SURVEY OF PLANTS USED IN BEAUTY CARE AMONG THE FULANIS IN WAMAKKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF SOKOTO STATE

SURVEY OF PLANTS USED IN BEAUTY CARE AMONG THE FULANIS IN WAMAKKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF SOKOTO STATE. RESEARCH TOPICS ON BIOLOGY

ABSTRACT

An ethnobotanical study of plants used in beauty care among the Fulani tribes uin Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State was conducted. The information was obtained through interview by the use of questionnaires distributed to the respondents identified by random sampling such as shepherd, farmers and civil servant, all of them from Fulani tribes. These plants were various plant parts of single and multiple plants, majority of the preparation was made using water as a medium, the mode of application are topical but in some cases administered orally. Out of the 100 questionnaires in each district administered, 90 respondents were recorded. The study revealed 27 plant species belonging to 22 families were encountered. The plant Neem tree (Azardirachta indica and Ziziphus jujube) has the highest percentage of occurrence in three (3) villages. Leaves and seeds were found to be the most used part of the plants.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0    INTRODUCTION

The use of plant for beauty care solutions dates back to antiquity and various testimonials inform us on the use of plants in beauty care treatment during the ancient period. Women of the ancient world used the grounded leaves and seeds of plants on their hair, face and over-all body, drank herbal tonics and oil obtained from herbs for different body massages. These treatments were used during that time in countries like Rome, China and Latin America. Indian Ayurveda too has been promoting the use of herbs for skin and beauty care for over 5000 years (Annonymous, 2006).

Plants can be used for beauty in original or compound form. They act against the internal impurities and external toxins of our body, and add additional nutrients to it to make it glow and shine. Plant provides natural flawless treatment to our skin, nourish it leading to its internal development.

SURVEY OF PLANTS USED IN BEAUTY CARE AMONG THE FULANIS IN WAMAKKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF SOKOTO STATE. RESEARCH TOPICS ON BIOLOGY