional Treatment of Skin Infections in Ibadan Metropolis

Introduction

There are numerous skin diseases and frequently occurring health problems that affect all ages, from neonates to the elderly, and in many ways cause harm. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. It is also suitable for raw materials or the production of new synthetic drugs.

The present study was aimed at carrying out an ethnobotanical investigation of polyherbal formulations traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections in the Ibadan metropolis.

Methods

A comprehensive ethnobotanical survey was carried out in six local government areas within the Ibadan metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria, where a substantial number of respondents were administered questionnaires. Information on the respondents' socioeconomic status, the types of plants utilised in polyherbal medicine, and the preparation and skill-acquisition techniques of the local herbal practitioners were all gathered. The generated data were subjected to descriptive statistics analysis.

Results

The obtained results showed that Daniella oliveri, Olax subcorpioidea, Khaya grandifolia, Piper guineensis, Anogesius leocarpa, and Alstonia boonei are the most often utilised herbs for treating skin infections. Barks are mainly used because the highest occurring mode of preparation recorded was decoction, and barks are mostly decocted to release the active constituents in them for the treatment of fungal skin infections. The most common method of administration of the herbal preparations was drinking the decoction after preparation.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that polyherbal medicines have great potential in treating various types of skin infections and a few rural and urban dwellers still depend on traditional healing methods.