A Preliminary Ethno-medical Survey of Plants Used in the Traditional Management of Cancer and Related Diseases amongst Tarok People of Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria

Aim of the Study: To document medicinal plant used in the treatment of cancer and related diseases amongst Tarok people of Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria.

Study Design: Ethno medical survey and medicinal plant documentation.

Place and Duration of Study: Tarok community of Plateau State, North-central Nigeria from March, 2013 - November, 2013.

Materials and Methods: This ethno medical survey was carried among the Tarok community to find out their traditional and cultural way of maintaining well-being especially in combating cancer and related diseases. It was observed that the ethno community uses plant recipes and other natural products to meet their healthcare needs. In this study, the target population includes, Traditional medicine practitioners (TMP), herbalist, informants, (young and adults), herb sellers and indigenes with knowledge base on medicinal plants used in the treatment of cancer. A structured questionnaire and a one on one direct interview method was adapted to tape recorder and a video camera were used.

Results: The results showed that 33 medicinal plants, representing 21 families were used. It also shows that the recipes made were mostly plants parts combination with the stem barks and stem bark/leaves combination were more often used (18.4% and 10.5% respectively). The used of root part alone amongst the Tarok people in cancer and related diseases was rated 15.8%. The major observable routes of administration were oral and topical application because cancer goes with tumour/wound, inflammation and pains which is the basis for topical application of some of the crude powder for treating the related conditions.

Conclusion: This study led to proper documentation of medicinal plant used in the treatment of cancer and related diseases for the first time amongst the Tarok people. These findings can also lead to the discovery of new, safe and effective anticancer drug.