Ethnobotanical studies of folklore phytocosmetics of South West Nigeria

Abstract

CONTEXT: Phytocosmetic is an important aspect of folklore medicine of many cultures whose records and information are scanty. OBJECTIVES: This study inventoried the various plants used as folklore cosmetics in some parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Lagos States of Nigeria by administering semi-structured questionnaires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was carried out between February 2010 and August 2013 through a semi-structured interview; questionnaires were given to obtain information on the local names, morphological parts used, and part(s) of the body where cosmetic preparations are applied. RESULT: In this study, 80 species belonging to 39 families were identified with members of the Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae most often mentioned. CONCLUSION: This study is able to record the remaining available information on phytocosmetics in traditional medicine orally passed down through generations in South West Nigeria.