Ethno-Medicinal Potential of Mushrooms among the Igala People of Kogi State

This study aims to explore the different types of mushrooms and examine their ethno-medicinal potential among the Igala people in Kogi State with a focus on their medicinal properties and effectiveness. The traditional use of mushrooms in the area of food and medicine has been passed down from generation to generation, with the Igala people recognizing the medicinal properties of different species of mushrooms. A mixed-method research design, incorporating in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and literature review, was adopted to gather data from a sample size of four hundred and fifty (450) randomly selected individuals. The methodology involved semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions to explore the types of mushrooms used, their applications and associated beliefs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. The findings highlight the diverse application of mushrooms in Igala traditional medicine, emphasizing their role in promoting health and well-being. It revealed that several mushroom species are used for treating various ailments, including common colds, wounds, stomach ailments, diabetes and hypertension. The study concludes that the Igala people hold significant ethno-medicinal knowledge about mushrooms. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of mushrooms and promotes the preservation of indigenous knowledge among the Igala people; it also calls for further research on their potential for modern medicine, shedding light on the importance of these fungi in traditional medicine and their potential for modern medical applications.