Local plants show promise in eye, ENT ailmentsA study on 24 medicinal plants used by the Binis in Edo State for the treatment of eye, ear, nose and throat infections has shown great promise. CHUKWUMA MUANYA reports.
NIGERIAN researchers have unveiled 24 local plants used in treating eye, ear, nose and throat infections.
The ethnobotanical survey shows that among the plants studied some plant species like Allium cepa (onion), Newbouldia laevis (fertility/chieftency leaf), Euphorbia hirta (Asthma herb)) and Spondias mombin (Hog plum) are used for the treatment of more than one ailment.
Ethnobotany is a preliminary method of research, suitable for gathering information on the use of plants.
The enthnobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of ophthalmic and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) ailments in Benin City, Edo State was published recently in Experimental Oncology and Ethnobotanical Leaflets.
_ The researchers led by Prof. MacDonald Idu, G.O. Obaruyi and J. O. Erhabor of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin City, Edo State, revealed that 24 plant species belonging to 18 families and 22 genera are commonly in use in the treatment of eye and ENT; of these, 16 plant species are used for the treatment of eye ailment, five for ear, three for nose while five are used for throat ailment.
The study is titled "Ethnobotanical Uses of Plants Among the Binis in the Treatment of Ophthalmic and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Ailments".
The word ophthalmology comes from the Greek roots ophthalmos meaning eye and logos meaning word, thought or discourse; ophthalmology literally means "the science of eyes".
Some eye problems are minor and fleeting. But some lead to a permanent loss of vision. Common eye problems include: Cataracts - clouded lenses; Glaucoma - damage to the optic nerve from too much pressure in the eye; Retinal disorders - problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye; and Conjunctivitis - an infection also known as pinkeye.
It has been shown that there are eight common ailments afflicting our ears, nose and throat. These are Tonsillitis; Stomatitis; Sneezing; Pyorrhoea, Ear pus; Voice hoarseness; Glossitis; and Epistaxis.
Tonsillitis is a disorder involving inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsillitis is extremely common in children and young people but it can occur at any age. The characteristics of the disease are pain in the throat and trouble swallowing.
Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, throat, and roof or floor of the mouth.
Pyorrhea or periodontitis refers to an advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the ligaments and bones that support the teeth become inflamed and infected.
Glossitis is inflammation or infection of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell and change colour. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (papillae) may be lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.
Epistaxis (or a nosebleed) is the relatively common occurrence of hemorrhage from the nose, usually noticed when the blood drains out through the nostrils.
_ According to the University of Benin study, the information was obtained through administered questionnaire and personal interviews of local healers in the study area. The documented medicinal plants were mostly used to cure ear ache, sore throat, nasal bleeding and eye ailment.
Onion (Allium cepa) is of plant family Liliaceae. Local names: Edo - alubarha; Efik/Ibibio - oyim mbakara; Igbo - yabasi; Yoruba - alubosa. The leaves and bulb are used for asthma, convulsion, hypotension, ulcers, cough, cold and skin infections.
Previous studies have found onion bulb to serve as a stimulant and expectorant. Generally antimicrobial, it is usually crushed and its juice used against skin infections and insect bites. The roasted onion or its compress is used as poultice for tumours, ulcers, earaches and piles.
Juice of onion is mixed with honey in the treatment of asthma, cough, cold convulsion and hypotension (low blood pressure). Fresh onion leaves are mostly used to eat roasted meat (suya) as a carminative and to reduce cholesterol level. Onion bulb is mostly used for flavouring and garnishing soup and foods.
Onion bulb is used for treating irritation of the eye. Roasted bulb in the form of poultice is used for treatment of earache and it is used for brightening eye colour. It is always recommended for people that have dull or reddish eye colour. The bulb is broken and brought close to the eye to stop irritation. Onion bulb is roasted, molded with the hand then brought close to the ear that is, pasted close to the ear and onion bulb is eaten raw and always used for preparing meals. The broken bulb is brought close to the eyes twice daily, and drop twice daily and onion bulb is eaten daily.
