Ethiopian Plants Research Articles

Revitalizing Ethiopia and Russia’s Bilateral Relations

Since its successful establishment in 1898, the diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Russia were interrupted gently, but instantly revived in 1943. The two countries have traditionally enjoyed fruitful political, social, and economic ties over the past 100 memorable years. Russia has undoubtedly made significant strides in public relations, education and medicine since the modernization of agriculture in the economic sector, it has generously helped Ethiopia by progressively expanding the guiding principle of a mixed economy. In the modern political arena, the former Soviet administration had typically offered its necessary support for Ethiopia through ideological and military expansion. And even so, Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its historic commitment in various international forums. This relationship is growing more causal. They have presently developed into scientific cooperation and reached an agreement to establish a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia. What constitutes the official status of diplomatic relations between the two countries? In what areas is the cooperation more effective? And what represent the determination of the governments? The study examines the historical relationship between the two countries, studies cooperation agreements, and checks actual records to explain these fundamental questions. The analysis is typed in the qualitative method and uses secondary data as a reference.

In Vitro Anticancer Activities of Selected Ethiopian Plant Extracts on HeLa and PC3 Cell Lines

In vitro anticancer activity of the 80% ethanolic extracts of 23 traditionally used Ethiopian medicinal plants was studied using cervical (HeLa) and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colourimetric assay. Mouse embryonic fibroblast normal cells(3T3) were used for evaluation of safety of extracts. Among the tested plants, Dovyalis abyssinica, Scadoxus multiflorus, Rumex abyssinicus, and Euphorbia abyssinica exhibited significant anticancer activity against HeLa cells with IC50 values of 6.2, 14.6, 18.6, and 22.8 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, S. multiflorus and D. abyssinica significantly inhibited PC3 cell growth with IC50 values of 9.8 and 17.4 µg/ml, respectively. Extracts of S. multiflorus, R. abyssinicus, and E. abyssinica demonstrated high selectivity index. D. abyssinica showed selective toxicity against HeLa (SI = 2.51) cancer cells, but not against PC3 (SI = 0.98) cancer cells. Evaluation for safety indicated that about 83.3% of the extracts under this study were nontoxic at 30 µg/ml. The findings of this study suggest that further bioactivity guided fractionation and phytochemical studies may lead to the discovery of novel anticancer compounds.

Performance evaluation of a brewery wastewater treatment plant in Ethiopia: Implications for wetland ecosystem management

AbstractBrewery industries are a major surface water pollution source since they release their waste waters into receiving aquatic systems. The Brasserieset Group Industry (BGI) located at the town of Kombolcha (Ethiopia) discharges large quantities of organically laden waste water into the Borkena River, a tributary to the Cheffa Wetland, one of Ethiopia's largest wetlands. As the efficiency of the brewery's wastewater treatment plant has not been assessed, there is no existing evidence regarding the compliance of its effluent discharges with standard discharge limits. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate the efficiency of the brewery wastewater treatment plant, as well as to assess the status of the effluent discharge compliance for the stated guidelines. Time‐composite wastewater samples were collected from the treatment plant inlet and final outlet during February to March 2020. Pollutant removal efficiency was evaluated by determining the differences in the pollutant concentrations in the influent and effluent. The mean value of the treated brewery wastewater Biochemical Oxygen Demand was 23.3 ± 12.3 mg/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand was 111.9 ± 33.8 mg/L, total nitrogen (TN) was 92.4 ± 21 mg/L, total phosphorus (TP) was 12.8 ± 5.1 mg/L and nitrate nitrogen (NO3‐N) was 22.5 ± 5.2 mg/L. Although the brewery treatment plant removed large percentages of organic constituents such as BOD5 (98.6%) and COD (96.7%), only small quantities of TP (49.8%), TN (19.9%) and NO3‐N (9.3%) were removed. As the treatment plant discharges did not meet the Ethiopian permissible limit standards for the critical parameters, deterioration of the downstream wetland and its resources is of serious concern. To better manage and conserve the Cheffa Wetland and its important ecosystem services, it is recommended that the industry improves its wastewater treatment efficiency.

