Journal of Plant Genetics and Breeding
Open Access

Our Group organises 3000+ Global Conferenceseries Events every year across USA, Europe & Asia with support from 1000 more scientific Societies and Publishes 700+ Open Access Journals which contains over 50000 eminent personalities, reputed scientists as editorial board members.

Open Access Journals gaining more Readers and Citations
700 Journals and 15,000,000 Readers Each Journal is getting 25,000+ Readers

This Readership is 10 times more when compared to other Subscription Journals (Source: Google Analytics)
  • Research Article   
  • J Plant Genet Breed 2024, Vol 8(2): 196
  • DOI: 10.4172/jpgb.1000196

An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Hulet Ejjuenessie District, East Gojam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Haimanot Reta* and Enchalew Wale
Biology Department, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
*Corresponding Author: Haimanot Reta, Biology Department, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, Email: rhaimanot@gmail.com

Received: 21-Feb-2024 / Manuscript No. jpgb-24-127952 / Editor assigned: 23-Feb-2024 / PreQC No. jpgb-24-127952 (QC) / Reviewed: 11-Mar-2024 / QC No. jpgb-24-127952 / Revised: 18-Mar-2024 / Manuscript No. jpgb-24-127952 (R) / Published Date: 29-Mar-2024 DOI: 10.4172/jpgb.1000196

Abstract

Traditional medicine plays an important role in Ethiopian society; knowledge about the extent and characteristics of traditional healing practices and practitioners is limited and has frequently been ignored in the national health system. The main objective of the study is to document plant species of medicinal value to the community in Hullet Ejju Enesie District and the associated knowledge on use, preparation and other aspects of the indigenous knowledge of the people in Hullet Ejju Enesie District. The study sites were selected purposefully based on the recommendations of elders and local authorities. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations, group discussion,preference rankingand market survey. A total of 188 informants (171 males and 17 females) were selected to collect information on medicinal plant use from 6 sampled kebeles. The study resulted a total of 95 medicinal plant species distributed in 85 genera and 44 families. Plant family with the highest medicinal plants in the study area used for various diseases was fabaceae followed by Asteraceae. The result of growth form analysis showed that 37 (38.94%) were herbs constituted the highest proportion of medicinal plants. Leaves from 42 medicinal plants (44.21%) were the most frequently utilized plant parts for preparation of traditional herbal remedy. Among the total traditional medicinal plants, 75 plant species were used against human ailments and 11plant species were used for treatment of cattle diseases and 9 plant species for the treatment of both human and veterinary diseases. The majority of medicinal plants were collected from the wild 71 (74.73%) whereas 24 (25.26%) were from Home-gardens areas. Oral administration 51(53.68%) was the dominant rout of remedy administration. Sudden sickness and evil eye is the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) value among human ailments. Among the reported medicinal plants Kalanchoe petitiana and Shinus molle has the highest FL (100) to treat wound and tonsillitis respectively. Agricultural expansions are the most threatening factors mentioned by participants and hence the local community or traditional healers must protect the medicinal plant resources from threat by doing different activities and transfer to the next generation for sustainable use.

Keywords

Traditional medicine; Indigenous knowledge; Medicinal plant; Traditional healers

Introduction

Ethnobotany is the study of the relationships between human populations and plants, addressing the ideas conceptualized by a given society regarding plant life [1]. Ethnobotanists attempt to and preserve traditional botanical knowledge related to the various uses of local Flora [2].

Formal documentation of indigenous plant utilizes began with the campaign of European investigates, looking for 'Green gold', to arrive possessed by indigenous individuals [3]. Such campaign were ice breakers to experience critical plant utilize learning, trailed by the resulting exchange of valuable species and their related utilize information to various nations [4].

The principal objective of all ethnobotanical examines includes documenting, analyzing and disseminating information on the connection amongst individuals and plants [5]. Ethnobotanical examination investigates not just how a particular gathering of individuals uses plants additionally how that gathering sees them, how it deciphers these recognitions, how these discernments impact the exercises of individuals from that society, and how these exercises impact the encompassing vegetation and the biological system on which the general public depends [6].

Lose of knowledge is caused when communities emigrate to towns or to other regions with a different flora and can also be lost by life style changes due to industrialization, rapid loss of natural habitats, drastic alteration of the local ecology [7] even though Ethiopia is endowed with abundant medicinal plant resources and traditional medicinal practices [8]. Most of the knowledge acquired by the local people has been passed on to them by a word of mouth from one generation to the other.Such orally preserved information is liable to loss if left undocumented [9]. Therefore this study aimed to identify and document plant species that have medicinal value for human and livestock in Huleteju Enesie District.

Methods

Description of the study area

Hullet Ejju Enese District (HEEW) is one of the 21District in East Gojjam Zone and 151 Districts in Amhara National Regional State. Relative location of the District is 370 km away from Addis Ababa, 120 km from Bahir Dar the regional capital city and 202 km from Debre Markos (Zonal city of East Gojjam). Hullet Ejju Enese District is bounded in the North by South Gonder Zone, in the South by Sedie District, in the east by Goncha District, in the South West by Bibugn (Hullet Ejju Enessie District administrative office, 2018). Geographically, the area is located at10050'0"- 110 10'0"N latitude and 37040' 0"- 370 50'0"E longitude with an average altitude of 2500 m.a.s.l (Figure 1).

journal-plant-genetics-breeding-Gojjam

Figure 1: Map of study area in East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, and Hulet Ejju Enaessie District.

Data collection techniques

Selections of study sites: Reconnaissance survey of the study area was conducted from November 10-20 in 2018. During this time information related to topography, vegetation distribution, soil type, boarder of the district, traditional healers were observed and data related to the above mentioned features were also collected. Six kebele were selected from 29 kebeles located in the district purposively by considering agro ecology, accessibility, herbal utilization and relative vegetation cover.

Sample size determination and Informant selections: The sample size would be determined statistically by using the Kothari (2004) formula as shown below. n= z² xpxQxN/(e²(N-1)+Z²xPxQ),Where n=sample size, Z= value of standard variant at 95.5 confidence level (2.005), P= sample population (0.02), N= total house hold population, Q= 1-P,e= the estimate should be within 2 % of the true value (0.02), n= ((2.005)² x (0.02)x(1-0.02)x(4382))/((0.02)²x (4382-1)+(2.005)²x(0.02) x(1-0.02))=188. The total informants were distributed proportionally to the selected kebele (sub district). After proportional allocation, each participant was selected systematically from each kebele until the number is reached.

Semi-structured interviews: Semi-structured interview was administered based on the checklist, prepared. The questions were prepared in English and translated to Amharic language (local language of the study area).

Field observation: Field observations were applied on the study sites with the help of local people. During field observation important points like conservation action of medicinal plants, cultivation practice of medicinal plants, soil types and vegetation of an area were observed.

Group discussion: The discussion was conducted at two study kebeles selected by lottery system from six kebeles with 5 individuals (one traditional healer and four nontraditional healers).The participants were discussed about traditional medicinal system of the peoples, its conservation systems and how people transfer medicinal plant knowledge.

