A survey of plants used for family planning in Bayelsa State, southern Nigeria

Aim: The medicinal plants employed in the ethnomedicine of Bayelsa State of Nigeria for family planning are studied. Bayelsa State is largely populated with a low literacy level stimulating a high poverty rate aggravated by dwindling global oil prices. Thus, the need to keep small family size is now embraced by the people of the State. The survey aims to identify and document the plants used amongst the indigenous people of Bayelsa State for planning. Materials and methods: Using semi-structured questionnaires, information was gathered through personal interviews with 39 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and 53 community elders. Results: A total of 35 medicinal plant species representing 33 genera and 26 families were employed by the TBAs and elders for contraception, labor induction, and abortion among the people of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Among these, only three plant species were mentioned for male contraception purpose. Conclusion: The survey provides a veritable source of information for TBAs and medicinal plant researchers. These medicinal plants may be incorporated into the healthcare delivery system of the country.