ASIAN JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY

Volume 5, Number 1, May 2022 E-ISSN: 2580-4510

Pages: 35-43 DOI: 10.13057/asianjethnobiol/y050104

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people of

Mojana Wadera Woreda, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

ABEBE AYELE HAILE♥

Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University. P.O. Box. 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Tel./fax. +25-192-838-3044,
email: [email protected]

Manuscript received: 8 March 2022. Revision accepted: 11 April 2022.

Abstract. Haile AA. 2022. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people of Mojana Wadera Woreda, North Shewa
Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 35-43. This study was conducted in Mojana Wadera Woreda of North Shewa
Zone (Ethiopia) to document the indigenous knowledge of local communities on medicinal plants. The data was collected using
structured and semistructured interviews with herbalists. Information on medicinal plants was collected from June 2020 to October
2020. Fourteen (10 males and 4 females) key informants were deliberately selected during the data collection, but no group discussion
was conducted due to the coronavirus epidemic. Descriptive statists (percentage and frequency) were used to summarize ethnobotanical
data and preference ranking, and the Information consensus factor (ICF) was also included. A total of 56 medicinal plants from 52
genera, and 38 families, were identified in the study area, where they were used to treat human and animal diseases. Family-wise,
Asteraceae was the most dominant family, followed by Lamiaceae. Herbs were the most dominant growth forms as they accounted for
about 29 (52.72%) species, while shrubs had 17 (30.9%) species. Most herbal remedies were prepared by mixing 25.45% of the roots
and leaves. The preparation was usually done by crushing to 45.45%, and during the preparation, the herbs were usually fresh. Most
medicines were administered orally to the sick. According to the key informant's response, the plants in the study area are u nder threat.
Therefore, the conservation of medicinal plants related to indigenous knowledge is important for future generations.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, informant consensus factor, medicinal plants, Mojana Wadera

INTRODUCTION masl) to the Semien Mountains (4533 masl), which jointly

result in different vegetation types (Asefa et al. 2020).
The role of medicinal plants in health care is significant According to Tena (2014) and Bekele (2007), more than
in developing countries (Smith-Hall et al. 2012; Sofowora 1000 medicinal plants species have been reported in
et al. 2013; Kassa et al. 2020). According to WHO, 80% of Ethiopia, and about 33 of these species are endemic to the
the population in developing countries rely on medicinal country.
plants for healthcare (Khan et al. 2015; Van Wyk and Although there is a lot of cultural knowledge in Africa,
Gorelik 2017). Moreover, many modern-day drugs data on traditional medicinal plants are not systematically
originated from plants (Farnsworth 1996). However, documented (Nyamwaya 1967). This means that
although plants play an important role in medicinal value, it knowledge of traditional medicine is not recorded and is
is difficult to determine many plants' medicinal properties passed from generation to generation orally. If this trend
and potential due to their low perception of traditional continues, it poses a risk. Ethiopia is one of the six plant-
plants (Makule et al. 2014). Therefore, it is important that rich countries of Africa, where about 60% of the plants are
this potential is not confined to a single community and said to be indigenous, and most of them with healing
that all do their part to pass it on to the next generation and potential (Nigatu et al. 2018). Even though a country with a
discover a new drug (Heinrich 2003; Suleiman 2015). great variety of cultures and diversity of medicinal plants,
Ethiopia is the fifth major country in tropical Africa in the alarming population growth with increasing demand
terms of the diversity of flora, next to Tanzania, Cameroon, and consumption is distracting medicinal plants resources
Congo, and South Africa (Jadán et al. 2021). In the Flora of from their natural habitat (Meaza et al. 2015). Threats to
Ethiopia and Eritrea, about 6,027 vascular plant species medicinal plants in Ethiopia include human migration,
(including subspecies), with about 10.74% endemism, were agricultural expansion, forest fires, and drought (Kidane et
documented (Kelbesa and Demissew 2014). From the total al. 2018; Tefera and Kim 2019). Thus, in this country,
vascular plants, 1,882 are common in both countries, while studies and research are much needed on conservation,
3,875 have been recorded from Ethiopia and 270 from management, cultivation, and ethnobotanical knowledge,
Eritrea only. Similarly, in the diversity of plant groups, including medicinal plant species (Asnake et al. 2016;
angiosperms and dicotyledons were the most dominant, Kassa et al. 2020).
which estimated about 5,815 and 4,413 species (including Despite the significant role of medicinal plants in
subspecies), respectively. Ethiopia is rich in biodiversity, treating both human and livestock ailments in Ethiopia, a
topographical complexity, and climate variability, varied very limited attempt has been made to explore, document,
altitudinal gradients ranging from Danakil Depression (125
36 ASIAN JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY 5 (1): 35-43, May 2022