Market survey: Market survey was conducted on two kebeles of the markets to distinguish type of medicinal plants available in the markets. During the study the names of medicinal plants, preparation, rout of administration and dosages were recorded and were interviewed about medicinal value of the plants.

Voucher specimens: Plant specimens were collected from both habitats i.e., from home gardens and wild habitats Necessary information need for specimen identification like common name and voucher specimen were recorded during the plant species collection in the field. The collected plants were identified by using different volume of Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Data analysis techniques

The data would mainly analyzed and summarized by descriptive statistics, preference ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking as described in Martin [5], Cotton [3], Alexiades [10], fidelity level [11] and Informant consensus factor [12].

Results

Medicinal plants

Medicinal Plant recorded, their Sources and growth habit: A total of 95 medicinal plants distributed to different genera (85) and family (44) were collected from the study area. Of this, 71(74.73%) plant species were collected from wild habitat and the rest 24 (25.26%) medicinal plant species were collected from homgarden. Fabaceae was the most dominant family that contains 13 species under 11 genera followed by Asteraceae with 7 species and 6 genera, followed by Lamiaceae five species with four genera and Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae four species with four genera. Regarding the plant habit, herbs were the most common and stood first with 37 species (38.94%), followed by shrubs 32 species (33.68%), trees 19 species (20%) and climbers 7species (7.36%) (Table 1).

Scientific
Name
Family Local
Name
Hb Pp  Uf Ailment type Ra Cp Preparation,Application
and Dosage
(am
haric)
         
Acacia abyssinica Fabaceae Girar T R Hu Evil eye Na D/F The root is crushed, squeezed with water and one cup is taken orally at night and then sleeping is
Recommended.
                   
Acanthus polystachius Acanthaceae Koshishelie S L Hu Trachoma O F The leaf is crushed, squeezed with water and one cup taken orally
Acacia pilispina Fabaceae Cheba T Fr Hu Tonsillitis O F Chewing of fresh fibers and sucking the juices
Allium cepa Alliaceae Key shinkrt H Sd Hu Hypertension O F The seed Allium cepa is crushed and immersed in little water then filtrated and drunk before food.
Allium sativum Alliaceae Nech shinkurt H Bu Hu Malaria O O D F/D The bulb of Allium sativum with Lepidium sativum is poundPowdered
and mixed with little water or eaten
by Injera
Typhoid     The bulb mixed with bulb of Allium cepa and Nigella sativa (Tikurazmud)
are crushed, soaked in water for over
nights and one glass is taken
continuously in the morning
       
Common cold O F The bulb is crushed and smelling the aroma
Aloe percrassa Aloaceae Eret H L Ca Emaciation O F The leaf is cut into pieces, mixed with salt and with leaf of caster is given orally.
Lat Hu Gastritis O F Latexes collected,mixed with honey and one glass is taken in the morning
    Bon Fracture Dm F Latexes collected and apply on fractured part
Artemisia abyssinica Asteraceae Chukun H L/S Ca Eye Disease Ey D/F The leaf and stem are crushed and mix with water to diffuses  the eye
Asparagus africanus Asparagaceae Yesiet kest Cl R Hu/Ca Mehaninet O F The root of Asparagus africanus mix with root of Sida schimperi and crushed together finally eat with honey
one spoon
Bersama abyssinica Melianthaceae Azamir S L Hu Ascariasi O F The leaf is boiled in milk or potato tuber and one cup is taken orally
Brassica carinata Brassicaceae Gomen H Sd Ca Wajima O D Dry seed crushed and mix with water and  drink it enough amounts
Brucea antidysenterica Simaroubaceae Abalo S Fr
L
Hu Eczema Dm D Fruits  are  grounded,  powdered, mixed  with butter  and creamed
Wound then expos in to the sunlight for few minutes
            Wound Dm F The leaf of Brucea antidysenterica is pounded,squeezed and then creamed
affected part until recovery
Buddleja polystachya Loganiaceae Anfar S L Hu Wound Dm D/F The leaf of Buddleja polystachya is pounded, powdered and applied on wound
Calpurnia aurea Fabaceae Digita S L Hu Heart disease O F Boild the leaf  and drink it one glass befor food
Capsicum annum Solanaceae Berbere H Sd Ca Leech N/O D Chille powder mix with Goat milk and it give through nasal and oral with bottl
Capparis tomentosa Fabaceae Gemero S Sb Ca Epidemic O/N D The bark is crushed and take one spoon powder,  placed on the red hot charcoal and is used to fumigate smokes.
Carissa spinarum Apocynaceae Agam S R Hu Evil eye Na D/F The  root  is  crushed  with  bulbs  of garlic,squeezed in  water and droplets  are  taken  through  the  nose, and  the  remaining parts tied with clothes for smelling
Ca Evil eye O D Crushing roots and mix with none water butter, Finally eating it with half of enjera
Clematis simensis Ranunculaceae Yeazo
Areg
Cl L Hu Kintarot D F Croton macrostachyus and Clematis simensis leaf crushed with butter,water and boild it applied on infected parts
Clerodendrum myricoides Lamiaceae Misrich S Fr &
L
Hu Malaria O D The leaf and fruits of Clerodendrum myricoides with bulb of garlic are mixed, crushed, powdered and soaked in honey for one day and one glass is taken continuously
       
        Sb Hu Evil Eye Na D  The bark is crushed and placed on the red hot charcoal and is used to fumigate smokes
Clausena anisata Rutaceae Limich S L Ch Coccoids O F Fresh part of leaf is crushed ,dried and mix water to drink it or eating with enjera
R Hu Emergency O F The root is crushed & squeezed in water and drunk with one glass.
Clutia lanceolata subsp.
Lanceolata
Euphorbiaceae Fiyelefeg S R Hu Evil Eye Na/D   The root is crushed and placed on the red hot charcoal and is used to fumigate smokes through nasal
Citrus limon Rutaceae Lomi S Fr Hu Athletes foot Dm F The fruit of Citrus limon is squeezed and creamed on affected for continuous days up to recovery
Cicer arietinum Fabaceae Shimbira H Se Hu Malaria O D The seed is crushed and boild with water and drunk many water glasses
Cordia africana Boraginaceae Wanza T S Hu Diarrhea O D The stem bark is crushed & squeezed in water and  drunk one tea glass
Coriandrum sativum Apiaceae Dinbilal H S Hu Commn
cold
O D The seed is crushed and boild  with water and drunk with three cups
Croton macrostachyus Euphorbiaceae Bisana T Sb Hu Malaria O D The stem bark is crushed, powdered, soaked in honey and one glass is taken orally. But it was reported that it has  powerful effect for over dosage
Cut Dm D The shoot is crushed, powdered and mixed with butter and creamed injured parts until healing
Cucumis ficifolius Cucurbitaceae Yemdir
Embouy
H L Ca Kurba O F The Leaf is crushed & squeezed in water and drunk it one cup
                   
