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African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines
African Ethnomedicines Network
ISSN: 0189-6016
Vol. 5, Num. 4, 2008, pp. 340-345

African Journal of Traditional, Complimentary and Alternative Medicines, Vol. 5, No. 4, 2008, pg. 340 - 345

Research Paper                                                         

Ethnobotanical survey of anti-asthmatic plants in South Western Nigeria

M. A. Sonibarea* and Z. O. Gbileb

aDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, bOlabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria E-mail: sonibaredeola@yahoo.com,

Code Number: tc08047

Abstract

The paper presents the results of an ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of asthma in Ogun, Osun and Oyo states. Twenty markets were visited and forty-six plants belonging to thirty-three different families were collected. The plants’ families represented in the collection include, Amaryllidaceae, Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Solanaceae, Zingiberaceae and others. Most of the herbs were prescribed along with other recipes, mono-prescription was rare. Modes of administration of the phytomedicines were concoction, decoctions and powdered ash residue.

Keywords:  Asthma, ethnobotanical survey, phytomedicines, Southwestern Nigeria.

Introduction

Asthma is one of the most problematic diseases of the bronchial tubes. It is estimated that asthma affects approximately 10% of the population in Britain (Howell, 2000). In Nigeria, asthma affects both adult and children with greatly diverse symptoms. However, there is no statistical record of the frequency of occurrence amongst the populace. During asthmatic attacks, the patient’s body is deprived of oxygen because he cannot inhale sufficient air. He feels tightness in his breathing.  Asthma is considered to be a syndrome or symptom complex characterized by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree in the wide-spread swelling and narrowing of the tracheobronchial tree (Aguwa, 1986). Many things can trigger off an attack in the asthmatics. Of particular note are inhalations of dust, especially when sweeping an enclosure, of smoke from frying or the burning of dried or wet grass. It has been noted that asthmatic patients suffer more during the wet season in our geographic zone suffering from cough and cold that are the natural twin companions of the ailment.

The symptoms of persons with asthma differ greatly in frequency and degree. Some have episode that is mild and brief, otherwise they are symptom-free. Others have mild cough and wheezing much of the time, punctuated by severe increased breathlessness following exposure to known allergens, viral infections, exercise, or non-specific irritants. Children, in particular, may notice an itching sensation over the anterior neck or upper chest as an early sign of an impending attack, and dry cough, particularly at night. The cough during an acute attack sounds tight and is generally non-productive of mucus (Aguwa, 1986). The orthodox treatment for the management of acute attack and day to day therapy of asthma may involve the use of bronchodilators, expectorants and corticosteroids.

Traditionally, a number of herbs that is good for the respiratory organs are good for asthma. They can be used singly or combined. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Duckweed (Stellaria media), thyme (Thymus serphyllum)and many others are in use. Euphorbia hirta L. is another asthma herb. In East and West Africa, extracts of the decoction of the plant collected in the flowering and fruiting stages are used in asthma and respiratory tract inflammations and are sometimes combined with bronchial sedatives like Grindelia robusta in preparation for inhalation (Oliver, 1959, Kokwaro, 1976).

This study aims at providing information on the available local remedies for asthma as well as presents the mode of preparation and administration of these phytomedicines with a view to promoting further significant studies on the biological activity of the plants.

Materials and methods

In the present study several herbalists and Traditional medical practitioners were visited in Ogun, Osun and Oyo states for anti-asthmatic plants. Recipes were also collected from herb sellers in various notable markets in these regions. The markets visited in Oyo state, in Ibadan town include Bode, Oranya , Ojaoba and Oremeji ’In Iwo town, Idiomo and Araromi markets were visited. Markets visited in Oyo town include: Akesan market and Sabo market. In Osun state, markets visited in Ife town include: Ita-Akogun and Enuwa markets. In Ogun state in Ijebu-Ode town, Oke-Aje market was visited, in Ijebu-Igbo town, Station and Atikori markets were visited. Herb sellers and Traditional medical practitioners in these markets were questioned on their knowledge on the treatment and management of asthma disease. Most of the respondents were women and most of the recipes were only given with their known vernacular names. The herbs collected were identified and authenticated at the Forest Herbarium Ibadan (FHI) by Prof Gbile and also by comparing with herbarium collections. Voucher specimens were deposited at FHI.

Results

Forty-six plants belonging to thirty-three Angiosperm families were collected as plants having anti-asthmatic properties (Table 1). Various plant parts were collected as recipes including stem, bark, fruits, leaves, bulb, seeds and flower. Generally stem barks were predominant in the prescription. Most of the herbs are prepared along with other herbs; monopresciption was rare in the data collected.

