Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of human ailments in the Sodo district of East Gurage Zone Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, traditional medicine has long been a vital aspect of healthcare, with knowledge passed down orally. However, habitat loss from agriculture and deforestation threatens the availability of medicinal plants. This study documents the medicinal plants used in the Sodo District of East Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia, and explores the challenges they face. Methods: Between July 2020 and November 2022, 120 informants (90 males, 30 females) participated in interviews and surveys. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and market surveys. Identified plant specimens were deposited in a herbarium. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using various statistical methods, including informant consensus factor and relative frequency of citation. Results: A total of 106 plant species from 49 families were identified, with Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Solanaceae being most commonly used. Herbs were the primary plant habit. Common preparation methods included crushing and squeezing, with oral administration being most frequent. Ocimum lamiifolium had the highest fidelity for treating febrile illnesses. Sexually transmitted infections and intestinal issues had the highest consensus among informants. Demographic factors significantly influenced plant knowledge. Major threats included agricultural expansion, firewood collection, and overharvesting. Conclusion: Traditional medicinal knowledge is integral to the local culture, with a diverse range of plants used for healthcare. However, challenges such as the aging healer population, lack of successors, and resource overharvesting threaten this knowledge. This study highlights the need for conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge.