Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the local people of the Diga District, western Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the local people of the Diga District, western Ethiopia | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the local people of the Diga District, western Ethiopia Tariku Berihun, Zemde Asfaw, Ermias Lulekal, Tamrat Bekele This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4227856/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Plants serve as indispensable sources of traditional medicine for more than 80% of the world's population for the treatment and prevention of various human ailments. The current work was conducted to study the status of traditional medicinal plants and herbal medicine in the traditional healthcare practices of the local community of Diga District/Woreda. Methods The information and data provided by 399 informants were collected via semistructured interviews and six focus group discussions. Ethnobotanical analytical methods, including the use value (UV), cultural importance index (CI), fidelity level (FL), informant census factor (ICF), Smith’s salience index (SS) and relative frequency of citation (RFC), were used to analyze the data. Results During the investigation, 109 different medicinal plants from 98 genera and 48 families were reported to treat 54 different human ailments. Leaves were the most frequently (46.78%) selected parts for use in herbal formulations. In herbal preparation, crushing is the most commonly utilized method, whereas powdering is the least popular method. Skin diseases exhibited the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.97) and were treated with 14 different plant species. Cucumis ficifolius also had the highest relative citation frequency (RFC = 0.88). Agricultural expansion is recognized as the main cause contributing to the degradation of ethnomedicinal plants. Conclusion This study identified various medicinal plant species used to treat human ailments, particularly skin and gastrointestinal problems. Leaves and roots are the most commonly utilized plant parts, but there is a lack of conservation efforts in the study area. Therefore, the findings highlight the importance of conserving and screening key plant species through phytochemical and pharmacological analysis to authenticate indigenous ethnomedicinal practice Ethnobotany Diga District human ailments and medicinal plant Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 1. Introduction The ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous and local communities on categorizing, managing, and utilizing plants in their environments has been increasing over the years, as reported from various regions of the world [ 1 ]. This indigenous knowledge of traditional medicinal plants and herbal medicine, in particular deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of rural, non industrial people who have passed through generations, encompasses a holistic understanding of the use of plants for medicine [ 2 ]. Moreover, they have developed expertise in utilizing plants for cultural purposes, including musical instruments, as well as for spiritual and cosmetic purposes [ 3 ]. Furthermore, plants also possess valuable medicinal properties that are crucial for human health, particularly in developing countries [ 4 , 5 ]. Furthermore, they also have significant chemical constituents and biocompatibility that help to treat diseases [ 6 ]. As a result, people in rural areas heavily depend on herbal practices due to factors such as believing in its effectiveness, having seen that modern medicine is sometimes ineffective in regard to some health problems, limited access to modern healthcare facilities, low per capita income to afford modern healthcare costs, the remote nature of the region, and the easy availability of medicinal plants [ 7 – 9 ]. Therefore, traditional practices have demonstrated promising outcomes in the treatment of diverse human ailments worldwide [ 10 , 11 ]. Similarly, traditional medicinal plants have been used for generations in Ethiopia [ 12 ], and it is widely reported that more than 80% of the Ethiopian population relies on traditional medicine[ 13 , 14 ], and formulations using plants account for approximately 95%. This reliance is mainly driven by the high cost of modern drugs and cultural beliefs about their healing potential [ 15 , 16 ]. As a result, people frequently turn to traditional medicinal plants as remedies due to their affordability and accessibility, making them convenient alternatives. However, the knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants is at risk of extinction due to environmental degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable harvesting of rare plant species [ 14 , 17 – 19 ]. A threat to plants is a threat to the associated indigenous and local knowledge. