USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AMONG THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF AKOKO SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ONDO STATE

Traditional medicine remains the most accessible form of primary healthcare for a significant portion of the population in Nigeria. However, its potential is still underutilized, particularly in terms of documentation. This project focused on investigating and documenting the use of medicinal plants in managing various health conditions among the people of Akoko in Ondo State. The study was conducted in five communities within the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State: Akungba, Iwaro Oka, Oka Akoko, Oba Akoko, and Ikun Akoko. Ethnobotanical data was collected from 100 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 150 medicinal plants from 13 plant families of the rainforest ecosystem were identified, with the Fabaceae family having the highest representation. The study revealed that different plants were used to treat various diseases, with the knowledge of these medicinal plants being rooted in the people's socio-cultural values and traditional medical practices. Notably, plants like Borreria scabra (Schumach. & Thonn.) K.Schum, Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L., and Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K.Hoffm. were identified as the most versatile, used in treating more than four different health conditions. The people of Akoko possess extensive knowledge of the medicinal plants in their locality, as demonstrated by their ability to identify and name a wide range of species, some common and others unique to their environment. This documentation of medicinal plant use provides foundational data for future research on the pharmacological and conservation potential of the plants in the study area.