__The bulb eaten raw is used as a remedy for insomnia, loss of memory and diabetes. It is also effective for treating hay fever and catarrh and also to cure chest infection and tuberculosis. Bulbs are used for treatment of hemorrhoids, dysentery and asthma. A compression made of roasted bulb is applied to inflamed or protruding piles for relief.
__Bulbs and leaves contain riboflavin, sulphur compound-in-prophyl disulphur. It is rich in iodine, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium. Bulbs contain arginine histidine and isoleucine.
___Commonly called fertility plant or tree of life, Newbouldia laevis belongs to the plant family Bignoniaceae. It is called ogirishi in Igbo, akoko in Yoruba, ukhimi in Esan. According to previous studies, the leaves of smooth Newbouldia laevis are squeezed and the extract use to treat eye problems. Roots, barks and leaves are used during childbirth, constipation and on septic wounds. Decoction of the leaves is used to treat sore eye, young fresh leaves are used to cure eye inflammation and redness and the leaves are used for the treatment of ear pain. The leaves are squeezed and the juice from it is dropped into the eye and the young fresh leaves are crushed in little amount of water and the extract is dropped into the eye to cure eye inflammation and redness and the leaves are heated and became weak and squeezed. The juice from it is dropped into the ear against ear pain; one drop, twice daily.
_ Commonly called Asthma herb, Euphorbia hirta belongs to the plant family Euphorbiaceae. It is called malnomm?e in French. In Nigeria, it is z?gban (that which grows thorns) or asin uloko in Edo, endamyel in Fula-Fulfulde, n??n?n k?rc?y?? (dove's milk) in Hausa, ?b ?n (ground fig tree) in Igbo (Asaba), ?b ?n (ground fig) in Igbo (Okpanam), ba ala in Igbo (Owerri), bou ob?r?ma (the fruit) in Ijo-Izon, akun esan in Yoruba.
Euphorbia hirta is also locally known as ogwu ngwo (eczema drug) in some Eastern parts of Nigeria is used locally to arrest bleeding in the event of an injury. Leaves of Euphorbia hirta are used in traditional medicine for the treatments of boils, wounds and control of diarrhoea and dysentery.
Commonly called Hog plum, Ashanti plum, Spanish plum, mombin or monbin; Spondias mombin is of the plant family Anacardiaceae. To the French, it is mombin, or monbin. In Nigeria, it is kechibo in Bokyi; ogheeghe (the fruit) in Edo; nsukakara in Efik; tsadar masar in Hausa; ijikara, ogogo, ngwu or ungwu in Igbo; aginiran in Ijaw; kakka in Tiv; ogghighen in Urhobo; iyeye (the fruit) or akika (the tree) in Yoruba.
Preliminary results report a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal properties. The chemistries of this plant has been reported, recommended its use for pregnant woman but only after five months of pregnancy. The results indicate that the cytotoxic effects of the plant may have some benefits in protecting the foetus from foreign pathogens. High levels of cytotoxicity are believed to be a good indicator of analgesic properties. The use to ease pain during childbirth supports this evidence. The results of antibacterial and antifungal bioassays demonstrate growth inhibition.
Nigerian researchers have studied the sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects of Spondias mombin in mice and rats. Infusion of fresh leaves is used for the treatment of short sightedness and Infusion of fresh leaves plus lime juice is used for the treatment of cataract. The fresh leaves are squeezed in water and filtered and also fresh leaves are squeezed in water plus lime juice; and taken one cup thrice daily.
__The juice from fresh leaves with lime juice is used against cataract. The leaves are used against convulsion and stomachache. Infusion of leaves is used for the treatment of cold and cough. The decoction or macerated stem bark is used against severe cough, with immature palm nuts used for the treatment of fibroid. The juice from the fruit is used as a febrifuge (a medication that reduces fever) and for diuretic (any drug that elevates the rate of urination) purpose. The stem bark is fungicidal and showed anti-turmour property when it was administered on Wister Rat.
