Ethnozoological study of medicinal animals used in traditional healthcare in Andracha District, Ethiopia.

BackgroundAn ethnozoological study of medicinal animals in the Kucha district, Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia, was conducted to investigate and document the use of traditional medicinal animals and the associated indigenous knowledge. Tribal people still make abundant use of animals and their parts to manage diseases in humans and even livestock.MethodA cross sectional study design and purposively sampling techniques were used. Data were collected from 132 respondents based on semi structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions (FGD) and Key informant interviews (KII) were conducted; Fidelity level (FL), Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Informants’ consensus factor (ICF) were used to analyze species preference and importance.ResultsA total of 24 medicinal animals were identified with 13 species (54.2%) being mammals of which 5 species (20.8%) dominated. They were followed by arthropods, reptiles and fishes. Seven out of the total were domestic species (29%) and 17 (70%) were wild animals. The majority of these animals, i.e. 22 (91.7%), were used to treat human ailments; whereas 2 (8.3%) were used to treat livestock ailments. The ICF values varied from 0.8 to 1.The highest FL value (98%) was linked to the cow (cattle), the lowest (1.5%) to the scorpion. The RFC value (1.0) was highest for the cow and lowest (0.02) for the scorpion. Honey, milk, and butter were the most commonly used therapeutic animal products, but regarding direct uses, fresh/raw meat dominated. Out of ten ailment categories, headaches had the lowest ICF value (0.8). All others scored at least 0.9.ConclusionsIn rural areas, sick people often do not only have limited access to modern medical facilities, they actually prefer traditional treatments considering them to be more reliable and effective. It is therefore important to focus on documenting, conserving, and safeguarding the indigenous knowledge so that strategies to manage the traditional wisdom can be implemented in the future. To achieve these goals, it is important to make sure that medicinal animal species are available in sufficient numbers and neither threatened by habitat changes or overexploitation.

Traditional ethnobotanical knowledge remains a vital healthcare resource, especially in rural areas of Pakistan. However, rapid modernization and the migration of younger generations threaten the preservation of this indigenous heritage, creating a critical gap for documentation in unexplored regions. While numerous studies exist across Pakistan, the unique floristic diversity of Daulat Nagar situated between the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers, needs to be documented. Field surveys were conducted across five villages in Daulat Nagar, using purposive and snowball sampling to interview 416 respondents through structured and semi-structured forms. Quantitative indices, including Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) were employed to determine the medicinal importance of documented species. Cultural uniqueness and knowledge retention were evaluated using Jaccard's Similarity Index (JSI) and Novelty Percentage (NP). A total of 64 plant species from 31 families were documented during this study. The results revealed that herbs (59%) and leaves (35%) were the most utilized for local preparations, primarily through juice or extract. Pluchea ovalis showed the highest Use Value (UV = 1.01), mainly used for respiratory disorders. Curcuma longa had the highest RFC (0.055) used in skin problems. Gastrointestinal disorders showed the highest consensus (ICF = 0.46). Mentha arvensis and Azadirachta indica had highest FL 96.5% and 91.6%, respectively. Analysis of intergenerational retention revealed that youth (18-28 years) comprised 16.11% of the current study, but ethnobotanical knowledge mainly for complex and specialized treatments was held by the elders aged 49-78 years. Comparative analysis indicated low similarity with other regions (JSI = 4.81 to 37.5%) and high NP values (87.5%), indicating significant novelty, such as the use of Echinochloa crus-galli in diabetes and Phragmites karka for urinary infections. The study confirms that Daulat Nagar possesses a distinct ethnobotanical identity. While home remedies are successfully shared across generations, specialized therapeutic wisdom is concentrated among elders (49-78 years) with 42% retention rate. These findings provide a baseline for drug discovery and underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies to preserve specialized knowledge.

