UTILIZAIFION OF RODENTS IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN SQUTI-Z-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

From survey evaluation carried out between 1995 and 1998 in Osun State Western Nigeria twenty-nine (85.3%) of the recorded 34 rodent species have been identified with preparation and utilization in traditional medicine. The species of rodents of traditional importance in this study include. Arvicanthis niloticus (17.0%). Cricetomys gambianus emini (14 .9%), Mus musculus  (7.9%) Leminiscomys striatus (5.1%). The major traditional usefulness of rodents are in the treatment of infertility and acclaimed spiritual protection over witchcrafts, prevention of failure and avoidance of disappointments. There is need to research into the scientific basis for traditional medicine and also other species involved. There is also the need for standardized scale and measures, better retrieval techniques, processing, packaging, marketing and administration frameworks in traditional healing 11iethods of treatment.