Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Trees and Shrubs Used to Treat Human and Livestock Aliments in Metema District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, the use of traditional plant medicines has been practiced since ancient times and the bulk of the medicinal plants were collected from natural vegetations. However, the natural vegetation of the country are on the verge of disappearance due to environment degradation and overuses. To save the endangered indigenous medicinal plants, a study was carried out in Metema District with the objective of identifying and documenting trees and shrubs that have traditional medicinal values to the local people with the associated indigenous knowledge. Eight sample Kebeles were selected purposively based on vegetation and availability and access to key informants. Forty eight key informants and 80 general informants were selected purposively and randomly respectively. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi structured interview questionnaires, guided field walks, market survey, direct observation and focus group discussion. Data were verified and analyzed using informant consensus, informant consensus factor, simple preference ranking, and fidelity level. Descriptive statistics was also used. A total of 40 traditional medicinal plants which are used to treat 52 human and livestock aliments were recorded. These plants are grouped under 31 general and 23 families. Out of these families, Fabaceae is the dominant family (17.5%) followed by Combretaceae (15%). Leaves were the main plant parts used for medicinal values, and their fresh forms are the most remedy preparation conditions. Crushing and dermal route were the major remedy preparation methods and administration ways respectively. In general, Metema District is rich with trees and shrubs that are used for many health care values to the local community. So, prior conservational practices should be conducted in the area, and there must be a great consensus between the traditional knowledge and the scientific world.