ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF PLANTS USED AS MEMORY ENHANCER AND ANTIAGING IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Cyril �??Olutayo Christiana Mojisola, Adekunle Tajudeen Oladele and Taiwo Olayemi Elufioye

In traditional medicine, numerous plants have been used for cognitive disorders, including memory loss andantiaging. We document the medicinal plants used by people in Ondo State of Nigeria to alleviate memory loss and aging. Three hundred and twenty six persons (326) were randomly selected and interviewed on their knowledge of medicinal plants used in treating aging and memory loss. Respondents were recruited across the three vegetation types in the state, Okitipupa in swamp rain forest (113), Akoko in southern guinea savannah (110) and Ifedore in tropical rain forest (103). Occupations of the respondents were 30.4% herbalist, 19.9% herb sellers and others 49.7%. Results obtained from the ethnobotanical survey revealed 14 plants species commonly used as memory enhancer and 20 species as antiaging. Trees (61.8%) are used more than other plant forms, Herbs (17.7%), Shrubs (11.8%) and Climbers (5.9%). Further pharmacological work is recommended for the identified plant species for possible development of affordable anticholinesterate and neuro-protective drugs especially in a depressed economy like Nigeria.