Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants of the Gamo People, Arbaminch Zuria Woreda, Snnpr, Ethiopia.
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Date
2019-09-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study was conducted with aim of documenting the plant diversity used for human and livestock ailments by Gamo people of South Ethiopia particularly in Arbaminch zuria woreda, Gamo Zone, SNNPR. Data on the ethnobotany of herbal medicine were collected mainly using semi structured interview, field observation, group discussion. A total of 112 informants from 14 woreda were interviewed for the study Descriptive statistical analysis including preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and fidelity level index (FL) were employed. A total of 102 medicinal plants species used for treatment of human and livestock ailments were documented. Of these 68 (66.66%) were used as human medicine, 16 (15.68%) were used as livestock medicine and the remaining 18 (17.64%) were used for treating both. The medicinal plants collected belong to 95 genera and 54 families. Out of the whole plants species the Lamiaceae 10 species (9.8%) with regard to followed by Solanaceae 8 species (7.84%). Most of the plant species 38 (37.3) were collected from forest. Herbs constituted the highest number of species, 42 species（41.2%), The highest proportion of plant parts utilized for medicinal preparation were leaves which account for 82 (56.2%).The major routes of administration was oral 92(68.14%) followed by dermal 34(25.2%). Regarding preparation, pounding method took the highest value with about 46 (45.09%) (13).The highest informant consensus was documented for the plant Allium sativum cited by 64 (87.6%) informants for its medicinal value, Acmella caulirhiza 60 (60.82%), Ruta chalepensis and Withnia somnifera were cited by 57 (78%) and 54 (73.9%), respectively. Acmella caulirhiza were the most preferred species to treat tonsillitis of human.Juniperus procera was found to be the top multipurpose species. The highest FL values were obtained for Acmella caulirhiza (100%) against tonsillitis. Environmental degradation, deforestation, overgrazing, expansion of crop land, excessive use of plant parts for various uses were found to be major threats to traditional medicinal plants. Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, good agricultural practices and sustainable use solutions is recommended. If the recommendation are put in place conservation and utilization will be enhanced in the study area
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Keywords
Ailments, Ethnobotany, Healers, Indigenous Knowledge, Traditional Medicine.