N US A N T A RA B I O S C I E N C E ISSN: 2087-3948

Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 10-24 E-ISSN: 2087-3956

May 2022 DOI: 10.13057/nusbiosci/n140102

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of

Damot Woyde District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

MOA MEGERSA♥, SAMUEL WOLDETSADIK

Department of Biology, School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Madda Walabu University. P.O. Box 247, Robe, Ethiopia. Tel. +251966723018,
email: [email protected].

Manuscript received: 12 December 2021. Revision accepted: 31 January 2022.

Abstract. Megersa M, Woldetsadik S. 2022. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of Damot Woyde
District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience 14: 10-24. Humans have used traditional medicines, mainly of plant
origins, to treat diseases. Early humans faced a tremendous challenge when searching for natural products used as medicines. This study
reports on an ethnobotanical study that focused on the traditional medicinal plants used by local communities to treat human and
livestock diseases. An ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants was conducted from February 2020 to October 2020. That involved
semi-structured interviews, field observations, market surveys, and group discussions with informants to document information on the
use and management of medicinal plants by the people of Damot Woyde District. Fifty-seven medicinal plant species belonging to 31
families have been collected in the study area inhabitants use that to treat various diseases in humans and livestock. The leading family
was Asteraceae which was represented by 7 species (12.3%), followed by Rutaceae (6 species, 10.5%) and Solanaceae (5 species, 9%).
Of the 57 medicinal plants collected, 36 (63.2%) were used to treat human ailments only, while 6 (10.5%) plant species were used to
treat livestock ailments only, and 15 (26.31%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments. Herbs constituted the largest
number of 22 species (38.6%), followed by shrubs 18 species (31.6%), trees 15 species (26.3%), and climbers 2 species (3.51%). Leaves
(31.3%) were the study area's most commonly used plant parts for preparing traditional remedies. Oral administration was the
predominant mode of administration, accounting for 71%. Preference ranking analysis revealed Allium sativum L. was the most
preferred plant species for treating the common cold. When the direct matrix ranking was analyzed, Croton macrostachyus Hochst. Ex.
Del. was the most commonly used medicinal plant for various purposes. Our finding revealed that plant species' use plays a vital role in
treating human and animal diseases in Damot Woyde District. Phytochemical and pharmacological tests are recommended mainly on
frequently used medicinal plants.

Keywords: Conservation, Damot Woyde, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, Wolaita

Abbreviations: ICF: Informants Consensus Factor; JCS: Jaccard's coefficient of similarity; URTI: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection;
UTI: Urinary Tract Infection

INTRODUCTION disappearance of indigenous practices, and loss of

biological species, indigenous knowledge is threatened
People have used traditional medicines to treat diseases, (Langton and Rhea 2005; Megersa et al. 2013).
mainly of herbal origin. Early humans faced an enormous Like everywhere in the world, local communities in
challenge of finding natural products to use as medicines Ethiopia have developed indigenous knowledge of using
(Yuan et al. 2016). It is very likely that early humans often plants to treat diseases in humans and animals. Various
consumed poisonous plants in search of food but could still studies have been conducted in different parts of Ethiopia,
develop knowledge about natural medicines (Yuan et al. and many medicinal plants have been collected to treat
2016). In several countries, considerable indigenous human and livestock diseases. For example, in Kasaa et al.
knowledge from the earliest times is associated with using (2020), 266 plant species were recorded medicinal value
traditional medicine (Farnsworth 2007). Many widely used and used by local communities in Sheka, Southern
products, such as herbal medicines for livestock and human Ethiopia. Eighty-two medicinal plants were used by local
health, have been developed using traditional indigenous communities in Kelala, Northeastern Ethiopia (Assen et al.
knowledge. 2021). In a similar study by Tefera and Kim (2019) and
Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants has made, Teka et al. (2029), 105 and 244 medicinal plants were
and can still make, a significant contribution to resolving recorded to treat human and livestock diseases,
local problems such as human and livestock diseases. respectively. The number of reported medicinal plants and
Furthermore, indigenous knowledge contributes to science their use by the indigenous people of Ethiopia suggests that
in many fields related to plant-based use for developing the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and their
modern medicine. However, due to rapid changes in the uses is extensive. However, there is limited ethnobotanical
way of life, low awareness of the importance of indigenous documentation and relatively few phytochemical analyses
knowledge, lack of written documentation, the of documented medicinal plants.
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 11

