ABSTRACT
This study focuses on linguistically documenting the medicinal plants within the Itsekiri language, concentrating on six specific communities: Ajamimogha, Ugbuwangue, Ubeji, Omadino, Ekurede Itsekiri, and Obonteghareda, which constitute the primary residency areas of the Itsekiri people. Through comprehensive engagement with community members such as Elders, Farmers, fishermen, andTraditionalherb specialists,atotalof 29distinctplant species were identified. These plants were analyzed with respect to their native names (in Itsekiri), the specific plant parts employed, their categorized purposes (medicinal, edible, or commercial), their cultural connotations, and their economic significance.
The findings reveal that the majority of these identified plants, numbering 24, are designated solely for medicinal applications, accounting for 82.76% of the entire collection. Varied methods of processing plant parts for medicinal use emerged, rangingfromtinctures totablets and syrups,discernedthrough interviewsand data analysis. Shared among many communities were notable medicinal plants such as Phyllanthes amarus for fever, Bryophyllum pinnatum for cough, Hypoestes aristate and Cussonia barteri as condiments, and Spondias mombin and Ocimum gratissimum as edible sources. Distinct local names, e.g., Senna alata (Lelebuarun), Bidens pilosa (makpamieku), and Chromolaena odorata (Awolowo leaf), aided rural inhabitants in plant identification. These plants often required cultural rituals before use, like pot-burning, Bidens pilosa-linked prayers, and boiling followed by chalk application. Among the 29 species, 19 held medicinal value, 7 were edible, 1 had commercial potential, and 2 bore dual economic significance, namelyTheobroma cacao (iwe tea) and Ocimum gratissimum (Efiri). Above all, respondents suggested two strategies for incorporating traditional knowledge into healthcare and education: the preservation of indigenousmedicinal plant wisdom and the integration of the Itsekiri language. A substantial majority, 90%, supported the documentation of medicinal plant knowledge, while 85% advocated for the inclusion of the Itsekiri language.
In summary, this study not only cataloged the linguistic aspects of medicinalplants in the Itsekiri language but also provided insights into their usage, preparation, cultural significance, and economic relevance. The findings highlight the potential for embedding traditional knowledge and language into healthcare and education, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the indigenous wisdom pertaining to medicinal plants in the region.
