Survey of zoological materials used in traditional medicine in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background/Aim: Animals and their derivative products constitute essential ingredients in the preparation of drugs used in traditional medicine. Their utilization and practices continue to receive high patronage from all works of lives among developing countries with little or no comprehensive health assurance coverage. The aim of this study is to document some zoological materials used as medicine in Sabon Gari and Zaria local government areas, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods: In-depth survey was used to document some ethnozoological materials in the study areas. Seventy-one herbal and traditional medicinal practitioners were interviewed in Hausa language using semi-structured and key respondent interview approach. Results: The findings showed that the respondents were above 18 years of age and claimed that the ethnozoological usages of some animals and derived parts such as giant African snail shell, Iguana lizard, rock python, peacock, African elephant etc. were inherited from their parent and grandparent. Twenty animal species with their ethnomedicinal uses, Hausa names, parts used, and the photographs of readily available animal parts have been documented. The results showed that some animal parts or products are used in the treatments of snake bites, hypertension, ulcer, pain, aches, cold, and respiratory diseases. Their ethnomedical practices as protection from nightmare, ability to tame wayward women, worn for shield and strength, and tendencies to prevent promiscuity are some significant findings in the study. Conclusion: The findings showed the rich ethnozoological materials usages of Sabon Gari and Zaria local government areas (Kaduna State) for indigenous medicinal purposes towards meeting and complementing their primary health care system and with the hope that further work will be conducted to evaluate their safety and therapeutic profiles.