Coffea arabica Rubiaceae Buna S Sd Hu Diarrhea O D Its seed of Coffea arabica is roasted,
crushed, powdered, boiled and the filtrate one cup of tea, mixed with few drop of oil then drunk
Fire burn Dm D Its seed of Coffea arabica is roasted, crushed, powdered and applied on wounded up to recovery
Cynodon dactylon Poaceae Serdo H L Hu Jardia O F The Leaf is crushed & squeezed in water and drunk with one glass
Cynoglossum coeruleum Boraginaceae Shemigegit H R Ca Wound Dm D Its root is dried, crushed, powdered and applied on wounded up to recovery
Datura stramonium Solanaceae Astenager H S Hu Toothach O D One or two seed is dried and crushed with teeth
Echinops kebericho Asteraceae Kebericho H R Hu Epidemic O/N D Its root is dried, crushed and smoke through mouth and nose
Dodonaea angustifolia Sapindaceae Kitkita T L Hu Wound Dm D/F The leaf is crushed, powdered, mixed with butter and creamed wound unti recovery
Dysentery O F The leaf is crushed, soaked in water with sugar, decanted and one can is taken orally.
Embelia schimperi Myrsinaceae Enkoko T Fr Hu Tapeworm O D Fruits  are  crushed,  soaked  in  local Tella and drink it one glass before food 
Intestinalparasite O F Fruits  are  crushed,  soaked  in  local Tella and drink it one glass before food 
Li Tapeworm O D Fruits are crushed, mixed with injera and given to eat.
Eucalyptus globules Myrtaceae Nech
bahir zaf
T L Hu Common cold O/N F  Boiled leaf is inhaled to relieve common cold(until he or she forms sweat)
                   
Euclea divinorum Ebenaceae Dedeho T L Hu Likift O F Collect a number of leaves from seven  parts of Euclea divinorum tree  and crushed with teeth
Lactuca inermis Asteraceae Yegede wotet S R Hu Diarea O F The root is crushed & squeezed in water and  drunk to childrens one cup
Erythrina brucei Fabaceae Korch T L Hu Wound O F Crushed,mix the leaf of Phytolacca dodecandra with Erythrina brucei and one tea glass drunk with water
Feoniculum vulgare Apiaceae Ensillal H L Hu Dry cough O F The leaf is crushed, soaked in milk and one glass is drunk continuously
Ficus carica Moraceae Beles S L/Lat Hu Wound Dm D/F The  leaf  is  crushed,  powdered  and pasted  on  the  wound  then;  fresh milky latex is also pasted until recovery
Ficus sur Moraceae Sholla T L Cat Donkey’s wart Dm F The leaf is boiled in the water with sugar and applied on infected parts until recovery
Cat Dermal infection Dm F The leaf is boiled in the water with sugar  and applied on infected parts until recovery
Ficus vasta Moraceae Warka T Sb Cat Diarrhea O D The bark is crushed, powdered, mixed with salt and given to eat with food
Grewia ferruginea Tiliaceae Lenquata S L Cat Dysentery O F The leaf is crushed, soaked in the water with egg yolk and salt and one can is given orally.
Guizotia abyssinica Asteraceae Nug H Sd Hu Cough O D The seed is crushed and boild with water and egg yolk and given orally or drink one water glass.
Hordeum vulgare Poaceae Gebs H Sd Hu Skin rush Dm D Collect germinated seeds and pressed it to give milks,Then the seed milks applied on infected areas up to recover
Jasminum grandiflorum Oleaceae Tenbelel S L Hu Tapwarm O F The leaf of Croton macrostachyus and Jasminum grandiflorum are crushed and cooked with oil and eat with half Enjera
            Cut O F The leaf of Jasminum grandiflorum are crushed and applied on cutting areas until recovery
Juniperus procera Cuppressaceae Tsed T L Hu Vomitting O F The leaf is crushed and one tea glass
drink with water
                   
Justicia schimperiana Acanthaceae Simiza S L Hu Malaria O D The leaf and shoot is crushed, boiled in the water with salt, butter and one glass is taken continuously
          Chi Coccoides O F The leaf is crushed and squeezed with water and given with injera.
          Hu Intellegency O F Collect three leaves from one node and crushed , mix with hony and one spoon drunk it three days contenously
Kalanchoe petitiana Euphorbiaceae Endawula H L Hu Wound Dm F Crushed the leaf and mix with red teff and applied on emerjency part until recovery
            Body
Swelling
Dm F The leaf of Kalanchoe petitiana is first heated and put on affected part until recovery
       
Lagenaria siceraria Cucurbitaceae Qel Cl Fr Hu Body
Swelling
Dm D The fruit of Lagenaria siceraria is first heated and then put on infected part of body.
Laggera tomentosa Asteraceae Gemi H L Hu Common cold N F The leaf is crushed and smell it
Lepidium sativum Brassicaceae Feto H Sd Hu Stomach O D Ground seeds mixed with water and drink it with glass up to enough
Li Berer O D Fruits are directly mixed with fruits of barely and given to eat with enjera.
Linum usitatissimum Linaceae Telba H S Hu Gastritis O D Seeds are cooked with water and drink it one glass fore one weeks each days
Lupinus albus Fabaceae Gibto H S Hu Hypertension O D Lupinus albus Seeds are rosted with water up to seven days and eat befor food
Malva verticillata Malvaceae Yewusha nacha H R Hu Vomiting O F The root is crushed, squeezed, mixed with“Zebib” and two cups are taken orally.
Maeso lanceolata Myrsinaceae Kilamba S L Hu Nimonia O D Dried leaves are crushed and mix with butter ,water and drink one cup to three days
Maytenus senegalensis Celasteraceae Koba T Sb Hu Sexual retardation O D The stem bark is cooked with hen meat and eating with enjera up to three days
Nicotiana tabacum Solanaceae Tinbaho H L Cat Leech
Infestation
N F The  leaf  is  squeezed  in  water  and one glass juices are dropped on the nose
       
            Bloating O F The leaf is squeezed with water and one glass of juice is given orally
Ocimum basilicum Lamiaceae Zqaqeb H L Hu Intestinal disease O F The fresh leaf of Ocimum basilicum
is chewing and swallowing during feeling pain
Ocimum lamiifolium Lamiaceae Damakessi S L Hu Common cold O F The fresh leaf of Ocimum lamiifolium is squeezed and added in tea or coffee and one cup drunk.
Fibril illness O F The fresh leaf of Ocimum lamiifolium is squeezed and drunk with cup.
Olea europaea subsp. Cuspidate Oleaceae Weyra T L Hu Evil Dm D The leaf of Olea europaea subsp. cuspidate is burn and smok it around the house
Osyris quadripartite Santalaceae Keret S L Hu Liver disease O F The leaf of Osyris quadripartite
Crushed, mix with yoghurt and drink it one glass
                   