and promote these widely used medicinal plants in the 61’ to 390 67’E. The mean altitude of the area is 2678-
country (Assen et al. 2021). 2935 masl. A unimodal rainfall pattern characterizes the
Hence, plant research and related indigenous climate of the study area, and the area receives an average
knowledge should be an urgent task to protect and save the annual rainfall of 928 mm, While the minimum and
indigenous knowledge to transfer this knowledge to future maximum temperatures are 11.180C and 24.670C,
generations. Many studies have been done in Ethiopia on respectively (Kenzemed et al. 2020). The vegetation cover
ethnobotanical medicinal plants (Kefalew et al. 2015; is less compared to other places. According to the 2012
Yohannis et al. 2018; Tefera and Kim 2018; Tibebu and Ethiopian national census data, 75,394 people live in
Mesele 2019; Gonfa et al. 2020; Assefa et al. 2021; Ayalw Mojana Wadera woreda, while about 99.87% of the
and Merawi 2021; Megersa et al. 2022; Megersa and residents practice Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity as their
Woldetsadik 2022). However, little research has been done religion. The area is dominated by Eucalyptus globulus and
so far in the Mojana Wadera woreda in the North Shewa Juniperus procera tree species. The livelihood of Mojana
zone of Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study aimed to Wadera depends on agriculture. The major crops produced
document indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in in this woreda are wheat, barley, and beans.
Mojana Wadera woreda found in the North Shewa zone,
Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Selection of potential kebeles and informants
In the study area, 5 kebeles (In Ethiopia, Kebele is the
smallest administrative unit) (Namely: Begoch Gat, Brka,
MATERIALS AND METHODS Engida washa, Gan Arda, and Zub Amba) were selected.
These kebeles were selected based on the capacity of key
Description of the study area informants and the supply of herbs. The data was collected
The study was conducted in Mojana Wadera Woreda from June 2020 to October 2020. During data collection,
found in North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 14 (10 men and 4 women) traditional healers (key
(Figure 1). This woreda is bordered by Menz Lalo Midir on informants) between the ages of 33-75 were included. The
the northeast, Termaber on the east, Menz Mam Midir on key informants were selected purposively.
the north, and Basona Werana on the south. Mojana
Wadera Woreda is located at 090 91’ to 090 94’N and 360

Figure1. Location map of Mojana Wedara Woreda, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
 HAILE – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people 37

