ETHNOMEDICINAL ASPECTS OF PLANTS USED AS SPICES AND CONDIMENTS IN THE NIGER DELTA AREA OF NIGERIA

 

Ndukwu, B.C. and Ben-Nwadibia, N.B.

Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology

University of Port Harcourt P.M.B

5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Email: ndukwu_3@yahoo.com

 

ABSTRACT

            The ethnomedicinal applications of the plant species used primarily as spices and condiments among the indigenous peoples of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria were examined. A total of 24 species belonging to 10 different families were found to have varying applications in ethnobotany and ethnomedicine. The studies indicate that the indigenous people have also developed different methods for collecting, processing, using and conserving these valuable plants and/or their products. The contributions of this study towards the understanding, documentation and safeguarding of indigenous knowledge and use of plants are discussed.

 

Keywords:  Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, spices, condiments, indigenous knowledge.

 

INTRODUCTION

            Spices and condiments are products of plants, which are mostly used for seasoning, flavouring and thus enhancing the taste of foods, beaverages and drugs (Parry 1969; Dziezak, 1989; Iwu, 1993 Manandhar, 1995). The knowledge and use of plants as spices and condiments is as old as the history of mankind (Garland, 1972). Plants used as spices and condiments are usually aromatic and pungent (Achinewu, et al, 1995). Iwu (1993) had reported that these plants owe these properties to the presence of varying types of essential oils. Also, Macmillan (1984) associated the antiseptic and preservative property of certain spices to these essential oils. In a more elaborate treatment Dziezak (1989) indicated that the rich presence of essential oils and Oleoresins determine the aromatic, flavouring, colouring and pungent properties on spices and condiments.

            Spices and condiments constitute a huge component of trans boundary trade in areas such as India, Ceylon, China, Indonesia east and west Africa, and west Indies (Parry, 1969). The author reported that the use of spices and condiments has widened to include pickles, chutney, sausages, cakes, bread and alcoholic drinks.

            In the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, many of the spices and condiments are collected from the wild. These spices and their herbs are used generally to prepare “pepper soups” which may be taken hot or cold especially during the cold, rainy seasons. Achinewu, et al (1995) reported that these spices are particularly very important in the diets of post-partum women as an aid to the contraction of the uterus.

            Literature on ethnobotany and ethnomedicine of plants in the Niger Delta area is very scanty. Few taxonomic listings carried out in the area fail to incorporate indigenous knowledge and utilization of the plants. Information on ethnomedicinal applications, of the plant species used as spices and condiments are inadequate or completely lacking.

            The present study is aimed at providing data on the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal applications of plants used as spices and condiments in the coastal Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Attempt is made to also provide the most acceptable scientific, common and local, names for the various species. This information is further intended to contribute in the documentation and provision of accurate record of indigenous knowledge, use and conservation of these plants, and their subsequent integration in the efforts towards the development of natural product and indigenous health care management process.

 

GEO-CLIMATIC DESCRIPTION OF THE NIGER DELTA AREA.

            The study area is Niger Delta, Nigeria. It covers about 26,000km2 and lies in the West African subregion of the Afrotropical regions. It has a tropical hot monsoon climate and straddles latitude 5.000 North of the equator. It is about 6-15m above sea level. Rainfall is high ranging between 2000-4000mm.  The Niger Delta harbours Africa’s largest wetland and much of Nigeria’s petroleum business.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

            The specimens used for this study were collected from different parts of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, which constitute the central axis of the Niger Delta area. A few of the specimens that were not readily available were purchased from the mile one market in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

            The studies involved field trips and surveys. Information were obtained through oral interviews and guided questionnaire administered to local herbalists, older household heads and women.

            The indigenous plants, which were collected during the field trips, were identified with the aid of Floras of the area including those of Dalziel (1937); Hutchinson and Dalziel (1954, 1968).  Ethnomedicinal confirmations were carried out using Gill (1992). Field observations and records were made on life specimens.

 

RESULTS

            The investigations revealed that a total of 23 species distributed into 13 genera and 10 unrelated angiosperm families are used as spices and condiments around the Niger Delta area. These species were found to have varying therapeutic applications by the local communities. Their uses in ethnomedicine include acting as stimulants, antiseptic carminatives, expectorants, laxatives, purgatives, anticonvulsant, antihelmintic, and sedatives to the treatment of diarrhea, malaria, rheumatism, asthma, catarrh and bronchitis. The data on the correct identification including common - English and local names, families, plant parts used, and the ailments treated are summarized in Table 1. The details of the ailments cured the methods of preparation and treatment is further described.

 

        TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF DATA ON SPECIES USED FOR SPICES AND CONDIMENTS

 

S/N
Scientific Names

Family

Names

Common Names

(English)

Local/Native Names

Parts Used

Ethnomedicinal

Applications

1.

Denniettia tripetala

Bak f.