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation regarding traditional medicinal plants and ethnomedicinal knowledge, and the existing documentation efforts are limited. This highlights the urgent need for more ethnobotanical studies to address this gap and contribute to the conservation and preservation of valuable traditional medicinal plants and the associated medical knowledge. Diga District is renowned for its extensive biodiversity, which is attributed to its diverse topography and landscape[ 20 ]. Consequently, the local community residing in the district possesses a wealth of indigenous knowledge regarding the use of plants for treating diverse human ailments. However, this traditional knowledge is currently under threat mainly due to anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, farmland expansion and grazing. Furthermore, only a limited number of ethnobotanical studies have been conducted in nearby districts in western Ethiopia, including Gidda Ayana [ 21 ], Wayu Tuka [ 22 ], and the Nekemte Town District. [ 23 ]. These studies documented a significant number of medicinal plants, with 49, 126 and 60 species recorded, respectively. However, a comparable ethnobotanical study has not yet been conducted, and ethnomedicinal information is lacking for the Diga District. Therefore, the aim of this study was to collect and document traditional medicinal plants used by the local community in the Diga District. 2. Materials and methods This study was conducted in Diga District, western Ethiopia, within the geographical coordinates of 09° 00′′ N to 09° 10′N and 36° 10′′ E to 36° 30′′ E (Fig. 1 ). The study area has an elevation range of 1200 to 2200 meters above sea level. Diga borders four other districts: Guto Gida to the east, Chewaka to the west, Sasiga to the north and Leka Dulecha to the south. The agroecology of Diga District is divided into a low mountain region zone, which accounts for 49% of the area, and a lowland zone, which covers the remaining 51% [ 24 ]. The population in the district mainly consists of the Oromo ethnic community, with the majority of residents speaking Afaan Oromo. The predominant religious affiliation among the population was Protestantism, which made up 50.28% of the population, followed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, Islam and Catholicism. According to the CSA data [ 25 ], the district has a population of 68,369 people, 33,620 of whom were females and 34,749 of whom were males. Among the population, only 8,371 individuals (12.24%) reside in urban areas. Figure 2 shows that the Diga District experienced a monthly maximum temperature of 25.7°C and a minimum temperature of 10.2°C. Moreover, the average annual rainfall during the rainy season (July to August) was recorded as 1997 [ 20 ]. The landscape comprises plains, slopes, gentle slopes, and steep hills, creating a diverse topographical composition [ 20 ]. There are three main soil forms in the study area: Dystric Nitrosols, Dystric Gleysols, and Orthic Acrisols[ 26 ]. In the study districts, rural communities rely on crop production, animal husbandry, and mixed farming. The main crops cultivated in the area include maize, sorghum, teff, wheat, barley, sesame, finger millet, haricot bean, faba bean, and field pea. The study Diga district district is situated within the moist Afromontane forest region and is represented by broadleaf evergreen species [ 27 ]. This vegetation is found at altitudes between 1400 and 2200 m above sea level with characteristic emergent species, including Pouteria adolf-friederici , Sapium ellipticum, Celtis africana, Euphorbia ampliphylla, Ficus sur, Schefflera abyssinica, Syzygium guineense ssp. afromontanum, Nuxia congesta, Galiniera saxifraga, Rytigynia neglecta, Vepris dainellii, Rothmannia urcelliformi and several Albizia species. The western part of the study area borders the Didessa valley, which forms the Combretum-Terminalia vegetation. The study area has four health centers, 24 functional health units, 17 private primary clinics and 4 private drug stores [ 28 ]. The 13 major human health diseases in the district are hepatitis, diarrhea, ear disease, skin lesions, herpes zoster, cutaneous leishmaniasis, measles, gastritis, abdominal pain, rabies, ringworm, rheumatism and malaria. 2.2. Site selection The reconnaissance was conducted between June 17, 2027, and July 12, 2018, in the Diga district. The aim was to develop an initial understanding of the agroecological characteristics of the study area and the indigenous knowledge of the local population about the use of plants for various purposes. The purposive sampling method was used to select the kebeles to be studied, with emphasis on identifying the kebeles around the Arjo Diga forest. Furthermore, the selection of study sites was based on information provided by community leaders, traditional healers and local health workers. Based on these considerations, six local administrative units, called kebeles (subdistricts), were selected (Fig. 1 ). Consequently, Kebeles, namely, Bikila, Gudissa, Furdissa, Adugna, Jirata and Firomssa, were selected as the data collection sites due to their close proximity to the Arjo-Diga forest. 