Enumeration of Recipes

  1. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia lateriflora, Securidaca longipedunculata, Crinum jagus, Allium sativum, Tetrapleura tetraptera
    Preparation: Washed and cut all the recipes into pieces, soak in water in a covered glass jar and leave for three days. For adult: a small tumbler-full is taken three times daily, Children: a small tumbler-full daily.
  2. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Chasmanthera dependens, Calliandra portoricensis, Mimosa pigra,  Securidaca longipedunculata, Crinum jagus, Allium ascalonicum, Tetrapleura tetraptera
    Preparation and dosage as in 1
  3. Recipes: Chasmanthera dependens, Picralima nitida, Crinum jagus, Allium ascalonicum, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Alum
    Preparation: Wash Crinum jagus and cut into pieces, mix with the scrapped portion of Tetrapleura tetraptera in a mortar. The mixed herbs are soaked in water with alum. The liquid extract is administered. Adult: one tablespoon-full daily. Children: (diluted form of the extract), a small spoon-full daily.
  4. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Crinum jagus Tetrapleura tetraptera, Chasmanthera dependens, Gongronema latifolium, Xylopia aethiopica, Euphorbia lateriflora, Nauclea latifolia, Gossypium barbadense, Allium ascalonicum.
    Preparation: Wash and cut into pieces all the herbs. A cold maceration of the ingredients is administered. Adult: a small tumbler-full once in three days. Children: one tablespoon-full once in three days.
  5. Recipes: Tetrapleura tetraptera, Chasmanthera depends, Crinum jagus, Allium ascalonicum.
    Preparation: A concoction of the ingredients is made. The concoction is left for about ten hours for effective extraction. Adult: three tablespoons-full twice daily. Children: 1 tablespoon-full twice per day.
  6. Recipes: Tetrapleura tetrptera, Crinum jagus, Xylopia aethiopica, Gossypium barbadens, Olax subscorpioidea, Securidaca longepedunclata.
    Preparation: Wash, cut into pieces and soak in water for three days, then administer. Adult: one small tumbler-full daily. Chidren: a small teaspoon-full daily.
  7. Recipes: Crinum jagus, Chasmanthera dependens, Olax subscorpioidea, Tetrapleura tetraptera,  Allium ascalonicum.
    Preparation: Wash, cut into pieces and soak in water for a day, then administer. Adult: two tablespoon-full daily. Chidren: one teaspoon-full daily.
  8. Recipes: Crinum jagus, Allium ascalonicum, Gossypium barbadense, Chasmanthera dependens, Olax subscorpioidea, Xylopia aethiopica, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Calliandra portoricensis.
    Preparation: As in 7. Adult: a small tumbler-full once a day. Children: a tablespoon-full daily.
  9. Recipes: Crinum jagus, Eugenia aromatica
    Preparation:Washed, chopped ingredients are soaked in local gin. The preparation is left for a day before administering. Adult: 1 tablespoon-full twice daily, children: 1 teaspoon-full once in three days.
  10. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Calliandra portoricensis, Aristolochia ringens, Allium ascalonicum.
    Preparation: Wash and cut the ingredients into pieces, soak in water for three days. Adult: 1 tablespoon daily, children: a small teaspoon-ful daily.
  11. Recipes: Anacardium occidentale, Garcinia kola
    Preparation: Extract the cashew juice and mix with sugar, cut the Garcinia kola into pieces and soak in the juice. Administer after a day. Adult: 1 tablespoon-ful daily, children: 1 teaspoon once in three days.
  12. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Mimosa pigra, Calliandra portoricensis
    Preparation: The ingredients are chopped into pieces and soaked in water for three days. Adult: a small tumbler-ful daily, children: a small teaspoonful once in three days.
  13. Khaya ivorensis, Terminalia ivorensis, Piliostigma reticulatum, Xylopia aethiopica, Uvaria chammae, Allium sativum
    Preparation: As in 12. Adult: a glass cupful daily, children: half a glass cupful daily.
  14. Recipes: Strophanthus hispidus, Kigelia Africana.
    Preparation: The ingredients are chopped into pieces and soaked in warm water for three days. Adult: 1 tablespoon thrice a day, children: 1 teaspoonful once a day.
  15. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Calliandra portoricensis, Securidaca longepedunculata,Tetrapleura tetraptera, Allium ascalonicum.
    Preparation: Chop the ingredients in pieces and soak in water. Adult: 1 tablespoon thrice a day, children: a small teaspoon once daily.
  16. Recipes: Chrysophyllum abidum, Allium ascalonicum, Harunganamadagascariensis, Oxytenanthera abyssinia, Aframmomum melegueta, Garcinia kola, Acacia nilotica, Picralima nitida.
    Preparation: Wash and cut into pieces the ingredients, soak in water for two days. Adult: 1 tablespoon twice daily, children: a teaspoonful daily.
  17. Recipes: Abrus precatorious, Vitex doniana
    Preparation: An infusion of Abrus precatorious is administered while the Vitex doniana is used as a rubifacient applied to the patient’s chest. Adult: 1 tablespoon-ful thrice daily, children: a teaspoonful twice daily
  18. Recipes: Bridelia ferruginea, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Anacardium occidentale
    Preparation: Cut into pieces the ingredients and boil. Adult: a small tumbler-full thrice daily, children: a small teaspoon-full thrice daily.  
  19. Recipes: Zingiber officinale, Anacardium occidentale, Bridelia ferryginea, Allium ascalonicum, Terminalia glaucescens, Anogeissus leiocarpus
    Preparation: Boil the ingredients for 30 minutes. Adult: a tumbler twice daily, Children: a teaspoon twice daily.
  20. Recipes: Olax subscorpioidea, Calliandra pororicensis
    Preparation: Cut into pieces the ingredients and soak in sugar water for three days. Adult: 1 tablespoonful once daily, children: a small teaspoonful once daily.

Table 1: Anti-asthmatic plants, families, local names and plant parts used

S/N

Botanical names

Family

Local names

Plant parts used

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

Abrus precatorius Linn.

Acacia nilotica (Guill. Et. Perr.) O. Ketze

Aframomum melegueta K. Schum.

Allium ascalonicum Linn.

Allium sativum Linn.

Anacardium occidentalis Linn.

Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr.

Anthocleista djalonensis A.Chev.

Aristolochia ringens Vahl

Bridelia ferruginea Benth.

Calliandra portoricensis (Jacq.) Benth

Chasmanthera dependens Hochst

Chrysophyllum albidum Linn.

Cocos nucifera Linn.

Crassocephalum rubens (Juss. ex. Jacq.) S. Moore

Crinum jagus (Thoms.) Dandy

Eugenia aromatica (Linn.) Baill.

Euphorbia hirta Linn.

Euphorbia lateriflora Schum. et. Thonn.

Gambeya africana Pierre

Garcinia kola Linn.

Gongronema latifolia Benth.

Gossypium barbadense Linn.

Harungana madagascariens Lam.

Khaya ivorensis A. Juss.

Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth

Lactuca taraxifolia (Wild.) Schum ex Horn Moore

Mimosa pigra Linn.

Musa sapientum Linn.

Musanga cecropioides R. Br.

Nauclea africana  Wild.

Nicotiana tabacum Linn.

Olax subscorpioidea Oliver

Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Rich) Munro

Picralima nitida (Stapf.) Th. & H. D

Piliostigma reticulatum (Stapf.) Th. & H. Dur

Saccharum officinarum Linn.

Securidaca longepedunculata Fres.

Strophanthus hispidus DC.

Terminalia glauccesens Planch. Ex Benth

Terminalia ivorensis Chev.

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. et. Thonn) Taub

Uvaria chammae Linn.

Vitex doniana Sweet

Xylopia aethiopica Linn.

Zingiber officinale Rosc.