Consistent with the concentration of biological and The ten most common diseases in the district are
cultural diversity, many medicinal plants are found in the pneumonia, typhoid, malaria, gastritis, Urinary Tract
south and southwest of the country (Edwards 2001; Infections (UTI), acute febrile illness, Upper Respiratory
Megersa et al. 2019). That suggests a high traditional Tract Infections (URTI), skin infections, intestinal
knowledge of medicinal plants in the southern part of parasites, helminths and eye diseases (DWDHO 2017).
Ethiopia, but indigenous knowledge in the region has not Similarly, the district has four animal health centers in
been systematically documented (Tefera and Kim 2019). In Bedessa, Sake, Koyo, and Girrara. The major livestock
particular, there is no ethnobotanical study in the current diseases reported are anthrax, blackleg, trypanosomiasis
study area of Damot Woyde District. (Gandi), flatulence, glandular swelling, cough, foot and
In addition, many plant species and associated mouth disease affecting large ruminants, including horses,
indigenous knowledge are disappearing because there are and avian cholera affecting poultry.
no written documents on medicinal plants due to the death Agriculture in the district is predominantly smallholder,
of knowledgeable elders without passing on traditional mixed subsistence farming. The cropping system is mainly
skills to other family members. Since knowledge of based on continuous cropping without fallow periods
traditional medicine is passed orally from generation to (DWDARDO 2017). In Damot Woyde District, mixed
generation, basic information about the use of plants and farming with livestock is widely practiced. Maize,
the parts used, methods of preparation, diseases treated, sorghum, wheat, and barley are mainly grown in the area.
and other things may be lost in the process of knowledge Teff is also grown as an additional crop. Cultivation of
transmission. The effects of deforestation, urbanization, Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman.) is central
and modernization are also causing rural people to abandon to the cropping system on which the entire agricultural
their natural habitat, and their knowledge, especially about system is based, and the crop is the main source of food
herbal medicines, is slowly disappearing. Therefore, the security and livelihoods (Olango et al. 2014). Sometimes E.
first objective of this study was to document the medicinal ventricosum is grown as a mixed crop with Coffea arabica
plants used by the local communities of Damot Woyde L. and Persea americana Mill. by farmers in the district.
District. Secondly, the study aimed to assess the threats to Livestock production, which includes beekeeping, poultry,
conservation practices and medicinal plants in the study small ruminants, and livestock, is another important
area. The study results will benefit the development of industry in the area. The most common soil types in the
modern medicines from plant species to treat human and study area are Eutric Nitisols associated with Humic
livestock diseases. Nitisols, which are dark reddish-brown and have deep
profiles (Tesfaye 2003).
According to DWDARDO (2017), the district is
MATERIALS AND METHODS divided into three major agronomic zones: (Kola 34.5%),
(Woyna Dega 60.3%) and (Dega 5.2%). The rainfall
Description of the study area distribution is bimodal, with the highest rainfall in the wet
Damot Woyde District is located 384 km south of season (April to September) and the lowest rainfall in the
Addis Ababa, 90 km from Hawassa, and 27 km from the last half of the dry season (February to March). The highest
zonal capital (Sodo). Damot Gale District borders it to the average monthly rainfall was recorded in May (179.9 mm)
north, Humbo District to the south, Duguna Fango District and the lowest in December (28.2 mm). The highest
to the east, and Soddo Zuria District to the west. The average temperature was recorded in March and April
administrative town of the district is Beddesa. The study (20.50C) and the lowest in December (17.90C). In general,
area lies at a longitude and latitude of 370 53'0" to 370 the mean annual temperature of the district is (19.20C), and
59'0" E and 60 55'0" to 60 57'0" N, respectively (DWDHO total precipitation is (1271.2 mm).
2017). According to the Central Statistical Agency (CSA
2007), the population of Damot Woyde District is 91,602, Selection of the study sites
with males numbering 44,861 and females 46,741. The A reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried
largest ethnic group reported in Damot Woyde was the out from 10 to 25 January 2020 to obtain information on
Welayta (98.6%); all other ethnic groups made up 1.4% of the area's agroecology, vegetation condition, and
the population. Welaytic was the dominant first language, indigenous knowledge on using plants for various
spoken by 99% of the inhabitants; the remaining 1% spoke purposes. The study was conducted in four kebeles of
all other primary languages. Damot Woyde District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
The district covers an area of about 210 km2 and has 23 The kebeles selected for the study were Dawe sake, Galcha
kebeles. In each kebele, at least two health extension sake, Mundeja sake, and Koyo sake (Figure 1). The four
workers are responsible for providing health services to the kebeles were purposively selected because of their
people from house to house. The district has four health relatively high plant diversity in the region, the practice of
centers: Bedessa, Sake, Koyo, and Girrara. There are also traditional medicine, and the recommendations of the
twenty-nine primary and four secondary schools teaching district elders and local authorities. In addition, the three
in the district. agro-climatic zones were also considered in the selection of
the study sites.
12 NU SA NTA RA B IOSC IE NC E 14 (1): 10-24, May 2022

Figure 1. Map of Damot Woyde District, Ethiopia

Informant selection and sample size determination with closed and open-ended questions were conducted in
A cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain English and then translated into the local language
information about the current state of the problem. With the (Wolaytic). The questions in the semi-structured interview
help of random and purposive sampling, 60 (36 male and included the local names of the medicinal plants used to
24 female) informants aged between 34 and 73 years were cure human and livestock problems, the parts of the plants
selected from the four kebeles for this study. Out of the used, the process of preparing the traditional medicine, and
total number of informants, 36 (9 from each kebele) were the method of administration. Field observations on the
randomly selected to collect valuable ethnobotanical data habits and habitats of the medicinal plants were carried out
from the study areas, while 24 key informants (16 males with the help of local guides. A market survey was
and 8 females) were selected, 6 individuals from each conducted to assess the medicinal plants available in the
kebele were purposively selected with the help of kebele market and the parts of the plants used as medicines. The
administrative bodies and local elders. The 36 individual informants discussed the current threats to the medicinal
participants in the study were ordinary informants without plants in the study area, the measures the locals took for
formal recognition of their traditional treatment methods. their conservation, and the selection of multipurpose plant
On the other hand, the informants were ordinary people species.
who had lived in the study region long and applied their
knowledge of indigenous medicinal plants to their families. Plant specimen collection and identification
The quality of explanations given by particular informants The specimens of medicinal plants were collected from
during an interview was used to determine key informants. the study sites with the help of key informants (traditional
Traditional professionals who preserve indigenous healers) and coded, pressed, and dried for proper
knowledge of medicinal plants, such as local healers, identification. Identification of the plants was done in the
immediately qualify as key informants. field at Wolayta Sodo Agricultural University and Wolayta
Sodo University with the help of experts. Furthermore,
Ethnobotanical data collection techniques additional identification of all specimens was done using
Ethnobotanical data were collected following the authentic specimens and taxonomic keys from the flora of
standard procedures of Martin (1995) and Cotton (1996) Ethiopia and Eritrea (Edwards et al. 1995; Edwards et al.
from February to October 2020. Semi-structured 1997; Edwards et al. 2000). Finally, the voucher specimens
interviews, field observations, a market survey (two open were kept in the mini herbarium of Madda Walabu
marketplaces), and a group discussion with informants University.
were conducted (Figure 2). The semi-structured interviews
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 13

Figure 2. The photo was taken during a group discussion on a threat to medicinal plants

