Ethnomedicinal Uses of Aquatic Plants Among Fishing Communities Along the Niger Delta Creeks, Delta State

The aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems of Delta State, South South Nigeria, harbour a diverse array of plant species that have been integral to the traditional medicine systems of riverine fishing communities for generations. This study documents the ethnomedicinal uses of aquatic plants among fishing communities in Warri South, Burutu, and Bomadi local government areas of Delta State. Ethnobotanical data were collected through focus group discussions and structured interviews with 72 fishermen, their families, and community healers across twelve creekside settlements. Plant specimens were collected during expeditions using dugout canoes and identified with the assistance of a botanist from Delta State University, Abraka. Twenty-nine aquatic and semi-aquatic plant species were recorded. Nymphaea lotus, Ludwigia erecta, and Ipomoea aquatica were among the most frequently cited for fever, wound care, and gastrointestinal complaints. Bark, stem, and whole-plant preparations were used predominantly in decoction form. Phytochemical profiles of the three most-cited species were evaluated to assess potential pharmacological relevance. Flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids were detected across all evaluated samples. This study contributes original ethnobotanical data from an ecologically significant but understudied region and recommends conservation of the riparian habitats critical to the survival of these medicinal plant populations. Keywords: aquatic plants, Niger Delta, Delta State, ethnomedicine, fishing communities