Ethnoveterinary Survey of Medicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Animal Diseases in Ambo District of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia

Ethnomedicinal knowledge among Karens of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

BackgroundTraditional herbal preparations for addressing veterinary problems have been applied in Ankober District, Ethiopia, for generations. However, the millennia-old ethnoveterinary knowledge of the community, and the plants are subjected to loss without being scientifically documented due to anthropogenic and environmental threats. Hence, this study aims at providing a comprehensive documentation on ethnoveterinary plant knowledge of the people in order to preserve the fast-eroding knowledge and resources of the area.MethodsSemi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and walk-in-the-woods methods were used to gather ethnoveterinary data. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL) values were calculated using quantitative approaches so as to check the level of informants' agreement on plant use and healing potential of ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species, respectively. Indigenous knowledge on use of medicinal plants for ethnoveterinary purposes among different informant groups was compared using One-way ANOVA and t-tests.ResultsA total of 51 plant species representing 50 genera and 35 botanical families used in the treatment of 33 different ailments were identified. Medicinal plant species belonging to families Asteraceae, Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Ranunculaceae were reported to be of frequent use in the local ethnoveterinary medical system. Roots (65%, 33 species) were most often utilized for remedy preparation. Highest ICF values were recorded for gastro-intestinal (0.71) ailments depicting best agreement on knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat aliments in this category. Embelia schimperi Vatke showed highest fidelity level value (90%) to treat gastro-intestinal diseases showing conformity of knowledge on this species' healing potential. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in average number of therapeutic plants reported by senior members of the community than younger groups. Embelia schimperi Vatke and Rubus steudnerii Schweinf. were the most-preferred species to treat diarrhoea.ConclusionThe study indicated that indigenous knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicinal plant use is still rich and active in the District. Species with recorded highest consensus for curative role are a useful pool for further phytochemical and pharmacological validation for better utilization. Declining wild medicinal flora of the area calls for implementation of a coordinated complementary in situ and ex situ conservation strategy.

Background: An ethnobotanical study was conducted among Oromo people in Goro district, Oromia region, Ethiopia to document ethnomedicinal uses of plants. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and field walks were used to collect data on medicinal plants and demography during October 2017- September 2018 from 369 non-traditional and 24 traditional medicine practitioners. Descriptive statistics and quantitative indices viz. Independent t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), Preference Ranking (PR) and Direct Matrix Ranking (DMR) were performed to analyze the data. Results: A total of 84 medicinal plants belonging to 45 families were documented. The family Asteraceae was represented by six species. Most of the plants were herbs (30). The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (39.36%) followed by roots (19.18%). Oral route was frequently (62.26%) cited way of remedy application. Gastrointestinal and Dermatological illnesses had the highest ICF value (0.80), whereas the least ICF value was for Parasitic infections (0.47).The highest FL (100%) was recorded for Aloe ruspoliana and Nicotiana tabacum for Wound and Leech repulsion, respectively. Achyranthes aspera was top-ranked plant to treat stomachache. The analysis of DMR revealed Cordia africana as top-ranked multipurpose plant. Gender, age and educational status significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected the traditional medicinal knowledge. Results of multiple linear regression showed that age and educational status predicted traditional medicinal knowledge. Conclusion: Our study explored the profound indigenous knowledge of the Oromo people of the study area. Their traditional knowledge on the medicinal plants must be validated with phytochemical and pharmacological studies and the knowledge needs to be preserved. Keywords: Direct matrix ranking, Fidelity level, Goro district, Informant consensus factor, Preference ranking, Traditional medicine

Ethnobotanical study of plants used by the Munda ethnic group living around the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest in southwestern Bangladesh

