Papers by Aderemi Suleiman Ajala
STUDIES ON ETHNO-MEDICINE, 2010
Sixty at risk of coronary heart disease subjects in the age group of 40-60 years were selected fr... more Sixty at risk of coronary heart disease subjects in the age group of 40-60 years were selected from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The subjects were equally divided into three groups i.e. E 1, E 2 and C respectively. Flaxseed in powdered form was supplemented at the levels of 5 and 10 g to E 1 and E 2 groups respectively for a period of two months, while C group was not supplemented. The effects of flaxseed powder were studied on nutrient and hematological profile of the subjects. After the supplementation, significant (p<0.05) decrease in the energy intake was reported in E 2 group while protein intake significantly (p<0.05) increased in E 2 group and total fat intake reduced significantly (p<0.05) in all three groups. Decrease in energy intake could be due to flaxseed supplementation which is good source of soluble fibre thus gives feeling of fullness and reduced the food intake which ultimately decreased the energy intake. The mean intake of vitamin B 2 , B 3 and vitamin C decreased in all the three groups, though it was nonsignificant. Further, an increase in haemoglobin was reported in experimental groups which could be due to presence of protein, copper, folic acid and vitamin B 6 in flaxseed which helped in hemopoesis and thus improved iron status.
Boydell and Brewer eBooks, Dec 31, 2017
Advances in pharmacology and clinical trials, 2019
Ifá scriptural verses contain a number of herbs for healing different ailments among the Yorùba... more Ifá scriptural verses contain a number of herbs for healing different ailments among the Yorùbá of southwestern Nigeria. Thus, Ifá is one of the epistemologies of Yorùbá herbal healing system. Due to religious sentiments and secrecy arising from patenting, hermeneutic analysis and validation of Ifá-based herbs (Ewe'fá) is yet to be scientifically engaged. This paper therefore analyses some Ifá verses and identifies the herbs mentioned in them for validation, focussing reproductive health problems (RHPs). Thirty medicinal plants mentioned in six selected Ifá verses (E jìògbe, Ò gúndábede, Òyèkú-Méjì, Ogbè-Túrúpòn, Ìwòrì-Òfún, and Òtúrá-Méjì) for the treatment and management of RHPs were identified. Ethnographic and ethno-botanical surveys of those herbs were conducted in Bode central herbs market in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Key informants' interviews, observation, and semi-structured ethno-botanical questionnaire were used. Interviews focused on sources of Ewé'fá and mode of treatment in RHPs, botanical information on Ewé'fá, knowledge value of identified Ewé'fá, and uses and validation of Ewé'fá in the treatment of RHPs. Nineteen respondents, mainly the herb sellers (78.9%) and some traditional medical practitioners (TMPs, 21.1%) were involved in the survey. All the respondents were female, 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 southwestern Nigeria. Ifa-based herbs are valuable as blood tonic, anti-infection, fertility herbs,
West African journal of archaeology, 2002
The practice of traditional bone-setting is a branch of traditional medicine. which is fast gaini... more The practice of traditional bone-setting is a branch of traditional medicine. which is fast gaining recognition not only in Ibadan city, but also in Nigeria as a whole. Despite the increasing popularity of this branch of traditional medicine particularly in urban centres in Nigeria, Western health institutions undermine its potency; thus many people who cannot afford the cost of modem healthcare are discouraged from the traditional option. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of people towards traditional bone-setting with a view to ascertaining if the practice can be regarded as an alternative therapy. The study seeks to enlighten all the stakeholders in the health care system about traditional bone-setting in Ibadan city. Data were generated through qualitative research techniques. Two hundred and thirty-seven respondents were involved in the research. The study established that Ijaw. Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani people, practise traditional bone-setting more th...
