An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Asgede Tsimbila district, Northwestern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Investigation and documentation of the status of medicinal plants and associated knowledge was conducted in Asgede Tsimbila district, northwestern Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Data was collected and evaluated with a questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, field observations, direct matrix ranking, preference ranking, abundance scores, and vegetation surveys. Sixty-eight medicinal plant species used to treat 50 different ailments (in humans and livestock) were recorded. Leaves are the most commonly collected plant parts for medicinal purposes. Much of the ethno-medicinal knowledge is concentrated in elderly members of the community. The medicinal plants are facing threats from agricultural expansion, wood extraction and overgrazing. Consequently, abundance of medicinal plant resources is declining with time. Furthermore, effort to conserve and cultivate medicinal plants is virtually non-existent. Thus, participation of the local people and awareness creation on sustainable utilization and management of these resources is vital.