An Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used in the Management and Treatment of Female Reproductive Health Problems in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey revealed 61 plant species belonging to 32 families used by the indigenous people of Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria in the management and treatment of female reproductive health problems. The families Euphorbiaceae and Meliaceae had the highest number of species followed closely by the Fabaceae. The recipes obtained from traditional healers, herbsellers and buyers are for treating amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leuchorrea, infertility, prolonged labour, breast engorgement, menorrhagia, vaginitis, miscarriage and fibroid. Chemical constituents of the plants are supplied where known. Key w ords: Female; ailments; traditional medicine; Southwestern Nigeria.