Floristic Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

Medicinal plant use remains a cornerstone of primary healthcare in many communities across South East Nigeria, yet systematic documentation of these resources in Nsukka Local Government Area is lacking. This study conducted a floristic survey of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Nsukka, Enugu State, to document species identity, local names, plant parts used, and methods of preparation. A combination of field surveys, structured interviews, and focus group discussions was employed to collect data from 30 traditional healers identified through snowball sampling. Voucher specimens were collected, pressed, and identified at the University of Nigeria Nsukka herbarium using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 68 plant species belonging to 42 families were documented. Fabaceae was the most represented family with 11 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae with 8 species. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (54%), and decoctions were the dominant preparation method. The most commonly treated ailments were malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin infections. The fidelity level index indicated that Azadirachta indica, Vernonia amygdalina, and Ocimum gratissimum had the highest consensus among healers for specific ailments. Five species were identified as threatened in the local landscape due to overharvesting and habitat loss. The study concludes that Nsukka harbours a rich ethnobotanical heritage that requires urgent documentation and conservation. Recommendations include community-based conservation programmes and integration of high-fidelity species into primary healthcare support systems.

Keywords: floristic survey, medicinal plants, traditional healers, Nsukka, ethnobotany