Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used for Skin Diseases Among the Igala People of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

The Igala people of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, maintain a rich tradition of plant-based management for diverse dermatological conditions including eczema, scabies, ringworm, and infected ulcers. Formal documentation of these practices, however, remains sparse in the scientific literature. This study surveys the medicinal plants used for skin diseases among the Igala of Idah, Ankpa, and Ofu local government areas through a structured ethnobotanical approach. Interviews were conducted with 50 traditional healers and 30 community members selected by purposive and snowball sampling. Plant vouchers were deposited at the Kogi State University herbarium. Thirty-three plant species across 24 families were documented. Azadirachta indica, Chromolaena odorata, Carica papaya, and Senna alata were most frequently cited for skin conditions. Topical application of leaf pastes and decoction washes were the predominant preparation forms. Informant consensus factor was highest for fungal skin infections and wound-related dermatoses. Phytochemical screening of the five most cited species confirmed the presence of compounds with documented dermatological relevance, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic constituents. The study identified age and gender as significant predictors of plant knowledge retention. Recommendations include validation studies for the most-cited species and incorporation of findings into dermatological health extension activities across Kogi State. Keywords: skin diseases, ethnobotany, Igala, Kogi State, dermatological plants