Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Assessment of Thirty Medicinal Plant Species Used in Tropical Region of Nigeria for Microbial Disease Management: A Review

Abstract

Infectious diseases remain a persistent public health challenge in tropical regions, exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance and limited access to conventional therapies. This review explores the ethnobotanical and pharmacological profiles of thirty medicinal plant species traditionally used in Nigeria for microbial disease management. Data were synthesized from structured interviews with traditional healers and community elders, complemented by guided field walks and extensive literature reviews. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins, while spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses (GC-MS, FTIR) provided molecular insights into their therapeutic constituents. Microbial assays, including MIC and MBC determinations, demonstrated notable anti-mycobacterial activity in several extracts, with mechanisms of action involving membrane disruption, efflux pump inhibition, and enzyme targeting. The pharmacological properties and compound composition of these plants can vary significantly due to environmental conditions, underscoring the need for standardisation in extraction and formulation protocols. Medicinal plants demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, and are traditionally used to treat conditions such as polyuria, diarrhoea, dysentery, liver disorders, piles, and female sterility. However, a detailed literature survey revealed limited research on their anticancer potential. Notably, pulp extract of Syzygium jambolanum at higher concentrations has shown in vitro efficacy in retarding the proliferation of cancer cell lines including MCF-7, HeLa, HEP G2, HL60, and U251. Despite promising findings, significant research is still needed to fully validate the use of many medicinal plants, particularly as complementary or alternative therapies for chronic diseases like diabetes. The findings affirm the pharmacological potential of these plants and highlight their relevance in combating antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for conservation, ethical bioprospecting, and integration of phytomedicine into national healthcare frameworks. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, this review supports the development of culturally resonant and sustainable antimicrobial therapies. The global relevance of such approaches is echoed in similar ethnopharmacological studies, including those conducted in Bhutan (Wangchuk et al., 2017), reinforcing the value of indigenous medicinal systems in contemporary drug discovery.