Ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the managememnt of hypertension in Zango Kataf, Kaduna state, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Zango Kataf is home to a diverse range of medicinal plant species among which are herbs used for the management of high blood pressure. This study was conducted to document the antihypertensive plants used by indigenes of Zango Kataf , Kaduna State, Nigeria. Seventeen (17) herbal healers were interviewed (using a semi structure questionnaire) in order to gather information about their knowledge of plants used for the treatment of hypertension. A total of twenty-three (23) antihypertensive plants (Zingiber officinale, Carica papaya, Lycopersicon esculentum, Anacardium occidentale, Annona senegalensis, Moringa oleifera, Newbouldia laevis, Vernonia amygdalina, Vitex doniana, Cymbopogon citratus, Terminalia catappa, Sesamum indicum, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Piliostigma reticulatum, Nelsonia canescens, Hibiscus cannabinus, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Pavetta crassipes, Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum, Persea americana and Eucalyptus globulus) used for the treatment of hypertension were identified. The identified plant species belong to 21 families. Most of the ethnomedicinal plant parts used were leaves. It was concluded that herbal healers in Zango Kataf Local Government area of Kaduna State hold medicinal knowledge of plants used for the treatment of hypertension.