Foreign direct investment and knowledge diffusion in poor locations

We use plant level census data to identify spillovers from FDI in Ethiopia's manufacturing sector. Spillovers are identified by comparing changes in total factor productivity (TFP) among domestic plants in districts where a large greenfield foreign plant produces and districts where FDI in the same industry was licensed but not yet operational. Over the four years starting with the year of the FDI opening, the TFP of domestic plants is 11 percent higher in treated districts, employment in domestic plants increases and more domestic plants open. We describe mechanisms for knowledge diffusion using a plant level technology transfer survey. One third of Ethiopian plants are linked to FDI through labor sharing, supply chains and competition. Technology upgrading is most common as a reaction to competition in output markets and observation and imitation of FDI in the same line of business. Other benefits include enhanced managerial practices and knowledge about exporting.

Molecular Docking, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Compounds Isolated from Ethiopian Plants

This study evaluated the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the constituents of L. tomentosa and S. longipedunculata. The in-silico molecular docking analysis of the isolated compounds was also reported herein for the first time. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of L. tomentosa led to the identification of eleven components with 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene identified as the principal constituent (59.39%). Lauric acid (1), β-stigmasterol (2), chrysophanol (3), and emodin (4) were isolated from L. tomentosa using silica gel column chromatography. Likewise, 9H-xanthene-3,5-diol (5), 1,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyxanthone (6), and oleic acid (7) were isolated from S. longipedunculata. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopic methods. Compounds 3 and 4 are new to the genus Laggera, while 5 and 6 are new to the species S. longipedunculata. Compounds 3-6 inhibited DPPH radical by 86, 92, 88, and 90%, respectively. Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited 79.2 and 81.9% peroxide formation, respectively. The antioxidant activities displayed by compounds 4-6 suggest their use as a natural antioxidant. Compounds 4 and 6 inhibited the growth of bacteria by 18.00±0.10 and 16.06±0.22 mm, respectively. Compounds 3, 4, and 6 showed binding affinities of −10.4, −10.4, and −9.9 kcal/mol against Staphylococcus aureus DNA Gyrase, respectively, while 4 showed −10.4 kcal/mol against human topoisomerase IIβ. Therefore, the present study results showed that emodin and 1,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyxanthone might be considered lead compounds for further development as antibacterial and anti-cancer agents. The findings also substantiate the traditional use of these plants against bacteria.

Biodiversity of the Genus Trichoderma in the Rhizosphere of Coffee (Coffea arabica) Plants in Ethiopia and Their Potential Use in Biocontrol of Coffee Wilt Disease

The present study investigated the distribution status and biodiversity of Trichoderma species surveyed from coffee rhizosphere soil samples from Ethiopia and their potential for biocontrol of coffee wilt disease (CWD) caused by Fusarium xylarioides. Trichoderma isolates were identified based on molecular approaches and morphological characteristics followed by biodiversity analysis using different biodiversity indices. The antagonistic potential of Trichoderma isolates was evaluated against F. xylarioides using the dual confrontation technique and agar diffusion bioassays. A relatively high diversity of species was observed, including 16 taxa and 11 undescribed isolates. Trichoderma asperellum, T. asperelloides and T. longibrachiatum were classified as abundant species, with dominance (Y) values of 0.062, 0.056 and 0.034, respectively. Trichoderma asperellum was the most abundant species (comprising 39.6% of all isolates) in all investigated coffee ecosystems. Shannon’s biodiversity index (H), the evenness (E), Simpson’s biodiversity index (D) and the abundance index (J) were calculated for each coffee ecosystem, revealing that species diversity and evenness were highest in the Jimma zone (H = 1.97, E = 0.76, D = 0.91, J = 2.73). The average diversity values for Trichoderma species originating from the coffee ecosystem were H = 1.77, D = 0.7, E = 0.75 and J = 2.4. In vitro confrontation experiments revealed that T. asperellum AU131 and T. longibrachiatum AU158 reduced the mycelial growth of F. xylarioides by over 80%. The potential use of these Trichoderma species for disease management of F. xylarioides and to reduce its impact on coffee cultivation is discussed in relation to Ethiopia’s ongoing coffee wilt disease crisis.

