A review variety of banana and plantain and their traditional and nutritional values in Loko development area of Nasarawa local government area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Banana and plantain represent about 90 and 10 % respectively of cooked crops and the second largest cultivated all over the world after citrus with more than 117 million tons produced annually after rice, wheat and maize. Majority of the inhabitants of Loko consume banana and plantain for food and medicine. The objectives of this study were to investigate the different varieties of banana and plantain in this part of the globe and document the traditional uses. Well-known men and women that were recognized and accepted by this community to have knowledge and skills in traditional medicine were interviewed using structured questionnaires and plants were collected for proper identification. Results showed that ten and eight different varieties of banana and plantain respectively were used as food and also to manage and improve conditions such as muscle spasms, high blood pressure, stroke, weak teeth and bones, wounds, constipation, heart burns, ulcer, anemia, depression, diabetes and infections. These varieties and their traditional uses were documented by their Scientific, English and Hausa names.