Ethinobotanical Study Of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used By Local People Of Kondala Woreda, West Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by local people of Kondala woreda was conducted from September 2016 and June 2017. The area lies between latitudes of 9° 30' and 9º40' N and longitudes of 34° 30' and 36º 10' E. A total of 49 informants from seven Kebeles were selected. The main aim of the study were to identify, compile and document medicinal plant species used by the local people for the treatments of human and livestock ailments The study involved traditional healers, knowledgeable elders and local communities. Various ethno botanical techniques are used to collect and analyze the data: semi- structured interview, guided field walk and observation, was carried out to accomplish this research. A total of 64 plant species were collected out of these, 78% of medicinal plant species were used as cure for human ailments, 12% species for livestock and 10% species for the treatment of both human and livestock. Among different families, Fabaceae was represented the most abundant that is followed by Asteraceae. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves followed by roots and the most widely used method of preparation was crushing. The most commonly used application of medicinal plant was oral. From the different factors the main threats to medicinal plants in the study area fire wood was ranked first by selected key informant followed by, agricultural expansion. According to the result of ranking, Vicia faba is most effective in treating stomach ache while Cordia africana the most multipurpose medicinal plants. Majority of the 64 medicinal plants that were cited by informants, (57.8%) were used to treat a specific ailment. Medicinal plants in the market are not a common cultural activity in local markets of the study area. Thus, some medicinal plants sold in the market for their medicinal purpose. Some fresh medicinal plants are also marketed in a local community for their aromatic and spice value. Thus, the local people need to be trained, encouraged and supported on how to conserve and manage the medicinal plant species.