Validation of Ewé’fá as Herbal Recipes for Reproductive Health Problems (RHPs) among the Yorùbá of South-western Nigeria

Ifa scriptural verses contain a number of herbs for healing different ailments among the Yoruba of Nigeria. Thus, Ifa is one of the epistemologies of Yoruba herbal healing system. Considering religious sentiments and secrecy arising from patenting, hermeneutic analysis and validation of Ifa-based herbs (Ewe’fa) is yet to be scientifically engaged. This paper analyses some Ifa verses and identifies Ewe’ fa mentioned in them for validation, focussing reproductive health problems (RHPs). Thirty medicinal plants mentioned in six selected Ifa verses (Ejiogbe, Ogundabede, Oyeku-Meji, Ogbe- Turupon, Iwori- Ofun, and Otura-Meji) for the treatment and management of RHPs were identified. Ethnographic and ethno-botanical surveys of those herbs were conducted in Bode herbs market in Ibadan, Nigeria. Key informants’ interviews, observation, and semi-structured ethno-botanical questionnaire were used. Interviews focused on sources of Ewe’fa and mode of treatment in RHPs, botanical information on Ewe’fa, knowledge value of identified Ewe’fa, and uses and validation of Ewe’fa in the treatment of RHPs. Nineteen respondents, mainly herb sellers (78.9%) and some traditional medical practitioners (21.1%) were involved in the survey. All the respondents were females, aged 41-60 years (52.6%) and 78.9% of them were Muslims. Herbal preparations are infusion, decoction, tincture, charring, squeezing, concoction, herbal soap and powder. Herb administrations are oral, topical and as baths. Oral therapies are administered mostly three times daily. Most of the herbs are sourced from the tropical rainforest region of south-western Nigeria. Ewe’fa are valuable as blood tonic, anti-infection, fertility herbs, aphrodisiac, womb cleanser, worm expeller and in the treatment of frigidity. Traditional use of most of the Ewe’fa for RHPs is validated. Hermeneutically, curative meaning given to a plant and beliefs associated with their healing potentials as contained in Ifa verses play a significant role in the use and potency of Ewe’fa. The findings provide a good starting point in pursuit of the search for safe and effective drug candidates for many reproductive health problems.