Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay; Edigetu Merawi; Tesfaye Bekele; Binyam Goshu; Yibrahu Emishaw; Ashenafi Ayehune

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

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Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay, Edigetu Merawi, Tesfaye Bekele, Binyam Goshu, Yibrahu Emishaw, Ashenafi Ayehune

Published in International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology (Volume 2, Issue 2)

Received: 22 August 2016 Accepted: 17 May 2017 Published: 30 June 2017

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Abstract

In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and. The objective of the study was to identify and record traditional knowledge and practices associated with the medicinal plants with special emphasis on plants with potential for bio-prospecting. The study method was interviewing selected herbal practitioners and elderly people by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Out of 146 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, herbs (41.4%) and shrubs (35.5%) constituted the highest proportion, followed by trees (16.2%) and climbers (6.9%). Out of the total of 146 medicinal plants collected 95(64.7%) were used against human disease, 32(21.9%) of medicinal plants were used against animal disease and the remaining 18% were used for the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The results showed relatively a higher proportions of plant species were found to be used for the treatments of respiratory diseases (32.8%), followed by for the treatment of miscellaneous disease conditions such as swellings/tumors, toothache, headache, etc. (20.9%), and gastrointestinal related complaints (18.4%). The most frequent methods (95.7%) of preparation of plant medicines in the studied communities were squashing/grinding of plant parts and extracting juicy ingredients. Although there is wealth of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge that has been applied in the treatment of human and lifestalk health problems, the sustainability of these heritages has been challenged increasingly by human and environmental factors. According to some respondents the traditional medicinal practices has been discouraged by modern health care system due to fear of inappropriate dosage and safety issue. Therefore in addition to documenting traditional medicinal plants and the associated knowledge, it is important to test the scientific validity of the herbal preparations to establish appropriate dosages and conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety of the traditional medicines if we are to benefit sustainably from these heritages.

Published in	International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology (Volume 2, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
Page(s)	56-60
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Traditional Knowledge, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicine, Associated Knowledge, Respondents, Herbal Practitioners

References

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[2]	Kackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (2005). Guide lines for incorporating traditional knowledge in environmental impact assessment. Pp. 3-35.
[3]	Luke, E. M. and Wilson, M. (2012). Traditional knowledge and Plant Genetic Resources Guide. Lin. SAN Bio/ NEPAD Agence. Pp.70.
[4]	Folke, C. (2004). Traditional knowledge in social–ecological systems. Ecology and S ociety, 9(3):7.
[5]	Jane, A. (2005). Access and control of indigenous knowledge in libraries and archives: ownership and future use.The Mac Arthur Foundation, Columbia University, New York. Pp.1-36.
[6]	Deborah, M. G. (2006). Traditional ecological knowledge, In: Ideas, the Arts and Science Review, 3(1).
[7]	Huuter, K. B .and Jane, S. (2002). Soft ware tools for indigenous knowledge .Management file:// p: www /public /ht docs/I RM_project/ software_ paper/IKM_soft ware.htm.
[8]	Milestad, R. and Hadatsch, S. (2003). Organic farming and social–ecological resilience: the alpine valley of Solktaler, Austria. Conservation Ecology 8(1):3.
[9]	Mahalik, P. R .and Rabindra, K. M. (2010). Documenting indigenous traditional knowledge in Odisha. Orrisa Review, May-June, Pp.99-103.
[10]	Bekele, E. (2007). Study on actual situation of medicinal plants in Ethiopia, prepared for JAICA F(Japan Association for International Collaboration of Agriculture and Forestry), Pp. 73..
[11]	Giday, M., Asfaw, Z. and Woldu, Z. (2009). Medicinal plants of the Meinit ethnic group of Ethiopia an ethnobotanical study. J. Ethnopharmacol.doi: 10. 1016/j.jep.2009.05.009.
[12]	Hailemariam, T., Demissew, S. and Woldemariam.A (2009). An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people in the low lands of Konta Special Woreda, southern nations, nationalities and peoples regional state, Ethiopia, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5:26.
[13]	Abate, G. (1989). Etse Debdabe (Ethiopian Traditional Medicine). Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa (in Amharic).
[14]	Maroyi, F. (2013). Traditional use of medicinal plants in south-central Zimbabwe: review and perspectives. Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 9:31.
[15]	Retaregasse (2013). Assessment of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plant practice and mode of service delivery in Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 7(9), pp. 517-535.
[16]	Emcee, C. LL. M, G. (2009). Digitization of intellectual property right and access to traditional medicine knowledge in developing countries-the Nigerian experience. A Research Paper Prepared for International Development Center (IDCR), Ottawa, Canada.