Ethnobotanical data collection and plant specimen’s RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Identification
Data was collected from knowledgeable people about Diversity of medicinal plants in Mojana Wadera Woreda
medicinal plants through semistructured and structured A total of 56 medicinal plant species distributed in 52
interviews (Malik 2020). Each selected traditional healer genera and 38 families were collected and documented
was interviewed individually about medicinal plants, local (Table 1). From a total of medicinal plants, 92.85% were
names, plant parts used in medicine, methods of used to treat human ailments, while 7.15% were used to
preparation for each type of ailments, and ways of remedy treat livestock diseases. Among the families that
administration. contributed more medicinal species were Asteraceae,
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was no group represented by 6 (10.7%) species, Lamiaceae with 5
discussion on the data collected on medicinal plants with (8.93%) species, Fabaceae 4 (7.4%), Solanaceae and
key informants (Covid19). Still, the information was Polygonaceae were represented with 3 species each, and
collected directly from the key informants the other 32 families were contributed to 35 (62.5%) of the
individually. Botanical experts identified the specimens of species represented 1 or 2.
reported medicinal plants at Debre Berhan University by
comparing the relevant volumes of the flora of Ethiopia Growth forms of medicinal plants
and Eritrea. The identified specimens were deposited at In the study area, the growth pattern of medicinal plants
Debre Berhan University. was mainly herbs, 29 (52.72%) species, followed by shrubs
with 17 (30.9%) species (Figure 2).
Data analysis
Descriptive statistic procedures like percentage and Plant parts Used to prepare remedies in the study area
frequency distribution were applied for analyzing and Traditional healers use different parts of the plant to
summarizing the data. prepare the medicine. In this study, most of the plant parts
used for medicinal purposes were mixed with roots and
Preference ranking leaves (25.45%). The leaves and roots are covered equally
To compare the most effective medicinal plants used by (21.8%) (Figure 3).
a community to treat a particular diseases, a preference
ranking was conducted following by Martin (1995) and Methods of medicinal plants preparation and forms
Malik (2020) for the most important medicinal plants used Traditional medicine was prepared through crushing,
in treating a particular illness. For this, five key informants pounding, grinding, powdering, heating, and juice in the
were selected to identify the best preferred medicinal plant study area. Crushing was the most common (45.45%)
species for the treatment of stomachache because it is a method of preparing herbal medicines, followed by the
frequently occurring disease in the study area. Each powdering preparation method (27.27%). Similarly,
informant was provided with the mentioned medicinal Pounding and grinding (9.09%), heating (10.9%), and juice
plants reported to cure the illness with the leaves of the (10.9%) were the other preparation methods of the remedy
medicinal plants used being paper tagged and then was used in the study area. Most of the herbal remedies in the
asked to assign values of 1 to 4 were used in this ranking study area were made from fresh herbs. Similarly, according
(1= less used, 2= good, 3= very good, and 4= excellent. to most respondents, herbal remedies were prepared by
This means that the informant is given 4, which means this drying parts of the plant, which will be pounded and stored,
plant is the most preferred one but given (1), the plant then given to the patient when they have a problem.
species is less used to treat stomachache (Table 2).
Route of application
Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) In the study area, the drug was given to the patient
The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) is used to through the mouth, skin, nose, or other body parts. Of the
identify the agreement of the informants on the reported prepared traditional medicines, 53.58% were given to
use of plant species to treat a particular illness. The ICFS patients orally, and 26.79% were given dermal (Figure 4).
were calculated as follows:
Comparison of important medicinal plants in the study
area
Preference ranking
Where: nur = number of use citations (nur) minus the Five medicinal plants were selected, after which key
number of species used (nt), ICF = Informants Consensus informants were asked to rate their value based on the
Factor, divided by the number of use citations in each effectiveness of these medicinal plants for treating
category minus one (Heinrich et al. 1998). The factor stomachache (value =1 to 4). Tavenerara abyssinia was
provides a range of 0 to 1, where 1 is a high value acts as a ranked as one of the most effective plant species for
good indicator for a high rate of informant consensus. stomachache, followed by Thalictrum rhynchocarpum,
according to key informants, while Achyranthes aspera was
the least medicinal plant for treating stomachache (Table
2).
38 ASIAN JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY 5 (1): 35-43, May 2022

