AN ASSESSMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS SOLD AT TSOHUWAR KASUWA (OLD MARKET), SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

The study concludes that Tsohuwar Kasuwa remains an important hub for traditional medicinal resources in Sokoto State, with diverse plant species contributing to primary healthcare needs. The findings underscore the importance of preserving iThis study assessed the medicinal plants sold at Tsohuwar Kasuwa (Old Market) in Sokoto North Local Government Area, Sokoto State. A total of 100 respondents participated in the survey, comprising 62 males (62%) and 38 females (38%), with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and direct observation. A total of 100 medicinal plant species belonging to various plant families were identified. The Fabaceae family recorded the highest number of species (18; 18%), followed by Asteraceae (14; 14%), Lamiaceae (12; 12%), and Poaceae (10; 10%), while other families collectively accounted for the remaining plant species. The findings revealed that the majority of the plants were used for treating common ailments such as fever (28%), malaria (22%), cough (17%), stomach ache (15%), wounds (10%), and infections (8%). Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (45%), followed by roots (25%), bark (18%), and seeds (12%). Vendors reported that most remedies were prepared through decoction, infusion, pounding, or grinding depending on the ailment being treatedndigenous knowledge and ensuring proper documentation of medicinal plant species for future research and sustainable utilization.