Ethnobotanical relevanceInvasive alien plant species are used individually or in combinations to treat sexually transmitted infections (STI's). However, ethnobotanical information of invasive alien species is scanty, especially on the treatment of STI's. The aim of the studyDocument ethnobotanical applications of invasive alien species in the treatment of STI's in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Materials and methodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Waterberg District. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 30 traditional health practitioners were selected via snowball sampling. Importance of medicinal plants was analysed using Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and the Use Value (UV). ResultsFourteen invasive alien species belonging to ten families were documented for the treatment of seven STI's. Plant species were mostly utilised for their roots (58.8%) and leaves (23.6%). Up to 60% of the species were used individually, while combination therapy was also common (40%). A decoction was the preferred method of preparation. The administration mode was predominantly oral (92.7%). Important species with high FL and with high use-report were Opuntia ficus-indica (63.9) and Catharantheus roseus (57.3). The highest ICF values were cited for mokabe (testicular swelling) (1) and gonorrhoea (0.73), with Senna didymobotrya and C. roseus being the most frequently used species. Species with the highest UV values were C. roseus (0.65), Agave sisalana (0.41) and Solanum elaegnifolium (0.55). ConclusionAgave sisalana, Catharanthus roseus, Opuntia ficus-indica, Ricinus communis, Senna didymobotrya, and solanum species were the most commonly used species for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in the Waterberg District. Further pharmacological studies are encouraged on the species with the highest FL, ICF and UV values.

BackgroundThe Mulam are an ethnic group native to Guangxi, and nearly 80% of the Mulam population lives in Luocheng Mulam Autonomous County, northern Guangxi, southern China. They have accumulated rich medicinal folk knowledge through practice and experience in their long-term struggles with disease and the harsh natural environment. However, their traditional medicinal knowledge is threatened due to a lack of written records, conservative inheritance patterns, and rapid economic development. Therefore, the investigation and documentation of medicinal plants and their associated indigenous wisdom are necessary.MethodEthnobotanical data were collected from 12 villages and five communities in Luocheng County from January 2013 to April 2017. A total of 128 informants were interviewed through semistructured interviews, field observations, group discussions, and guided field walks. Quantitative indices such as use categories, preference ranking exercises, the informant consensus factor (ICF), and the fidelity level (FL) were used to evaluate the importance of medicinal plant species. Additionally, group discussions were conducted about the conservation of and threats to medicinal plants and traditional knowledge.ResultsA total of 456 medicinal plant species from 350 genera and 132 families were recorded and documented in our ethnobotanical investigation. Most of them (335 species, 73.47%) were obtained from wild habitats. Most of the documented species (246) were herbaceous (54%), followed by shrubs, with 76 species (17%), lianas, with 75 species (16%), and trees, with 59 species (13%). The most common method of administration was oral administration, which was used for 390 species (62.70%). The most common method of preparation was decoction (316 species, 54.11%). The plants were used to treat 312 human diseases in 12 disease categories, and most of the categories had a high ICF value. The highest ICF value was recorded for gynecological ailments (0.92), followed by nervous and psychosomatic problems (0.90) and digestive system diseases (0.89). Traditional medicinal knowledge and medicinal plants are under threat due to conservative inheritance processes and anthropogenic pressures for various reasons.ConclusionA rich diversity of medicinal plants is distributed in the Mulam area, and these plants play an important role in healthcare among the Mulam people. Mulam people are skilled in using the plants in their surroundings to treat diseases in their daily lives. However, their traditional medicinal knowledge and medicinal plants are greatly threatened by rapid economic development for various reasons. Thus, policies and practices for the conservation of medicinal plants and the associated traditional knowledge are necessary.

