Dakar Med. 1993 ; 38(2): 193-5.

[Traditional therapy of dracunculiasis in the state of Bauchi - Nigeria]

Fabiyi JP, Kela SL, Tal KM, Istifanus WA.

Biological Sciences Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.

Traditional medicinal treatments of guinea worm being applied in various parts of Bauchi State were investigated. Extracts of leaves of a number of plants were universally applied topically. Users perceived relief of pain and accelerated expulsion of worms and healing process. In particular, Tamarindus indica, Adansonia digitata, Calotropis procera, Ziziphus jaozeiro and Moringa olifera are known in nature to have relevant medicinal properties especially lessening of inflammation, relief of pain, or promoting healing or reducing secondary bacterial infections. The possibility was expressed that some of the herbs might be exerting useful effects and could be exploited for the effective treatment of guinea worm.