Empirical Studies of Indigenous and Medicinal Utilization of African Locust Beans (Parkia biglobosa. Jacq Benth) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the indigenous and medicinal utilization of African locust bean tree Parkia biglobosa) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Twenty (20) questionnaires were randomly administered in each of the six (6) districts to make a total of one hundred and twenty questionnaires (120). Ninety (90) were retrieved. The results show that the species is a multipurpose tree that can be subjected to various indigenous uses such as: root decoction in treatment of coccidiosis in poultry (100%), green pod of the fruit use as a fish poison to catch fish in the rivers (100%), seeds, pods, and fruits use as a drinking ingredients (75%), mature wood of the species are use in light construction of mortars and pestles, different kinds of furniture and utensils (75%) and so on. The result further, revealed that the plant parts (leaves; stem; bark, root, exudates (gum) seed and yellow pulp) is used in treatment and prevention of various diseases such as small pox; pile; malaria; dysentery; diarrhea; leprosy; snake bite; fever; measles, convulsion in infant, liver problem, headache, ear, skin diseases and so on. Demographic characteristic of the respondents was also examined. The percentage of male was (43.34%) while that of their female counter part was (56.66%). Majority (43.33%) of the respondents were between 31 – 40 years’ age bracket and majority (44.44%) are married with majority (37.78%) having 1-5 house hold size. 45.56% of the respondents had secondary education while 2.22% had no formal education and majority (51.11%) are traditional healers. The regression analysis showed significant relationship between age, household size, educational status, occupation and the indigenous and medicinal utilization of African locust bean tree(P<0.05) level of significant. However, it is recommended that sustainability of biological resources should be ensured so that medicinal plants such as Parkia biglobosa do not go into extinction. Also, enforcement of the forestry act with regards to illegal and indiscriminately felling of trees like Parkia biglobosa are highlighted.