PHYTOTHERAPY APPROACH FOR THE TREATMENT OF GYNAECOLOGICAL DISORDER AMONG WOMEN IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Ethno-gynaecology is an important field of study relevant to women’s reproductive health care. Within the Ido communities in lesser Ibadan, traditional remedies are integral part of the cultural and religious life of the people who are mainly of Yoruba origin. This study reports the phytotherapy information for the treatment of gynecological disorder among women in Ido local government in Ibadan. The structured questionnaires were used to gather information in these local governments, while descriptive analysis was used for data analysis. The villages depend on the herbal medicines for healing of various gynaecological disorders. Nine species(Gossypium arboretum, Heinsia crinita, Ficus carica, Nicotiana tobacum, Datura metel, Triclisia subcordata, Allium sativum, sorghum bicolor, Casia tora, Perquentina nigrescens and carica papaya) were identified for the healing of gynaecological disorders among women. The local names, binomial names, parts used and method of administration were documented. This investigation indicates that 60% of the people used leaves to cure while majority of people used tincture (40%), and Decoction (26.7%). A wide spectra of herbal traditional remedies are available to regulate the menstrual cycle, enhance fertility and as either abortifacients or anti-abortifacients. Further studies were suggested to validate the claims and herbal drug development for treatment of such disorder.