2.3 Sample size determination and informant selection A total of 399 informants were chosen using the Cochran [ 29 ] formula. where n is the researcher sample size used, N is the total number of households (HH) in each sampled kebele, e is the maximum variability or margin of error 5% (0.05) and 1 is the probability of the event occurring. Based on [ 30 ], a combination of systematic and purposive sampling techniques was utilized to select general informants and key informants, respectively. The age range of the informants in the study was between 20 and 60 years, and they were categorized into three groups: younger (20–31 years), middle-aged (31–45 years), and older (above 46 years). Out of the total informants, a total of 30 individuals (12 females and 18 males) were selected as key informants from all kebeles based on suggestions provided by traditional healers and observations made by the researcher(Table 1 ). To determine the number of households to be interviewed within each kebele, the following formula was utilized: Q = (A * n)/N. where Q represents the sample size used in a given kebele, A represents the total number of households found in a given kebele, n represents the total sample size used for this research, and N represents the total number of households in all subdistricts. Table 1. Data collection study site, number of informants and socio-demographic profiles Name of kebles No.of household Key informants General informants Total informant M F M F M F Total Furdissa 1364 3 2 53 9 56 11 67 Firomisa 1638 4 1 66 9 70 10 80 Gudissa 1695 3 2 72 5 75 7 82 Adugna 935 3 2 41 3 44 5 49 Bikila 1448 2 3 58 8 60 11 71 Jirata 980 3 2 39 6 42 8 50 Total 8060 18 12 658 40 347 52 399 Note: M= male, F=Female, 2.4 Data collection In this study, we adhered to the methodologies outlined in the ethnobotanical literature [ 1 , 2 ] to collect data during a series of field visits between December 1, 2017, and September 27, 2019, taking into account various flowering seasons. To collect the necessary data, we used various methods, such as focus groups, semistructured interviews, field observations and guided field walks. These techniques allowed us to compile extensive ethnobotanical data for our study. Semistructured interviews were administered in oromigna (i.e., the local language of oromo) to collect information on the conditions of the plant parts used, illnesses treated, sources of medicinal plants, parts used, preparation methods and administration routes, indigenous knowledge and conservation practices following the methodology of [ 2 , 31 ]. Furthermore, six focus group discussions (FGDs), one per kebel with 6–12 participants, were conducted primarily with heads of household. Participants in FGDs were selected from knowledgeable members of both sexes over the age of 18 years. During the FGDs, the discussions paused for minutes, and the researchers informed them that their knowledge of medicinal plant usage would only be used for academic purposes and that the discussants were confident in their ability to tell what they knew. A set of relevant questions was prepared in advance for FGDs, presented to each discussion session and answered by the participants of the focus group discussion. The voucher medicinal plant specimens utilized by the local communities were collected with the assistance of the knowledgeable informants, who were then pressed and given individual codes and scientific and family names when possible by the researchers for further confirmation of the identification. The specific botanical name of each species was subsequently determined using the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea [ 32 – 35 ] and further confirmed by a taxonomic expert. The identified specimens and their labels were then kept at the Ethiopian National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, for further reference. 2.5 Data Analysis The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, number of plant species collected, genera, families, growth forms, parts used, preparation methods, route of administration and habitat were identified and described using descriptive statistics. The data were calculated and entered into an Excel spreadsheet (2016) and then exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Prance, Baleé [ 36 ],Reyes-García, Vadez [ 37 ] and Trotter and Logan [ 38 ] five quantitative ethnobotany indices, relative citation frequency (RCF), informant consensus factor (ICF), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and cultural significance (CI), were used to analyze the data. The effectiveness of nine medicinal plant remedies for treating rabies was evaluated [ 31 ] using a preference or priority ranking exercise. Ten key informants who identified these plants as potential treatments for rabies were randomly selected for the ranking process. Each