Data analysis to this disease. For each informant, six medicinal plant
Descriptive statistics species were given names on paper to rank them with
Descriptive statistics were used to determine the numbers (1-5) based on their preference or efficacy by
number and percentage of species, families of medicinal assigning the highest value (5) to the plant species most
plants used, their growth forms, proportions of parts used, (best) preferred to cure this disease and the lowest value (1)
mode of preparation of the remedies, dosage, and routes of to the least preferred plant. Finally, the individual plant
administration. The result is presented in tables, figures, species values were summed and ranked. The plant species
and diagrams. with the highest summed value was the most preferred.
Informant consensus
Informants were interviewed twice on the same ideas to Direct matrix ranking
confirm the reliability of the information. Accordingly, the Direct matrix ranking was done following Martin
informant's information inconsistent with the previous one (1995) to compare the multipurpose use of a particular
was rejected as irrelevant information. plant species based on the information collected from
informants. Multipurpose plants are plants that provide
Informants consensus factor (ICF) various uses to local communities. The use categories
The informant consensus factor (ICF) was considered include food, tools, house construction, fencing, firewood,
for each group of complaints to determine the informants' and charcoal. Six plant species were selected from all the
agreement with the reported remedies for the group of identified medicinal plants, and the various uses of these
complaints of the plant. The informant consensus factor plants were listed. For direct matrix ranking, two focus
was calculated as follows: the number of use citations in group discussion (FGD) was conducted to determine the
each group (nur) minus the number of species used (nt), plants' preferences based on multipurpose criteria. Six
divided by the number of use citations in each group minus randomly selected key informants were asked to assign a
one (Heinrich et al. 1998). ICF values were calculated: use-value to each species (5= best, 4= very good, 3= good,
ICF= nur-nt/ nur-1. ICF values range from 0 to 1. A higher 2= less used, 1= least used, and 0= not used). By lottery, 6
ICF value of a medicinal plant species indicates efficacy in key informants were selected from the 24 individuals.
treating a group of diseases (Trotter and Logan 1986). Informants were given two numbers (0 and 1), where 1
indicated that they could do the activity and 0 indicated that
Preference ranking they could not. The average scores of each species were
This method was carried out following the protocol of added together and ranked. The higher the average values
Martin (1995) for the six most important medicinal plants of the plant species, the higher the multipurpose use.
for the treatment of the common cold. Six key informants
were randomly selected and participated in this exercise to Jaccard's coefficient of similarity (JCS)
identify the preferred medicinal plants for the common cold The JCS was calculated to evaluate the composition of
treatment. This disease was chosen because it has similar medicinal plant species and the degree of similarity
symptoms to pneumonia, most commonly reported in the between different areas. The similarity values were
region. Therefore, the researchers assume that the local calculated between the current study area (Damot Woyde
population reports a common cold with similar symptoms District) and ethnobotanical studies conducted in other
14 NU SA NTA RA B IOSC IE NC E 14 (1): 10-24, May 2022

areas in different parts of Ethiopia. JCS is expressed as

follows: JCS = c/(a + b + c), where a is the number of No. of
Demographic character Percentage
species in sample a, b is the number of species in sample b, informants
and c is the number of species common to a and b (Kent Sex
Male 36 60
and Coker 1992).
Female 24 40
Age group
34-46 21 35
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 47-59 28 47
Above 59 11 18
Demographic characteristics Educational background
The informants (36 male and 24 female) were native to No formal education 33 55
the study area. The ages of the interviewees ranged from 34 Elementary 15 25
High school 6 10
to 73 years old. However, most of the respondents (47%)
College diploma 4 7
were between 47-59 years of age. Degree 2 3
Most study area informants were illiterate (55%), and Occupation
48% were farmers (Table 1). Farmer 29 48
Housewife 19 32
Medicinal plants of the study area Merchant 8 13
The study area's local people collected fifty-seven Teacher 4 7
species of medicinal plants to treat various diseases in
humans and livestock. The families that contributed more Table 2. Taxonomic diversity of medicinal plants
medicinal plant species included Asteraceae with 7 species
(12.3%), Rutaceae with 6 (10.5%) species and 5 species Family Number of species %
(9%) from the Solanaceae family, and other 23 families Asteraceae 7 12.3
that contributed 23 (40%) species and represented by 1 Rutaceae 6 10.5
species (Table 2). Solanaceae 5 9
Of the 57 medicinal plant species collected from the Poaceae 4 7
Euphorbiaceae 3 5.3
study area, 47% were from the wild, 44% were from
Lamiaceae 3 5.3
cultivated areas, and only 9% were from both cultivated Cucurbitaceae 2 3.5
and wild habitats. Of the plant species identified, herbs Linaceae 2 3.5
accounted for the largest number, with 22 species (38.6%), Musaceae 2 3.5
followed by shrubs with 18 species (31.6%), trees with 15 Other 23 families 23 40
species (26%), and 2 species (3.5%) were climbers (Figure Total 57 100
3).
Out of the 57 medicinal plant species, 36 (63.2%) were
reported to treat human health problems (Table 3), 6
(10.5%) were reported to treat livestock diseases (Table 4),
and 15 (26.3%) were reported for both human and livestock
diseases (Table 5). The major types of human health
problems identified in the study area were classified into 33
major disease categories, while 12 livestock diseases were
treated locally with medicinal plants in the study area.

