An ethnomedicinal investigation of plants used by traditional healers of Gondar town, North- Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Cross-sectional survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire and filled observation to document the indigenous medicinal plant knowledge of traditional healers in Gondar town and nearby rural kebeles from January to July 2012. Based on the information gathered, a list of diseases along with medicinal plants used for the treatment of these diseases was compiled. During the interview, demographic characteristics of the participants, local names, used parts, preparation methods of each medicinal plant; medicinal value (ailments treated), route and frequency of administration were recorded. This ethnomedicinal survey has documented a total of 30 medicinal plant species distributed in to 29 families. Despite the availability of modern health care institutions and modern pharmaceuticals, the study has disclosed the vital role of medicinal plants in maintaining the primary healthcare of the people of Gondar town and districts around therein. Documentation of the indigenous knowledge through ethnobotanical studies and promoting in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal plants is of paramount importance for the conservation and utilization of biological resources to assure continual availability of these medicinal plant species in the study area. It is expected that the results of this study will lead to phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. In addition, it could also serve as a base to develop phytomedicine in combating emerging diseases.