of the nine plants was assigned to individual respondents, who then ranked them based on their perceived potency. The most potent plant received the highest score (10), while the least potent plant received the lowest score (1). The remaining plants were assigned values between 10 and 1, reflecting their perceived healing potential. The scores for each plant species were totaled and used to determine their ranking. The informant consensus factor (ICF) serves as a metric to assess the consensus among individuals regarding the medicinal attributes of plants for particular illnesses. For this study, the reported ailments were classified into 17 groups, as outlined in Fig. 7 . The calculation of the ICF value followed the formula developed by[ 38 ]. where nur represents the number of use citations for a specific ailment category and nt represents the number of species used for that ailment category. The fidelity level (FL) represents the percentage of participants who reported using a specific plant species for a specific disease [ 39 ]. In this study, the fidelity of 13 frequently used medicinal plant species for treating various ailments was determined. FLs (%) = (Ip/Iu)*100, where Ip is the number of informants who cited the particular plant species for a specific ailment and Iu is the total number of informants who cited the species for the treatment of any illness. The relative frequency of citations (RFC) index was utilized to assess the local significance of each species. It is calculated by dividing the frequency of citations by the number of key informants (N) who participated in the survey [ 40 ]. RFC is calculated using the formula RFC = FC/N, where FC represents the frequency of citations and N represents the total number of key informants who participated in the survey. The use value (UV) is the relative importance of each species determined using the formula UVs = Σui/Ni formulated by [ 41 ] “UVi” stands for the use value for a specific species among the informants involved, and “Ni” stands for the total number of informants. The cultural importance (CI) index has been utilized to evaluate the significance of plants within a specific culture. In accordance with the methodology proposed by [ 42 ], the cultural value of medicinal plants mentioned by informants was computed in this study. where NC represents the number of use categories, denoted as (u1, u2..., uNC); N represents the number of informants, represented as i1, i2..., iN; and URui represents the use report of informant i, specifying each use category u for the species. Salience analysis of illnesses For Smith's salience(SS) analysis, both the frequency of illness and rank were taken into account following methods of [ 43 ]. Items listed at the beginning are generally more salient than those listed later. However, the rank is influenced by the length of the list. Therefore, the saliency of illness was determined using the following formula: Sj= (Σ((L-Rj + 1)/L))/N, where “L” is the length of a list, Rj is the rank of item j in the list and N is the number of lists in the sample. Saliency scores range from 1 to 0, with 1 representing high saliency and 0 representing low saliency. 3. Results 3.1 Salience of disease The results of this study showed that abdominal pain had the highest frequency of mentions (12.8%) and the highest salience index (0.96). In contrast, dandruff, vomiting, ear disease, febrile illness, stomachache, and bloat had the lowest frequency of mentions (0.9%) and the lowest salience index (0.01) (Table 2 ). Table 2 Salience of human disease in the Diga district Illness Frequency (%) Smith Salience index Abdominal pain 12.8 0.96 Diarrhea 5.2 0.38 Rabies 6.2 0.44 Evil spirit 11.8 0.92 Snake venom/spider poison 10.9 0.85 Tonsillitis 7.6 0.56 Headache 6.2 0.44 Hemorrhoids 1.9 0.10 Eye disease 8.1 0.62 Asthma, influenza, common cold, cough 2.8 0.16 Dandruff 0.9 0.01 Vomiting 1.4 0.03 Toothache 6.2 0.44 Ear disease 0.9 0.01 Febrile illness 0.9 0.01 Stomachache 0.9 0.01 Bloat 0.9 0.01 Skin disease 7.6 0.56 Heart, kidney, and liver disease 2.4 0.13 STDs 4.3 0.28 3.2 Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in different social groups The findings presented in Table 3 indicate that there were correlations between demographic characteristics and reported knowledge about medicinal plants. Specifically, male respondents mentioned significantly more herbal plants than female respondents did. Additionally, respondents aged more than 46 years listed a great number of medicinal plants relative to those aged less than 51 years. Moreover, illiterate individuals cited a greater number of medicinal plants (5.12 ± 0.1) than individuals in grades 1–8 and 9–12. Furthermore, respondents from the highland area reported a significantly greater number of medicinal plants (5.47 ± 0.7) than did those from the midland and lowland areas. Table 3 Patient demographics and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal medicine Demographic