Ethnobotanical Assessment of Medicinal Plants for Snakebite Management in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Snakebite envenoming causes essential mortality and morbidity and is among the leading health problems in Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Aim: This research work was aimed at conducting an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of snakebite in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted within Kebbi State, Nigeria. Respondents with knowledge of medicinal plants for snakebites were accessed via informants and acquaintance. Data were also retrieved from hunters, herbalist and snake charmers. Demographic characteristics, personal information of respondents, information on plants used, mode of preparation and administration were also collected via oral interview. Results: Twenty six individuals all male consented to disclose information and knowledge regarding plants and formulations used in the treatment or management of snakebite injuries within Kebbi State, all the respondents were male (100%), with 3.85% under 30 years, 38.46% aged 31-50, and 57.69% over 50 years. Respondent practicing both herbalism and snake charming were (19.23%), while respondents practicing only snake charming (57.69%) and hunters only (23.08%). Information on the occupation of respondents who agreed to disclose information about antisnake-venom medicinal plants was also recorded. Twenty seven medicinal plants from 12 different families were document in this study.The plants mode of preparation, administration and part used which are majorly roots, are disclosed by respondents within Kebbi State for the treatment of snakebite envenoming. The fidelity level of plants ranges between 22.22-88.88, and high informants consensus factor (ICF) between (0.85-1) for all the disease categories. Conclusion: The present study documented twenty seven medicinal plants used by herbalist, snake-charmers and hunters for snakebites treatment in Kebbi State, the cited plant also revealed high informant consensus factor and Fidelity level.