Medicinal plant parts used and condition of

preparation
The local communities used different plant parts Figure 3. Growth forms of medicinal plants in the study area
(leaves, fruits, seeds, shoots, roots, barks, flowers, bulbs,
sap, stem, leaf and flower, leaf and seed, and rhizome) to
prepare traditional medicine. However, leaves were the
dominant plant parts used for the preparation of traditional
medicines accounting for 21 (31.3%), followed by fruits
accounting for 14 (21%) species (Figure 4).
The locals use fresh, dried, and fresh-dried medicinal
plants to prepare traditional herbal medicines in the study
area. As a result, most of the medicinal plants (60.6%)
were used in fresh form, followed by fresh or dried form
(30.3%) and dried form (9.1%), respectively.
Figure 4. Plant parts used for the preparation of traditional
Table 1. Demographic characteristics of informants
medicine in Damot Woyde District, Ethiopia
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 15
Table 3. List of medicinal plants used for treating only human disease
LN
Scientific name
(No. of Family GF SO PU CO DT RA Modes of preparation, application & dosage
(Voucher number)
informants)
Acmella caulirhiza Delile. Idaamiya Asteraceae H W Fl F Tonsillitis O Chew & swallow a small amount of flower twice a day until recovery.
(SW 15) (37) Toothache O Smash the flower & hold on to the infected part during pain time.
Artemisia abyssinica Sch. Ciqugniya Asteraceae H CU L F Eye disease Op The leaf is smashed and rubbed or painted on the affected eye twice daily for 3
Bip.ex.A.Rich. (6) days.
(SW 16)
Aloe debrana Christian Godare uta Asphodelaceae Sh W Sa F Allergic reaction De The sap of this plant is applied to the affected part once or twice a day for a week.
(SW 40) (2) on the skin
Catha edulis (Vahl) Endl. Jimaa Celastraceae Sh CU&W L F Common cold O The leaf of this plant is crushed and boiled, and 2-3 coffee cups of the decoction
(SW 14) (4) Abdominal pain are taken during pain time.
Capsicum annuum L. Qariya Solanaceae H CU Fr F Loss of appetite O The fruit of this plant is eaten daily with other food as an appetizer.
(SW 20) (11)
Capsicum frutescens L. Mixaamixuwa Solanaceae H CU Fr F/D Respiratory tract O The fruit of this plant, the bulb of A. sativum, is crushed together, and 2-3 spoons
(SW 21) (19) infection of the concoction per day are eaten with other food for 3 days.
Cold
Loss of appetite
Cymbopogon citratus (Dc.) Gucachaa Poaceae H CU L F Abdominal cramp O The leaf of this plant is crushed and boiled, and one coffee cup of the decoction is
Stapf (10) taken during pain time.
(SW 39)
Carica papaya L. Papayaa Caricaceae T CU Fr F Gastric pain Eat the fruit or drink the juice continuously until recovery.
(SW 02) (10) Tiredness O
Citrus x aurantium L. Qomxaaxe (9) Rutaceae T Cu Fr F Abdominal pain O Eat the fruit, extract the juice, and drink one coffee cup during pain.
(SW 23)
Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Lomiya Rutaceae T CU Fr F Abdominal cramp O Drink one coffee cup of the juice of this plant during pain time.
(SW 22) (24) Skin rash or De Crush the fruit and rub/paint on the affected skin twice daily for 3-7 days.
allergic
Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Birtukaaniya (2) Rutaceae T CU Fr F Coughing O Eat the fruit or drink the juice twice a day for a week.
(SW 24)
Cucurbita pepo L. Lalahiya Cucurbitaceae Cl CU&W Se F/D Liver problem O The seed of this plant is crushed and boiled, and 1-2 coffee cups of decoction per
(SW 38) (6) day are given for one week.
Cordia africana Lam. Moqota Boraginaceae T W Fr F Abdominal pain O Eat the fruit 2-3 times daily during pain time.
(SW 01) (10)
Dovyalis abyssinica (A.Rich.) Koshimiya Salicaceae Sh W Fr F Abdominal pain/ O Eat a small amount of the fruit during pain time.
Warb. (8) discomfort
(SW 37)
Echinops kebericho Mesfin Boriisaa Asteraceae H CU&W R F/D Evil eye Na Crush and burn a small amount of the root, then inhale its smoke during pain.
(SW 25) (32)
Embelia schimperi Vatke Honqoquwaa Primulaceae T W Se F/D Taeniasis O Grind the seed, mix with water, and one coffee cup is given to the child (age 6-
(SW 36) (12) Askariasis 10), and two coffee cups for age >10 in morning before breakfast.
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Tatikala Apiaceae H CU L F Kidney problem O The leaf of this plant is crushed and boiled, and 1-2 coffee cups of the decoction
(SW 26) (5) are taken when it's cooled for 3 days.
16 NU SA NTA RA B IOSC IE NC E 14 (1): 10-24, May 2022
Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Nugiyaa Asteraceae H CU Se D Coughing O The roasted seed of this plant is ground, mixed with water, and boiled, and 2-3 tea
Cass. (6) cups of the filtrate are taken daily for 3 days.
(SW 42)
Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce x Koso mitaa Rosaceae T W Fl F/D Taeniasi or O Grind the flower, mix it with water, and one coffee cup is given to a human (age
Steud) J. F. Gmel. (12) Ascariasis 6-10) and two coffee cups to age >10 in morning before breakfast.
(SW 13)
Justicia schimperiana Olomuwa Acanthaceae Sh W L F Fibril illness O Grind a small amount of leaf and take one coffee cup daily for 3 days with coffee.
(Hochst. ex Nees) T. Anderson (11)
(SW 35)
Linum usitatissimum L. Telbaa Linaceae H CU Se D Gastric pain O Boil the seed and drink the decoction 1-2 water glasses when cool during pain
(SW 44) (7) time.
Moringa stenopetala (Baker Haalakuwaa Moringaceae T CU L F/D Coughing O Crush, boil and drink the decoction (1-2 water glasses per day for 3 days.
f.) Cufod. (10) B F/D Abdominal pain O Grind the bark, and 1-2 spoons of the powder are mixed with one teacup of water
(SW 12) and drink during pain.
R F/D Bladder problem O Grind the root, then 2 spoons of the powder are mixed with one coffee cup of
water and taken once a day for 3-5 days.
Musa x paradisiaca L. Muziya Musaceae Sh CU Fr F Gastritis O Eat the fruit during pain time.
(SW 08) (8) Sa F Minor bleeding De Cut the stem and paint/rub the sap on the cut end (bleeding skin) to assist blood
clotting.
Ocimum basilicum L. Kepuwa Lamiaceae H CU Ag F/D Coughing O Crush the shoot of this plant, a shoot of A. absinthium, A. afra, a leaf of E.
(SW 28) (13) Common cold globulus, bulb of A. sativum; mix with water, and salt, boil and drink the
concoction 3-6 cups of coffee daily for 3 days.
Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. Damaakasiya Lamiaceae Sh CU&W L F/D Fibril illness O The leaf of this plant is boiled, and 2-3 tea cups of the decoction are given to
ex Benth. (35) humans daily for 3 days.
(SW 30) Fever De Smash the leaf and rub it on the skin or affected eye at bedtime.
Eye disease
Olea europaea subsp. Wagaraa (10) Oleaceae T CU&W Fr F Tonsillitis O Extract the oil and paint, or hold on to the affected part during pain.
cuspidata (Wall. ex G. Don) St F Toothache O Cut a piece of the stem of this plant, slightly heated, and hold on to the affected
Cif. part of the teeth repeatedly for a few seconds during pain.
(SW 11)
Persea americana Mill. Avokaatuwa Lauraceae T CU Fr F Dandruff De The fruit of this plant is peeled and painted on all parts of the affected skin or hair
(SW 09) (11) and waited for 8-10 hours, then washed with clean water and soap, which is
repeated weekly for a month.
Phytolacca dodecandra L' Haanciciyaa Phytolaccaceae Sh W L F Malaria O A small amount of the leaf of this plant with a bulb of A. sativum is crushed and
Her. (10) mixed with water, and one cup of the concoction is taken daily for 3-5 days.
(SW 29)
Podocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) Ziga/ Podocarpaceae T CU&W R/St F/D Evil eye Na Burn and inhale its smoke (dry bath) during pain time.
Endl. Zigba
(SW 10) (8)
Rhamnus prinoides L’ Her. Geshuwa Rhamnaceae Sh CU L F Tonsillitis O The tip of the leaf of this plant is collected, smashed, and painted on the tonsil
(SW 46) (10) once or twice a day for 3 days.
Ricinus communis L. Qobuwa/Gulo Euphorbiaceae Sh CU&W L F Tonsillitis O The leaf tip is collected, smashed, and painted on the tonsil once or twice a day
(SW 47) (9) for 3 days.
Fr F/D Hemorrhoids Su Crush and paint the cream on the affected part once or twice a day until recovery.
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 17
Sida schimperiana Hochst. ex Kindichuw Malvaceae H W L F Skin allergic De The leaf of this plant is crushed and applied to the affected skin daily for a week.
A. Rich. (4) reaction
(SW 49)
Solanum incanum L. Buluwa Solanaceae Sh W L F Nasal bleeding Na Crush the leaf and sniff the filtrate 2-3 times during bleeding.
(SW 48) (10)
Thymus schimperi Ronniger Zinbaanuwa Lamiaceae H CU&W L F/D Common cold O The leaf of this plant is boiled with water, and 2-3 tea cups of filtrate are taken
(SW 32) (3) daily for 3 days.
Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Gumaaree Rutaceae T W Fl F Liver problem O The flower is boiled, and 1-2 coffee cups are taken daily for 3 days.
(SW 53) (9)
Vicia faba L. Baa'eelaa Fabaceae H CU Se D Swelling of the De The raw seed is slightly powdered and tied to the affected part.
(SW 50) (11) body
Note: Human (Hu), local name (LN), Growth form (GF), Sources (SO), parts used (PU), condition (CO), disease treated (DT), Rout of administration (RA), methods of preparations, application
and dosage used, Wild (W), Cultivated (CU), Herb (H), Shrub (Sh), Tree (T), Climber (Cl), Bark (B), Root (R), Leaf (L), Fruit (Fr), Flower (Fl), Seed (Se), Steam (St), Sap (Sa), Bulb (Bu),
Above ground (Ag), Whole Plant (Wp), Oral (O), Nasal (Na), Dermal (De), Optical (Op), Suppository (Su)

