Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Typhoid Fever in Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in global healthcare, providing a source of natural compounds for treating various diseases, including those resistant to conventional drugs. Typhoid fever remains a significant public health burden, particularly in low-income regions, causing widespread morbidity and mortality due to inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study systematically reviews medicinal plants' role in treating Typhoid fever in Nigeria.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) yielded 249 references, ultimately narrowing it down to 122 studies that met our inclusion criteria.

Results

We found 232 plant species from 66 families used ethnobotanically to treat typhoid fever in Nigeria. Mangifera indica, Carica papaya, and Azadirachta indica were the most frequently used plants. Fabaceae was the most prevalent family. Leaves are primarily used (47.9 %). Decoction (38.7 %) is the preferred preparation method. A comprehensive 62-study review found anti-salmonella activity in 81 plant species. The Fabaceae family, the most commonly used to treat typhoid fever, have anti-salmonella properties. Cajanus cajan, Euphorbia hirta and Phyllanthus niruri show promising activity (MIC value ≤ 0.5 mg/ml), indicating potential for natural anti-salmonella drugs of natural origin.

Conclusions

With insufficient research on many plants, this study highlights Nigeria’s flora as rich in ethnomedicinal knowledge and potential for treating typhoid fever. Traditional claims and bioactive components responsible for antisalmonella action need further study. The wide diversity of medicinal plants for typhoid fever highlights the need for additional research and validation.