Otostegia integrifolia Lamiaceae Tnjut S L Hu Common cold O F Chewing of the leaf and sucking juices
Pisum sativum Fabacea Ater H Sd Hu Buginge Dm D The seed of Pisum sativum is crushed and then placed on the wound until it is recovery
                   
Gnidia glauca Thymelaeaceae Awra S L Hu Tonsillitis O F/D The leaf is boiled in water with sugar for few minutes and one glass is taken orally.
Fresen                  
Phytolacca dodecandra Phytolacaceae Endode S L Hu Body Swelling O F The Leaf Phytolacca dodecandra is crushed,squeezed and mixed with
Little water and one cup drunk
         
          Cat Bloating O F The leaf is crushed, soaked in water for one day and one bottle juice is given.
Plantago lanceolata Plantaginaceae Gorteb H F Hu Cut Dm F Squeezed fresh leaf and juices are Pasted on the cut surface of the body.
Premna shimperi Lamiaceae Chocho H L Hu Heart diseae O F The leaf of Premna shimperi is crushed with water and one glass drunk
Pterolobim stellatum Fabaceae Kentafa Cl Sb Hu Asthma N/O D The stem bark is dried and crushed then taking one spoon  powder oral and nasal
Rhamnus prinoides Rhamnaceae Gesho S Fr Hu Tonssilitis O D Two or three dried fruits are crushed and eat before food until recovery
Rhus vulgaris Anacardiaceae Eshikammo S L Hu Wounds Dm D The leaf is crushed, powdered, mixed with butter and creamed Wounds until recovery
Intestinl
Parasite
O F Fruits  are  crushed, and eat to enough amount
Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Kachima H L Li Blotting O F The seed of Ricinus communis is pounded and mixed with water and then drunk the solution only
                   
Rosa abyssinica Rosaceae Kega S Fr Hu Tapeworm O F Hand ful of ripened fruits is eaten befor food at morning
Gaustrites O F Hand ful of ripened fruits is eaten befor food until recovery
Rumex abyssinicus Polygonaceae Mekemek
o
H Rh Hu Lung O D The rhizome is crushed, mixed with fresh  flowers  of  Calpurnia  aurea, boiled in water and  taken orally until recovery
      Tuberculosis    
                 
Rumex nepalensis Polygonaceae Yewusha mlas   H R Hu Kurba O F crushed the root and one cup drink with water
        L Hu Retained
Placenta
V F The root is inserted in the vagina and waiting for few minute.
                   
Rumex nervosus Polygonaceae Embacho S L Hu Eye diseases Eye F Squeezed the leaf and juices are
Dropped one or two drobes on eyelash with cotton.
Ruta chalepensis Rutaceae Tenadam H L Hu common cold O/N F The branches are crushed, soaked in boiled coffee or tea and one cup is taken continuously days
           
        Sd Hu Evil eye Na D/F The seed of Ruta chalepensis with Allium sativum and  finely crushed
together and sniffed at the sickness time.
Saccharum officinarum Poaceae Shenkorageda H St Hu Cough O F The stem is crushed and mix with seed of Coriandrum sativum  and cooked finally drink with butter one glass contineusly
Schinus molle Anacerdiaceae Kundo T Sd Hu Tonsillitis O D The seed of Schinus molle is pounded, powdered, mixed with honey and then drink with cup
    Berbere              
Senna singueana Fabaceae Gufea T R Hu Evil eye Na F Mix the root of Senna singueana and Ruta chalepensis leaf and crushed then burn and smoke it through nasal
Snake bite O F the root of Senna singueana crushed and eat during bite
Sida schimperiana Malvaceae Chifreg H R Hu Shotelay O F The root is cut, crushed and three spoon drink with water
Evil eye Na D Root is crushed then burn and smoke it through nasal
Solanum anguivi Solanaceae Zerch
Embouy
S L Hu Birth control O F Dried leaf and barks are crushed, powdered, homogenized in water and one cup is drunk once.
Solanecio gigas Asteraceae Boz S L/Sb Cat Epidemic O D The leaf and stem barks are crushed,
powdered, mixed with salt and then with leaf of caster are given orally
Stephania abyssinica Menispermaceae Yeayt
areg
Cl L/ R Hu Body
Swelling
Dm F Its root of Stephania abyssinica is crushed, squeezed and then creamed on affected part until recovery
           
        L Hu Syphilis O F Its leaf of Stephania abyssinica is squeezed and one glass drunk.
                   
Syzygium guineense Myrtaceae Dokima T L Hu Leprosy Dm D The leaf is roasted, powdered, mixed with honey and creamed skin continuously.
Trigonella
foenum-graecum
Fabaceae Abishe H Sd Hu Body swelling O D The seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum is crushed, powdered, mixed with honey and little water then boiled and eaten before food at morning
             
      H L Hu Heart disease O F The leaf is cutting and cooked with oil and eat with enjera during sicknes
            Gastritis O F The fresh leaf of Urtica simensis is collected and roasted like “wot” and eaten by injera.
Vernonia amygdalina Asteraceae Grawa S L Hu Ameba  and
Giardia
O D/F The leaf is crushed, soaked in honey and one cup is taken continuously.
                   
Vicia faba Fabaceae Bakela H Sd Hu “Buging” Dm D The seed of Vicia faba with seed of Lepidium sativum is crushed, mixing with salt and then placed on the wound until recovery
Vernonia myriantha Asteraceae Gengerita S L Hu Wound Dm F The leaf is crushed and mix with none water butter and applied on wound until recovery
Zehneria scabra Cucurbitaceae Haregresa Cl L Hu Fibril illness Dm F The leaf of Zehneria scabra is crushed and creamed the body.
Prunus persica Rosaceae Kok T L Hu Stomach-ache O F The fresh leaf of juice is drink one tea contenusly glass
Hagenia abyssinica Rosaceae Kosso T Fr Hu Tapeworm O D Drink half cup of dried fruit powder with water
Dombeya torrida Sterculiaceae Wulikifa T L Hu Fire burn D F The fresh leaf is squeezed and creamed the affected part until recovery
                   
Dovyalis abyssinica Flacourtiaceae Koshime S Fr Hu Intestinalparasites O D Its fruit is eaten as food for the case of intestinal parasite before breakfast
every morning
                   
Nuxia congesta Loganiceae Atquar S L Hu Tonsillitis O F The leaf  is squeezed and only a pure
solution is drunk one spoon

Table 1:List of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human and livestock health problems with parts used, ailment type, route of administration, preparation, application and dosage (Key to abbreviations: Hb- habits, S shrub, T- tree, H- herb, Cl – climber, Pp-plant parts used, R –root, L-leaf, Sb –stem bark, Fl –flower, Fr –fruit, Sd –seed, Rh–rhizome, Bu – bulb, Lat – latex,Uf- used for,Hu–Human,Ca–cattle,Chi–chickens,Li–livestock,Ra–route of administration, O –oral, Dm –dermal, Ne-Neck, Na –nasal, Ey– eye,V- vaginal, Cp – condition of preparation, F- fresh, D- dry).

