Abstract
Obesity is an increasingly important public health challenge in Nigeria and worldwide, prompting many people to turn to traditional medicine because it is culturally familiar, affordable, and readily available. This study documents medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of obesity in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Information was obtained through structured interviews with experienced herbalists, traditional healers, and knowledgeable community members (n = 169). In total, 28 plant species representing 18 botanical families were identified. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were employed to evaluate the cultural relevance of the recorded species. Ziziphus spina-christi emerged as the most frequently cited plant, showing the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC = 0.089) and Use Mention Index (UMI = 8.9%), followed by Acacia nilotica and Hibiscus sabdariffa (RFC = 0.065; UMI = 6.5% each). In contrast, Piper nigrum was the least cited species (RFC = 0.017; UMI = 1.7%). Leaves were the plant parts most commonly used, while preparations were mainly made as decoctions, infusions, juices, or powdered formulations, with remedies predominantly taken orally. The high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values recorded for obesity-related uses reflect strong agreement among respondents on the effectiveness of these plants. Notably, several of the commonly mentioned species, including Acacia nilotica, Moringa oleifera, and Hibiscus sabdariffa, have been reported to possess anti-obesity, antioxidant, and lipid-modulating activities, lending scientific support to their traditional use. Conclusively, this study provides valuable baseline information that can support future pharmacological investigations, conservation strategies, and the development of safer plant-based approaches for obesity management.

Key words: Ethno-botanical survey, Plants, Obesity, Sokoto metropolis