Conservation Strategies for Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the policies, challenges, and conservation measures related to medicinal plants in Ethiopia. The country has implemented various policies to support sustainable development and utilization of plant resources, spanning environmental protection, natural resource development, and diversification of domestic commodities. However, indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is at risk due to factors such as environmental degradation, deforestation, and the passing of traditional practitioners. Efforts to document this knowledge and establish herbaria are crucial for the conservation of declining medicinal plants. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, especially among the youth, about the contribution of traditional medicine to primary healthcare needs. It highlights the challenge of passing down this knowledge, with younger generations showing less interest in traditional practices. Incorporating traditional medicine into school curricula is suggested to bridge this gap. Furthermore, the review addresses sustainability and continuity issues faced by traditional medicine in Ethiopia, including loss of medicinal plant taxa and habitats. Preserving diverse cultures with indigenous medicinal knowledge is essential for valuing biodiversity and ensuring resource availability for future generations. In-situ and ex-situ conservation methods are recommended to conserve valuable plant biodiversity and combat threats like habitat loss, environmental degradation, and overharvesting. In particular, in-situ conservation is crucial for plants difficult to domesticate, as well as those unable to produce desired active principles outside their natural habitats. This comprehensive review underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts to transition from unsustainable practices to ecologically sound, socially acceptable, and economically equitable production and utilization systems for medicinal plants. It advocates for the implementation of conservation strategies tailored to Ethiopia's unique biodiversity challenges, safeguarding the valuable medicinal plants that are integral to the nation's cultural heritage and healthcare traditions.

Extraction and Characterization of Fibers from Ethiopian Finger Euphorbia (Euphorbia Tirucalli) Plants

ABSTRACT Natural fibers continue to drive enormous interest from researchers and textile manufacturers mainly due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective features. This is implied in terms of their low cost, renewability, biodegradability, and the need for low energy for their production. The purpose of the present study is to extract and characterize textile fibers from a native plant in Ethiopia known as finger euphorbia. The finger euphorbia fibers were extracted from the plant using water retting and alkali methods. The extracted fiber was analyzed using FT-IR to know the unknown functional group and the chemical bonds on the fiber molecule. Extracted performance was studied from 1%, 3%, and 5% NaOH for 60 min at boiling temperature. The tensile strength of finger euphorbia fiber was 5.8cN/dtex (water retting) and 3.4 cN/dtex (3% NaOH extracted) almost similar to sisal fibers. The moisture content of finger euphorbia fiber was 9.08% by water retting and 8.4% by 3% NaOH almost similar to jute and flax fibers. The fineness of 1.87 tex water retting decreased from 1.02 tex. Natural Fibers from the finger euphorbia could be used as an alternative material like composite, apparel, and related textile applications.

Phytochemical Investigation and Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Solvent Leave Extracts of Carissa spinarum.

BackgroundAmong many traditionally used medicinal plants, Carissa spinarum (Agam) is a well-known indigenous plant in Ethiopia. It is used in its raw form to treat different diseases in different parts of the country. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate extraction, isolation, and determination of the antibacterial properties of the solvent leaf extract of Carissa spinarum.MethodsIn this study, 800 g of powdered leaves of Carissa spinarum were macerated with 2500 mL of methanol and yielded 58 g (7.25%, w/w) of gummy material. The extract was then further partitioned by using ethyl acetate and chloroform. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening test. The antibacterial activity of the three solvent leaf extracts of Carissa spinarum were evaluated using disc diffusion method. The methanol extract was subjected to column chromatography silica gel (60–200 mesh) by mixing methanol:petroleum ether (4:1). Then fractions were collected and investigated by TLC and finally identified using spectroscopy.ResultsThe three extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform) of Carissa spinarum were presented to antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method against four bacterial species using gentamycin and ampicillin discs as positive controls and DMSO as a negative control. All extracts had a relatively antibacterial effect with different extent zones of inhibition. However, the methanol extract showed superior antibacterial activity compared with DMSO and ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts. These could due to variation of the phytoconstituents. The most probable structure of the compound isolated was 5-(2’,3’,4’,6’-tetrahydroxy-5’-methoxycyclohexyloxy)-2,3,4 trihydroxypentanoic acid.ConclusionData obtained from this study collectively indicated that the three solvent extracts of Carissa spinarum have a promising antimicrobial activity which supports the traditional claim of the plant for treatment of infection.

Traditional and Phytochemical Bases of Herbs, Shrubs, Climbers, and Trees from Ethiopia for Their Anticancer Response.