Table 1. List of medicinal plants used by Mojana Wadera Woreda People, Ethiopia

Treated Route of
Local name Plant family Scientific name Habit For treating Used parts Methods of preparation
illness application
Telenji Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera L Herb Human Stomachache Root Crushed and mixed with water and drunk on an empty stomach Oral
until recovery
Smiza (sensel) Acanthaceae Justicia schimperiana Shrub Human Evil eye Root Mixed with Carissa spinarum and put on fire, then sniff Nasal
Hochst. ex Nees
Nechshinkurt Alliaceae Allium sativum L Herb Human Asthma Bulb Boiled with Zingiber officinale, and the filtrate will be sniffed Nasal
Chikugn Asteraceae Artemisia abyssinica Schtz, Herb Human Diarrhea Root/ leaf Crushed and mixed with water then drink Oral
Afra Jacq
Senafch Brassicaceae Brassica nigra L Herb Human Wound Seed The powder will be mixed with Vaseline and applied to the Dermal
affected part.
Digita Fabaceae Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth Shrub Human Jaundice Leaf The oiled steam is taken. Nasal
Etsefaris Cannabaceae Cannabis sativa L Herb Human Epilepsy Leaf & root The root and leaf crushed then sniffed through nostrils Nasal
Yebeg lat Brassicaceae Capparis tomentosa L Herb Human Sudden bleeding Leaf The crushed leaf juice will be applied to the bleeding body. Nasal
Habeshasuf Asteraceae Carthamus tinctorius L Herb Human Constipation Seed The powder will be boiled, then drink the filtrate. Oral
Koshashle Asteraceae Cirsium englerianum O. Herb Human Headache Root The boiled steam taken through nostrils. Nasal
Hoffm
Etse eyesus Menispermaceae Stephania abyssinica A. Rich Climber Human Stomachache Root Crushed and mixed with water, and the filtrated will be drunk. Oral
Lomi Rutaceae Citrus aurantiifolia Shrub Human Dandruff Fruit The juice will be applied to the affected part Dermal
(Christm.) Swingle
Azohareg Ranunculaceae Clematis simensis Fres Climber Human Skin rash Root The powder mixed with butter apply to the affected part Dermal
Yejib shinkurt Amaryllidaceae Crinum abyssinicum Hochst. Herb Human Swellings Root & leaf Leaf and root will be crushed and mixed then applied to the Dermal
ex A. Rich affected part.
Bisana Euphorbiaceae Croton macrostachyus Tree Human Dandruff Twig The twig juice is applied to the head Dermal
Hochst
Yemidirenbuay Cucurbitaceae Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich Herb Human Retained Root By mixing the powder with water then drink Oral
placenta
Tejsar Fabaceae Cymbopogon citratus (DC ex Herb Livestock Blotting Leaf & root The root and leaf will be crushed and mixed with water then given Oral
Nees) Stapf to cattle.
Ameraro Solanaceae Discopodium penninervium Shrub Human Swellings Leaf & root Crushed, mixed with vaseline then applied to the affected part. Dermal
Hochst
Gme Boraginaceae Ehretia cymosa Thonn Herb Human Mental disorder Leaf & root Powder of leaf and root is put on fire then smoked Nasal
Adal (Asta) Ericaceae Erica arborea L Shrub Human Lung illness Root & fruit The Crushed will be mixed with honey then eaten. Dermal
Enslal Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare Miller Herb Human Evil eye Root & leaf The root and leaf are pounded then the powder is put on fire then, Nasal
sniffed
Ameja Hypericaceae Hypericum quartinianum Shrub Livestock Anthrax Root & leaf The powder will be mixed with water then given to cattle Oral
A.Rich.
Weynagift Asteraceae Inula confertiflora A. Rich Shrub Human Skin rash Leaf Juice of the leaf is applied to skin rash Dermal
Zohun-kechamo Oleaceae Jasminum abyssinicum Climber Human Herpes Root & leaf The crushed powder will be applied to the affected part Dermal
Hochst.ex DC
Habesha tid Cupressaceae Juniperus procera L Tree Human Mefthe siray Leaf The small leaf is mixed with phytolacca dodecandra of seven leaves, Oral
and one cup of Kulkual milk is mixed with fresh cow milk and then
drunk. Finally, the antidote is eaten with hen liver and telba.
Shinqaq Crassulaceae Kalanchoe shimperiana A. Herb Human Wound (small Leaf The leaf put get fire then immediately fresh put to the affected Dermal
(Enduhahla) Rich swelling) part
 HAILE – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people 39