Medicinal plant part used for preparation of medicine: The study on ethnomedicinal plants in the study area revealed that the plant parts used substantially to treat ailments are leaves 42 (43.75%) followed by roots 12 (12.5%) (Table 2).

Parts used Total Plant parts Percentage (%)
Leaf only 42 44.21
Root only 12 12.63
Fruit only 9 9.47
Stem bark only 9 9.47
Seed only               12 12.63
Latex only 1 1.05
Flower 1 1.05
Rhizome 1 1.05
Latex and Leaf 2 2.10
Root and Leaf 2 2.10
Fruit and Leaf 2 2.10
Leaf and Stem bark 1 1.05
Seed and Leaf 1 2.10
Total 95 100

Table 2: Proportion of plant parts used for preparation of medicines

Method of preparation: Participants reported that remedy preparations vary based on the type of disease treated and the actual sites of ailments. The principal methods of plant parts remedy preparation forms were reported to be through crushing, which accounts for 18 (24%), followed by crushing, powdering and mixing 12 (16%), boiling 11 (14.66%),Crushing and squeezing 8(10.66%) (Table 3).

Type of Preparation Type of Preparation Percentage (%)
Crushing 18 24
Squeezing 7 9.33
Crushing, powdering, mixing 12 16
Concoction 2 2.66
Boiling         11 14.66
Crushing and squeezing 8 10.66
Crushing, powdering, mixed, boiled 2 2.66
Decoctio 2 2.66
Chewing 2 2.66
Roasted, powdering, mixing 2 2.66
Fumigating 2 2.66
Latex collection 3 4
Cooking in ‘Wote’ 2 2.66
Heating 2 2.66
Total 75 100

Table 3: Ways of preparations of only human medicinal plants.

Route of administration and measurements utilized: The most favored route of administration is through oral 51(53.68%) followed by dermal 20 (21.05 %) and others presented in (Table 4). Dosages were estimated using cups (TASSA or TIWA), Glasses, bottle (BIRCHIKO) to measure and administered liquids, spoon (MANKIA) for powders, numbers or in some cases handful for seed and fruits, and (‘ATIK’) or small figure for roots.

Administration type Route of administration Application Percentage (%)
Internal            Oral 51 53.68
Nasal 2 2.10
Nasal & Oral 11 11.57
Vaginal 1 1.05
External Dermal 20 21.01
Neck 2 2.10
Eye 2 2.10
Ear 1 1.05
Internal & External Oral and dermal - -
  Total 95 100

Table 4: Route of administration.

Solvents or additives: The practitioners used frequently water and Honey largely as additives along with the plant extract. The rest is presented (Table 5).

Solvents and additives Number of informants
who cited the species
Percentage (%)
Water 40 42.10
Honey 20 21.05
Butter 12 12.63
Salt 3 3.15
Sugar 7 7.31
Oil 3 3.15
Tella 4 4.21
Sour milk or yoghurt 4 4.21
Boiled coffee or tea 1 1.05
Citrus juice 1 1.05
Total 95 100

Table 5: Solvents and additives used during medicinal preparation.

Diversity of medicinal plants used to treat human diseases only

Seventy five (75) different medicinal plants were reported as medicine to treat human diseases only. These plants belong to 69 genera and 37 families. Family, Fabaceae contained the highest (eleven) medicinal plant species followed by Asteraceae and Lamiaceae (five each) Euphorbiaceae (four) plant species. Others were presented in the table below (Table 1).

Sources of medicinal plants: From the medicinal plants used for human ailments, 55 species were collected from the wild vegetation and 20 species from homegardens. These indicated that the local people obtained higher medicinal plant species from wild vegetation than homegardens (Table 1).

Habits: The habit of the collected medicinal plants reported for human diseases were herbs 28 species (37.33%), shrubs 25 species (33.33%), trees 17 species (22.66%) and climbers 5 species (6.66%) (Table 1).

Parts used: The study participants reported different parts of the plants for medicine. The most frequently utilized plant part was leaves 31 (41.33%) followed by seeds 13(17.33%), roots 8(10.66%), fruits 5(6.66%), stem bark 4(5.33%) (Table 6).

Parts used Total Plant parts Percentage (%)
Leaf only 31 41.33
Root only 8 10.66
Fruit only 5 6.66
Stem bark only 4 5.33
Seed only 13 17.33
Latex only 2 2.66
Seed & Leaf 2 2.66
Flower 2 2.66
Rhizome 2 2.66
Budd 2 2.66
Latex & Leaf 1 1.56
Root & Leaf 1 1.56
Fruit and Leaf 1 1.56
Leaf & Stem bark 1 1.56
Total 75 100

Table 6: Plant parts used for human ailment treatment.

Method of preparation

Participants reported that remedy preparations vary based on the type of disease treated and the actual sites of ailments. The principal methods of plant parts remedy preparation forms were reported to be through crushing, which accounts for 18 (24%), followed by crushing, powdering and mixing 12 (16%), boiling 11 (14.66%),Crushing and squeezing 8(10.66%) (Table 7).

Type of Preparation Type of Preparation Percentage (%)
Crushing 18 24
Squeezing 7 9.33
Crushing, powdering, mixing 12 16
Concoction 2 2.66
Boiling         11 14.66
Crushing and squeezing 8 10.66
Crushing, powdering, mixed, boiled 2 2.66
Decoctio 2 2.66
Chewing 2 2.66
Roasted, powdering, mixing 2 2.66
Fumigating 2 2.66
Latex collection 3 4
Cooking in ‘Wote’ 2 2.66
Heating 2 2.66
Total 75 100

Table 7: Ways of preparations of only human medicinal plants.

Routes of administration: There are various routes of administration of traditional medicinal plants reported by the local community. The major routes of administration in the study area are oral, dermal and nasal. In the study area oral administration is the dominant route with 45 (60%) of the cases followed by dermal 15 (20%) and others presented in (Figure 2).

journal-plant-genetics-breeding-administration

Figure 2: Route of administration of medicinal plant used to treat human disease.

Medicinal plants used to treat livestock health problems

From the collected medicinal plant species, 11 medicinal plant species are used for livestock health problems. These plants are grouped in 11 genera and 9 families. Family Asteraceae and Solanaceae comprise two species each, and the other seven families comprise one species each (Table 8).

Family Genera Percentage (%) Species Percentage (%)
Asteraceae 2 18.18 2 18.18
Brassicaceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Boraginaceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Fabaceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Cucurbitaceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Euphorbiaceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Moraceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Solanaceae 2 18.18 2 18.18
Tiliaceae 1 9.09 1 9.09
Total 11 100 11 100

Table 8: Number of taxa and families used in the treatment of only livestock ailments.

Habits: The habits of medicinal plants that are used for ethnoveterinary health problems are herbs (7 species), shrub (3 species) and trees (1 species).

Plant parts: The plant parts used for livestock health treatment in the area are stem bark 2 (25%), root 2 (25%), latex 1(12.5%), seed 1(12.55%), leaf 1(12.5%), rhizome 1(12.5%). Therefore, stem bark and root are the most harvested plant part for remedy preparation to treat livestock ailments.

