Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Assessing medicinal plants traditionally used in Dera District, South Gondar Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia
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Research Articles | Published: 22 September, 2025
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Keywords: Dera, Ethiopia, Fidelity level, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plants
Abstract
Assessment of medicinal plants was conducted in Dera District, South Gondar, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. There was numerous documented information on indigenous knowledge of the local people regarding the preparation and mode of consumption of MPs in the study area. However, this study aimed to understand the peoples perception of medicinal plants used to treat both human and livestock ailments compared to other similar studies in the same district and in other regions of the country. Sixty informants were selected to gather information on medicinal plant usage from six different districts. Six key informants were selected purposively based on recommendations by local elders and dwellers. Sixty medicinal plants belonging to 57 genera and 40 families were collected and identified. From the total, 54 species (90%) were used against human ailments, and six species (10%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments. Most of the MPs were shrubs, 24 (40%); followed by herbs, 20 (33.4); and 2, (3.3%) species of climbers. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves, 32 (53%) followed by fruits, 7 (11.7%). The most common preparation methods were mixing and crushing followed by drying, mixing and powdering, while the most frequent method was inserting. The most common mode of application was drinking, 34 (35.5%); followed by eating, 20 (20.8%); and creaming, 19 (19.8%). The highest ICF values were recorded for hypertention and cough (0.80), and the lowest was for respiratory-related diseases (0.52). The most common route of administration was oral, 28 (47%); followed by dermal, 13 (21%). Allium sativum was preferred for treating malaria. Ocimum lamifolium had the highest fidelity level. The most threatening factors of MP in Dera district were agricultural expansion, deforestation, urbanization, and charcoal production.
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Author Information
Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia