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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Scientific reports corroborate traditional medical applications aligned with the ‘Doctrine of Signatures' in Southeast Nigeria

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12461
Submitted
29 October 2025
Published
06-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

The Doctrine of Signatures (DOS) is an old tradition that was and is practised throughout the world. Even though often criticised, it describes how people came to know that certain plants have therapeutic uses and/or serve as mnemonic aids for the transfer of such information. Semi-structured questionnaires were issued to 62 informants across the study location and the data obtained were processed and analysed statistically. A total of 73 plants belonging to 34 families were reported to possess signatures that connect them to their medicinal properties. For example, the red colour of extracts from plant parts of Sorghum bicolour, Khaya senegalensis, Justicia secunda, etc., communicates the “signature” and indicates their local use as a blood tonic and for treatment of anaemia. The yellow parts and bitter principles of Morinda lucida, Sphenocentrum jollyanum and Cryptolepis sanguinolenta signify symptoms of yellow fever or malaria and are used to treat such ailments. Plants that have swollen nodes that resemble human joints were reported for the treatment of joint diseases such as rheumatic arthritis. Other examples include plants that are used to treat cancer, inflammation, neurological disorders and organ enlargement. Similarly, poisonous/harmful plants have signatures that suggest their toxicity, such as the presence of certain types of appendages and colour patterns. Most of these claims are backed by already reported scientific results. The knowledge and incorporation of the Doctrine of Signatures is highly practised among the Igbo tribe in Nigeria and could form a reliably informed method for future medicinal plant exploration, communication and development.

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