The Use and Management of Medicinal Plant by Shenasha People in Dibati District North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Traditional medicinal plant species documentation is very crucial in Ethiopia for biodiversity conservation, bioactive chemical extractions and indigenous knowledge retention. An ethnobotanical study of the indigenes knowledge on medicinal plants by shinasha people in Dibati District, Northwest, Ethiopia, was conducted from October 2017 to Nomber 2017. This study therefore, aimed at documenting indigenous knowledge on ethobotanical use of medicinal plants by herbalists to treat human and livestock ailments as well as assessing of the existing threats to these medicinal plants in Dibati district. Ethnobotanical data were obtained using semi structured interviews, field observations, focus group discussions with people and traditional medicine practitioners and various ranking and comparison methods were employed. Data were analyzed quantitatively and by Microsoft office excels informant's preference ranking, descriptive statistic Direct matrix ranking, paired comparisons, fidelity value index and Informant consensus factor (ICF) are computed to assess the degree of effectiveness of certain medicinal plants against human and animal. Information was collected from a sample of 99 informants (77 males and 22 Females) included 20 (male 16 female 4) key informants are selected to the help of kebele administration. Ethnomedicinal use of 65 plant species from in 62 genera and 39 families were documented. In terms of number of species, Febaceae appeared as the most dominate family that Contains 7 species in 7 genera, followed by Asteraceae. From the total medicinal plant species, 24 (2461.9.7%) were herbs, followed by 18(27.69%) species of trees. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (28.06%) followed by roots (14.06%). The most widely used method of preparation was crashed (23.07%), Pounding (20). The common route medicine administration were oral (54.4%), followed by dermal (7.69%) and other. The most commonly used application of medicinal plant was drinking (35.38%) followed by smoking (18.64%). A total of 65 plant species 48 (73.84.%) species were mentioned for the treatment of 57 human ailments while 17 (26.15) species were used to treat 15 livestock health problems. In the study area possesses diverse natural vegetation and the environment under serious threated by mainly agricultural expansion, firewood collection, population pressure, overgrazing, urbanization, household tool construction, charcoal production and medicinal purpose. Awareness rising on the use and management systems, sustainable utilization of medicinal plants and their in-situ and ex-situ conservation and establishment of forest protected areas should be recommended.