Papilionaceae

Mimosaceae

Zingiberaceae

Liliaceae

Liliaceae

Anacardiaceae

Combretaceae

Loganiaceae

Aristolochiaceae

Euphorbiaceae

Mimosaceae

Menispermaceae

Sapotaceae

Arecaceae

Asteraceae

Amaryllidaceae

Myrtaceae

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbiaceae

Sapotaceae

Clusiaceae

Asclepiadaceae

Malvaceeae

Hyperiaceae

Meliaceae

Bignoniaceae

Asteraceae

Mimosaceae

Musaceae

Moraceae

Rubiaceae

Solanaceae

Olacaceae

Gramineae

Apocynaceae

Leguminosae

Gramineae

Polygalaceae

Apocynaceae

Combretaceae

Combretaceae

Mimosaceae

Annonaceae

Verbenaceae

Annonaceae

Zingiberaceae

Omisinmisin

Booni

Atare

Alubosa elewe

Ayuu

Kaju

Ayin

Sapo

Ako-igun

Ira

Tude

Ato

Agbalumo

Agbon

Ebolo

Ogede-odo

Kanafuru

Emi-ile

Enu-opiri

Baaka

Orogbo

Madunmaro

Owu

Amuje

Oganwo

Pandoro

Yanrin

Ewon agogo

Ogede were

Agbawo

Egbesi

Taba

Ifon

Aparun

Erin

Abafe, Abafin

Ireke

Ipeta

Sagere

Idi-odan

Idigbo

Aidan

Gbogbonse

Oori

Eeru

Ataile

Leaf

Fruit

Rhizome

Leaf

Bulb

Bark

Stem-bark

Bark

Root

Stem-bark

Root

Stem

Stem-bark

Fruit

Leaf

Bulb

Flower

Plant

Stem

Fruit

Seed

Root

Seed

Bark

Bark

Stem-bark

Leaf

Stem

Fruit

Bark

Root

Leaf

Root

Root

Fruit

Bark

Stem

Root

Bark

Stem-bark

Stem-bark

Fruit

Root-bark

Bark

Fruit

Rhizome

Discussion

Traditional medicinal practices are known to still be an important component of everyday life in many regions of the world (Bussmann, 2006, Bussman and Sharon, 2006, De Feo, 1992). Plants are known to provide a rich source of raw materials for traditional medicine in Africa and other parts of the developing world. There is hardly any need to stress that majority of Africans living on the continent are forced to resort to traditional practitioners and to use traditional medicine for the continued maintenance of their health and also to alleviate their diverse sufferings. This practice which has considerable economic importance within the cultural milieu of Africa has never been properly codified and standardized.

During the course of the ethnobotanical survey for anti-asthmatic plants, various plants were given as remedies for asthma with the supposedly enough volume / quantity for dosage. This problem of determining the right volume of the herbal preparation that will just be sufficient as remedy for the disease was much confronted during the surveys. There were diversities in the preparation and use of the herbal medicines in the different markets surveyed. For instance, the remedies given at Gate and Orita-Aperin markets in Ibadan were almost the same but there is a wide range of variation in the dosages given. Indeed one of the best-justified criticisms of herbal medicines is the difficulty in determining dosages of bioactive ingredients due to this inherent variation.

A number of medicinal plant species has been shown to be biologically active against various illnesses (Abena et al, 2007, Ajaiyeoba and Fadare, 2006, Ogundare et al, 2006, Neto et al, 2002; Vilegas et al, 1997). Some of the plants encountered in this survey have also been worked upon by Scientists. Odebiyi and Sofowora (1978) reported alkaloids and tannins from the leaves of X. aethiopica; Puri and Talata (1964) reported essential oils and glycosides from the root, bark leaves and fruits of the same plants. Fruit extract of Kigelia africana was reported to have molluscicidal properties by Adewumi and Sofowora (1980). Several alkaloids were isolated from Picralima nitida (Oliver et al., 1965, Pousset et al., 1965). Iwu and Igboko (1982) established the chemical constituents from the extractive of Garcinia kola seeds as flavonoids namely apigenin fisetin and biflavonoid ametoflavone. Such findings have proved the efficacy of some of the plants already worked upon. However, there are some of the plants whose constituents have not been verified. From the general point of view, it has been observed that asthma patients, irrespective of their class in the society or social background avail themselves of the services of both the conventional doctors and the traditional medical practitioners. It would appear that more than ever before, the need for the two types of health care to exist will continue to increase.

Based on the findings on the chemical constituents of the various plant specimens collected, it has been discovered that all anti-asthmatic drugs took their origins from plants. Mineral resources are occasionally part of the herbal preparations. The standard attained in modern medical practice on the treatment of asthma is therefore as a result of continued scientific study and investigation which have thus produced a wealth of information about the nature and physiological activity of the many compounds extracted from plants. Much of the modern scientific medicines have evolved from traditional medicines and this is why in our present circumstances, we must give our traditional system an objective and critical examination.   

References

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  2. Adewunmi, C. O. and Sofowora, E. A. (1980). Preliminary screening of some plant extracts for molluscicidal activity. Planta Medica 39: 57-65.
  3. Aguwa, C. N.  (1986). Therapeutic basis of chemical Pharmaconosy (check tittle??) in the Tropics. Macmillian Publishers Ltd. London & Basinstocke.
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  6. Bussmann, R. W.  and Sharon, D. (2006). Traditional plant use in Northern Peru: Tracking two thousand years of health culture. J. Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2: 47
  7. De Feo, V. (1992). Medicinal and magical  plants on Northern Peruvian Andes. Fitoterapia 63: 417-440
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