Ethnobotanical data for the University of Benin study were collected through general conversation with informants in the field, between the months of November 2007 to February, 2008. During the course of the study 50 informants were interviewed. Information was obtained through oral interview guided by structural questionnaire. Informants were selected based on their knowledge of medicinal plants either for self-medication or for treating others. Such informants were accompanied by the researcher to nearby field for identification and collection. Plant parts were collected using standard herbarium format.
__During the interview vernacular names, useful plant parts, method of preparation of remedy, dosage, side effect and contraindications were recorded.
__The researchers wrote: "The ethnobotanical survey revealed that a total of 24 plant species distributed in 18 families and 22 genera. The following enumerated plants were identified with respect to their families and genera. For each species, the botanical name, common name, vernacular name, folk use, preparation of remedy dosage, literature. For all the plant species, specific parts were used with different means of preparation of remedy and different dosages were employed."
_ Top on the list for the remaining 20 local plants is Ageratum conyzoides, which is of plant family Asteraceae. Commonly called Billy goat weed, Ageratum conyzoides is of plant family Compositae. It is called ?b?gh?-d?r? in Edo, ?k? ?fu ?y?n (leaf of the excreta of a child) in Efik, ?g?d-?s?-awa (old person with grey hair) or ?g?d-?s?-?w-?och? (old person with white hair) in Igbo (Asaba), oso angweri ngwa in Igbo (Onitsha), ?h h ?-nw?-?sh? n'?k? (grass that smells in the hand) in Igbo (Owerri), f r ?t?k? (smelling herb) in Ijaw; h?h? in Tiv; ?k? y?ny?n in Yoruba. It is an annual herb abundant in preclusive forests and farmland in southern part of Nigeria.
The leaves are used to treat redness of the eye and inflammation. The leaves are squeezed and the emanating juice is dropped into the eyes as eye drop- one drop, twice daily.
__According to The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa by H. M. Burkill, the leaves are considered to be antiseptic. Preparations are commonly applied to craw-craw in the West Africa, and to itch in Southeast Asia. In Congo the sap is put onto prurient affections of the skin.
Next on the list is Crinum jagus (poison bulb), which belongs to the plant family Amaryllidaceae. It is called Ogede-odo by the Bini's. The leaves are used for earache.
Leaves are heated and then squeezed so that the juice comes out and common salt is added. The mixture of the juice and common salt is dropped into the ear twice daily.
__The warm leaf juice with a pinch of common salt is used for ear complaints as an emetic. The decoction of the bulb is used as vermifuge (to expel intestinal worms) and purgative. The bulbs of Crinum jagus and Crinum gluaim are used in traditional medicine in Southern Nigeria for a memory loss and other mental symptoms associated with ageing.
Commonly called swizzle stick, Rauwolfia vomitoria belongs to the plant family Apocynaceae. Swizzle-stick is called akata in Edo; mmoneba uto enyin in Efik; wada in Hausa; akanta in Ibo; and asofeyeje in Yoruba. Leaves are used for irritation of the eyes. Juice is squeezed out of fresh leaves. One drop into the eyes daily.
___Urhobo people use the decoction of leaves to induce sleep. Infusion of the powdered root in cold water is used to treat nervous disorder, hypertension, insomnia and mental illness. Leaf-pulp is taken in drought and used in message for chest pain and leaf-sap is deemed able to arrest loss of hair and even to restore it. A Nigeria-sourced herbal cocktail made of extracts of swizzle-stick and lime extract has been validated by Danish researchers as an effective treatment for type-2 diabetes.
Commonly called Brazil cress or Para cress, Spilanthes filicaulis belongs to the plant family Asteraceae. It is called ehie edo oto in Edo; parpehi in Hausa; osana Igbo (Awka); ?s? ?n? = pepper of the ground Igbo (Okpanam); k?r? s?n (ground pepper) in Ijo-Ozon (Kolokuma); awere p?p? in Yoruba.