Annonaceae

Pepper Fruits

Bini - ako; Ibibio/Efik–

nkarika; Igbo - nmimi;

Urhobo - Imako;

Yoruba - igberi

Leaves, Fruits

and Seeds

Cough, fever,

enhancing appetite.

2.

Xylopia aethiopica

(Dunal) A. Rich

Annonaceae

Ethopian

pepper,

African

pepper,

Guinea pepper

Bini - unien; Ibibio/Efik–

atta; Igbo - uda; Urhobo–

urheri; Yoruba - eeru.

Stem bark; fruits

and seeds; roots

Stomach aches;

dysentery;

bronchitis; cancer;

ulcers; fever and

debility;

rheumatism.

3.

Pergularia Daemia

(Frosk.) Chior

.

Asclepiadaceae

Unkown

Igbo - Utazi; Yoruba–

teji

 

Leaves, stem

and root barks.

Cough, fever,

catarrh and

diarrhea in

infants.

4.

Ocimum americanus

L

Labiateae

Scent leaf

Edo - esewon; Igbo–

nchanwu, Urhobo–

ufuo-yibo; Yoruba–

efinruin-wewe.

Whole plant

and leaves

Anticonvulsant,

diaphoretic and

carminative. It

cures cough,

catarrh, cold,

fever, chest

pains and

diarrhea. Others

are earache,

ringworm, nasal

bleeding, anti-

spasmolytic and

relief of pains

of the colon.

5.

Ocimum basilicum

L.

Labiateae

Sweet Basil

Harry Basil

Edo - esewon; Igbo–

nchanwu, Urhobo–

ufuo-yibo; Yoruba–

efirinpo, and efiri-

ajija

Whole plant

and leaves

Diaphoretic,

stimulant and

carminative.

Juice of the

leaves is

antihelmintic.

6.

Ocimum canum

Sims

Labiateae

Scent leaf

Edo - esewon; Igbo–

nchanwu, Urhobo–

ufuo-yibo; Yoruba–

efinrin-ajase.

Whole plant

and leaves

Headache, cough,

gouts, catarrh

conditions and

gonorrhea.

7.

Ocimum gratissimum

L.

Labiateae

Tea, bush

Edo - esewon; Igbo–

nchanwu, Urhobo–

ufuo-yibo; Yoruba–

efirin-gidi

Whole plant

and leaves

Diaphoretic,

stimulant and

carminative.

 Juice of the

leaves is

antihelmintic.

8.

Ocimum guineense

Schum et. Thonn

Labiateae

Scent leaves

Edo - esewon; Igbo–

nchanwu-ohia, Urhobo–

ufuo-yibo; Yoruba–

efirinpo.

Whole plant

and leaves

Diaphoretic,

stimulant and

carminative.

Juice of the

leaves is

antihelmintic.

9.

Ocimum viride willd

Labiateae

Scent leaf

Edo - esewon; Igbo–

nchanwu, Urhobo–

ufuo-yibo; Yoruba -,

efirin-gidi and

efiri-ajija

Whole

plant/leaves

Anticonvulsant

to stop diarrhea,

treatment of cold,

fever chest pains

and treatment of

catarrh and

bronchitis.

10.

Thymus vulgaris L.

Labiateae

Thyme

Unknown

Leaves

and fruits

Antiseptic,

antihelmintic,

expectorant,

carminative,

diuretic

emmenagogic

and sedative.

11.

Tetrapleura

tetraptera

Taub

Leguminoseae

Unknown

Bini - Ighimiakia;

Efik – edeminang;

Etsako - imiminje;

Igbo - Oshosho; Ijaw–

apapa; Ishan–

ighirehimi; Yoruba–

aridan.

Stem bark

and fruit pod

Flatulence, fever,

convulsions,

bone fractures,

rheumatism,

gonorrhea.

12.

Allium cepa L

Liliaceae

Onion

Bini - alubarha;

Efik/Ibibio–

oyim mbakara; Igb–

yabasi;

Yoruba - alubosa.

Bulb and leaves

Asthma,

convulsion,

ulcers, cough,

cold and

skin infections.

13.

Allium sativum L.

Liliaceae

Garlic

Igbo - ayuu; Yoruba–

ayo

Bulb.

Fevers, cough,

constipation,

asthma, nervous

disorders,

hypertension,

ulcers and skin

diseases,

antihelmintic.

14.

Myristica fragrans

Houtt

Myristicaceae

Nutmeg, mace

Unknown

Seeds

Diarrhea,

rheumatic

pains.

 

15.

Piper guineensis

Schum & Thonn.

Piperaceae

Climbing black

pepper or Benin

Pepper

Bini - ebe-ahinhi

akpoke; Efik/Ibibio–

etinkene, odusa;

Igbo - ozeza; Urhobo–

Uririe; Yoruba - Iyere,

ata-iyere

Fruits and leaves

Vomiting, worm

infestation,

tonsillitis,

rheumatism and

stomach aches.

