Ethnomedicinal Survey of Plants Used for Pain and Inflammation Management Among Indigenous Tribes in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: The use of medicinal plants for treating and management of pains and inflammations as well as other diseases in Nigeria and other African countries is gaining popularity This study aimed at surveying the traditional medicinal plants among the Indigenous tribes in Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria to treat and manage pains and inflammations. Materials and Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out from January to October, 2024 among randomly selected 48 traditional medical practitioners and herbal healers using both oral interviews and semi-structured questionnaires for the identification of medicinal plants known for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Results: The current study showed that there are 48 plant species belonging to various families used for treating pain and inflammations in traditional medicine by various Indigenous tribes in the Maiduguri metropolis. Among these families, plants belonging to Fabaceae, Combretaceae, and Apocynaceae families were the most frequently used in pain and inflammation treatments. Plant species such as Boswellia dalzielii and Azadirachta indica were identified as the most prevalent in pain and inflammation cases in traditional medicine. The leaves and stembarks were the most used parts for pains and inflammations within the metropolis especially among the Kanuri, Hausa, and Shuwa-Arab tribes. However, 64% of these plants are collected directly from the wild, raising concerns about sustainability. Conclusion: The study shows that many plant species are used for treating pain and inflammation among tribes in Maiduguri. The Fabaceae family was the most frequently used among all the plants surveyed while leaves decoction was the mode of preparation. The study recommends conservation initiatives, community-driven cultivation programs, and further scientific research to validate the efficacy of these plants.