ETHNOBOTANICAL INVESTIGATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS UTILIZED FOR YELLOW FEVER TREATMENT IN AKURE REGION, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by a flavivirus transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. Despite medical advances, it remains a significant urban health threat, with outbreaks facilitated by dense populations and vector exposure. Traditional plant-based remedies are commonly being used alongside modern treatments to alleviate symptoms and provide accessible healthcare options. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Akure region of Ondo State, Nigeria, covering Akure-South and Akure-North LGAs, to identify medicinal plants used for yellow fever treatment. A total of 200 respondents, including traditional healers, herb sellers, farmers, traders, teachers, civil servants, and artisans with inherited or trained knowledge were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected covered botanical names, local names, common names, families, growth habits, plant parts used, modes of preparation and administration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed species occurrence was highly significant (p ≤ 0.05), without notable differences between locations. Findings revealed 56 plant species across 32 families, with Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Zingiberaceae having the largest representation (4) species each. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) revealed Azadirachta indica (13.5%) Carica papaya (9%), Alstonia boonei (7%) and Curcuma longa (7%) as the most frequently used. Leaves were the predominant plant part utilized (51.8%), preparation was mainly by decoction (67.9%), and infusion (30.4%) and trees were the most common growth habit (50%). This study documents the medicinal plants used in the urban Nigeria context for yellow fever treatment, offering scientific validation of traditional practices and potential leads for the development of new therapies while helping preserve cultural knowledge and biodiversity.