Ethnozoology and Zootherapeutic research is very limited and little attention has been given in Ethiopia. The study was designed to investigate and document traditional knowledge associated with medicinal animals in West Gojjam Zone of Javitenan, North Achefer, and Bahir Dar Zuria districts. Ethnozoological data were collected using structured questionnaires and use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), preferential ranking, and paired comparison were analyzed. A total of 26 animal species were identified and recorded as a source of medicine to treat 33 types of ailments. Animal-derived medicines of Bos indicus, Trigona spp., and Apis mellifera were frequently reported species to treat various ailments. Bos indicus, Trigona spp., Apis mellifera, Hyaenidae carnivora, and Labeobarbus spp. were the most frequent use-value reports (84%, 52%, 43%, 37% 36%) respectively. Informants reported 25 animal parts to treat ailments. Honey and meat took the highest frequency use report followed by purified butter, Milk, Liver, fatty meat, and Cheese stored more than 7 years were described with an average ICF value of 69%. A maximum degree of consensus was developed for the remedy of the evil eye (88%) followed by dry cough, swelling, and hepatitis 82% each. Use of animal-derived medicine from Liotrigona spp. used to relive dry-cough tend to have the highest FL (80%); followed by Labeobarbus spp. for swelling (33%) and Trigona spp. for dry-cough (30%). Paired comparisons revealed that purified butter > 2 years, Cheese > 7 years, honey of Liotrigona spp. (YetinignTazma), and honey of Trigona spp. (Tazma) was the most popular and efficacious animal-derived medicines to cure malaria and ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively. Results of this study recorded the most popular animal-derived medicine to cure various ailments. Thus, the government must strengthen traditional healers with training, club formation, material and financial support, and improve means of protecting their intellectual property rights. Moreover, chemists and pharmacists should undergo a detailed study to identify which chemical constituent of animal and animal products is responsible for the respective treatment of ailments in the study area.

Traditional medicine is cheaper and easily available to local people, to care for most frequent diseases in the Northern parts of Pakistan. Our study aimed at inventorying medicine from local plants, documenting their uses, and assessing their market value in 2015-2018 during spring, summer, and winter seasons. A total of 15 trips were made, 5 in each season. Semi-structured interviews with 165 inhabitant’s age range between 20-80 years were conducted, analyzed the data is analyzed using Relative frequency of citation(RFC), Use Value(UV), Fidelity Level(FL), Informants consensus factor(ICF), and Jaccard index(JI) to find the most frequent and well-known used species in the area. A total of 86 species belonging to 39 vascular plant families, 33 genera were documented as medicinally important. Family Asteraceae was observed as the dominant family among all the families with 10 species, the leaf was the most used parts and decoction 36% was the most preferred preparation type. Herb was the predominant life form (67%). The maximum UV (0.92) was demonstrated by J. adhatoda L. species, while A. sativum L. shows maximum RFC (0.58), the highest ICF value represented by diarrhea and dermatitis 0.92, and high FL value is recorded 100%. According to our collections, wild species were 45%, invasive species were 38% and cultivated 17% recorded, dicots species were recorded more 81%. Seven 7 medicinal species is being economically important and export to the local and international market of the world, whereas P. integrima L. species were the most exported species according to the local dealers. The investigated area is rural and the local people depend on the area's plants for their health needs, and other uses like a vegetable, fuelwood, fodder, etc. The current result of RFC, UV, ICF, FL, and JI shows that medicinal flora needs to be pharmacologically and phytochemically investigated to prove their efficacy. The documentation of medicinal knowledge is important to preserve this precious old knowledge before it is lost forever, due to technological and environmental changes in the world.

BackgroundTraditional medicinal plants are central to healthcare, nutrition, and cultural practices in rural Ethiopia, yet ethnobotanical knowledge is underdocumented and increasingly threatened. This study aimed to document medicinal plant diversity, usage, preference, and conservation status in Menz Keya Gebreal District, North Shewa Zone, to inform sustainable management and pharmacological research.MethodsData were collected from 80 informants using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussions, and field observations. Quantitative ethnobotanical analyses included Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Rank Order Priority (ROP), Cultural Value Index (CVI), paired and preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking. Similarity with other Ethiopian districts was assessed using Jaccard’s and Rahman’s indices. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression, were conducted using R to evaluate variation in knowledge across demographic groups.ResultsA total of 121 medicinal plant species from 61 families were documented, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Euphorbiaceae being the most represented. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, and oral administration was the predominant route of remedy preparation. High ICF values were observed for skin (0.87) and digestive disorders (0.82). Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel., Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth., and Echinops kebericho Mesfin exhibited high FL, RFC, and ROP values, while Clutia abyssinica Jaub. & Spach and Euphorbia abyssinica J.F.Gmel.were prioritized for hepatitis treatment. Major threats to medicinal plants included agricultural expansion, overharvesting, and firewood collection. Ethnobotanical knowledge varied significantly by informant groups (P < 0.05). RSI and JSI revealed both shared and unique knowledge patterns across regions. Knowledge transfer occurred primarily within families, while sacred groves, home gardens, and cultural practices contributed to in situ conservation.ConclusionMenz Keya Gebreal District harbors rich medicinal plant diversity and traditional knowledge, but anthropogenic pressures threaten their persistence. Integrating community-based conservation, sustainable harvesting, pharmacological validation, and youth-focused knowledge preservation is essential to safeguard this ethnobotanical heritage.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-025-05158-5.