Table 4. List of medicinal plants used for treating Livestock ailments

Scientific name LN Family GF SO PU CO DT RA Modes of preparation, Application & dosage

Ensete ventricosum Utaa/enset Musaceae Sh CU St F Retained O The stem of this plant with a leaf of C. arabica is crushed and boiled, 2-3
(Welw.) Cheesman placenta liters of the concoction is given to a cow, and one liter to sheep and goat to
(SW 07) expel the placenta.
Juniperus procera Abeshaa Cupressaceae T CU&W L F Bloating O The leaf of J. procera and bulb of A. sativum are crushed and mixed with
Hochst. Ex Endl. xidaa water half a liter of the concoction for sheep and goat, and one liter for cow
(SW 56) and ox is given during pain time.
Leucas abyssinica Kirkisa Lamiaceae Sh W L F Sudden illness O The leaf is crushed and mixed with water, and half a liter is given during
(Benth.) Briq. Loss of appetite pain.
(SW 27) Diarrhea
Eye disease Op The leaf of this plant is crushed and mixed with water, and 2-3 drops of the
filtrate are added to the affected eye daily for 3 days.
Lagenaria siceraria Gosiya/ kil Cucurbitaceae Cl CU&W Fr F Rabies O The fruit of this plant, the leaf of P. dodecandra, is crushed and mixed with
(Molina) Standl. salt and water, and half a liter of the concoction is given to livestock daily
(SW 55) for a week.
Nicotiana tabacum L. Tanbuwa/ Solanaceae H CU Ag F Leech Na This plant's leaf is crushed and mixed with water, and one half coffee cup of
(SW 45) Tibahu the filtrate is nasally given to expel the leech.
Coughing O The leaf of this plant is crushed and mixed with water, and one water glass
is given to a cow, ox, donkey, and horse and half a water glass for sheep and
goat per day for 3 days.
Withania somnifera Etriwaanjiya Solanaceae Sh W L F Evil eye De The leaf of this plant, the leaf of R. chalepensis, is ground together and
(L.) Dunal rubbed on the affected cow breast daily for a week.
(SW 54)
Note: Livestock (Ls), local name (LN), Growth form (GF), Sources (SO), parts used (PU), condition (CO), Treatment for (TF), disease treated (DT), Rout of administration (RA), methods of
preparations, application and dosage used, Herb(H), Shrub(Sh), Tree(T), Climber (Cl), Bark (B), Root (R), Leaf (L), Fruit (Fr), Flower (Fl), Seed (Se), Steam (St), Sap (Sa), Bulb (Bu), Above
ground (Ag), Whole Plant (Wp), Oral (O), Nasal (Na), Dermal (De), Optical (Op)
18 NU SA NTA RA B IOSC IE NC E 14 (1): 10-24, May 2022

Table 5. List of medicinal plants used for treating both Human and Livestock disease in the study area

