Medicinal Plant Composition, Distribution, Usage and Conservation Status in Nole Kaba District, West Wollega, West Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundMany Ethiopians have practiced and still practice home-based medications using various medicinal plants. This research was aimed to study the composition, distribution, and usage and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Nole Kaba District. MethodsData were gathered through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and field observations. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and quantitative indices including Factor of Informant Consensus (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL), and Sorenson’s Similarity.ResultsOne hundred sixty-two medicinal plants that belong to 65 families, and 135 genera were documented for use in the treatment of 45 human and 31 animal health problems. The growth forms that comprise high proportions of the medicinal flora were herbs (76, 46.9%) and shrubs (45, 27.8%). Most of the species were distributed in forests and farmlands. Ehretia cymosa (FL = 100%), Pentas schimperiana (FL = 100%), Buddleja polystachya (FL = 100%) Schefflera abyssinica (FL = 100%) and Loxogramme abyssinica (FL = 94%) were among medicinal plants showing high informant consensus. Pairwise comparisons identified the expansion of agriculture, deforestation, and over-grazing as principal threats to most medicinal plants.ConclusionsMedicinal plants showing high informant consensus are recommended for further evaluation of efficacy, safety, and other product quality requirements. Medicinal plants such as Echinops longisetus, Ocimum urticifolium, Pentas schimperiana, Securidaca longepedunculata and Warburgia ugandensis are threatened mainly due to over exploitation. These and other similarly affected species should be given top priority for in-situ and ex-situ conservation jointly by the community, the relevant administrative bodies, and development partners.