BackgroundMedicinal plants (MPs) remain to play a vital role in primary healthcare among rural communities. In Somaliland, knowledge of MPs remains under-documented, mainly in Sheikh District, Sahil Region. This study aims to document the diversity, uses, cultural importance, and conservation status of MPs in Sheikh District, while examining patterns of knowledge transmission, utilization, and threats, including cross-cultural comparisons with other Somali and East African regions.MethodsEthnobotanical information was collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, and focus group discussions with 106 informants, including traditional healers, elders, and other community members. Quantitative indices Jaccard Similarity Index (JI), Rahman’s Similarity Index (RSI), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking were employed to assess species importance, agreement, and multifunctionality. Statistical analyses conducted in R evaluated variation in knowledge across socio-demographic groups.ResultsA total of 54 medicinal plant species, representing 33 families, were recorded for treating ailments including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, malaria, diabetes, and dermatological and ocular conditions. Vachellia bussei (Harms ex Y.Sjöstedt) Kyal. & Boatwr., Balanites aegyptiaca var. aegyptiaca, and Melia azedarach L. exhibited the highest FL values (94%), while gastrointestinal and parasitic disorders showed the highest ICF (0.77), indicating strong consensus. Oral administration was the predominant route of use. Multipurpose species such as Vachellia spp. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. faced high anthropogenic pressure due to fuelwood and construction demands. Knowledge was mainly transmitted orally, with older, male, and less formally educated informants demonstrating significantly greater expertise (P < 0.05). Cross-cultural comparison highlighted both locally unique uses and overlaps with ethnomedicinal practices in neighboring regions.ConclusionMPs in Sheikh District are critical not only for healthcare but also for food security, cultural continuity, and environmental sustainability. Urgent actions are recommended for conservation, sustainable harvesting, and systematic documentation of indigenous knowledge. Prioritizing pharmacological validation of culturally significant species can further support community health, biodiversity conservation, and policy development for sustainable management.

This study explores the ethnomedicinal knowledge and practices of the Gonds and Kharwar ethnic groups, focusing on their utilization of wetland plants in the Surha Tal region, Uttar Pradesh, India. The field surveys involved semistructured interviews with 32 traditional healers and 64 general informants to collect primary data on useful plant names, harvested parts, preparation methods, and treated diseases. For quantitative analysis, the following indices were employed: Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Fidelity Level (FL).: The study documented 96 medicinal plants from 42 families. The study indicated a marked predominance of the Asteraceae family, with herbs (65%) as the most used plant form and foliage as the primary phytomedicine component. The study emphasizes the significant reliance on traditional medicine within the community, as evidenced by high ICF values across various ailment categories with strong agreement on plant use for digestive diseases (ICF = 0.94) and diabetes (ICF = 0.93). Additionally, the research identifies key species, such as &lt;i&gt;Aegle marmelos&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Corrêa and &lt;i&gt;Syzygium cumini&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Skeels is the most important medicinal species based on UV and RFC, while &lt;i&gt;Ricinus communis&lt;/i&gt; L., with the highest Fidelity Level (FL) of 99.43%, is used for treating constipation. The study reveals a concerning decline in traditional knowledge transmission among younger generations. The findings advocate for the conservation of ethnomedicinal knowledge to ensure its sustainable utilization for future generations and explore key medicinal species for pharmacological applications.