Ethiopia is one of Africa's six plant-rich countries, with around 60% of the plants being indigenous and most of them having medicinal properties. 80% of people in the country use these plants as a primary health care system to tackle different diseases, including cancer. This review is aimed at summarizing the evidence gained from diverse MPs in Ethiopia that have been used ethnobotanically and ethnopharmacologically for treatment of cancer. The primary data sources were Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and other electronic scientific databases. This literature review showed that there are around 200 MPs used as anticancer. Seventy-four herbs, 39 trees, 77 shrubs, and 17 weed/climbers belonging to 56 families have been identified for their ethnobotanical anticancer potential, and 31 species were recognized for their pharmaceutically anticancer activities. The reviewed data also indicated that many Ethiopian MPs had been used to treat breast, lung, blood, and skin cancers and other tumors. Besides, the collected data showed that the leaves (36.76%), roots (27.2%), bark (12.5%), stem (5.1%), and fruit (7.35%) of plants are commonly used for the preparation of anticancer remedies. Among the reported plant species, Euphorbiaceae (10.71%), Acanthaceae (7.14%), and Asteraceae (7.1%) are the most prominent plant families being used to treat cancer ethnobotanically. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids (like xanthone, indirubin, flavopiridol, and silybin), alkaloids (like taxol, vincristine, evodiamine, and berberine), and physalin B, D, and F steroids exhibited anticancer activity on various cancer cell lines. The crude extracts of Aerva javanica, Vernonia leopoldi, Withania somnifera, Kniphofia foliosa, and Catharanthus roseus were powerful anticancer agents with an IC50 value below 10 μg/mL. Although several Ethiopian plants possess anticancer potential, only a limited number of plants are scientifically studied. Therefore, more scientific studies on anticancer MPs should be carried out; it may lead to discovering and isolating cost-effective and safe anticancer drugs.

Anti-malarial plants in Ethiopia and their activities on drug-resistant malaria.

In Ethiopia, the impacts of malaria continue to cause a many number of morbidity and mortality that accounts to most-outpatient observations. Ethiopia recently designed to attain nationwide malaria control by 2030 by beginning sub-national elimination in districts with low malaria transmission. However, the rise of drug-resistant parasites, especially Plasmodium falciparum hinder the malaria-containment strategies. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are dispersed all over Ethiopia, and account for 60% and 40% of malaria cases, respectively. The aim of this report was to overview the phytochemical constituents, diversity, and effect of some compound extracts on drug-resistant plasmodium species. Many plant species, a total 200 identified by 82 studies, are used in traditional malaria treatments throughout the country. Allium sativum, Croton macrostachyus, and Carica papaya were the more frequently used medicinal plant species. There are so many phytochemical constituents found in medicinal plants used to treat malaria. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and glycosides are the most-reported for their effective activity on drug-resistant malaria.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity, Preliminary Phytochemical Screening Profile, and In Vivo Toxicity of Seven Traditional Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia

The threat of antibiotic-resistance calls for novel antibacterial agents. This study was aimed at screening medicinal plants for their antibacterial properties, phytochemical content and safety. Leaves of Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk., Dicliptera laxata C.B.Clarke, Ligustrum vulgare L., Solanecio gigas (Vatke) c. Jeffrey and Gymnanthemum myrianthum (Hook.f.) H.Rob.; leaf and stem-bark of Olinia rochetiana A. Juss. and the seed of Cucurbita pepo L. were used. Chloroform and ethanol were used to extract G. myrianthum, D. laxata and O. rochetiana; ethyl acetate and methanol for the rest, and water for all. The extracts were tested against clinical/standard strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus by the agar-diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined. Acute toxicity to mice was checked and preliminary phytochemical screening was done. Thirteen extracts, out of 24, were active (inhibition zone >7 mm) at differing levels (9.67±0.33-25.66±0.57 mm) against at least one bacterial strain. The MICs and MBCs were 1.95-15.6 mg/mL and 7.8-125 mg/mL respectively. The aqueous extract of S. gigas, methanol extracts of L. vulgare and A. abyssinicus, and ethanol extract of O. rochetiana leaf were the most active (MIC 1.95mg/ml) against S. aureus. Ethyl acetate extracts of A. abyssinicus, L. vulgare and S. gigas; aqueous of C. pepo, O. rochetiana and G. myrianthum; and all D. laxata had no antibacterial activity. P. aeruginosa was the least susceptible to any extract, although the methanol and aqueous extracts of S. gigas performed better against it. Preliminary phytochemical screening of selected extracts for phenols, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, steroidal glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, resins and glycosides showed positivity at least for four of these phytochemicals with glycoside and terpenoids in nearly all extracts and resin in none. The plants were not toxic to mice at 2000 mg/kg. Further consideration of S. gigas, L. vulgare, A. abyssinicus and O. rochetiana is recommended in light of their promising potential and safety.

