Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants for Management of Respiratory Conditions in Jos Plateau Communities, North Central Nigeria

Respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia contribute significantly to morbidity in the high-altitude communities of Jos Plateau, North Central Nigeria, where cold weather and indoor biomass fuel combustion are known contributing factors. Traditional plant-based therapies constitute an important supplement to limited respiratory care access in these communities. This study documents the medicinal plants employed for the management of respiratory conditions in selected communities on the Jos Plateau. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 55 traditional healers and community members across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa local government areas using a semi-structured questionnaire. Voucher specimens were authenticated at the University of Jos Herbarium. Twenty-eight plant species were documented. Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Justicia carnea were most frequently cited. Inhalation of steam infusions and oral decoctions were the most prevalent modes of preparation. Informant consensus was highest for cough and bronchospasm conditions. Phytochemical analysis of the five most-cited species revealed the presence of essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids with documented bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This study underscores the pharmacognostic relevance of high-altitude medicinal flora and calls for systematic evaluation of the cited plant remedies for respiratory pharmacology applications. Keywords: respiratory conditions, ethnobotany, Jos Plateau, North Central Nigeria, medicinal plants