Method of medicinal plant preparations to treat livestock diseases: The local people use different forms of remedy preparations and applications to treat livestock diseases. Crushed 3(27.27%), squeezed 1(9.09%), Crushed and squeezed 1(9.09%), crushing powdering and mixing 3(27.27%), powdering 2(18.18%).

Rout of administration livestock ailments: Rout of administration of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants involves oral 6(54.54%), nasal and oral 3(27.27%), dermal 1(9.09%) and eye 1(9.09%).

Major livestock diseases and plant species: A total of 9 livestock ailments were identified and 11 Plant species are used for the treatment of common diseases affecting livestock health in the study area. Leech and Sudden sickness which are treated by 2(18.18%) species, Bloating, eye disease, Diarea, Anthrax, Wajima, Wound and Dysentry are treated by 1(9.09%) species each (Table 9).

Disease treated Total species Percentage (%)
Bloating 1 9.09
Leech 2 18.18
Sudden sickness 2 18.18
Eye injury 1 9.09
Tape warm 1 9.09
Dysentery 1 9.09
Anthrax 1 9.09
Wound 1 9.09
Total 11 100

Table 9: Frequent livestock diseases and number of plant species used.

Medicinal plant species used to treat both livestock and human ailments

A total of 9 medicinal plants were reported to treat both human and livestock in the study area. These medicinal plants are belonging to 9 families and 9 genera (Table 10). Eight of them were collected from the wild vegetation and 1 species was collected from home garden.

Family Number of
Genera
Percent
(%)
Number of
Species
Percent
(%)
Acanthaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Apocynaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Asparagaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Brassicaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Moraceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Myrsinaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Phytolaccaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Rutaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Aloaceae 1 11.11 1 11.11
Total 9 9 9 100

Table 10: Number of taxa and plant families used to treatment of both livestock and humans disease.

Habits: The habits of medicinal plants collected for both the treatment of human and livestock ailments are herbs 2 species, shrubs 4 species and trees 1 species and climbers 2species.

Plant parts: The plant parts used for both human and livestock treatment in the area were leaves 4(44.44%), root 2(22.22%), fruit 1(11.11%), seed 1(11.11%), Leaf and root 1(11.11%). Like that of human medicine leaves are the most harvested plant part of remedy preparation for both livestock and human ailments.

Method of preparation: The local community use different forms of remedy preparations and applications to treat human and livestock diseases. The common forms of preparations are crushing 3 (33.33%), squeezing 2(22.22%), Crushing and soaked 1(11.11%), Crushing, powdering, mixing 1(11.11) and latex 1(11.11%).

Routes of administration for both humans and livestock ailments: Based on the nature of the ailment the remedies were applied through different routes. Oral route is the major route of administration 4(77.77%) species followed by dermal preparations 2(44.44%) species, nasal 2(22.22%), nasal and oral preparations 1(11.11%) species.

Marketable medicinal plants of the study area

The results obtained from two local markets in (Keranio and Konter town) showed that most of the medicinal plants are not widely traded for medicinal purposes, but mostly for other different uses. The local people prefer either collecting these medicinal plants from the available areas (vegetations) in the district to prepare the medicines or they prefer to go directly to the local healers to get treatments instead of buying the medicinal plants from the market. However, more of the medicinal plants are widely traded and used for many additional purposes other than their medicinal uses (Table 11).

Scientific name of medicinal Plants Local name (Amharic) Used for
Allium sativium L. Nech shinkurt Spice, Food
Lepidium sativum L. Feto Food
Capsicum annuum L. Berbere Food
Allium cepa L. Key shinkurt Spice, Food
Ruta chalepensis L. Tenadame Spice
Otostegia integtifolia Decn. Tunjut Aromatic
Linum usitatissimum L. Telba Food
Coffea arabica  L. Buna Stimulant
Trigonella foenum-graecum
J. M. Suttie
Abshe Food
Ocimum basilicum L.var. Zqaqeb Spice
Vicia faba L. Bakella Food
Pisum sativum L. Ater Food

Table 11: Some of the cultivated and wild grown medicinal plants widely traded in the market for different uses other than medicinal values.

Ranking of most important medicinal plants

Preference ranking: When there are different species prescribed for the same health problem, people show preference of one over the other. Preference ranking of eight medicinal plants that were reported for treating wound was conducted after selecting twelve (12) key informants. The informants were asked to compare the given medicinal plants based on their efficacy and participants were asked to give the highest number (8) for the medicinal plant which they thought most of use in treating wound and the lowest number (1) for the least effective plant in treating wound. Ficus carica scored (75) ranked first indicating that it is the most effective in treating wound followed by Rhus vulgaris and the least effective was Buddleja polystachy (Table 12).

Plant species Respondents Total Rank
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R
10
R
11
R
12222
Brucea antidysentericaJ. F. Mill 7 6 2 2 7 2 6 8 1 2 2 2 47 4
Buddleja polystachya Fresen. 4 2 1 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 3 5 39 7
Cynoglossum coeruleum (Hochst. A.Rich.) DC 2 4 5 6 6 3 7 1 4 3 6 1 48 5
Dodonaea angustifolia L. f 3 5 4 5 4 6 2 2 5 5 8 3 52 4
Erythrina brucei Schweint. 1 1 6 7 3 4 5 2 3 4 1 5 42 6
Ficus carica L. 8 7 8 8 2 8 1 7 6 8 7 5 75 1
Kalanchoe Petitiana A. Rich. 6 3 7 3 1 7 3 5 8 6 5 6 60 3
Rhus vulgarisMeikle 5 8 3 1 8 1 8 6 7 7 4 8 66 2

Table 12: Preference ranking of medicinal plants used for treating wounded (R1-12) Key: R= Respondents.

Direct matrix ranking: Average score for direct matrix ranking of five medicinal plants with use diversity (Use values given from 0 to 5:5=Excellent, 4=Very good, 3=Good, 2=Less, 1=Least and 0=No use). Direct matrix ranking was performed to assess the relative importance each of the plant. The result of the direct matrix ranking showed that Eucalyptus globules stood first in being the most multipurpose medicinal plant species followed by Cordia africana, Rosa abyssinica, Acacia abyssinica, and Croton macrostachyus respectively (Table 13).

Plant species Main uses    
Medicine Construction Edible fruit Charcoal Firewood Total Rank
Cordia  africanc Lam. 12 15 13 10 10 60 2
Croton  macrostachyus Del. 16 8 0 10 13 47 5
Rosa  abyssinica Lindley 12 6 20 8 12 58 3
Acacia abyssinica Hochst.exBenth. 12 9 0 20 16 57 4
Eucalyptus  globules Labill 17 18 0 19 20 74 1

Table 13: Average score for direct matrix ranking of traditional medicinal plants (TMP) with use diversity (R1-12).

Paired comparison: A paired comparison was made to determine the most preferred medicinal plants among the five species used to treat evil eye illness in the study area. The responses of Tewelve (12) key informants showed that Ruta chalepensis the preferred medicinal plant followed by Sida schimperiana (Table 14).