Traditional Medicinal Plant Species Belonging to Fabaceae Family in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

There are approximately 213 families of flowering plants in Ethiopia and among them 92 families contain species with medicinal properties. However, there is no compiled information that comprehensively expresses which plant species belong to each family. In the present review, a total of 127 medicinal plant species belonging to Fabaceae family and used to treat various human and livestock diseases were reported from 62 articles (53 published and 9 unpublished journals). Calpurnia aurea (26.7%) and Millettia ferruginea (11.8%) were among the most frequently cited species of Fabaceae followed by Trigonella foenumgraecum (11.02%). The highest numbers of species of Fabaceae (62 species) were reported from Southern Nation Nationalities Peoples (SNNP) region, and 58 species were from Oromia region. Regarding growth habit, the majority were shrubs (43 species) followed by tree (39 species) and herbs (38 species). The frequently used plant parts were leaves (19.7%) roots (17.3%) and the whole plant (16.5%). 40.5 % of the prepared medicinal plant remedies of Fabaceae were administered through the oral methods in different regions of the country. The most commonly treated health problems by species of Fabaceae were: snake bites (25 species), evil eye (19 species) and wounds (18 species) in various regions of the country. From the finding, it was concluded that Fabaceae family is providing a diverse medicinal plant species for the treatment of different human and livestock health care systems in Ethiopia. Thus, further research activities on phytochemical characterization and conservation would be suggested for better utilization from this family.

Cytotoxic and other bioactivities of a novel and known sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Vernonia leopoldi (Sch. Bip. ex Walp.) Vatke in breast cancer cell lines

Vernonia leopoldi (Sch. Bip. ex Walp.) Vatke (Asteraceae) is one of the widely used anti-cancer traditional medicinal plants in Ethiopia, despite the lack of data to support its therapeutic efficacy. Here we describe the isolation of compounds from the plant and the investigation of their cytotoxicity and other bioactivities. We identified the novel sesquiterpene lactone (SL) 11ß,13-dihydrovernodalol along with the three other SLs (vernomenin, vernolepin, and 11ß,13-dihydrovernodalin) and three flavonoids (apigenin, eriodyctiol, and luteolin) isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of all the compounds were established based on extensive analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data and confirmed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We then studied the biological activities of the SLs and found that all were cytotoxic at low μM ranges against MCF-7 and JIMT-1 breast cancer cells as well as against the normal-like MCF-10A breast epithelial cells evaluated in a spectrophotometric assay. All the SLs significantly reduced JIMT-1 cell migration after 72 h of treatment with 2 μM concentrations in a wound healing assay. Treatment with all SLs reduced the aldehyde dehydrogenase expressing cancer stem cell sub-population of the JIMT-1 cells significantly, evaluated by flow cytometry. Only 11ß,13-dihydrovernodalin resulted in a significant inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced translocation of nuclear factor κB to the cell nucleus. In addition, we show that the reporter fluorophore nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) can successfully be conjugated with an SL and that this SL-NBD conjugate is taken up efficiently in JIMT-1 cells. Therefore, the overall bioactivities of the SL compounds and specifically their effects against the stemness of breast cancer cells make them prime candidates for further in-depth investigation.

Making Scientific Sense of Traditional Medicine

The search for medicinal plants often accompanied the expansion of empire in Africa during the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Although Ethiopia was never formally colonized, European naturalists carried out plant collecting expeditions within Ethiopia’s borders in ways that resembled the unequal power relationship between Europe and colonized African territories. Ethiopian plant material was sold to botanical gardens in Europe, studied, and even incorporated into European pharmacopeia with little credit given to local wisdom. By the mid-twentieth century, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health supported local efforts to transform endemic plants into standardized commercial products and into pharmaceuticals for domestic markets while limiting foreign bioprospecting. Ethiopian scientists struggled to have their local knowledge and scientific expertise recognized in the context of highly unequal global power relations. Meanwhile, gender and class inequalities built into the local institutions directing medicinal plant research and development in Ethiopia also reproduced exploitative relationships. This paper argues that the history of Ethiopia’s efforts to make “traditional medicine” legible to science demonstrates the complicated global politics of scientific knowledge production and highlights the problems of exploitation in medicinal plant research within African countries.

