Utilization, cultivation practice and economic role of medicinal plants in Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Medicinal plants are useful for primary healthcare as a remedy for diseases and injury, while they are also used traditionally as food and beverages. Despite the wide role of medicinal plant, traditional utilization and management practices are not well documented in Debre Markos Town. Thus, this study was conducted to assess utilization and cultivation practice of the medicinal plants and to identify commonly used medicinal plants in Debre Markos Town. Data on medicinal plants production and utilization practice and its role were collected using field observation and semi-structured questioners. The study revealed that total of 55 medicinal plant species belonging to 35 families were used to treat various human diseases. Majority of medicinal plants species (80%) were cultivated. 48% of respondents have medicinal plants in their home garden. Leaf (13.3%) and root parts (13.3%) are widely in drug preparation. Widely used remedy preparation form (46.9%) is liquid, made by boiling. Oral method of administration accounts (36.7%) followed by dermal application (30%). The practice of using medicinal plants in the local people has significant in economic and social sense, save cost and time. Thus, it enhances strong economic capacity of the people through creating healthy, physically and mentally capable people. In general, Debre Markos Town is rich in source of medicinal plants and use of traditional medicine is common. Most of available medicinal plants are found under threats in the study area, which is one of the main reasons for the degradation and destruction of habitats is a major cause of the loss of medicinal plant. Therefore, documentation medicinal plants provide important data.