16.

Piper nigrum L

Piperaceae

Black pepper,

white pepper

Unknown

Fruits and seeds

Dyspepsia,

diarrhea,

cholera, piles,

urinary problems,

boils,

rheumatism,

toothaches and

headaches.

17.

Piper umbellatum L.

Piperaceae

Wild pepper,

Umbelled pepper

Bini - ebe-ahanbi;

Igbo – njam nja;

Yoruba - ewe-efon;

iyawe; Iwere; yawe.

Leaves, roots

and fruits

Rheumatism;

inflammatory

tumors;

stomach pains,

ascites and

anasarea.

18.

Murraya Koenigii

spreng.

Rutaceae

Curry leaf

Bini - ebafo

Stem bark, roots

and leaves.

Diarrhea,

dysentery,

vomiting,

fevers, herpes

and bruises,

post-partum

pains.

19.

Capsicum annuum L.

Solanaceace

Chilli, Red

Pepper

Bini - isie; ekie,

asie; Efik/Ibibio–

ntokon; aman-

ntuen; ntueen;

Igbo - Ose;

Ose-oyibo;

Ose etore; Ose

nukwu; Ose

nwamkpi; ose

mkpe; Yoruba–

ata-jije; ata-

eiye; ata sisebe.

Fruits and seeds

Cold, fever,

dysentery,

malaria and

gonorrhea.

 

20.

Capsicum frutescens

L

Solanaceace

Red Pepper

Tartashi

Bini - isie;

Efik/Ibibio–

ntokon; Igbo–

Ose-oyibo; 

Ose nukwu;

Yoruba–

ata-jije;

Fruits and seeds

Cold, fever,

dysentery,

malaria and

gonorrhea;

additives as

flavours in

many medicines.

21.

Capsicum minimum

Roxb

Solanaceace

African pepper,

 

Bini - ekie;

Efik/Ibibio–

ntueen; Igbo–

Ose; ose mkpe;

Yoruba - ata

sisebe.

Fruit and seeds

Cold, fever,

dysentery,

malaria and

gonorrhea

22.

Aframomum

melegueta

K. schum

Zingiberaceae

Grains of

paradise,

guinea grains; alligator

pepper.

Bini - ehin-edo;

ehie ado;

Igbo - Ose oji;

Urhobo – erhie;

Yoruba - oburo;

ata; ata-ire.

Rhizome, leaves,

fruits and seeds.

 

Worms, small

pox, chicken

pox, catarrh;

congested chest,

fractures,

hypertension

and cholera

23.

Zingiber officinale

Rose.

Zingiberaceae

Ginger

Efik/Ibibio - jinja;

Igbo – jinja; Yoruba–

aje; orin;

atale.

Rhizome

Toothache,

congested

nostrils, cough,

colds, influenza

and flu, asthma,

stomach

problems,

rheumatism,

piles, hepatitis

and liver

problems.

 

 

      1. Dennettia tripetala Bak.f.

            Family: Annonaceae

            Common Names (English): Pepper fruit

Local Names: Bini - ako; Ibibio/Efik - nkarika; Igbo - nmimi; Urhobo - Imako; Yoruba - igberi

Parts Used: Leaves, fruits and seeds

Ailments Cured: Cough, fever, enhancing appetite.

Preparation and Treatment: Leaves and fruits are shewed for cough and enhancing appetite. The Igbos eat the fruits and seeds with kolanut (Cola Spp.). Decoction of the fresh leaves are mixed with those of Mango leaves (Mangifera indica) to treat fever.

 

2. Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich

            Family: Annonaceae

            Common Names (English): Ethiopian pepper, African pepper.

Local Names: Bini - unien; Ibibio/Efik - atta; Igbo - uda; Urhobo – urheri; Yoruba - eeru.

Parts Used: Stem bark; fruits and seeds; roots.

Ailments Cured: Stomach aches; dysentery; bronchitis; cancer; ulcers; fever and debility; rheumatism;  post-partum management and fertility-enhancing; vermifuge

Preparation and Treatment: Fruit extract or decoction of the bark is drank for the treatment of bronchitis and dysenteric conditions; and also as a medicine for biliousness and febrile pains. The powdered root is used as a dressing for sores and rubbed onto gums for pyorrhea and in the local treatment of cancer. Powdered bark is dusted onto ulcers to enhance healing. The decoction of the leaves and roots is used generally as tonic and often mixed with salt to cure constipation.

Extracts of the pungent leaves are used as an emetic, carminative, purgative and revulsive against pains and rheumatism. The powder of the seeds is used to prepare special pepper soup given to lactating mothers. The fruit extract is also used to aid conception and as a vermifuge for round worms.

 

3. Pergularia daemia (Frosk) Chior.