The flower is used for sore throat. The flower is mixed with three seeds of alligator pepper or dry gin and chewed then swallowed. It is chewed and swallowed twice daily
The leaves along with alum are recommended as emetic. Aqueous extracts of six plant species used in Cameroonian ethno medicine for the relief of stomach complaints were tested for anti ulcer activity.
Commonly called Euadenia, Euadenia trifoliolata belongs to the plant family Capparidaceae. It is called oboh yeho or ?l?k?n-l?rh in Edo; ol?gbe-kuyan, ol?gbe (crested or having a cock's comb) in Yoruba.
Leaves are used to treat ear ache. Heat the leaves and squeeze out the juice dropping it into the ear; one drop, twice daily.
Commonly called pawpaw, Carica papaya belongs to the plant family Caricaceae. It is called uho in Edo. The decoction of the seed is used for dissolving small fat deposits in the eyes and eyelids. The seeds of this plant is boiled in water and extracted; one drop into the eyes twice daily.
The decoction of the root is used as a remedy for bronchitis. The root is also effective against piles. The infusion of the yellow leaves is used for malarial fever, the infusion of the green leaves for diabetes and induced hypertension. The decoction of the dried leaves added to other leaves is used for treating malaria. Infusion of the leaves is used to treat stomach ache. Decoction of seeds is effective in dissolving small fact deposits in the eyes and eyelids and in dissolving small fat in cases of overweight. An infusion of the whole unripe fruit into pieces is a very good remedy for intestinal ulcer. A decoction of the fruit is used against impotence. The fresh fruit is eaten as a treatment for beri-beri. Fruit is also eaten for nausea, as a carminative, for jaws, as an antipyretic, purgative and for dysentery.
Commonly called Lebbel tree, East Indian acacia or 'woman's tongue' acacia; Albizia lebbeck is of the plant family Leguminosae-Mimosoideae (formerly Fabaceae). It is called eshegeshege (rattling) in Edo. Leaves are used to treat night-blindness. The leaves are squeezed and the juice is applied to the eye as eye drop; one drop, twice daily
__The bark and seeds are astringent and they are used for the treatment of piles, diarrhea, dysentery and gonorrhea. Seeds, leaves, stem bark are used for astringent, mouth wash, river-blindness, gonorrhea.
_ Botanically called Baphia nitida, Cam wood is of the plant family Fabaceae. It is called otua in Edo. The leaves are used to treat eye sore. Leaves are squeezed and the juice is applied to the eye; one drop, twice daily.
___Leaves, bark, roots and twigs treats constipation, skin diseases, venereal diseases, ringworm, enema, flatulence, small pox. The leaves contain tannin, flavonoids and saponin glycosides, rich in flavoid.
Commonly called Sweet basil and Harry Bail, Ocimum basilicum belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae. It is called Ebi hihi in Edo. Fresh leaves are used for earache and for dullness of hearing. The leaves are squeezed and the juice is dropped into the ear; one drop, twice daily.
_ Commonly called scent leaf or Tea bush, Ocimum gratissimum is of the plant family Lamiaceae. Ocimum gratissimum is a shrub commonly found around village huts and in gardens. It is known as efinrin ajase in Yoruba, ebavbokho in Bini, aai doya ta gida in Hausa, nchuanwu in Igbo. Fresh leaves are used to stop nasal bleeding. The leaves are squeezed and the juice from it is dropped into the nostrils; one drop, twice daily.
_ Commonly called Broom weed, Sida acuta belongs to the plant family Malvaceae. It is called aihenmmwin in Edo, udo in Igbo, Isepotu in Yoruba. Leaves are used to treat bleeding nose and for treating eye pain. Leaves are squeezed and placed at the nostril and the stem is cut into small pieces and soaked into water for some hours and later used as eye drop. The squeezed leaves with the juice are put at the nostril to stop nasal bleeding and it is dropped in the eye twice daily.
__Commonly called cotton, Gossypium hirsutum belongs to the plant family Malvaceae. It is called ebe oru in Edo. Cotton wool from cotton seed is used for treating nasal bleeding. Cotton wool is placed at the nostril. The juice of the leaf is used as eye drop to relieve convulsions.
