NATURAL PRODUCTS MEDICINE USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF TRYPANOSOMIASIS SPP. IN NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

Rearing of ruminant animals improves the economy of a nation and also reduces unemployment rate. However, ruminant output is significantly impacted by parasitic diseases such as Trypanosomiasis spp. Natural products of plant origin have played significant role since time immemorial in combatting different diseases both in animals and humans. Hence, this study aimed to reveal the use of natural therapeutic plant products for the prevention and treatment of Trypanosomiasis spp. and promote sustainable livestock production. The study was carried out in the largest cattle market in Nasarawa state known as Shinge livestock market, Lafia. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 51 respondents and then analyzed statistically. A total number of eighteen (18) plant species were revealed by the respondent in which Khaya senegalensis was the most cited species. Potash was added to all the species cited for effectiveness. Stem bark (71.42%) and leaves (28.58%) were the part of plant used by the pastoralist interviewed and most used method of preparation were plundering and infusion. The study shows that the most common symptoms of affected animals are loss of weight (58.82%), alopecia (54.90%), diarrhoea (35.29%), skin infection (19.61%), tearing (17.65%) and loss of tail (11.76%). Many plants used in the treatment of trypanosomiasis by pastoralists were revealed. Biological properties of these plants, either single or combined, must be validated scientifically