Advances in Pharmacology & Clinical Trials
Ifá scriptural verses contain a number of herbs for healing different ailments among the Yorùba... more Ifá scriptural verses contain a number of herbs for healing different ailments among the Yorùbá of southwestern Nigeria. Thus, Ifá is one of the epistemologies of Yorùbá herbal healing system. Due to religious sentiments and secrecy arising from patenting, hermeneutic analysis and validation of Ifá-based herbs (Ewe'fá) is yet to be scientifically engaged. This paper therefore analyses some Ifá verses and identifies the herbs mentioned in them for validation, focussing reproductive health problems (RHPs). Thirty medicinal plants mentioned in six selected Ifá verses (E jìògbe, Ò gúndábede, Òyèkú-Méjì, Ogbè-Túrúpòn, Ìwòrì-Òfún, and Òtúrá-Méjì) for the treatment and management of RHPs were identified. Ethnographic and ethno-botanical surveys of those herbs were conducted in Bode central herbs market in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Key informants' interviews, observation, and semi-structured ethno-botanical questionnaire were used. Interviews focused on sources of Ewé'fá and mode of treatment in RHPs, botanical information on Ewé'fá, knowledge value of identified Ewé'fá, and uses and validation of Ewé'fá in the treatment of RHPs. Nineteen respondents, mainly the herb sellers (78.9%) and some traditional medical practitioners (TMPs, 21.1%) were involved in the survey. All the respondents were female, 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 southwestern Nigeria. Ifa-based herbs are valuable as blood tonic, anti-infection, fertility herbs,
Anthropology and Ethnology Open Access Journal, 2019
Yoruba traditional healing system has being in practice for several centuries, yet, there are sti... more Yoruba traditional healing system has being in practice for several centuries, yet, there are still certain complexities which set confusion in understanding its conceptualization. Due to lack of enough information about the practice, cynicism, religious bigotry against the practice and over-westernization of healthcare system in Yoruba society, basic features of Yoruba traditional healing system are still obscured. Conceptualization of the healing is narrowed and reduced to fetish; its epistemology is linked with Satan, and organization of Yoruba traditional healing is regarded as unscientific among other complexities suffered by the healing system. This continues to hamper the acknowledgment of its contributions to sustainable healthcare development. Through ethnographic data collection techniques using key informants' interviews, observation, case study analysis and ethno-botanical survey conceptualization of traditional healing in Yoruba worldviews is examined. Despite the wave of social change influencing the practice of healing in Yoruba society, Yoruba traditional healing system is still resilient, rational and scientific. It features organization of service, providing all-inclusive health caring; with professionalization and specialization in health care service. Since Yoruba healing system is indigenous to the people, it has to be sustained by providing enough information that can explain and contextualize its practices.
This book contains edited essays on women and children's health in western Nigeria. It is a c... more This book contains edited essays on women and children's health in western Nigeria. It is a collection of essays from doctoral dissertations of the authors and chapters contributed as private research.Based on ethnographic researches conducted by the authors in several parts of western Nigeria, it contains essays on different aspects of problems associated with women and children's health in western Nigeria. The book covers a wide range of theories and field methodologies and examines its themes from broader and multi-lateral perspectives. It deals with the subject matter of medical anthropology, public health, women's constraints in accessing equitable health care services and the impact of HIV/AIDS on women. It examines socio- cultural issues affecting women's health mostly through qualitative, objective and in holistic manner. As the contributors are trained in clinical study, anthropology and sociology, the book is inter-disciplinary. It therefore examines its in...
Since 1900, the Yoruba of South-western Nigeria have worked their local history into a nationalis... more Since 1900, the Yoruba of South-western Nigeria have worked their local history into a nationalist project. Drawing on elements from local mythologies, traditions and cultural values, the Yoruba educated elite created a pan-Yoruba history that established a common interest among the different Yoruba sub-groups. This became the basis for the people’s imagination of the nation. Transformed from pre-colonial group identity to cultural nationalism during colonial times, Yoruba nationalism turned political and became increasingly radical and violent during the post-colonial period. Post-colonial Yoruba nationalism is directed against the Nigerian nation-state and other ethnic groups in Nigeria. This paper explores the role that history, tradition and modernity play in the workings of nationalism and local politics among the Yoruba, and it discusses the various phases in which Yoruba nationalism has developed. It argues that Yoruba nationalism builds on many elements that date back to the...
Local categorization of illness and disease can form insight on the understanding of people’s beh... more Local categorization of illness and disease can form insight on the understanding of people’s behaviour and attitudes towards microbial infections and how such implicates Coronavirus and disease COVID-19. Relying on data generated through rapid research approach in some Yoruba cities of southwestern Nigeria, where phoning, WhatsApp, Facebook, quick in-depth interviews, ethnobotanical survey/analysis of some anti-microbial herbs and case analysis were held. The study reveals local understanding of microbial infection and the opposing and contrasting perceptions of COVID-19, which informs different regimes of care and prevention. Such includes non-categorization of microbial infections into viral, bacterial and fungi; biomedical against preternatural causation and utilization of local herbs versus globalised western health care strategies. The study therefore suggests that within the context of globalised health culture accommodation of local traditions is imperative in proper underst...