Yeferes Zeng Lamiaceae Leonotis ocymifolia Shrub Human Cough Leaf The juice will be mixed with coffee then drunk Oral
(Burm.f.) Iwarsson
Feto Brassicaceae Lepidium sativum L Herb Human Toothache Seed The roasted and pounded fresh powder will be held on the tooth Oral
until recovery
Telba Linaceae Linum usitatissimum L Herb Human Diarrhea Seed The powder will be boiled then drink like soup Oral
Qelewa Myrsinaceae Maesa lanceolata Forssk Tree Human Wound Seed The crushed seed of Maesa lanceolata powder will be applied to Dermal
the affected part
Shenet Myricaceae Myrica salicifolia Hochst. ex Tree Human Tonsillitis Bark The dried bark powder will be mixed with water and then drunk Oral
A. Rich until recovery.
Ades (Barsenet) Myrtaceae Myrtus communis L Shrub Human cough Leaf Crushed juice of leaf will be mixed with water then drunk Oral
Tinbaho Solanaceae Nicotiana tabacum L Shrub Livestock Leeches Leaf The crushed leaf will be mixed with water and then given to cattle. Oral
Tikur azmud Ranunclaceae Nigella sativa L Herb Human Headache Seed The crushed powdered is sniff Oral
Dmakesse Lamiaceae Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst Herb Human Febrile illness Leaf The crushed root will be mixed with coffee then drunk Oral
Weyra Oleaceae Olea europaea Tree Human Impotency Root The root seedling of Olea europaea will be pounded and then tied Oral
sub.sp.cuspidata L on pinus for 3 days.
Endod Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca dodecandara Shrub Human Dandruff Fruit The juice of the fruit will wash the affected part. Dermal
L’Herit
Gorteb Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata L Herb Human Stomach Root The root is crushed, then mixed with water and drunk Oral
troubles
Etse libona Polygalaceae Polygala abyssinica Fres Herb Human Stomachache Root The crushed root will be mixed with water and then drunk. Oral
Gesho Rhamnaceae Rhamnus prinoides L’Herit Shrub Human Tonsillitis Twig The crushed twig will be mixed with water then drunk Oral
Tsegereda Rosaceae Rosa hybrid L Shrub Human Ear problem Leaf & Boiled in water and a drop of suspension will be dropped into the Ear
flower ear
Rosmeri Lamiaceae Rosmarinus officinalis L Herb Human Stomachache Leaf & root the crushed leaf and root will be mixed with water then drunk Oral
Meqmeqo Polygonaceae Rumex abyssinicus Jacq Herb Human Wound Root The crushed root powder will be applied to the affected part. Dermal
Tult Polygonaceae Rumex nepalensis Spreng Herb Human Tonsillitis Leaf The leaf will be crushed and given to patient Oral
Embwacho Polygonaceae Rumex nervosus Vahl Shrub Human Dandruff Leaf Fresh leaves will be rubbed on the affected area Dermal
Tenadam Rutaceae Ruta chalepensis L Herb Human diarrhea Seed The pounded seed will be mixed with coffee then drunk Oral
Hulegeb Lamiaceae Salvia nilotica Jacq Herb Human Nose bleeding Leaf The leaves will be crushed and sniffed. Nasal
Shikoko gomen Asteraceae Solanecio gigas (Vatke) C. Shrub Human Rabies Root &leaf The ground root and leaf will be mixed with water then drunk Oral
Jeffrey
Dingetgna Fabaceae Taverniera abyssinica Rich Shrub Human Stomachache Root The root of Taverniera abyssinica will be chewed and then Oral
swallowed during the infusion.
Sirebizu Ranunculaceae Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Herb Human Stomachache Root Root will be chewed Oral
Dill. & A. Rich
Tosign Lamiaceae Thymus schimperi Ronniger Herb Human Ascariasis Leaf The leaf will be crushed and boiled then drunk like tea Oral
Abish Fabaceae Trigonella foenumgraecum L Herb Human Gastric problem Seed The pounded seed will be boiled then drunk like soup in the morning Oral
Qetetina Scrophulariaceae Verbascum sinaiticum Benth Herb Human stabbing pain Root The root will be chewed Oral
Grawa Asteraceae Vernonia amygdalina Del Tree Livestock Anthrax Root & leaf The crushed leaf & Root will be mixed with water then given to Oral
cattle
Gzawa Solanaceae Withania somnifera (L.) Dun Shrub Human Evil eye Root & leaf The root and leaf will be crushed and put on fire then taken smoke Nasal
Zinjible Zingiberaceae Zingiber officinale Roscoe Herb Human Cough Rhizome Crushed and boiled then drunk like tea Oral
40 ASIAN JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY 5 (1): 35-43, May 2022

