DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS ON THE POTENTIAL FOR THETREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study aimed to document the knowledge, usage, and perceptions of medicinal plantsfor prostate cancer treatment in Sokoto Metropolis. The findings indicate a significantreliance on traditional medicine, with a notable overlap between local practices andscientific research on herbal remedies. Data on medicinal plants used for the managementof prostate cancer were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and oralinterviews with traditional healers and local users. Information to be gathered include localplant names, plant parts used, methods of preparation, dosage, and mode of administration.The medicinal plants cited were collected from local markets and natural habitats. Eachspecimen were carefully labeled and transported to the Herbarium Unit, Department ofBiological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto for proper identification andauthentication by a plant taxonomist. The results revealed that; Most respondents (70%)reported no side effects from using medicinal plants, while 16% experienced mild sideeffects, 4% severe effects, and 10% were unsure. Traditional healers (36%) and hospitals(30%) were the main sources of healthcare, followed by pharmacies (20%) and selfmedication (14%). The majority strongly agreed (40%) or agreed (36%) that medicinalplants for prostate problems should be scientifically studied, and 80% of respondentssupported or strongly supported the documentation of local medicinal plants. Leaves (40%)were the most commonly used plant part in remedy preparation, followed by roots orrhizomes (24%), bark or stem (20%), and seeds or fruits (16%). Decoction (40%) was thepredominant method of preparation, followed by infusion (24%), powdered oraladministration (20%), and combining with other herbs (16%). A study evaluate the toxicityof Ficus exasperata, a plant used in Nigeria for various ailments, found that while low tomedium concentrations were safe, higher doses exhibited toxic effects, highlighting theneed for cautious use and proper dosage. The study recommended that; Government andlocal health authorities should support the documentation and preservation of indigenousmedicinal plant knowledge to prevent loss of traditional wisdom