Major Threats Respondents    
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 Total Rank
Acacia abyssinica
Hochst.exBenth.
1 0 2 1 0 1 2 2 4 0 1 2 16 4
Carissa spinarum L. 3 3 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 15 5
Clerodendrmmyricoides
(Hochst.)Vatke
2 2 3 2 4 2 1 0 1 1 2 1 21 3
Ruta chalepensisL. 3 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 2 4 3 37 1
Sidaschimperiana Hochst. Ex.A. Rich. 1 3 1 4 2 4 3 1 2 3 3 4 31 2

Table 14: Paired comparisons of five medicinal plant species used to treat evil eye illness (R1-12).

Informant consensus factor (ICF)

The diseases of the study area have been grouped into different categories based on the site of incidence of the disease, condition of the disease as well as treatment resemblance of the disease to the local people. Informant consensus factor was calculated on the identified disease categories. It is calculated as: ICF=nur–ns / (nur –1), Therefore, the highest ICF value was obtained from diseases related to sudden sicknes (dingetegna himem) and Evil eye(0.73) and the least ICF was associated with Birth control, Sterility (Mehaninet), Retaind placenta, Shotely and Sexual retardation (0.16) (Table 15).

Category of  Disease Species Use citation ICF
,Diarrhea, Dysentery,Tapeworm,Ascariasis Stomach disease,Gastrites, Ameba and Giardia, Losse of appetite,Bloating,Vomiting,Haemorrhoid,Toothachand intestinal parasites Intestinal disease 16 23 0.31
Tonsilities,Cough,Commoncold,LungTuberculosis,
Asthma and pneumonia
Respiratory disease 11 19 0.44
Fireburn,Dundruf,Boils,Wound,Body swelling,
Leprosy,Snakebite,Dermalinfection,Athletfoot,Eczema,Unspecified disease,  Skin rush and Anthrax
Skin infection diseases 14 20 0.3
Heart failure and Hypertension Heart disease 4 6 0.4
Donkey’s wart  Donkey disease 2 3 0.5
Birth control, RH incompatability, Retaind placenta and sterility Gynacologie
Condition
8 9 0.16
Leech, Emaciation, , Blotting and Berer Animal disease 6 14 0.56
 Sudden sickness (dingetegn himem) and Evil eye Accidental disease 7 24 0.73
Eye disease and Trachoma Eye disease 3 5 0.5
Bon fracture,Tracima (cutting) and Arthritis Muskuloskeletal disease 4 8 0.57
Liver disease Liver diseas 2 3 0.5
Malaria,Fibril illnes and Typhus fever Febrile disease 9 11 0.2
Syphlis and Sexual impotency Sexual organ disease 3 4 0.33
 Mental retardation Intellectual Disabilities 2 3 0.5
Coccoids  Hen disease 2 3 0.5
(Key: Ns-number of species, Nur- number of use report), ICF: Informant consensus factor

Table 15: ICF for the given diseases category.

Evil eye and Sudden sickness (Dingetegn himem) -This related disease had the highest ICF value (0.73) with 7 species reported by 24 use citations. Plant species used in the treatment of such diseases included Ruta chalepensis, Carissa spinarum, Ocimum lamiifolium, Ricinus communis, and Zehneria scabra were listed.

Fidelity level

Values of frequently reported disease in study area Kalanchoe petitiana A.Rich for (Wound), Schinus molle L.for (Tonsilities) were that scored the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values (100%) and Cordia africana Lam.(Dirhea) were scored the least Fidelity Level values (66.66) (Table 16).

Medicinalplant Ailment Np N FLvalue (%)
Allium sativum L. Evil eye 26 28 92.85
Cordia africana Lam. Dirhea 2 3 66.66
Croton macrostachyus Del. Malaria 3 4 75
Embelia schimperi Vatke. Intestinal parasites 7 8 87.5
Eucalyptus globules Labill. Common cold 21 23 91.30
Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) cass. Dry cough 5 6 83.33
Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich. Wound 17 17 100
Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst.exBenth. Fibril illness 27 29 93.10
Phytolacca dodecandra L.Herit Body sweeling 4 5 80
Schinus molle L. Tonsilities 4 4 100
Key: FL (%) = Np/N ×100 Where, Np is the number of informants that claim  use of a plant species used for a particular purpose/disease and N is the number of informants that use the plants as a medicine to treat any given disease.

Table 16: Fidelity level values of medicinal plants commonly reported against a given ailment in the study area.

Threats of medicinal plants in the study area

Factors threatening medicinal plants: The main threats of ethnomedicinal plant species were Drought followed by Agricultural expansion. The least threats to medicinal plants as perceived by informants were Grazing (Table 17).

Major Threats Respondents Total Percentage
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12
Firewood 3 2 4 4 2 3 1 5 3 5 1 3 36 3
Construction 2 4 2 3 1 2 5 1 2 1 3 2 28 4
Grazing 4 3 1 2 3 1 4 2 1 2 2 1 26 5
Drought 1 5 3 5 5 5 3 4 5 3 5 4 48 1
Agricultural expansion 5 1 5 1 4 4 2 3 4 2 4 5 40 2
Key: Respondents, TMP: Traditional medicinal plants

Table 17: Ranking of threats to TMP (R1-12 = Respondents 1-12).

Discussions

The documentation of medicinal plants is gaining recognition in recent times in order to preserve and transfer the knowledge for the next generation and also make effective use of the resources. In this regard Ninety five medicinal plants their parts utilized for various treatments, mode of application and method of process were documented from Hulet Ejjuenessie District and its environment. Similar to other investigated areas in the country with the same objective [13-15], the study district is the home of different medicinal plants. The number of reported medicinal plants and their uses by the local people of Hullet Ejju Enese District indicates the depth of the local indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants and their diverse applications. Out of the collected medicinal plants, 75 species were reported as used to treat human diseases, whereas, 11 species were used to treat livestock ailments and 9 species were used to treat both human and livestock ailments.

The family Fabaceae was the most dominant family that contains 13 species under 11 genera followed by Asteraceae having 7 species with 6 genera. This is due to the high diversity of these two families in the Flora area of Ethiopia and also they are easily dispersed by wind and animals to colonize large areas. This agrees with the finding of Endalew Amenu, (2007) and Fisseha Mesfin et al, (2009). The local people obtain medicinal plant species from the wild vegetation than homegardens. The wild areas are the sources of most ethnomedicinal plants [16,17]. This result agrees with Ermias Lulekal, (2014) and Eskedar Abebe, (2011). The most represented life forms of medicinal plants in the study area are herbs followed by shrubs. Because herbs are mostly available during the wet and late rainy season and also easily grown when they get favorable environment compared to shrubs and tree species. In Ethiopia, many researchers also reported that herbs were commonly used medicinal plants [17-19].

