Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Malaria in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Malaria remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria, with medicinal plants playing a central role in primary healthcare, particularly in rural communities. This study conducts a systematic ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of malaria in selected communities in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A structured questionnaire and guided field interviews were administered to traditional healers, herbalists, and community elders across five local government areas. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and authenticated at the herbarium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Data on plant parts used, method of preparation, and dosage were recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics and informant consensus factor. A total of 34 plant species belonging to 22 families were documented, with Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, and Vernonia amygdalina emerging as the most frequently cited. The Fabaceae family recorded the highest representation. Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, and decoctions constituted the dominant mode of preparation. The study found a moderate-to-high degree of consensus among informants, indicating reliable ethnopharmacological knowledge within the surveyed communities. These findings provide a valuable baseline for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations. The results also highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts targeting over-harvested species. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on Nigerian ethnomedicine and supports evidence-based integration of herbal remedies into formal healthcare delivery. Keywords: ethnobotany, malaria, medicinal plants, Enugu State, Azadirachta indica