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Ethnobotanical Survey of Dacryodes edulis and Anacardium occidentale in Ibadan

Babalola Sunday Aponjolosun(1), Taiye Remi Fasola(2),


(1) Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
(2) Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Corresponding Author

Abstract


Medicinal plants have provided therapeutic benefits to humans and animals since their existence. Ethnobotanical surveys have provided crucial information for the historical, scientific, and pharmaceutical sectors. Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is an ancient and indigenous city in southwestern Nigeria, deeply rooted in Yoruba history and tradition. As one of the largest and oldest cities in West Africa, Ibadan serves as a cultural hub where traditional knowledge systems—especially those related to plant use—are actively preserved and practiced. Its rich ethnobotanical heritage, diverse population, and proximity to rural farming communities make it an ideal setting for studying the traditional uses of African pear (Dacryodes edulis) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale). Therefore, this study focused on the familiarity and medicinal uses of D. edulis and A. occidentale in Ibadan. A survey on the medicinal uses and preparations of the plants was conducted in five local government areas in Ibadan, including the main herbal market (Bode). Structured questionnaires, coupled with oral interviews where necessary, were used. Two hundred respondents–civil servants, artisans, students, herb sellers, and herbalists–were analysed. The age group 21–29 years was 55%, while the 50 years and above group was 10%. On average, 81% had a tertiary education, and 1.5% was uneducated. Also, 61.5% obtained general knowledge about plant medicinal uses from relatives, 1% from apprenticeship, while 38% from friends, schools, self-trial, books, and the internet. The respondents were more familiar with the medicinal uses of A. occidentale (80%) than D. edulis (10%). The study documented some of their traditional medicinal uses, such as treating dermatitis, malaria, and typhoid. These claims may stimulate more scientific research on the plants.

Keywords


Ethnomedicine, Medicinal plants, Diseases, Herbal market, Questionnaires

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DOI: 10.56534/acjpas.v5i2.195

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