Abstract
Multicomponent traditional medicine prescriptions are commonly used for disease treatment in Ethiopia. However, the lack of consistency in these prescriptions across practitioners, cultures, and locations has impeded the development of reliable therapeutic medicines. Therefore, a systematic analysis of traditional medicine information is essential to identify consistent and dependable medicinal materials, fostering harmony in these practices. In this study, we compiled and analyzed a dataset comprising 505 prescriptions, encompassing 567 different medicinal materials used to treat 106 diseases. Utilizing association rule mining, we uncovered significant associations between human diseases and medicinal materials. Additionally, in silico analysis was conducted to provide support for these associations and validate traditional medicinal uses. The results of the study revealed significant associations between diseases and medicinal materials. Notably, wound healing showed a strong association with Rumex abyssinicus Jacq, prompting further molecular-level investigation to confirm this association. In silico analysis of the phytochemicals of Rumex abyssinicus Jacq identified 756 therapeutic targets enriched in various KEGG pathways and biological processes. Using the random-walk with restart algorithm in the CODA PPI network, we identified disease associated with these targets, including cancer, inflammation, congenital malformations, and diseases of metabolic, immune, respiratory, and neurological systems. Furthermore, numerous hub target genes in the PPI network were directly associated with the wound healing process, supporting the findings of the association rule mining and the traditional use of Rumex abyssinicus Jacq for treating wounds. In conclusion, this research revealed important associations between diseases and medicinal materials, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. It provides a foundational understanding for further exploration of the efficacy of traditional and natural-products based medicines.