The most frequently utilize plant part was leaves 29 (45.31%) followed by seeds 12 (18.75%).The leaves are the renewal and easily accessible part of the plants and their utilization do not put medicinal plants at risk of extinction over a period. Similar findings were also reported in earlier works in Ethiopia in which herbs are the dominant growth form for human health treatment [20-22].

From the data collected, the local people use crushing, which accounts for 18 (24%), followed by crushing, powdering and mixing 12 (16%) and boiling 11 (14.66%), method for plant part remedy preparation in descending order. In most cases, preparing plant remedies by crushing is advantageous over using decoction since heat may affect the active constituents of the remedies. This report agrees with the research conducted by Getaneh Gebeyehu [23].

In the study area oral administration is the dominant route with 51(53.68%) of the cases followed by dermal 20(21.05%). Oral administration of herbal remedies may be due to the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders. It is true that the rural people face hygiene problem due to lack of access to pure water. Similar results were obtained by Ermias Lulekal (2014) and Eskedar Abebe (2011) that indicated oral administration dominates over others routes of administration. Dosages were estimated using different materials, but these measurements are not accurate enough to determine the precise amount. Similar results were obtained by Getu Alemayehu.

The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) of the medicinal plants was associated with problems of sudden sickness (DINGETEGNA HIMEM) and Evil eye (0.73). This kind of complications is associated with the cultural attachment of the people to correlate every health problem to not well understandable by the scientific community. This showed that the study area is remote and people do not get access to modern health services even easily identifiable health problems were associated to evil related disorders.

Kalanchoe petitiana and Schinus molle were scored the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values (100%) for Wound) and Tonsilities management respectively and Cordia africana (Dirhea) were scored the least Fidelity Level values (66.66). High FL indicates that, all use reports refer to the same way of using it, whereas low FLs are obtained for plants that are used for many different purposes.

In conclusion, the study area encompasses different medicinal plants. However, due to miss management and lack of inclusive concern, Drought followed by Agricultural expansion is the highest treat factor identified by the study participants. Therefore, the healers and local communities need to give special attention for potential medicinal plants to cultivate in their home gardens.

Data Availability

The data used in this study is available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Funding: No funding

Authors' contributions: EW and HR collected, analyzed the data and written the manuscript, and was the major contributor of the study.

Acknowledgment

Authors are grateful to the local communities of Hulet Ejjuenessie District, who have participated in sharing their traditional indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants.

References

  1. Balick MJ, Cox AP (1996) Plants, People and Culture. The Science of Ethnobotany.
    Sci Am Library New York USA 228.
  2. Google Scholar

  3. Cardoso I, Ana P, Caldeira C, Cotton s T, Cristina F, et al. (2017) Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in urban home gardens in the city of abaetetuba, Paá state, Brazil. Boletin Latinoamericanoy Del Caribe de Plantas Medicinalesy Aromaticas16: 206-262.
  4. Google Scholar

  5. Cotton CM (1996) Ethnobotany: Principles and Applications. John Wiley and Sons 347.
  6. Google Scholar

  7. Mann C (2011) 1493: Uncovering the new World Columbus Created. Knopf, New York.
  8. Google Scholar

  9. Martin GJ (1995) Ethnobotany: A Methods Manual. Chapman and Hall, London, 285.
  10. Google Scholar, Crossref

  11. Hamilton AC, Shengji P, Kessy J, Khan AA, Lagos-Witte S, et al. (2003)
    The Purposes and Teaching of Applied Ethnobotany. WWF Godalming 76.
  12. Google Scholar

  13. Zelalem G, Chandrodyam S, Getinet M (2016) Studies on traditional medicinal plants in Ambagiorgis area of Wogera district Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Int J Pure Apply 4: 38-45.
  14. Google Scholar

  15. Getachew A, Befikadu U, Amha W (2017) Systematic review on traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in Ethiopia trends and perspectives. Malar J 16:307.
  16. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  17. Cheikhyoussef A, Shapi M, Matengu K, Mu A (2011) Ethnobotanical study of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plant use by traditional healers in Oshikoto Region, Namibia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed7: 1746-4269.
  18. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  19. Alexiades MN (1996) Collecting Ethnobotanical Data: An Introduction to Basic Concepts and Techniques. Selected Guideline for Ethnobotanical Research: A Field Manual. The New York Botanical Garden, New York 10: 52-94.
  20. Google Scholar

  21. Friedman J, Yaniv Z, Dafini A, Palewitch D (1986) A preliminary classification of the healing potential of medicinal plants, based on the rationale analysis of an ethnopharmacologial field survey among bedouins in the Negev Desert, Israel. J Ethnopharmacol 16: 275-287.
  22. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  23. Trotter R, Logan M (1986) Informant Consensus: A New Approach for Identifying Potentially Effective Medicinal Plants. Plants and Indigenous Medicine and Diet 91-112.
  24. Google Scholar

  25. Fisseha M, Talemos S, Abreham A (2014) An Ethnobotanical Study Of Medicinal Plants In Amaro Woreda, Ethiopia. Ethnobotany Research & Applications 12: 341-354.
  26. Google Scholar

  27. Behailu A, Moa M, Tilahun TJ (2021) Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to treat human diseases in Gura Damole District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Asian Journal of Ethnobiology 4: 42-52.
  28. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  29. Moa M, Tesfaye N, Shiferaw B (2023) Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used against Human Diseases in Zuway Dugda District, Ethiopia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
  30. Google Scholar, Crossref

  31. Debela H, A Zemede, Ensermu K, (2006) Use of traditional medicinal plants by people of ‘boosat’ sub district, central eastern Ethiopia. Ethiopian J Health Sci 16: 141-155.
  32. Google Scholar

  33. Ermias L (2014) Plant Diversity and Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Ankober District, North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. PhD Thesis in Addis Ababa University 1-184.
  34. Google Scholar

  35. Eskedar A (2011) Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by local communities in Debark Wereda, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional state. MSc Thesis in Addis Ababa University 1-57.
  36. Google Scholar

  37. Fisseha M, Sebsebe D, Tilahun T (2009) An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wonago Woreda, SNNPR,Ethiopia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed5: 1746-4269.
  38. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

  39. Getu A,Zemede A, Ensermu K (2015) Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of Minjar-Shenkora District, North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. J Med Plants Stud 3: 01-11.
  40. Google Scholar

  41. Kothari CR (2004) Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New age International 401.
  42. Google Scholar

  43. Mirutse G, Gobena A (2003) An ethnobotanical survey of plants of veterinary importance in two woredas of Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiopian J Sci 26: 123-136.
  44. Google Scholar, Crossref

  45. Tesfaye H, Sebsebe D, Zemede A (2009) An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people in the lowlands of Konta special Wereda, Southern Nations, nationalities and peoples regional state, Ethiopia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 5: 26.
  46. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

Citation: Reta H (2024) An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in HuletEjjuenessie District, East Gojam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. J PlantGenet Breed 8: 196. DOI: 10.4172/jpgb.1000196

Copyright: © 2024 Reta H. This is an open-access article distributed under theterms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.

Top