ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by local people of chora district, buno bedelle zone, oromia regional state

Abstract

Medicinal plant species are very crucial in Ethiopia for human well-being and provides a significant number of remedies required in healthcare. The objectives of the study was to assess traditional use of medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by local communities of Chora district,Buno Bedelle Zone, Oromia Regional State. This study was conducted from January 2018 to August 2018 and a cross sectional study design was used for the study area. Sixty total informants were selected purposely from five kebeles of Chora district. Selections of informants were based on the presence of traditional healers in the study area. Out of the total informants,20 were selected as key informants by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and field observation (guided field walks) with informants. Data were organized and analyzed using excel spread sheet and the results were presented using tables and graphs .Accordingly, a total of 51 medicinal plant species belonging to 48 genera and 28 families were identified and documented. A total of 28 ailments were identified which are treated by medicinal plants, among which, abdominal cramp was frequently reported. Out of 28 families Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were the most reported medicinal plants to treat human ailments in the study area. According to the habit of medicinal plants used in the study area, herbs were the most used growth form which account for about 47% followed by shrubs (37%). From collected plant species leaf and its crashed forms were most preferred in remedy preparation. Oral application was the highest reported administration route (56.86%) of medicine. Traditional medicine and associated indigenous knowledge are the main system to maintain human health in the selected kebeles of Chora district. But minimal conservation methods were recorded in the community.Thus; in-situ and ex-situ conservation practice and sustainable utilization are required in the community.