Quantitative ethnobotanical study of the medicinal plants used by the Ati Negrito indigenous group in Guimaras island, Philippines

In the present study, the diversity of medicinal plants and associated traditional medicinal knowledge of the rural community in the Ameya district in Ethiopia was assessed and documented. A survey was conducted through semistructured interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussions, and field observations. The snowball and purposeful sampling techniques were employed to select general and knowledgeable informants, respectively. Accordingly, a total of 210 respondents, 156 (74.3%) males and 54 (25.7%) females, were participated in this study. The informants were selected from seven kebeles (the lowest administrative units) following the recommendations of the local community for the availability of traditional medicinal plant use practice. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, fidelity level, informant consensus factor, and direct matrix ranking were used to analyze and present the data. A total of 78 medicinal plants represented in 70 genera and 40 families were identified. Croton macrostachyus and Dodonaea viscosa were the most preferred species used to treat wounds, whereas Cucumis ficifolius and Phragmanthera macrosolen were the most popular species applied to treat stomachache. Leaves (38%) and roots (20%) were the most predominantly used plant parts for remedial preparation to treat 42 human ailments. The informant consensus factor (ICF) value ranged between 0.45 and 0.81, with the respiratory diseases category scoring the highest ICF value. The fidelity level (FL) value for the medicinal plants ranged from 24 to 95%. Considerable proportions (55.5%) of the medicinal plants were collected from wild habitats. Higher ICF (0.81) and FL (>90%) scores indicate the presence of rich traditional knowledge in the community. This knowledge can be used to select medicinal plants (such as Croton macrostachyus, Cucumis ficifolius, Dodonaea viscosa, and Phragmanthera macrosolen) for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies.

BackgroundThe documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State.MethodEthnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level.ResultsA total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus.ConclusionThis is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

Biogeochemical and ecological considerations in designing wetland treatment systems in post-mining landscapes

BackgroundEthiopia is one of the species-rich countries in the world and the center of origin with regard to the diversity of many plant species. Ethnobotanical studies are vital to investigate these diverse biological resources for medicinal purposes. The aim of this study was to document the indigenous knowledge of the Sidama people regarding the use of medicinal plants to treat human and livestock diseases in the Hawassa Zuria district of Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 150 informants (118 men and 32 women) were selected to collect ethnobotanical information from ten kebeles by means of a stratified purposive sampling method. Among the informants, 30 key informants were selected purposefully. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions and were analyzed by descriptive statistics, informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), and ranking methods.ResultsA total of 105 medicinal plants distributed across 52 families and 96 genera were collected. Fabaceae (11 species) was represented by the highest number of plant species, followed by Lamiaceae (7 species). Herbs (34%) were the dominant growth habits, followed by trees (33%). Leaves (56%) were the dominant plant part used in the preparation of remedies, followed by fruit (15%). The most common method of remedy preparation was grinding (39%) followed by chewing and boiling (11% each). Oral (74%) was the major routes of administration, followed by dermal (20%). There was a significant knowledge difference (p < 0.05) between social groups regarding the use of traditional medicinal plants. Insects and ectoparasites disease category (0.95) had higher informant consensus factor value followed by fever disease category (0.91). Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (100%) had a higher fidelity level to treat stomachache, followed by Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman. (87.27%) to treat placenta delay. Ensete ventricosum (total score = 73) was ranked highest as the most preferable medicinal plant for various purposes by local people, followed by Olea welwitschii (Knobl.) Gilg (total score = 72).ConclusionThe present study revealed the existence of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants to treat human and livestock ailments. However, agricultural expansion, firewood collection, environmental degradation, and deforestation are the main threats to medicinal plants. Therefore, there should be mentoring for the local people in the study area to conserve their indigenous knowledge resources and prevent the extinction of medicinal plants.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by tribal and native people of Madhupur forest area, Bangladesh