LN
Scientific name Family GF SO PU CO TF DT RA Mode of preparation, application & dosage
(NI)
Allium sativum L. Tumuwa Alliaceae H CU Bu F/D Hu Malaria O The bulb of A. sativum is eaten with other food once or twice a day for 3-5 days.
(SW 04) (42) Common cold O Crush, boil and drink the decoction (one tea cup) twice a day for 3 days.
Coughing O Eat the bulb with enjera or Crush, boil and drink the decoction (1 or 2 tea cups)
Asthma twice a day for 3 days.
Respiratory tract O The bulb of A. sativum, the fruit of C. frutescens or C. annum are crushed
infection together, and per day 2-3 spoons of the concoction are
Eaten with other food for 3 days.
LS Loss of appetite O The bulb of A. sativum and shoot of A. afra are crushed together and mixed with
(sudden illness) water, and half a water glass for sheep and goat and one water glass for cow and
ox are given during pain time.
Artemisia absinthium L. Naatraa Asteraceae H CU Ag F Hu Retained placenta The leaf and stem of this plant are crushed and mixed with water one coffee cup is
(SW 18) (38) O given to humans to expel the placenta.
Abdominal cramp O Crush, mix with water, and one coffee cup is given during pain time.
Ls Bloating O The shoot of this plant and leaf of E. globulus is crushed together, and half a liter
for sheep and goat, one liter for cow and ox, is given during pain.
Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Agupiya Asteraceae H CU Ag F/D Hu Coughing O The leaf of this plant, leaf of R. chalepensis, leaf of C. arabica, and bulb of A.
Willd (13) Common Cold sativum are crushed together, mixed with water, butter, and salt, boiled, and 3-5
(SW 17) Abdominal pain coffee cups are taken per day for 3 days.
Ls Bloating O The leaf of this plant and a small amount of A. sativum are crushed and mixed
Sudden illness with water, and half a liter for sheep and goats and one liter for cow and ox are
given during pain time.
Coffea arabica L. Tukiya Rubiaceae Sh CU L F/D Hu Common cold O The leaf of C. arabica, bulb of A. sativum, and shoot of A. absinthium is crushed
(SW 03) (20) Respiratory tract together, mixed with water, boiled, added salt and butter, then 3-5 coffee cup is
infection taken daily for 3 days.
Se D Hu Wound De The roasted seed is ground and tied on the affected skin daily for 7 days.
L F Ls Retained placenta O The stem of E. ventricosum with a leaf of C. arabica is crushed, boiled, and 2-3
liter is given to cow and one liter to sheep and goat to expel the placenta.
Croton macrostachyus Ankaa Euphorbiaceae T W Sa F Hu Wound De Extract the sap or smash the leaf and apply it to the affected skin once/twice a day
Hochst. Ex. Del. (46) Skin infection until recovery.
(SW 05) Ls Swelled leg De The leaf of this plant is slightly heated for a few seconds and covered on the
affected part daily until recovery.
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Suraa Poaceae H W Ag F Hu& Snakebite De The shoot of this plant, bulb of A. sativum, and salt are crushed together and tied
Pers. Ls on the affected part and repeated until recovery.
(SW 41)
Eucalyptus globulus Tumuwa Myrtaceae T CU&W L F/D Hu Common cold Na Boil the leaf, then inhale its steam (steam bath) before bed with a closed door for
Labill. (29) Coughing 3 days.
(SW 06) Fibril illness
F Ls Sudden illness O Crush the leaf with the bulb of A. sativum, mix it with water and give half to one
liter to cow, ox, sheep, and goat during pain time.
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 19
Euphorbia tirucalli L. Maxuwa/ Euphorbiaceae Sh W Sa F Hu Allergic reaction De The sap of this plant is applied on the affected skin once/twice a day for a week.
(SW 57) Kinchib on the skin
Ag F Ls Bloating O The shoot of this plant, the bulb of A. sativum, is crushed and mixed with water,
and half a liter is given during pain time.
Hordeum vulgare L. Baangaa/ Poaceae H CU Se D Hu Bone break O The roasted seed of this plant is powdered, mixed with milk, and boiled, and 2-3
(SW 43) Gebis water glass is given daily until recovery.
Ls Bone break O This plant's boiled or raw seed is given to livestock (2-5) kilogram daily until
recovery.
Lepidium sativum L. Sifika/feto Brassicaceae H CU Se/Se&L F/D Hu Sudden O The seed is ground and mixed with water; one coffee cup is taken during pain. Or
(SW 34) (35) abdominal pain the seed and leaf are ground with a bulb of A. sativum and eaten 1-2 spoons with
other food during pain.
Tonsillitis O The seed is ground with the bulb of A. sativum and eaten 1-2 spoons with other
Arthritis food daily for 3 days.
Ls Sudden illness O The seed is powdered and mixed with water, and half a liter is given during pain
time.
Pentas schimperi (A. Daanbursaa Rubiaceae Sh W L F/D Hu Skeletal problem O Boil the part and drink 1-2 glasses of the decoction when cool daily until recovery.
Rich) Vatke. (43) (bone break)
(SW 19) Ls Skeletal problem O Grind the leaf, mix with cold water and give 1-2 liters daily until recovery.
(bone break)
Ruta chalepensis L. Xalotiya/ Rutaceae Sh CU L/L& Fr F Hu Evil eye O Crush, mix with tea/coffee, and drink 1-2 tea/coffee cups during pain time.
(SW 33) Tenadam Abdominal pain O A small amount of leaf or fruit is chewed and swallowed during pain.
(40) Ls Evil eye O Crush, mix with water, and give one water glass to livestock during pain.
Triticum polonicum L. Qanbaraa/ Poaceae H CU Se D Hu Bone break O Boil the powder with milk and take 2-3 water glasses daily until recovery.
(SW 51) Aja Ls Bone break O The powder is mixed with water and boiled, and 2-3 liter is given daily until
(14) recovery.
Vernonia amygdalina Garaa Asteraceae Sh CU&W L F Hu Skin rash De Grind the leaf and paint/rub it on the affected skin or use it as soap twice a day
Del. (28) until recovery.
(SW 52) Wound De Crush and paint the solution on the wound 2-3 times daily until recovery.
Ls Bloating O This plant's leaf is crushed and mixed with water, and one water glass is given to
Diarrhea the cow and ox during pain.
Zingiber officinale Yenjeluwaa Zingiberaceae H CU Rh D/F Hu Tonsillitis O Chewing a small amount once/twice a day for 3 days.
Roscoe (27) Common cold O The rhizome of this plant is crushed and mixed with boiled water, and 1-2 tea cup
(SW 31) Coughing is given for 3 days.
Respiratory tract
infection
Ls Eye diseases Op Crushed, mixed with water, and 1-2 drops (daily) of the filtrate are added to the
affected eye during pain.
Note: Human (Hu), Livestock (LS), Local name (LN), Growth form (GF), Sources (SO), Parts used (PU), Condition (CO), treatment for (TF), disease treated (DT), Rout of administration (RA),
methods of preparations, application and dosage used, Herb (H), Shrub (Sh), Tree (T), Climber (Cl), Bark (B), Root (R), Leaf (L), Fruit (Fr), Flower (Fl), Seed (Se), Steam (St), Sap (Sa), Bulb
(Bu), Above Ground (Ag), Whole Plant (Wp), oral(O), Nasal (Na), Dermal (De), Optical (Op), NI (Number of informants)
20 NU SA NTA RA B IOSC IE NC E 14 (1): 10-24, May 2022

Preparation methods and route of administration of Direct matrix ranking for multipurpose medicinal
traditional medicine plants
According to the study results, people in the study area Seven uses and six multipurpose plant species that are
indicated they used a single plant, two, three, and more not used for medicinal purposes were selected. Six
species to prepare traditional herbal medicine. In this study, randomly selected key informants were asked to assign a
there were a total of 86 herbal medicine preparations. Of use-value to each species. The direct matrix ranking
these, 76.7% of the preparations were from a single plant analysis showed that C. macrostachyus is the most
species, 19.7% were from two species, and 3.5% of the preferred medicinal plant used by local communities of
traditional medicine preparations were from three or more Damot Woyde District for multiple purposes, followed by
species. In the study area, crushing (36%) and powdering Cordia africana Lam (Table 8).
(20%) were the most common preparation methods of
traditional medicine (Table 6). Concoction:
mixing/combining different ingredients to make a dish; Table 6. Method of traditional medicines preparation in the study
Decoction: boiling the materials and extracting essences or area
active ingredients.
Forms of Number of %
Local people of the study area administer traditional preparations preparations
herbal medicines through oral, dermal, nasal, optical, and Crushing 31 36
suppositories. The largest number (71%) of traditional Grinding/Powdering 17 19.7
medicine reported being administered orally (Figure 5). Concoction 13 15
Decoction 11 12.8
Ranking of medicinal plants Other forms 14 16.3
In the study area, some medicinal plants were better Total 86 100
known by informants than others. Therefore, many
informants independently mentioned certain medicinal
plant species for their medicinal use against diseases in
humans and livestock. For example, Croton macrostachyus
Hochst. Ex. Del., Pentas schimperi (A. Rich) Vatke. and
Allium sativum L. were mentioned by 46, 43, and 42
informants, respectively (Table 3).

