ETHNO-VETERINARY PRACTICES AND THE USE OF HERBAL ANTHELMINTIC AMONG LIVESTOCK TRADERS IN GUSAU MARKET, ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Helminth infections remain a major constraint to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, causing reduced growth, weight loss, and significant economic losses. Because conventional anthelmintics are expensive and scarce, livestock traders increasingly rely on ethnoveterinary herbal remedies. This cross-sectional survey assessed awareness, usage patterns, and determinants of herbal anthelmintic use among 70 livestock traders in Gusau Market, Zamfara State, Nigeria. We also conducted phytochemical screening and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses to characterize the bioactive constituents of selected medicinal plants. The findings revealed high awareness (83.3%) and substantial use (70.0%) of herbal anthelmintics, with Azadirachta indica, Khaya senegalensis, Vernonia amygdalina, and Terminalia avicennioides being the most commonly used species. Herbal use was significantly associated with education level and trading experience (p < 0.05). Phytochemical screening detected alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, glycosides, and terpenoids in varying proportions. GC–MS analysis identified several bioactive compounds, including phytol, hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, β-sitosterol, squalene, vitamin E, neophytadiene, octadecanoic acid, and caryophyllene. Phytol predominated in Azadirachta indica (18.56%), linoleic acid in Moringa oleifera (16.82%), and hexadecanoic acid in Acacia species (17.23%). These compounds are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic activities, supporting the traditional use of these plants as anthelmintics. The study highlights the need for scientific validation, standardized dosing, and integration of herbal anthelmintics into sustainable livestock parasite control programs.