Ethno botanical Survey and Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinal Plants used for the Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia in Southwest, Nigeria.

Hyperprolactinemia is the presence of abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood. It is prominent among women in Africa. Ethno botanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of this condition among women in Lagos state, Nigeria was carried out. Using oral interview method, information was gathered from herb sellers, herbal medicine practitioners and elderly people from rural areas. The information collected included the names of the plants, the parts used, mode of preparation and the dosages of the medicinal herbs. The aqueous and acetone extracts of the  medicinal plants used in folklores for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia were screened for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard laboratory procedures. A total of 13 plant species belonging to 10 families were identified. They are Senna alata L., Jatropha gossypifolia L. ,Uvaria chemae P.Beauv., Morinda lucida Benth., Anthocleista djalonesis Chev., Heliotropium indicum L., Hoslundia opposita Vahl., Nymphea lotus L., Pistia stratiotes L., Vitex agnus L., Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum gratissimum L. and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich.  Asteraceace has the highest number of plant species used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia, followed by Annonaceace. Nymphea lotus and Pistia stratiotes were the most frequently mentioned and highly recommended of all the species identified. The plant parts used for the treatment are the leaves, the bark and the roots which are prepared by decoction, infusion or taken in powdered form. Majority of the plant materials are taken orally and or used for bathing. Preliminary phytochemical screenings revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, proanthocyanidins and so on.