Background: The Bhandara district in eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra, India, remains underexplored in terms of its ethnobotanical heritage, despite being rich in floristic diversity. This represents the first systematic documentation of ethnomedicinal plants used in the treatment of skin diseases in the region. The study aims to preserve traditional knowledge that is rapidly declining among the older generation of healers. Methods: Ethnomedicinal data were collected from 24 informants (19 males and 5 females; aged 51-80 years) using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Information recorded included vernacular names, plant parts used, preparation methods, dosages, and associated precautions. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL), were calculated to assess the relative importance of species and agreement among informants. Results: A total of 261 angiosperm species, representing 218 genera and 85 families, were documented for use against 24 categories of dermatological or skin ailments. Fabaceae (34 spp.), Malvaceae (15 spp.), Apocynaceae (14 spp.), Asteraceae (12 spp.), and Euphorbiaceae (10 spp.) were the most represented families. The highest UV and RFC values were recorded for Azadirachta indica (UV 2.04, RFC 1.00), Curcuma longa (UV 2.0, RFC 1.00) and Butea monosperma (UV 1.92, RFC 1.00). Leprosy, wounds, and boils were the categories with the highest informant consensus (ICF=0.94-0.98). Of the 261 species recorded, 12 exhibited ICF values greater than 0.9, indicating strong agreement among informants on their dermatological efficacy. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (132 citations), typically prepared as paste or decoctions for topical application. Conclusions: Indigenous healers in Bhandara district maintain extensive knowledge of plant-based skin remedies, but this knowledge is at risk of being lost as intergenerational transmission declines. The plant species with high UV and FL should be prioritized for phytochemical and pharmacological validation. The findings contribute significantly to the regional ethnomedicinal record and highlight the importance of scientific validation before these remedies are incorporated into evidence-based healthcare systems. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Traditional medicine, Skin diseases, Quantitative indices, Bhandara district, Maharashtra.

Background: Ethnobotany is a field that study traditional use of plants by local communities. In Nepal, approximately 80% of the population, particularly in rural areas, relies on traditional medicine due to their effectiveness and cultural significance. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the ethnomedicinal knowledge in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality, Khotang, Nepal, documenting medicinal plants used by local communities, identify diseases treated, plant parts used and application method, evaluate the Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) as well as threats, and conservation practices to these medicinal plants. Methods: Primary data were gathered through reconnaissance surveys, key informant interviews, structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations. Secondary data included previous research, journals, books, and reports. Results: A total of 102 medicinal plants across 93 genera and 57 families were documented. Herbs were the most common life form (52.94%), with roots being the most used part (21.31%). Oral administration was predominant (72.54%), with inhalation being least common. Gastrointestinal disorders were most treated (54 plants), followed by skin issues. A total of 10 species showed highest FL of 100% for specific ailments. ICF values ranged from 0.11 to 0.75, with urologic disorders showing the highest consensus. Paris polyphylla had the highest RFC (0.98), while Cheilocostus speciosus had the lowest (0.02). The findings highlight significant UV for plants like Curcuma domestica L (1.83), indicating their high importance in treating ailments and frequent use as a traditional medicine. Despite a rich ethnomedicinal heritage unsustainable harvesting, forest fires, deforestation, illegal collection have threatened these resources. Conservation efforts include cultivating high-demand species, reforestation, and selective harvesting. Conclusion: Although Kepilasgadhi is rich in medicinal plants and traditional knowledge, declining youth interest threatens their preservation. Urgent initiatives are needed to educate younger generations about these practices.

Ethnomedicinal application of native remedies used against diabetes and related complications in Mauritius

Introduction: The proposed study is an attempt to document and evaluate the quantitative indexes of the medicinally essential animals traditionally consumed by Oraon and Nagesia communities of Surguja, Chhattisgarh, India. This is a firsthand ethnozoological report from Surguja, Chhattisgarh; the information regarding the medicinal animals/animal products was documented and subjected to quantitative analysis. Methods: Data was collected following semi-structured interviews from 173 informants through the snowball technique, and reported diseases were classified into 10 categories. Seven quantitative indexes, such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (IFC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Jaccard Index (JI), were determined to analyze the therapeutic value of reported animal species. Results: Twenty-five animal species belonging to 8 taxonomic groups were documented to be used by Oraon and Nagesia communities in Surguja, Chhattisgarh. The highest IFC value (1.0) was reported for diseases of the circulatory, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems, followed by Tissue damage (0.99), Skin-related disease (0.98), Diseases during the postpartum period (0.98), and Diseases of the respiratory system (0.97). Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris scored the highest FL (100%) for the postpartum period-associated diseases; Python also had the highest FL for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. Discussion: The same species of animals have been documented as being used for the treatment of multiple medical conditions and have also been observed across various geographical regions globally. Conclusion: The present study reveals that the Oraon and Nagesia tribes possess valuable traditional knowledge, and the present research will prevent the gradual loss of conventional culture that constitutes the legacy of the tribal healthcare system. The scientific validation reported in the present study will provide unresolved promises for the unearthing of novel sources of medicine for the medicine industry.

Ethnobotanical investigations on plants used in folk medicine in the regions of Constantine and Mila (North-East of Algeria)

A quantitative ethnozoological study of traditionally used animals in Pachamalai hills of Tamil Nadu, India

Background: This is the first quantitative study of poisonous medicinal plants in which the practitioners of traditional medicine in the Moroccan central Middle Atlas region were interviewed to document and analyze their traditional ethnobotanical knowledge used to prepare plant-based drugs.Methods: To collect ethnobotanical data on poisonous medicinal plants, 58 practitioners of traditional medicine were interviewed. The quantitative measurement of the obtained data was accomplished by quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), family use value (FUV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI), informant consensus factor (ICF), and cultural importance index (CI).Results: Among the 83 poisonous medicinal plants recorded, Ruta montana L. had the highest rate of UV (2.293). Furthermore, Anacyclus pyrethrum L. demonstrated the highest RFC (0.810), while Carum carvi L. had both the highest RI (95) and CI (0.155). Five species were distinguished for their high-fidelity levels, among which Aristolochia paucinervis Pomel had the highest FL values for the treatment of dermatological and digestive disorders. The other four species were Ruta montana L. for treating respiratory, oral, and neurological diseases, Urtica urens L. for treating osteoarticular and urogenital diseases, Verbascum sinuatum L. for treating ophthalmic diseases, and Ammi visnaga, (L.) Lam. for treating cardiovascular disorders. Ophthalmic disorders had the highest value of ICF (0.743), and a very significant positive correlation was observed between RFC and UV (R² = 0.5968) and between RI and CI (R² = 0.9999) was observed.Conclusions: The present study reveals that traditional medicine practitioners in the central Middle Atlas region utilize many poisonous medicinal plants in traditional herbal medicine. Although these plants have therapeutic virtues, their toxic potency necessitates vigilance in use.Key words: Poisonous medicinal plants, Quantitative ethnobotany, Taditional phytotherapy, Central Middle Atlas region

There is currently a dearth of documentation on the use of animal-based therapies (ABT) in Mauritius. This study was therefore designed to gather primary folk knowledge on the different ABT used by Mauritians. Failure to document such knowledge can results in losses in both the use of such remedies and in the scientific documentation of the cultural traditions of animals used in the treatment and/or management of human diseases. The aim of the study is to collect, analyze, document and disseminate ABT from the tropical island of Mauritius used against common human ailments.Data was collected following interviews from key informants (n=126) and reported diseases and health complications were classified in 14 categories. Eight quantitative indexes such as informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR), cultural agreement index (CAI) and ethnofaunistic index (EFI) were used to analyze the reported animal species.A total of 31 animal species belonging to 12 taxonomic groups were documented to be used in traditional medicine by Mauritians. ABT were prepared from whole animals or their body parts or products extracted from them such as: butter, meat, milk, bones, horn, musk, skin, fin, honey, mucus, eggs and legs. The most encountered taxonomic group was Actinopterygii (7 species). According to EFI, 3.34% of the indigenous fauna in Mauritius were used in the treatment and/or management of different ailments. The highest FIC value (0.98) was cited for endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders which included diabetes and gangrene. Rattus rattus scored the highest FL (100%) for the ailment category injury and poisons of external cause; Bos taurus had the highest RI value (2.00) due to its versatility, had the highest frequency of citation (RFC=0.49), the highest cultural importance (CII=0.84) and the highest CAI value (0.77). According to IAR, Salmo salar (IAR=1.00) had the highest agreement among the informants for being used for the same medicinal purpose. Furthermore, no side effects have been reported from the use of ABT.Our study revealed that Mauritians possesses valuable knowledge on a plethora of ABT. It is believed that the present documentation will serve to record this vanishing knowledge before it is eroded completely from the island and to the scientific community. It is also anticipated that the present documentation will be fundamental to protect traditional knowledge, for the conservation and sustainable use of the rich biodiversity of Mauritius for future generations and to ensure Mauritius׳s sovereign rights over its genetic resources and utilization by first documenting them. In addition, further experimental investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the reported medicinal fauna of Mauritius