Importance of medicinal plants in the study area

The preference ranking of the six medicinal plant
species used for treating the common cold in the study area
revealed that A. sativum is the most effective medicinal
plant for treating the common cold, followed by Zingiber
officinale Roscoe (Table 7).

Figure 5. Route of administration of traditional medicine

Table 7. Preference ranking of six medicinal plants used to treat the common cold in the study

Types of medicinal plant species Informants labeled by (I1-I6)

Total Rank
used I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 I6
Allium sativum 5 5 5 5 5 5 30 1st
Artemisia afra 3 3 2 4 2 3 17 5th
Coffea arabica 3 1 2 3 3 2 14 6th
Eucalyptus globulus 5 4 4 5 3 4 25 3rd
Ocimum basilicum 3 2 3 4 3 4 19 4th
Zingiber officinale 5 3 5 5 5 5 28 2nd

Table 8. Direct matrix ranking of six multipurpose medicinal plants

Use categories
Plant species Total Rank
Medicinal Food Tool Construction Fence Firewood Charcoal
Cordia africana 3 0 5 5 4 4 4 25 2nd
Croton macrostachyus 4 0 4 4 5 4 5 26 1st
Eucalyptus globulus 4 0 3 3 3 2 3 18 5th
Olea europaea 4 0 4 5 4 3 3 23 4th
Persea americana 3 5 2 0 3 2 3 18 5th
Podocarpus falcatus 3 0 5 5 4 4 4 25 2nd
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 21

Informant consensus factor (ICF) plantation fields. Also, during the field observation, most
The frequent diseases in the study area and medicinal informants reported that various local beliefs and cultural
plants that are well-known by community members and traditions contribute to the conservation of medicinal plants
effective in treating certain diseases have higher ICF and associated knowledge in the study area includes:
values. For instance, the highest and lowest ICF values During the collection of parts of medicinal plants, special
belong to a category of diseases (Bone problems and attention is made to save the life of the mother plant, and
Snakebite, 0.95) and (Kidney problems, Liver problems, they took only small amount from the lateral branches
and Bladder/Urine problems, 0.4) (Table 9). without harming the main parts of the plant. Most plant
remedies are only collected in the early morning before the
Jaccard's similarity index sun rises at night or after sunset, which is believed to
The highest Jaccard coefficient of similarity in maintain the efficacy of the medicines. The collection of
medicinal plants' composition was found between the study traditional medicinal plants is done only by elderly persons
area (Damot Woyde District) and Berbere and Hawassa of the family, but the children are not allowed to collect
Zuria Districts (13%). In contrast, the degree of similarity them. This action may reduce the damage to plants by
was lower in the Babile district (1%) (Table 10). children.

Marketability of medicinal plants

Most medicinal plants were being sold in the two open
markets visited. The medicinal plants encountered in the
marketplaces were sold or bought for medicinal and non-
medicinal uses. The other uses include; spices, food,
household tools, farming tools, fencing, firewood, and
constructions. In the markets, flowers of Hagenia
abyssinica (Bruce x Steud) J. F. Gmel., fruits of Embelia
schimperi Vatke, and the leaf of P. schimperi and
Nicotiana tabacum L. (Figure 6) are more available for a
low price. Usually, small plastic cups or cans are used to
measure the quantity.

The threats to the medicinal plants and conservation

practices in the study area
A brief group discussion was made with four traditional
healers on threats to medicinal plants and the main sources
of threats to medicinal plants reported by informants in the
study area. Some include urbanization, agricultural expansion,
over-harvesting, charcoal collection, destructive harvesting,
honey cut, and habitat loss.
Even though there are many threats to medicinal plants,
local people in the study area know the importance of Figure 6. Leaf of N. tabacum sold in Dawe sake market
conserving the plants. They plant in home gardens, live
fences of the gardens, different worship areas, and in their

Table 9. Informant consensus factor (ICF) of groups of ailments

Number of use
Diseases categories Number of sp ICF Rank
citations
Abdominal pain, Intestinal worms, diarrhea, and Gastritis 21 58 0.65 10th
Coughing and Common cold 14 67 0.8 8th
Livestock diseases (sudden illness, bloating, diarrhea, leech, 12 28 0.59 11th
rabies, and retained placenta)
Respiratory tract infection, tonsillitis, and Asthma 10 85 0.89 4th
Wound, Hemorrhoids, and Body swelling 10 68 0.87 6th
Skin rash, Skin allergic, and Dandruff 8 51 0.86 7th
Eye and tooth diseases 6 83 0.94 2nd
Malaria, Fever, Tiredness, and Loss of appetite 6 44 0.88 5th
Arthritis and Fibril illness 5 66 0.94 2nd
Bone problem (injury), Snakebite 4 63 0.95 1st
Kidney problems, Liver problems, and Bladder/Urine problems 4 6 0.4 12th
Nasal bleeding, Minor bleeding, and Retained placenta 3 9 0.75 9th
22 NU SA NTA RA B IOSC IE NC E 14 (1): 10-24, May 2022

Table 10. Comparison of species in the study area with those in other study areas of Ethiopia

Species no. Common Jaccard Similarity

Study areas (districts) References
(a or b) species (c) index (%)
Damot Woyde 57 - - - The study area
Gera district 63 12 0.09 9 (Gonfa et al. 2020)
Sheka zone 266 26 0.07 7 (Kassa et al. 2020)
Gurage 244 30 0.09 9 (Teka et al. 2019)
Yilmana Densa and Quarit 112 20 0.1 10 (Alemneh 2021)
Bench 35 4 0.04 4 (Giday et al. 2009a)
Babile 51 1 0.009 1 (Belayneh et al. 2012)
Gura Damole 30 6 0.06 6 (Assefa et al. 2021)
Hawassa Zuria 105 24 0.12 12 (Tefera and Kim 2019)
Berbere 70 19 0.13 13 (Jima and Megersa 2018)
South Omo 91 6 0.03 3 (Tolossa et al. 2013)
Meinit 51 10 0.08 8 (Giday et al. 2009b)
Ada’a 131 25 0.11 11 (Kefalew et al. 2015)

