2017, Vol. 5, Issue 6, Part B

author(s)
Ahmed Biya, Dasalegn Raga and Dereje Denu

abstract
The study was conducted to assess medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dedo District, Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Fifty informants (30 males and 20 females) were selected from six villages. Out of these, 10 key informants (nine males and one females were purposely selected based on the recommendations of elders and local authorities. Other 40 informants were selected randomly. Data were collected using semi-structured interview and field observation. Preference ranking, paired comparison and fidelity level were calculated. Sixty six plant species belonging to 33 families were collected, identified and recorded for the treatment of human and livestock ailments. Leaf was the most frequently used plant part for treatment of human and livestock ailments. Pounding/powdering was the most widely used method of preparation of remedies. The common route of administration was oral (63.01%) followed by dermal (26%). People of the study area have preference for Ruta chalepensis for treatment of general body illness. Nigella sativa was the most preferred species by traditional healers for the treatment of stomach ache. The study showed that people of Dedo District use medicinal plants to treat human and livestock ailments. Therefore, the documented plants should be further investigated for their efficacy and safety to be integrated into conventional medicine. Furthermore these plants need to be conserved for their sustainable utilization.