ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY PEOPLE OF GOG DISTRICT, AGNUAK ZONE, GAMBELLA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was conducted to document the indigenous knowledge in Gog District, Agnuak Zone, Gambella Regional State, South Western Ethiopia. A total of 74 informants (age≥25) were selected to collect information on medicinal plant use from five sampled Kebeles. Of these, 14 key informants were selected purposively based on recommendation by local elders and authorities. The rest were selected randomly. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussions. Informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level were calculated to assess the agreement of informants on the medicinal value of plants. A total of 67 medicinal plant species distributed in 34 families were collected and identified. All of the, 67 species were used against human ailments. From the total medicinal plant species, 23(34.37%) were herbs, followed by 20(31.25%) species of tree, 16(23.89%) species of shrubs, 6(9.37%)species of climber and 2(2.43%) species of succulent. The most frequently used plant part was root 27(29.03%) followed by leaves 24(24.73%), seeds 12(12.90%) and bark 5(5.37%). The most widely used remedy application ways were chewing, crushing and pounding of the different plant parts. The common route of administration recorded was oral 67(77.01%) followed by dermal 18(20.69%) and nasal 2(2.29%). Disease categories such as jaundice, kidney, liver, blood and cardiovascular problem, sensorial problem, febrile and fever, dental problem, dermatological problem, gastrointestinal problem, snake bite and poisoning had higher ICF values, suggesting high incidence of these diseases in the study area and agreement of people on their remedies.