Abstract:
Ethiopia has rich flora with different plant species having use in health care system
based on local indigenous knowledge. In this study, plants of traditional medicinal use
and their associated indigenous knowledge in Tarmaber district were investigated. A
total of 100 informants (age≥20) were selected to collect information on medicinal
plant use from four sampled kebeles. Of these, 30 key informants were selected
purposively based on recommendation by local elders and authorities. Ethnobotanical
data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group
discussions with local traditional medicine practitioners. Informant consensus factor,
fidelity level and preference ranking were computed to analyze ethnobotanical data.
Ethnomedicinal use of 97 plant species distributed in 91 genera and 51 families was
documented. Highest numbers of species (9) were under family Asteraceae followed by
Solanaceae (8) and Lamiaceae (7). Habit wise, 46.39%), were herbs followed by shrubs
(35.05%) tree species (11.34%) and climbers (7.21%). Plants were used mostly in fresh
for remedy preparation. Route of administration was mainly oral followed by dermal.
Snake bite and poison, Dental, Rabies and Sensorial problems had the highest ICF
value > 0.90. Agricultural expansion, firewood collection, and use of plants for
construction were reported as major threats to plants of the study area. In order to
protect biodiversity erosion and loss of indigenous knowledge, local communities must
be taught and involved in conservation and management of plant resources and their
indigenous knowledge.