Political Risk in Emerging Markets: The Case of AfricaJUICE and Maranque Plants in Ethiopia

This comparative case study examines the experiences of two Dutch horticulture ventures in Ethiopia, East Africa. The first, africaJUICE, specialized in tropical fruit exports, while the second, Maranque Plants, specialized in floriculture exports. The two companies professed a commitment to business ethics and corporate social responsibility, and both operated farms in close proximity to each other in the same region in Ethiopia. This region faced political and social unrest in 2016. However, while africaJUICE’s property was torched by rioters, local community elders and stakeholders rushed to protect Maranque Plants’ properties from any attacks. This case study examines the political and economic contexts underlying international business ventures, and illuminates the specific business decisions that may have led to diverging outcomes during the Ethiopian political crisis of 2016. As such, it bears particular relevance to issues of business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and political risk in emerging market investments.

A Critical Examination of Breeders’ Monopoly Rights to the Detriment of Farmers under the Ethiopian Plant Breeders’ Rights Law

Agricultural innovations have for long remained outside the domain of Intellectual property rights (IPRs) due to ethical and socioeconomic grounds. With the advent of modern agro- biotechnology, however, the sector is subjected to IPRs. Particularly, the TRIPS Agreement provides that plant varieties (PVP) shall be protected either through patent or an effective soi generic system, or a combination thereof. In this regard, Ethiopia adopted plant breeders’ rights (PBRs’) law in 2006. This article aims at evaluating the monopoly rights of private breeders in comparison with farmers’ rights on the basis of various ethical and socioeconomic factors. Accordingly, the second section overviews the introduction of IPRs in the agricultural sector. Section three deals with PVP under the TRIPS Agreement and the flexibility thereunder. After briefly introducing the Ethiopian PBRs’ law in section four, the pros and cons of PVP is addressed under section five. Section six evaluates farmers’ rights under the Ethiopian PBRs’ law. The last section concludes the article.

Use and management practices of medicinal plants in and around mixed woodland vegetation, Tigray Regional State, Northern Ethiopia

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<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 >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

Levels of selected metals in Ficus sur Forssk fruit and soil of the plant grown in different parts of Ethiopia

Ficus sur Forssk is one of the wild edible plants in Ethiopia. Its fruits are commonly used in different parts of Ethiopia. Ficus sur fruits and the soil of plant were collected from three different region of Ethiopia. Levels of selected metals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in the fruit and soil were determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The validity of the optimized procedure was evaluated by the analysis of spiked samples whose recoveries were in the range of 90.5-108%. The concentration range of metals (mg/kg) in Ficus sur fruit samples were K (12372-13687), Ca (3261-5389), Mg (744-785), Fe (418-479), Zn (23.9-25.4), Mn (9.13-18.0), Cu (6.78-7.97), Pb (2.45-6.23) and Cd (0.76-1.42), respectively and in the soil were in the range of 1406-5566 (K), 1248-1453 (Mg), 3140-9403 (Ca), 1186-2421 (Mn), 89763-96704 (Fe), 7.33-13.4 (Pb), 41.4-73.4 (Cu), 123-157 (Zn) and not detected Cd). Ficus sur fruit contains all the essential metals to human. However, it also contains toxic metals Cd at trace level and Pb at higher level than World Health Organization permission level.

Free amino acid contents of selected Ethiopian plant and fungi species: a search for alternative natural free amino acid sources for cosmeceutical applications

Free amino acids (FAAs), the major constituents of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), are very important for maintaining the moisture balance of human skin and their deficiency results in dry skin conditions. There is a great interest in the identification and use of nature-based sources of these molecules for such cosmeceutical applications. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to investigate the FAA contents of selected Ethiopian plant and fungi species; and select the best sources so as to use them for the stated purpose. About 59 different plant species and oyster mushroom were included in the study and the concentrations of 27 FAAs were analyzed. Each sample was collected, lyophilized, extracted using aqueous solvent, derivatized with Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (Fmoc-Cl) prior to solid-phase extraction and quantified using Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-ESI–MS/MS) system. All the 27 FAAs were detected in most of the samples. The dominant FAAs that are part of the NMF were found at sufficiently high concentration in the mushroom and some of the plants. This indicates that FAAs that could be included in the preparations for the management of dry skin condition can be obtained from a single natural resource and the use of these resources for the specified purpose have both economic and therapeutic advantage in addition to fulfilling customer needs.