Abstract

CHIKADOMA PLANT: A REVIEW OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIALS OF ORNAMENTAL FABACEAE FROM THE RAINFOREST OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Babatunde A. S. Lawal, Prince C. Unekwe, Elvis Shu, Sylvester C. Ohadoma* and Henry U. Michael

ABSTRACT

The Fabaceae are a large family of ornamental and flowering plants including trees, shrubs, annual or perennial herbaceous plants. In addition to their aesthetic value, not a few uses have been found for the plants in this family. They are used as nutraceuticals and serve as natural remedies for several health issues. Studies have shown that Fabaceae possess a plethora of secondary metabolites of notable medicinal values which coffer antinociceptive, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The phytochemicals and uses of Fabaceae vary depending on the geographical location of source. The present study reviewed the ethnopharmacological potentials of Chikadoma plant, an ornamental fabaceae from the rainforest of southern Nigeria.

Keywords: Chikadoma, ornamental fabaceae, Lupinus arboreus, ethnopharmacology, Nigeria.