Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Human Ailments by Guji Oromo Tribes in Abaya District, Borana, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Medicinal plants are the integral part of the variety of cultures in Ethiopia and have been used over many centuries. Hence, the aim of this study is to document the medicinal plants in the natural vegetation and home gardens in Abaya district, Borana Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Forty eight traditional healers were selected to collect data on management of medicinal plants using semi-structured interview, group discussion, and field observation. The distribution of plant species in the study areas was surveyed. Forty three plant species were documented as having medicinal value: [21 (48.8%)] were Shrubs, [13 (30.3%)] herbs, and [9 (20.9%)] trees. The root [17 (39.5%)] was the most commonly used plant part followed by leaf [13 (30.2%)], fruits [7 (16.3%)] and stem [6 (14.0%)]. Agricultural expansion (24.4%) in the area was found to be the main threat for medicinal plants followed by fire wood collection (18.8%). Peoples' culture and spiritual beliefs somehow helped in the conservation of medicinal plants. Traditional healers still depend largely on naturally growing plant species and the important medicinal plants are under threat. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for further studies on phytochemical and pharmacological studies.