Short Communication: Diversity of medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in rural Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

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ETHIOPIA MAZENGIA
TADESSE BEYENE
BERHANU A. TSEGAY

Abstract

Abstract. Mazengia E, Beyene T, Tsegay BA. 2019. Short Communication: Diversity of medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in rural Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Asian J For 3: 75-82. Survey of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the rural community of Bahir Dar City Administration was conducted from November 23, 2017 to May 30, 2018 with the aim of identifying and documenting plants and the associated knowledge used to treat humans. We collected data from six study sites using semi-structured interviews, field observation and group discussion. Data analyses were made using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and fidelity level index. A total of 77 medicinal plants were identified. The majority of plants (58.4%) were harvested from the wild. The largest number of plants were herbs (42.6%) followed by shrubs (32.6%). The most frequently used plant parts in human disease treatments were leaves (54%) followed by roots (18%). Most remedies were prepared by pounding and mixing (concoction) (36%). The remedial administration was mostly oral (51%) followed by dermal (31%). Allium sativum and Ocimum lamiifolium were the most frequently used. The community in the study area used considerable diversity of plant species for maintaining their health care system. Nonetheless, conservation for those plants whose roots are harvested is necessary.

2017-01-01

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