Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Ensaro people to treat human diseases

Abstract Introduction: - People all over the world have been using
medicinal plants to treat various ailments and diseases throughout
history. It is still common in developing countries. Because is easily
accessible, affordable, and trusted by the communities. Although there are
several ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants in Ethiopia, the number
of medicinal plant species and indigenous knowledge documented is still
low compared to the high diversity of culture and habitats. Methods: -
Ethnobotanical data were collected during the 13th of February 2019 and
the 26th of October 2020 through Semi-structured interviews, field
observation, a guided field walk, and focus group discussions Result: -
the study documented 142 medicinal plant species distributed in 125 genera
and 56 families which used to treat 52 ailments. Most of these species
were collected from wild habitats. The most used plant families were
Fabaceae (14) followed by lamiaceae (9) and Solanaceae (9). Most of these
medicinal plants were herbs followed by shrubs. Conclusion The study
revealed a relatively high diversity of medicinal plants that indicated
the existence of indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants to treat
ailments and diseases. The findings of this study supported up the idea
that indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants is still alive in
highly degraded areas. To make sustainable use of these medicinal plants
in the study area, local people must collaborate with natural resource
administrators to manage them before they become seriously threatened.
Both ex-situ and In-situ conservation strategies should be combined and
employed urgently for optimal conservation results