West African journal of archaeology, 2002
The practice of traditional bone-setting is a branch of traditional medicine. which is fast gaini... more The practice of traditional bone-setting is a branch of traditional medicine. which is fast gaining recognition not only in Ibadan city, but also in Nigeria as a whole. Despite the increasing popularity of this branch of traditional medicine particularly in urban centres in Nigeria, Western health institutions undermine its potency; thus many people who cannot afford the cost of modem healthcare are discouraged from the traditional option. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of people towards traditional bone-setting with a view to ascertaining if the practice can be regarded as an alternative therapy. The study seeks to enlighten all the stakeholders in the health care system about traditional bone-setting in Ibadan city. Data were generated through qualitative research techniques. Two hundred and thirty-seven respondents were involved in the research. The study established that Ijaw. Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani people, practise traditional bone-setting more th...
Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2020
Health burden, coping strategies and access to public healthcare facilities are examined using a ... more Health burden, coping strategies and access to public healthcare facilities are examined using a medical ecological approach and ethnography among Ibarapa nomads. They live in bands in far distances from Yoruba populated towns in the Ibarapa area, where grazing culture makes healthcare facilities inaccessible. Vulnerable to high morbidity and health risks due to snake-bites, malaria, zoonosis and some other infections, but lacking healthcare facilities, they mostly use faith-based healing, herbal remedies and self-medications. Seventeen percent of the nomads access healthcare facilities from distant towns in Ibarapa. Equitable access to healthcare requires mobile healthcare for semi-sedentary nomads and permanent health clinics for sedentary nomads.
Studies of Tribes and Tribals, 2006
In the recent time, Nigeria's transition from the stage of electoral politics to the consolidatio... more In the recent time, Nigeria's transition from the stage of electoral politics to the consolidation of democracy has reawakened the hitherto repressed or dormant political forces in Nigeria. The situation is characterized by the upsurge of ethnic militias, who seek to pursue their cultural nationalism. The experience seems to be typical of many other countries passing through a similar socio-political transition (Singer, 2000; Vickers, 2000). Mentions can be made of Cote D'Ivoire, Niger, Indonesia, Ghana, and Malaysia. This goes to suggest that democratic openings tend to aggravate ethnic nationalism, which sometimes provokes ethnic tensions and conflicts (Akwetey, 1996; Conteh-Morgan, 1997; Sandbrook, 2000). The situation is usually more pronounced in heterogeneous society of Nigeria. Nigeria with its wealth, human resources, population and size could be considered a giant, relative to its neighbours. It is the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world and got political independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. The name Nigeria was given to the country by a British journalist who later became the wife of the first Governor-General of the country-Sir Fredrick Lugard in 1898. The name was suggested for the collection of protectorates and colonies around River Niger. The suggestion was accepted and
Nyame akuma, 2008
The dawn of the early 19th century marked the birth of anthropology as a science of humanity. Ant... more The dawn of the early 19th century marked the birth of anthropology as a science of humanity. Anthropologists were then noted for their interest in exotic culture, especially that of primitive societies. Between then and now, the discipline has traversed many areas of ...
ifeas.uni-mainz.de
Since 1900, the Yoruba of South-western Nigeria have worked their local history into a na-tionali... more Since 1900, the Yoruba of South-western Nigeria have worked their local history into a na-tionalist project. Drawing on elements from local mythologies, traditions and cultural values, the Yoruba educated elite created a pan-Yoruba history that established a common interest among ...
Health, Culture and Society, 2013
There is a parallel between local and bio-medical perceptions of malaria among the Ibibio people ... more There is a parallel between local and bio-medical perceptions of malaria among the Ibibio people of South-coastal Nigeria, as in many other societies of sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic. Despite the fact that this accounts for resilience of the disease, earlier studies on malaria in Africa focused on causes, prevalence and socio-environmental factors. Local meanings of malaria and their influence on therapeutic choices have been largely ignored. This study examines local perceptions of malaria among the Ibibio and explains how attitudes are generated from indigenous meanings. It also examines how such attitudes inform a local aetiology of malaria. Similarly, our study examines how local meanings of, and attitudes towards malaria, set the pathway of care in malaria management among the Ibibio. Through qualitative and descriptive ethnography, Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and the textual analysis of documents, our study seeks to establish that ...
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Papers by Aderemi Suleiman Ajala