Commonly called umbrella tree, Musanga cecropioides belongs to the plant family Moraceae. It is called ?gh?hon in Edo, ?t?t? ?n? in Efik, enri in Igbo, egbesu in Isekiri, ?h?ivb? in Urhobo, ?ga or agb?wo (grab the hook) in Yoruba.
The root is used to cure conjunctivitis (eye disease). The prop root is cut and the liquid from it is dropped into the eyes. Liquid from the prop root is dropped into the eyes thrice daily.
_ Botanically called Cocos nucifera, coconut is of the plant family palmae. It is called ivi-oibo in Edo. The root is used as gargle for sore throat. Liquid preparation is obtained by boiling the root in water; one cup of decoction root is gargled in the throat twice daily.
__Commonly called date palm, Phoenix dactylifera is of the plant family palmae. It is called ukuon in Edo. The fruits are used for relief of sore-throat. The fruit is eaten twice daily.
__Botanically called Pandanus candelabrum, screw prine is of the plant family pandanaceae. It is called ebo in Edo. The fresh leaves are used against sore throat. Fresh leaves are chewed and the liquid content swallowed thrice daily.
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is of the Citrus family. In Nigeria, lime is called mkpi sokoro in Efik and Ibibio; osan wewe in Yoruba; oloma nkirisi in Ibo; animo ne giee in Edo. The young leaves are use for sore throat. Young fresh leaves are grinded and the juice from it is mixed with gin and little quantity of alum depending on the content of the squeezed juice; twice daily.
__Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is of the Solanaceae family. It is called ekhue in Edo. Leaves are used to treat eyes with blood stain. Young fresh leaves are squeezed and the juice is dropped into the eyes; one drop, twice daily.
__Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is of the plant family Solanaceae. It is called itaba in Edo. Leaves are used for eye treatment (irritation). Leaves are squeezed and juice from it is dropped into the eyes; one drop daily.
Kola (Cola nitida) is of the sterculiaceae family. It is called evbee in Edo. The leaves are used for eye trouble such as night blindness. Leaves are heated and the juice squeezed from it is dropped into the eyes. The juice is dropped into the eyes, one drop twice daily.__
The University of Benin researchers concluded: "...The largest number of remedies was used to treat eye problem followed by ear problem. Of all the plants part used, the leaves were the most frequently used, followed by the root, stem, flowers, bulb and seed. The administration of remedies is either internal or external in the form of juice, decoction and infusion or as paste. Some of the remedies were based on a single plant source while others were in combination with other substances and plant species. Some remedies were prepared using ingredients such as salt, alligator pepper and alcohol.
__"From the study it was observed that more than one part of the plant species was used for different ailments examples include leaves of S. acuta, which is used for nasal bleeding while the stem was for eye pain. It was also observed that in some of the plant species, one part could be used for more than one ailment, such plants include the bulb of onion (A. cepa), which is used to treat eye and ear ailment, stem of E. hirta for the treatment of both eye and ear, leaves of S. monbin for treating both short-sightedness and cataract and the leaves of N. laevis for the treatment of both eye and ear ailment.
__"Furthermore, the study also revealed that more than one plant species can be used for treating the same ailment. Plants such as A. conyzoides and N. laevis are used for treating redness of the eye and inflammation. A. cepa and R. vomitoria are used for treating irritation of the eye, O. gratissmum, S. acuta and G. hirsutum are used for treating nasal bleeding. C. nucifera and P. candelabrum are used for treating sore throat. C. jagus and O. basilicum is used for treating irritation of the eye, C. jagus and O. basilicum is used for treating ear ache. Although these plants have the same usage, each plant has different methods of preparation using different recipes and different dosage.
__"Finally, this study therefore, on 24 medicinal plants used by the binis for the treatment of eye, ear, nose and throat can possibly be used as a potential source for making herbal medicines against some diseases and can be treated as a document for preserving the enthnomedicinal knowledge for posterity."
