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Original Article
Online Published: 08 Dec 2025
 


Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria

Isa Likita Mara, Abubakar Bala Madaki, Lawan Abdul Sani, Sayyida Muhammad Zakari, Salisu Abubakar, Halima Sadiya Ibrahim, Safiya Sani Osagede.


Abstract
Background: Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) is widely used in African Traditional medicine for treating diverse different ailments. Despite its recognized pharmacological properties, its ethnomedicinal uses remain under-documented in Kano North, Nigeria.
Objectives: This study aimed to document and analyze the traditional knowledge of Mucuna pruriens in selected communities of Kano North, with emphasis on plant-parts used, preparation methods, perceived efficacy, and cultural beliefs.
Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from October to December 2021 in five Local Government Areas of Kano North. Seventy traditional healers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and oral discussions. Data were analyzed descriptively and with chi-square tests to explore associations between plant parts, modes of preparation, and reported ailments.
Results: Respondents (97.2 % Male, aged 18-100 years) reported 23 distinct uses of Mucuna pruriens. The most common indications including stomach ache, piles, wound healing, diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, and aphrodisiac use. Roots and seeds were the most cited plant parts, prepared mainly as decoctions and powders. The Fidelity levels (FL) for most uses were below 50 %, including low consensus among healers. Beliefs related to spiritual protection and healing (e.g., witchcraft, evil spirits) were also recorded.
Conclusion: Mucuna pruriens is an important ethnomedicinal resources in Kano North, and it is used for both physical and spiritual ailments. The findings highlights the urgency of documenting disappearing traditional knowledge and provides a basis for future pharmacological validation. Caution is required when extrapolating traditional claims to therapeutical recommendations.

Key words: Mucuna pruriens, ethnomedicine, Efficacy, fidelity level, common ailments


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Mara IL, Madaki AB, Sani LA, Zakari SM, Abubakar S, Ibrahim HS, Osagede SS. Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. J Pharmacol Pharm Res. 2025; 2(4): 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031

Web Style

Mara IL, Madaki AB, Sani LA, Zakari SM, Abubakar S, Ibrahim HS, Osagede SS. Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. https://www.wisdomgale.com/jppr/?mno=273645 [Access: December 13, 2025]. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Mara IL, Madaki AB, Sani LA, Zakari SM, Abubakar S, Ibrahim HS, Osagede SS. Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. J Pharmacol Pharm Res. 2025; 2(4): 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Mara IL, Madaki AB, Sani LA, Zakari SM, Abubakar S, Ibrahim HS, Osagede SS. Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. J Pharmacol Pharm Res. (2025), [cited December 13, 2025]; 2(4): 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


Harvard Style

Mara, I. L., Madaki, . A. B., Sani, . L. A., Zakari, . S. M., Abubakar, . S., Ibrahim, . H. S. & Osagede, . S. S. (2025) Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. J Pharmacol Pharm Res, 2 (4), 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


Turabian Style

Mara, Isa Likita, Abubakar Bala Madaki, Lawan Abdul Sani, Sayyida Muhammad Zakari, Salisu Abubakar, Halima Sadiya Ibrahim, and Safiya Sani Osagede. 2025. Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. Journal of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Research, 2 (4), 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


Chicago Style

Mara, Isa Likita, Abubakar Bala Madaki, Lawan Abdul Sani, Sayyida Muhammad Zakari, Salisu Abubakar, Halima Sadiya Ibrahim, and Safiya Sani Osagede. "Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria." Journal of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Research 2 (2025), 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Mara, Isa Likita, Abubakar Bala Madaki, Lawan Abdul Sani, Sayyida Muhammad Zakari, Salisu Abubakar, Halima Sadiya Ibrahim, and Safiya Sani Osagede. "Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria." Journal of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Research 2.4 (2025), 196-207. Print. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Mara, I. L., Madaki, . A. B., Sani, . L. A., Zakari, . S. M., Abubakar, . S., Ibrahim, . H. S. & Osagede, . S. S. (2025) Ethnomedicinal Uses and Perceived Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens In the Treatment of Common Ailments In Kano North, Nigeria. Journal of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Research, 2 (4), 196-207. doi:10.5455/JPPR.20250727055031


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