A survey of traditional medicinal plants used to treat common human and livestock ailments from Diguna Fango district, Wolaita, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Plants have been used as a traditional medicine for many years for the people of Wolaita, Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to record the local knowledge of the peoples who inhabit the Diguna Fango district. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a total of 60 informants. Totally, 50 species belonging to 24 families were identified to treat 28 human and livestock ailments. Solanaceae (14.3%) was the most abundant family whereas; the Rosaceae (1.00) had the highest family use value (FUV). Most of the plants (82%) were reportedly used to treat human diseases. Herbs (34%) were the dominant growth habits, followed by trees (33%). The leaves (30%) were identified as the most used plant part. The most common methods of remedy preparations were eating and chewing (18.2% each) followed by grinding (13.61%). Oral (73.3%) was the major route of administration, followed by dermal (21.7%). The cardiovascular system diseases category (1.00) had a higher informant consensus factor value followed by the fever disease category (0.90). Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Commelina benghalensis L., Triticum dicoccon (Schrank) Schübl. and Pentas arvensis Hiern (100%) had a higher fidelity level to treat swelling, chirt (skin diseases), weight gain and bone fractures, respectively. Persea americana Mill. was ranked highest as the most preferable medicinal plant for various purposes by local people, followed by Acacia abyssinica Benth. The principal threatening factors reported were charcoal production (26%), agricultural expansion (15%) and firewood (14%). Out of the plants and their uses documented, 16% of the medicinal plants and 28.6% of the uses were novel. The present study showed the existence of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants to treat human and livestock ailments. Therefore, there should be mentoring for the local people in the study area to conserve their indigenous knowledge and resources.

The traditional medicinal use of some animals and their products in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia

“…About 80% of the human population still depends on traditional medicine in the country Ethiopia (Endashaw, 2007;Alevtina and Zerihun, 2009;Keter and Mutiso, 2012;Elias et al, 2013, Wendimu et al, 2021. In the present study, 39 animals and their parts and products that were believed to be medicine for over 159 kinds of ailments were identi ed from Diguna Fango district, Wolaita, Ethiopia.…”

“…Oil, wood, and many different agricultural plants, as well as many different animal species, contribute to the rich ecosystems that sustain a diverse range of life forms. Throughout history, humans have relied on nature for their fundamental needs such as medicines, shelters, food, perfumes, clothing, tastes, fertilizers, and modes of transportation (Wendimu and Tekalign, 2020;Wendimu et al, 2021).…”

“…The majority of individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa believe traditional medicines and Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) as their primary source of health care (Keter andMutiso, 2012, Wendimu et al, 2021). It is estimated that traditional medicine is used by more than 80% of Ethiopia's rural population (Endashaw, 2007;Alevtina and Zerihun, 2009;Elias et al, 2013, Wendimu et al, 2021.…”

“…Among those animals that were used therapeutically were mammals, reptiles, and birds (Dereje and Chane, 2014). However, most of the ethnobiological studies conducted in Ethiopia have focused on traditional knowledge of plants (Hailemariam, 2009;Giday, 2010;Regassa 2013;Assegid and Tesfaye, 2014;Melesse et al 2015;Tuasha et al 2018;Tefera and Kim 2019;Wendimu et al, 2021). A little work has been wiped out ethnozoology and particularly no work is documented within the Diguna Fango district and there's a particular scarcity of ethnobiological knowledge when it comes to animal products.…”

The Neglected Traditional Enset (Ensete ventricosum) Crop Landraces for the Sustainable Livelihood of the Local People in Southern Ethiopia

“…Enset might be a multipurpose crop that uses every component of the plant. It is primarily used as a raw material for industries and construction materials and for human consumption, cattle feed, medicinal reasons, and ornamental purposes [ 19 – 21 ]. It enhances the local climate and soil conditions because it is perennial [ 4 ].…”