Discussion Other similar studies in Ethiopia (Teka et al. 2019; Assefa

Medicinal plants of Damot Woyde District et al. 2021) and elsewhere in the world (Chaachouay et al.
Of the 57 medicinal plants collected in the study area, 2021; Khajuriaa et al. 2021) have also found that
36 species were indicated for the treatment of human Asteraceae are the major suppliers of medicinal plants. In
diseases, while 6 species were used for the treatment of addition, Fabaceae (Osman et al. 2020; Alemneh 2021),
livestock diseases and 15 species for the treatment of both Euphorbiaceae (Jima and Megersa 2018), Lamiaceae
human and livestock diseases. Similar results were (Tuasha et al. 2018; Tamene et al. 2020), and Solanaceae
obtained from the study of (Kassa et al. 2020; Assen et al. (Abebe and Teferi 2021; Assen et al. 2021; Wendimu et al.
2021) conducted in other parts of Ethiopia where the locals 2021) were found to be dominant in the study conducted in
use more medicinal plants to treat human diseases than South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Hulet Eju Enese
livestock diseases. That could be because people prefer District and Diguna Fango District of Wolaita Zone.
human health problems over livestock health problems, as
Kassa et al. (2020) justified. Growth form and plant parts used for traditional
Compared to previous studies conducted in Ethiopia, medicine preparation
the present study found a low and high number of This study shows that the most represented growth
medicinal plant species. For example, Kassa et al. (2020) forms of medicinal plants in the study area were 22 species
collected 266 plant species used by Sheka zone (38.59%). Similar studies conducted in Ethiopia reported
communities to treat human and livestock diseases. On the the dominance of herbs or shrubs in the use of medicinal
other hand, Teka et al. (2019) reported using 244 medicinal plants. For example, Kassa et al. (2020) reported that most
plants by Gurage communities. In a similar study, Alemneh medicinal plants collected in the Sheka zone belonged to
(2021) collected 112 medicinal plant species in the herbaceous species. According to Tefera and Kim (2019),
Yilmana Densa and Quarit districts of the Amhara region. the local communities of Hawassa Zuria District collected
Therefore, the three authors reported more medicinal plants herbaceous plants for making traditional medicine. The
than the present study. Whereas, Giday et al. (2009a,b), findings of Jima and Megersa (2018) and Demie et al.
Belayneh et al. (2012), and Assefa et al. (2021) reported (2018) differ from the present study, as the authors reported
35, 51, and 30 species of medicinal plants, respectively. that shrubs dominated other growths in the production of
The difference in the number of medicinal plants could be traditional medicines. The high use of herbs could be due
due to the vegetation of the district, the number of to their relative abundance and accessibility (Kassa et al.
informants involved in the study, the timing and duration of 2020).
data collection, and the culture. The current study results indicate that the local people
Jaccard's similarity index result on the composition of of Damot Woyde District prepare remedies from different
medicinal plants shows some similarities between the study parts of medicinal plants. The most commonly used plant
area, Berbere (Jima and Megersa 2018), and Hawassa Zuria part were leaves for treating human and livestock diseases
(Tefera and Kim 2019) districts. Still, less similarity was in the study area. Different research groups reported that
found with Babile (Belayneh et al. 2012) and South Omo roots or leaves are the most important plant parts for
(Tolossa et al. 2013) Districts. According to Megersa et al. preparing traditional medicines in Ethiopia and elsewhere
(2013), the similarities and differences between the current in the world. Among the researchers who reported leaves as
study and other study areas could be due to cultural and the most important part in Ethiopia (Tefera and Kim 2019;
agro-climatic conditions. Alemneh 2021; Assen et al. 2021; Assefa et al. 2021) and
The present study revealed that the Asteraceae were other countries (Tugume and Nyakoojo 2019; Hachlafi et
represented by 7 plant species, followed by the Rutaceae. al. 2020; Chaachouay et al. 2021), other research groups
 MEGERSA & WOLDETSADIK – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Damot, Ethiopia 23

(Tolossa et al. 2013; Kefalew et al. 2015; Jima and africana and Podocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) Endl ranked
Megersa 2018) reported that roots were widely used plant second and third as the preferred medicinal plant. In similar
parts for the preparation of traditional medicine. The studies in Ethiopia, E. ventricosum (Tefera and Kim 2019),
preference for leaves over other plant parts is due to their C. africana (Abebe and Teferi 2021), and Warburgia
easy availability and simplicity of drug preparation. ugandensis Sprague (Eshete and Molla 2021) were ranked
Moreover, the storage of secondary metabolites affects the first as the most used medicinal plant for various purposes
biological properties of the medicinal plant (Chaachouay et by the local people in Hawassa Zuria, Hulet Eju Enese, and
al. 2021). Suro Barguda Districts, respectively.
The present study found that most medicinal plants In conclusion, using plant species is important in
(60.6%) were used in fresh form. Similarly, Tefera and treating human and animal diseases in Damot Woyde
Kim (2019), Kassa et al. (2020), Assen et al. (2021), and District. In the present study, 57 species of medicinal plants
Abebe and Teferi (2021) reported the predominant use of were recorded, and leaves were reported as the most
freshly harvested plant parts for the preparation of commonly used plant parts for treating diseases. The
traditional medicine. People's dependence on fresh plant number of medicinal plants recorded for treating human
parts is often due to the efficacy of fresh plant species in and livestock diseases indicates indigenous knowledge of
therapy, as the constituents are not lost before use traditional herbal medicine. Although medicinal plants are
compared to dried plant forms (Chaachouay et al. 2021). important in treating diseases, they are under threat.
On the other hand, using fresh plant parts may endanger the Among threats, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and
plants due to frequent collection, even in dry seasons, as over-harvesting are the major threats to the medicinal
locals make little effort to store dried plant material for plants in the study area. Although the locals in Damot
later use (Megersa et al. 2013; Tefera and Kim 2019). Woyde District have been using medicinal plants to treat
diseases for a long time, it is useful to conduct
Preparation methods of traditional medicine toxicological tests in addition to pharmacological tests. The
The local people of Damot Woyde District use various main focus should be on commonly used medicinal plants
methods of preparation of medicines. The preparation such as C. macrostachyus and P. schimperi.
methods used to treat diseases in humans and livestock
included crushing, pulverizing, chewing, boiling, and
soaking. Crushing was the most common preparation ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
method (36%), followed by powdering (19.7%). Similar
results on the most commonly used method of preparing We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the
traditional medicine were found elsewhere in Ethiopia Damot Woyde District administration and agricultural
(Megersa et al. 2013; Jima and Megersa 2018; Demie et al. office. Furthermore, we express our gratitude to
2018; Eshete and Molla 2021). However, the results of development agents and informants of the study area for
Tefera and Kim (2019) showed that grinding was the most providing us with all important information during the
commonly used method by the locals in Hawassa Zuria study. Madda Walabu University also deserves gratitude
District and elsewhere in the world (Hong et al. 2015). for the financial support to undertake the study.

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