Abstract

THE ORIGIN OF HERBS AND ROOTS FOR MEDICINAL USAGES AMONG THE YORUBA PEOPLE OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A THEO-SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE

Famobuwa O. E.*, Akinlami O. O., Adekunbi E. A. and Akinsiku R. O.

Abstract

This research focused on tracing the origin and the proof of the efficacy of some selected herbs and roots [Aloe vera, Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), and Saffron (Crocus sativus)] from the perspective of the ancient Jewish culture and that of the Yoruba traditional people of Nigeria. The research adopted many methodologies to unravel the realities of the existence of herbs and roots from the biblical perspective and scientific point of view as means of curbing the menace of illnesses and spread of dangerous diseases in Nigeria. The herbs, seeds and roots selected passed through phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) scavenging activity) in a well-equipped laboratory to ascertain their chemical contents in line with modern scientific demands. By this, their medicinal values were established both theologically and scientifically. The research, therefore, confirmed the medicinal values of the selected herbs and roots whose origin were traced back to the bible which is the book of origin of all things and the accredited manual for the understanding of the Jewish ancient culture. This research has firmly established that since God created them and instructed the use of these selected herbs and roots, their use is, automatically, not abominable to enhancing the flow of cordial relationship man was meant to benefit from God since creation. From our experimental findings, the selected herbs, seeds and roots possess excellent phytoch emical and antioxidant activities, hence their efficacy in curing diseases and ailments then and now.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Phytochemical; Aloe vera; Anise; Cinnamon; Cumin; Saffron