International Journal of Herbal Medicine
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P-ISSN: 2394-0514, E-ISSN: 2321-2187   |   
International Journal of Herbal Medicine
Vol. 4, Issue 6, Part C (2016)

An ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants in Jigjiga town, capital city of Somali regional state of Ethiopia

Author(s): Getachew Alebie and Abas Mehamed
Abstract: Ethiopia is a country characterized by a variety of cultures and diversity of medicinal plants. The objective of this study was to assess the indigenous knowledge system for medicinal plant use and cultural practices associated with the healing process of these plants by traditional healers in Jigjiga town, Somali region of Ethiopia. An ethnobotanical survey was employed to collect information from traditional healers during March and May 2016. Semi-structured interviewees, observation and guided field walks with informants were employed to obtain ethnobotanical data in the study area. Forty seven medicinal plant species belonging to 23 families were reported by the traditional healers for the treatment of various human ailments in the study area. Family Fabaceae and Solanaceae were represented by 8 and 6 species respectively. Among various medicinal plant preparation methods reported, chewing (26.5%), homogenizing in water (20.4%) and Crushing (16.3%) were most commonly used. The most frequently employed methods of applications were drinking (27.8%), chewing (25.9%) and smearing (20.4%) whereas mostly used routes of administrations were oral (55.6%) and dermal (27.8%). Leaves (32.7%) and roots (30.8%) were plant parts predominantly used for herbal preparations. Shrubs (18 species) were found to be the most used plants followed by trees (16 species). The majority (30.4 %) of the reported medicinal plant’s habitat was semi-desert bush land followed by 13.0 % grass land. In the area, a total of 33 human ailments were recorded and treated with various plant species and preparations. Therein, wound is the most prevalent health problem and was treated with 7 plant species. Euphorbia abyssinica followed by Opoilia campestris were most preferred plants in this regard. Strict management and conservation of medicinal plants to exploit their medicinal value is pivotal in the area.
Pages: 168-175  |  2615 Views  539 Downloads


International Journal of Herbal Medicine
How to cite this article:
Getachew Alebie, Abas Mehamed. An ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants in Jigjiga town, capital city of Somali regional state of Ethiopia. Int J Herb Med 2016;4(6):168-175.

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