Plants Used for Different Ailments Based on the ‘Doctrine of Signatures’ (Southwestern Nigeria)

Researchers: Aworinde David Olaniran, Erinoso Sakiru Morenikeji, Ogundele Alimi Adeyemi, Teniola Olasimbo Anuoluwapo and Ojo Samuel Omoniyi

Institutions: Department of Biological Sciences, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Nigeria; Department of Biology, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Nigeria.Received 2 March, 2018; Accepted 20 April, 2018

Abstract:The knowledge and application of the notion of “doctrine of signatures or correspondences” was evaluated among the Ikale and Ilaje people of Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Information was solicited by administering questionnaires to one hundred and five (105) informants. Periodic field observations were also made. The research yielded 60 plants belonging to 37 families. The plants have characteristics such as colour, taste, habit, structure, and appellation which are suggestive of their trado-medical uses. Azadirachtha indica, Petivera alliaceae, Vernonia amygdalina, and Morinda lucida commonly known as “bitters” are used as antimalarial plants. Due to the shape of their fruits/tubers, Kigelia africana and Ipomoea batatas formed part of recipes used in the treatment of breast disorders while others such as Carica papaya and Alstonia boonei are useful as botanical galactogogues. Plants used for magical preparations are also documented. This study confirms the application of the doctrine in plant knowledge and uses. This doctrine can be applied in future bio-prospect and drug development.

Profile of plants used for different ailments based on the “Doctrine of Signatures” in Ikale and Ilaje Communities of Ondo State,
Southwestern Nigeria.

References

– Aworinde DO, Erinoso SM (2015). Ethnobotanical investigation of indigenous plants used in the management of some infant illnesses in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 12(1):9-16.
– Bennett BC (2007). Doctrine of Signatures: An explanation of medicinal plant discovery or dissemination of knowledge. Economic Botany, 61(3):246-255.
– Bennett BC, Baker MA, Gomez P (2002). Ethnobotany of the Shuar of Eastern Ecuador. Advances Economic Botany, 14:1-299.
– Dafni A, Lev E (2002). The Doctrine of Signatures in Present-Day Isreal. Economic Botany, 56(4):328-334.
– Dafni A, Yaniv Z, Palevitch D (1984). Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Northern Isreal. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 10(3):295-310.
– Erinoso SM, Aworinde DO (2012). Ethnobotanical survey of some medicinal plants used in traditional health care in Abeokuta areas of Ogun State, – Nigeria. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 6(18):1352-1362.
– Gbile ZO (2002). Vernacular names of Nigerian plants (Yoruba), 2nd Edition, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. Molukom Press, Ibadan. 101p.
– Hocking GM (1977). The Doctrine of Signatures. Quarterly Journal of Crude Drug Research, 15(4):198-200.
– Kumath V (2015). “Doctrine of Signatures”: An age old theory with special reference to some Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Journal of
Laboratory and Life Science, 1(1):45-53. Available at: http://www.jolsc.com/volume1-first-issue/V1-I1-5-45-53.pdf
– Lev E (2002). The doctrine of signatures in the medieval and Ottoman Levant. Vesalius, 8(1):13-22.
– Nyazema NZ, Njdamba J, Anderson C, Makaza N, Kaondera KC (1994). The Doctrine of Signatures or Similitude: A Comparison of the Efficacy of Praziquantel and Traditional Herbal Remedies Used for the Treatment of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Pharmacognosy, 32(2):142-148.
– Oso BA (1977). Mushrooms in Yoruba mythology and medicinal practices. Economic Botany, 31(3):367-371.
– Richardson-Boedler C (1999). The Doctrine of Signatures: a historical, philosophical and scientific view (I). British Homoeopathic Journal,
88(4):172-177.
– Saifullahi U, Ahmed A, Abdulhamid Z (2017). Hausa plant systematics and doctrine of signature. Book of Abstracts, 25th Annual Conference of the Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON), Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria: 2nd – 6th

Source: Journal of Medicinal Plants Research – The “Doctrine of Signatures” in herbal prescriptions in Ikale and Ilaje communities of Ondo State,
Southwestern Nigeria by Aworinde David Olaniran, Erinoso Sakiru Morenikeji etal. Received 2 March, 2018; Accepted 20 April, 2018

This article is copyrighted by Ital is Vital, 2025. Want to re-post this article? Visit our guidelines.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.