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Zeleke Wolde Tenssay, Edigetu Merawi, Tesfaye Bekele, Binyam Goshu, Yibrahu Emishaw, et al. (2017). Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia. International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology, 2(2), 56-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

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ACS Style

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay; Edigetu Merawi; Tesfaye Bekele; Binyam Goshu; Yibrahu Emishaw, et al. Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia. Int. J. Ecotoxicol. Ecobiol. 2017, 2(2), 56-60. doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

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AMA Style

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay, Edigetu Merawi, Tesfaye Bekele, Binyam Goshu, Yibrahu Emishaw, et al. Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia. Int J Ecotoxicol Ecobiol. 2017;2(2):56-60. doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11,
  author = {Zeleke Wolde Tenssay and Edigetu Merawi and Tesfaye Bekele and Binyam Goshu and Yibrahu Emishaw and Ashenafi Ayehune},
  title = {Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology},
  volume = {2},
  number = {2},
  pages = {56-60},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijee.20170202.11},
  abstract = {In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and. The objective of the study was to identify and record traditional knowledge and practices associated with the medicinal plants with special emphasis on plants with potential for bio-prospecting. The study method was interviewing selected herbal practitioners and elderly people by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Out of 146 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, herbs (41.4%) and shrubs (35.5%) constituted the highest proportion, followed by trees (16.2%) and climbers (6.9%). Out of the total of 146 medicinal plants collected 95(64.7%) were used against human disease, 32(21.9%) of medicinal plants were used against animal disease and the remaining 18% were used for the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The results showed relatively a higher proportions of plant species were found to be used for the treatments of respiratory diseases (32.8%), followed by for the treatment of miscellaneous disease conditions such as swellings/tumors, toothache, headache, etc. (20.9%), and gastrointestinal related complaints (18.4%). The most frequent methods (95.7%) of preparation of plant medicines in the studied communities were squashing/grinding of plant parts and extracting juicy ingredients. Although there is wealth of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge that has been applied in the treatment of human and lifestalk health problems, the sustainability of these heritages has been challenged increasingly by human and environmental factors. According to some respondents the traditional medicinal practices has been discouraged by modern health care system due to fear of inappropriate dosage and safety issue. Therefore in addition to documenting traditional medicinal plants and the associated knowledge, it is important to test the scientific validity of the herbal preparations to establish appropriate dosages and conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety of the traditional medicines if we are to benefit sustainably from these heritages.},
 year = {2017}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia
AU  - Zeleke Wolde Tenssay
AU  - Edigetu Merawi
AU  - Tesfaye Bekele
AU  - Binyam Goshu
AU  - Yibrahu Emishaw
AU  - Ashenafi Ayehune
Y1  - 2017/06/30
PY  - 2017
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
T2  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
JF  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
JO  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
SP  - 56
EP  - 60
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1735
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
AB  - In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and. The objective of the study was to identify and record traditional knowledge and practices associated with the medicinal plants with special emphasis on plants with potential for bio-prospecting. The study method was interviewing selected herbal practitioners and elderly people by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Out of 146 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, herbs (41.4%) and shrubs (35.5%) constituted the highest proportion, followed by trees (16.2%) and climbers (6.9%). Out of the total of 146 medicinal plants collected 95(64.7%) were used against human disease, 32(21.9%) of medicinal plants were used against animal disease and the remaining 18% were used for the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The results showed relatively a higher proportions of plant species were found to be used for the treatments of respiratory diseases (32.8%), followed by for the treatment of miscellaneous disease conditions such as swellings/tumors, toothache, headache, etc. (20.9%), and gastrointestinal related complaints (18.4%). The most frequent methods (95.7%) of preparation of plant medicines in the studied communities were squashing/grinding of plant parts and extracting juicy ingredients. Although there is wealth of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge that has been applied in the treatment of human and lifestalk health problems, the sustainability of these heritages has been challenged increasingly by human and environmental factors. According to some respondents the traditional medicinal practices has been discouraged by modern health care system due to fear of inappropriate dosage and safety issue. Therefore in addition to documenting traditional medicinal plants and the associated knowledge, it is important to test the scientific validity of the herbal preparations to establish appropriate dosages and conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety of the traditional medicines if we are to benefit sustainably from these heritages.
VL  - 2
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay

Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Edigetu Merawi

Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tesfaye Bekele

Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Binyam Goshu

Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yibrahu Emishaw

Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ashenafi Ayehune

Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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APA Style