Figure 3. Plant parts used to prepare remedies in the study area

Figure 2. Growth forms of medicinal plants in Mojana Wadera

Woreda, Ethiopia

Figure 4. Route of administration in the study area Figure 5. Distribution of different human ailments with a
respective number of medicinal plants in the study area

Table 2. Preference ranking of medicinal plant species to treat stomachache

Cissampelos Polygala Taverniera Achyranthes Thalictrum

Key informants
mucronata abyssinica abyssinica aspera rhynchocarpum
1 2 4 4 3 4
2 4 4 3 2 3
3 3 3 4 3 4
4 3 1 4 4 4
5 4 3 4 2 3
Total 16 15 19 14 18
Rank 3 4 1 5 2

Table 3. Results of Informants consensus factors (ICF) values for more prevalent health problems of the District

Total
Category of Number
List of plant species used and number of citation in the bracket number ICF
disease of citation
of species
Stomachache Achyranthes aspera (9), Stephania abyssinica (11), Polygala abyssinica (13), 5 59 0.93
Taverniera abyssinica (14), Thalictrum rhynchocarpum (12)
Evil eye Justicia schimperiana (11), Foeniculum vulgare (10), Withania somnifera (12) 3 33 0.94
Wound Brassica nigra (6), Maesa lanceolata (8), Rumex abyssinicus (11) 3 25 0.91
Diarrhea Artemisia abyssinica (12), Linum usitatissimum (6), Ruta chalepensis (5) 3 23 0.909
Jaundice Calpurnia aurea (14) 1 14 1
 HAILE – Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people 41

