ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANT USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN SOME SELECTED AREA'S IN BORNO

ABSTRACT Ethnobotanical knowledge plays a crucial role in preserving traditional healing practices, especially in regions where access to modern healthcare is limited. This study investigates the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine in three selected areas of Borno State: Gwange, London Ciki, and Bulumkutu. The research aims to document the plant species commonly utilized by traditional healers and local residents, identify their therapeutic uses, and assess the level of knowledge transmission within these communities. Data were collected through structured interviews, guided questionnaires, and direct field observations involving traditional healers, herb sellers, and knowledgeable elders. The findings reveal that a diverse range of medicinal plants is widely used to treat ailments such as malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, skin diseases, and reproductive health issues. The study highlights the continued reliance on herbal remedies as an affordable and culturally accepted healthcare option. Furthermore, it underscores the need for conservation of medicinal plant species and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, which is increasingly threatened by urbanization and environmental degradation. This ethnobotanical survey provides valuable baseline information that may support future pharmacological research, conservation strategies, and the integration of traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems in Borno State.