BackgroundAnkober District has long been inhabited by people who have a long tradition of using medicinal plants to treat human ailments. Overexploitation of medicinal plants coupled with an ever-increasing population growth, deforestation and agricultural land expansion threatens plants in the area. Hence, this study aimed at documenting and analyzing the plant-based ethnomedicinal knowledge of the people in order to preserve the dwindling indigenous knowledge.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and walk-in-the-woods. Quantitative approaches were used to determine Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL) values. Statistical tests were used to compare the indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants among different informant categories.ResultsA total of 135 medicinal plant species belonging to 128 genera and 71 botanical families were reported to treat human diseases in the District. Families Asteraceae (12 species, 9%) and Fabaceae (10, 7.4%) were found to be best represented in the area. About 44% of preparations were reported to be obtained from roots. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed on the mean number of medicinal plants reported by groups of respondents compared within age, literacy level and experience parameters. Highest ICF values were recorded for gastro-intestinal & parasitic and dermatological disease categories (0.70 each) indicating best agreement among informants knowledge on medicinal plants used to treat aliments in these categories. Highest fidelity level values were recorded for Zehneria scabra (95%) and Hagenia abyssinica (93.75%) showing conformity of knowledge on species of best healing potential. Podocarpus falcatus was ranked first in a direct matrix ranking exercise of multipurpose medicinal plants. The output of preference ranking exercise indicated that Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was the most preferred species to treat atopic eczema.ConclusionThe study revealed that Ankober District is rich in medicinal plant diversity and associated indigenous knowledge. However, anthropogenic factors coupled with acculturation and very poor conservation efforts threaten medicinal plant survival in the area. Promoting a complementary in situ and ex situ conservation strategy for medicinal plants of the District is highly recommended.

Medicinal plants are used by more than 80% of Ethiopians. The Metema District, shaped by various ethnicities and settlement histories, remains underexplored. This study aimed to document and analyze medicinal plant use and associated traditional knowledge in the local population. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, and focus-group discussions. A total of 110 informants participated in the study, using various sampling techniques. The informant consensus factor (ICF) and direct matrix ranking (DMR) were computed along with descriptive statistics to analyze the basic ethnobotanical data. In this study, 85 therapeutic plants were utilized to treat 13 disease categories. The three ethnic groups shared 21.18% of their knowledge of medicinal plants. Fabaceae was the most represented family, comprising 11 plant taxa. Herbs were the predominant plant form (42.4%), leaves being the most frequently used (30.5%). Oral administration was the primary method used for the plant extracts (52.3%). Circulatory and blood-related disorders had the highest ICF value (0.91). Ziziphus spina-christi, Ximenia americana, and Ficus sycomorus were ranked as the top multipurpose plants. Fuelwood collection and agricultural expansion have been identified as the major threats to these plants. This study revealed the rich diversity of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge in the Metema District. The therapeutic potential of the documented plants supports further pharmacological investigations, underscoring the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and protecting plant resources against ongoing threats.

Background: The concept of ethnomedicine deals with the cultural interpretations of health and illness through analyzing and using indigenous perceptions/practices. Although the tradition of using medicinal plants in Ethiopia is practiced for a long time, the documentation is not as intense as its long history and exercise wildly. This study was conducted in districts surrounding Hirmi Vegetation to; document and identify medicinal plant species, record indigenous knowledge of the people on medicinal plants and conservation measures practiced in the study area.Methods: Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks and focus group discussions. A total of 335 informants participated the data acquisition. Preference ranking, informant consensus factor, direct matrix ranking and t-tests in SPSS were employed to analyze the data.Results: About 85 medicinal plant species used to treat 71 human and 16 livestock ailments were documented. Herbs comprised the largest category (40%) followed by shrubs (35.3%) and trees (24.7%). Zehneria scabra (L.f.) Sond, Plumbago zeylanica L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe were the most preferred medicinal plants to treat the abdominal disease which have the highest informant consensus factor values (0.95). Overgrazing, deforestation and expansion of agriculture were the most repeated threats to the medicinal plants. Growing in homegarden, fencing and replanting were among the conservation techniques used by the local community. There was a significant indigenous knowledge differences (p&lt;0.05) on traditional medicinal plants between age groups, educational status, marital status and experience of informants. However, religion and gender did not exert statistically significant differences (P &gt;0.05).Conclusion: Traditional healers and relevant professionals should provide education on how to use and manage the medicinal plants to their descendants by disseminating the required information and knowledge. Furthermore, phytochemical and toxicological investigations of these preferable medicinal plants should be carried out intensively.Key words: Conservation, Ethnobotany, Hirmi, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal Plants