Informant consensus factor Traditional healers use different plant parts to prepare
Based on the incidence of the disease in the study area, the medicine in the study area. In this study, most of the
these diseases were grouped into different categories. Then, plant parts used for medicinal purposes were mixed with
ICF was calculated for each category of disease (Table 3). roots and leaves (25.45%). This is agreed with Birhan et al.
The value of the factor ranges from 0 to 1; if the value of 1 (2017) Enarj Enawga District (East Gojjam Zone), multiple
indicates there is a high rate of agreement between plant parts are recommended for remedy preparation. But,
informants. As the results showed, Jaundice scored the disagree with Malik et al. (2019) that leaves were covered
highest informant consensus factor of 1, followed by Evil 62% for remedy preparation in Pakistan. The leaves and
eye (0.94), stomachache (0.93), wound (0.91), and diarrhea roots are covered equally (21.8%). Traditional medicine is
(0.90), respectively (Table 3). A high value of ICF prepared through crushing, pounding, grinding, powdering,
indicates there is a consistency between key informants to heating, and juice in the study area. Crushing is generally
treat jaundice by the same plant species, while a low value covered by 45.45%, which is an essential way to prepare
indicates there is a variation between key informants' herbal medicines, and the powdering preparation method
agreement between them on plant species usage in treating covers 27.27% for medicinal purposes. This study is
a given disease category. consistent with Kassa et al. (2020) in Minjar-Shenkora
District, North Shewa Zone, and Amsalu et al. (2018)
Proportion of medicinal plants used in the study area to Gozamin Wereda, East Gojjam Zone. Similarly, pounding
treat different human ailments and grinding (9.09%), heating (10.9%), and juice (10.9%).
Respondents say they used other herbs in combination All these are the preparation methods of the remedy used in
or individually to treat human ailments. For example, 6 the study area. But, these results disagree with other
(11.76%) of the 51 medicinal plants listed to treat human authors that preparation of medicinal plants was by
ailments used to treat stomachache were used to treat infusion covered 54% in Moroccan Rif (Chaachouay et al.
stomach ailments (Figure 5). 2019), while in the Ayta Communities in Dinalupihan,
Bataan, Philippines, the method of preparation was by
Discussion drinking, which covered 44% (Tantengco et al. 2018).
Of 56 medicinal plants, 92.85% were used to treat Most of the herbal remedies in the study area are made
human ailments, while 7.15% treated livestock. Key from fresh herbs. Similarly, according to most respondents,
informants are more experienced in treating human herbal remedies are prepared by drying parts of the plant
diseases, but they are less likely to treat their animals will be pounded and stored, then giving the patient the
because the disease is less common. These findings are in medication when they have a problem. Of the prepared
line with other findings in Ethiopia; these findings are traditional medicine, 53.58% was given to patients orally
agreed with other research areas in Minjar Shenkora district (Figure 3). This result is agreed with Osman et al. (2020)
in North Shewa zone, Amhara region from a total of 118 studied in the Raya Kobo District.
identified medicinal plant species, 63.55% were used to In the study area, T. abyssinia was the most preferred
treat humans. In contrast, the remaining 15.25% of species and important medicinal plant species by traditional healers
were used to treat livestock ailments (Kassa et al. 2020). In to treat stomachaches. A high ICF value indicates a
the neighboring country of Kenya, Mutwiwa et al. (2018) consistency between key informants to treat jaundice by the
also report that of the 51 plant species from their study, same plant species. In contrast, a low value indicates a
91.67% were used to treat human diseases, while only variation between key informants' agreement on plant
7.94% were used for the treatment of livestock diseases. species usage in treating a given disease category.
The Asteraceae families were the most common medicinal In conclusion, the results of this study show the
species in this study area. Similarly, a study in Menz Gera existence of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants
Midir district in North Shewa Zone, Amhara region used in Mojana Wadera woreda. A total of 56 medicinal
(Yohannis et al. 2018) showed that Asteraceae were ranked plants were identified in the study area. They belonged to
first, contributing 16 species, followed by Lamiaceae with 53 families; from these, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were
12 species. This result agrees with others finding that the most representative families. Most medicinal plants are
Asteraceae were the most dominant taxa (Uzun and Koca used to treat human ailments. The growth forms of
2020). medicinal plant species are mostly herbs. The major plant
Herbs were the most dominant plant growth forms, parts were the mixture of leaves and roots to prepare a
covering 29 (52.72%) species, followed by shrubs with 17 remedy. The route of administration of the prepared
(30.9%) species. This result is consistent with a study remedy is mainly orally. The key informants in the woreda
covering 29 (52.72%) species, followed by shrubs with 17 are trusted by the community and certified by its residents.
(30.9%) species. Furthermore, this result is consistent with These key informants secretly pass on their knowledge to
a study conducted by Amsalu et al. (2018) in Gozamen their children. This, in turn, contributes to the spread of
Woreda (East Gojjam Zone), in which herbs were the knowledge. Therefore, today's study is a late way to
dominant growth forms. Also, this result is consistent with discover new drugs in the future based on these collected
different parts of the world in which herbs were the documents of medicinal plants in Mojana Wadera Woreda.
dominant growth forms (Mahwasane et al. 2013; Hong et
al. 2015; Khan et al. 2015; Hu et al. 2020).
42 ASIAN JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY 5 (1): 35-43, May 2022

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10.1186/s13002-020-0358-4.
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I want to thank the key informants and the community in Ada’a District, East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State,
of Mojana Wedara woreda residents (Ethiopia) who shared Ethiopia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 11: 1. DOI: 10.1186/s13002-015-
their traditional knowledge of the use of medicinal plants. 0014-6.
Kelbesa E, Demissew S. 2014. Diversity of vascular plant taxa of the flora
of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiop J Biol Sci 13: 37-45.
Kenzemed K, Beza S, Lisanu G, Mersha A. 2020. Verification of the
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