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay, Edigetu Merawi, Tesfaye Bekele, Binyam Goshu, Yibrahu Emishaw, et al. (2017). Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia. International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology, 2(2), 56-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

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ACS Style

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay; Edigetu Merawi; Tesfaye Bekele; Binyam Goshu; Yibrahu Emishaw, et al. Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia. Int. J. Ecotoxicol. Ecobiol. 2017, 2(2), 56-60. doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

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AMA Style

Zeleke Wolde Tenssay, Edigetu Merawi, Tesfaye Bekele, Binyam Goshu, Yibrahu Emishaw, et al. Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia. Int J Ecotoxicol Ecobiol. 2017;2(2):56-60. doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11,
  author = {Zeleke Wolde Tenssay and Edigetu Merawi and Tesfaye Bekele and Binyam Goshu and Yibrahu Emishaw and Ashenafi Ayehune},
  title = {Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology},
  volume = {2},
  number = {2},
  pages = {56-60},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijee.20170202.11},
  abstract = {In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and. The objective of the study was to identify and record traditional knowledge and practices associated with the medicinal plants with special emphasis on plants with potential for bio-prospecting. The study method was interviewing selected herbal practitioners and elderly people by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Out of 146 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, herbs (41.4%) and shrubs (35.5%) constituted the highest proportion, followed by trees (16.2%) and climbers (6.9%). Out of the total of 146 medicinal plants collected 95(64.7%) were used against human disease, 32(21.9%) of medicinal plants were used against animal disease and the remaining 18% were used for the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The results showed relatively a higher proportions of plant species were found to be used for the treatments of respiratory diseases (32.8%), followed by for the treatment of miscellaneous disease conditions such as swellings/tumors, toothache, headache, etc. (20.9%), and gastrointestinal related complaints (18.4%). The most frequent methods (95.7%) of preparation of plant medicines in the studied communities were squashing/grinding of plant parts and extracting juicy ingredients. Although there is wealth of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge that has been applied in the treatment of human and lifestalk health problems, the sustainability of these heritages has been challenged increasingly by human and environmental factors. According to some respondents the traditional medicinal practices has been discouraged by modern health care system due to fear of inappropriate dosage and safety issue. Therefore in addition to documenting traditional medicinal plants and the associated knowledge, it is important to test the scientific validity of the herbal preparations to establish appropriate dosages and conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety of the traditional medicines if we are to benefit sustainably from these heritages.},
 year = {2017}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Medicinal Plants:-Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Some Communities of Ethiopia
AU  - Zeleke Wolde Tenssay
AU  - Edigetu Merawi
AU  - Tesfaye Bekele
AU  - Binyam Goshu
AU  - Yibrahu Emishaw
AU  - Ashenafi Ayehune
Y1  - 2017/06/30
PY  - 2017
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
T2  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
JF  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
JO  - International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
SP  - 56
EP  - 60
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1735
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.11
AB  - In Ethiopia, traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants are being seriously depleted due to deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation that have been taking place. The present study documented traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants in Decha (Keffa) and Sheybench (BenchMaji) districts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and. The objective of the study was to identify and record traditional knowledge and practices associated with the medicinal plants with special emphasis on plants with potential for bio-prospecting. The study method was interviewing selected herbal practitioners and elderly people by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Out of 146 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, herbs (41.4%) and shrubs (35.5%) constituted the highest proportion, followed by trees (16.2%) and climbers (6.9%). Out of the total of 146 medicinal plants collected 95(64.7%) were used against human disease, 32(21.9%) of medicinal plants were used against animal disease and the remaining 18% were used for the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The results showed relatively a higher proportions of plant species were found to be used for the treatments of respiratory diseases (32.8%), followed by for the treatment of miscellaneous disease conditions such as swellings/tumors, toothache, headache, etc. (20.9%), and gastrointestinal related complaints (18.4%). The most frequent methods (95.7%) of preparation of plant medicines in the studied communities were squashing/grinding of plant parts and extracting juicy ingredients. Although there is wealth of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge that has been applied in the treatment of human and lifestalk health problems, the sustainability of these heritages has been challenged increasingly by human and environmental factors. According to some respondents the traditional medicinal practices has been discouraged by modern health care system due to fear of inappropriate dosage and safety issue. Therefore in addition to documenting traditional medicinal plants and the associated knowledge, it is important to test the scientific validity of the herbal preparations to establish appropriate dosages and conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety of the traditional medicines if we are to benefit sustainably from these heritages.
VL  - 2
IS  - 2
ER  -

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