Abstract

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The study was conducted to provide information on the plants species (PS) used for the treatment of diabetes and their economic values due to paucity of information on the (PS) that could be used by decision and policy makers in planning for such (PS). Multistage, random and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to sample 360 respondents consisting of 240 users/key informants and 120 Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) in the study area. The study made use of the primary data. Semi structure questionnaire, oral interview and personal observations were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics, the payment card system used to elicit Willingness To Pay (WTP) values of the (PS) and the Sorensen Similarity Index (SSI) were used to analyzed the study data. Fifty five medicinal (PS) belonging to 32 different families were identified as plants used for diabetes treatment (DT) in the study area with the Euphorbiaceae (9.09%) being the most occurring family. The top 5 (PS) used for (DT) based on frequency of mention were Ocimum basilicum (38), Moringa oleifera (34), Phyllantus amarus (33), Vernonia amygdalina (29), Pennesetum typhoids (28), and Zingibar officinale (25) while the top 5 prioritized (PS) in terms of mean economic value of species per month were Kigelia africana (N158.33), Trema orientalis (N157.14), Erythrina senegalensis (N155.56), Daniellia oliveri (N150.00 and Detarium microcarpum. The total estimated economic value of the (PS) was (N69, 090) while the mean economic value per month was (N88.80). The (PS) in Ukum and Gwer East Local Government Area (LGAs) were more similar with (SI = 97.5%). The economic values of the medicinal plants indicate the value the society place on such (PS) and can not be said to be absolute values. This study therefore call for government, non-governmental organizations and private individuals to ensure sustainability of these plants species by embarking on both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of the plants.

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