Species Diversity, Conservation Status, and Ethnobotanical Significance of Medicinal Root Plants in Katsina State, Nigeria

Medicinal root plants are central to traditional healthcare systems, yet information on their diversity, ethnobotanical uses, and conservation status in northern Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed species richness, evenness, ethnobotanical significance, and conservation status of medicinal root plants across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Katsina State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating ethnobotanical surveys of 240 respondents with ecological sampling from 150 quadrats. Plant diversity was evaluated using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’) and Equitability (EH). Ethnomedicinal uses and conservation status were documented using standard criteria. Nineteen plant families were recorded, with Fabaceae being the most dominant (26.9%). Site A exhibited the highest species diversity (H’ = 3.7) and evenness (EH = 0.95). Medicinal roots were predominantly used for the treatment of malaria and gastrointestinal disorders. Most species were classified as Least Concern (LC), including Adansonia digitata and Parkia biglobosa. However, threatened taxa were identified, such as Khaya senegalensis (Vulnerable), Combretum glutinosum and Sclerocarya birrea (Endangered), and Borreria stachydea (Data Deficient). Rare plant families, notably Moraceae, were sparsely represented (0.17%). The findings highlight spatial variation in medicinal plant diversity and emphasize the continued reliance on root-based remedies in Katsina State. The presence of threatened and poorly documented species underscores the need for targeted conservation and sustainable harvesting strategies. This study contributes to global ethnomedicinal documentation efforts and supports earlier findings on medicinal plant use in the region.