characteristics Categories No of respondents Mean ± SE reported medicinal plants P value Gender Male 304 6.31 ± 0.4 p < 0.05 Female 80 5.30 ± 2.1 p 51 100 4.2 ± 2.7 Education Illiterate 151 5.12 ± 0.11 p 12 grade 54 2.27 ± 0.6 Agroclimatic zone Midland 151 2.97 ± 0.8 p < 0.05 Lowland 163 3.67 ± 0.33 High land 70 5.47 ± 0.7 3.2. Diversity of ethnomedicinal plants We recorded and documented 109 species of medicinal plants in the study area, which corresponded to 48 families and 98 genera (Additional Table 1 ). The plant species with the highest representation belonged to the family Asteraceae (12), followed by Fabaceae (11), Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae (08 each) and Ranunculaceae (05). Several families, including Amarhantaceae, Apiaceae, Boraginaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Sapindaceae, and Malvaceae, were represented by two species each, while the remaining 35 families each comprised a single species. The life form analysis results indicated that herbs and shrubs comprised the majority of the identified species, with herbs accounting for 35.7% and shrubs accounting for 33.94%. Trees constituted 21.1% of the species, while climbers comprised 9.4% of the total (Fig. 3 ). 3.3. Habitat of the medicinal plants The findings revealed that the largest proportion of medicinal plant species, comprising 38 species (34.86%), were found in forests. In contrast, the smallest proportion was obtained from roadsides, contributing only 8 species (7.3%), as shown in Fig. 4 . 3.4. Plant parts utilized and their method of preparation The analysis of plant parts revealed that leaves (46.78%) were the most frequently utilized herbal plant parts for preparing remedies, followed by roots (21.1%), bark (8.25%), and a combination of leaves and roots, fruits and latex (4.58%). In addition, flowers, stems, and whole plants were used (2.75%) as remedies, while seeds and rhizomes were rarely used (0.9%) (Fig. 5 ). The findings revealed that the majority of the remedies were prepared using fresh parts of medicinal plants, constituting 87.1% of all the plant parts used. In contrast, the use of dry and fleshy parts was less common, accounting for 8.2% of the remedies. The remaining 4.5% of the remedies were derived from dry parts (Fig. 6 ). 3.5. Mode of preparation, route of administration, dosage and application Traditional healers employ various techniques for preparing medicinal remedies, selecting them based on the specific illness being treated. The most frequently used preparation method was crushing, which accounted for 46.76% of the remedies. This was followed by chopping at 13.76% and chewing at 10.1%. In contrast, smoking and powdering were less commonly employed methods (Fig. 7 ). Additionally, herbalists often incorporate ingredients (some plant products), such as honey, butter, water, salt, areque (local alcohol), tella (local beer), coffee, cooking oil, milk, and ash, into their medicinal remedy preparations. Furthermore, traditional healers rely on household items such as cups of coffee, tea cups, and graduated flasks to estimate the amount administered. Additionally, some healers use a handful of raw plant parts to treat various illnesses. These practices indicate that the traditional healers in the study area did not mention any standardized dosages for the herbal remedies used in human treatments except personal judgment based on the status of the patient. In the present study, oral administration was the most frequently reported method of administration, accounting for 55.9% of the total cases. Topical administration was the second most commonly documented route (27.5%), followed by inhalation (6.4%) (Table 4 ). The auricular route was the least utilized route (1.8%). Table 4 Route of administering traditional medicine Administration route Total plant parts % Nasal 4 3.67 Topical 30 27.52 Oral 61 55.96 Auricular 2 1.83 Ocular 5 4.59 Inhalation 7 6.42 Total 109 100 3.6 Preference ranking The preference ranking method was based on the total scores given by the key informants (KI–K10) for each medicinal plant (Table 5 ). The ratings provided by the key informants are based on the effectiveness of the medicinal plant in treating rabies. A score of 10 indicates the highest efficacy/treatability, while a score of 1 reflects the lowest efficacy/treatability. The rankings are determined based on the success rate of the treatment. Accordingly, Phytolacca dodecandra received the highest overall score of 84, making it the most preferred medicinal plant among the key informants. Lepisanthes senegalensis ranked second, with a score of 70, followed by Ricinus communis , with a score of 63. The scores for Justicia schimperiana , Clerodendrum myricoides , Solanecio gigas , Euphorbia omariana , Solanum anguivi , and Euphorbia ampliphylla placed them in their respective ranks. Table 5 Ranking of regularly utilized plant species for the treatment of rabies disease by ten key informants (KIs) Medicinal plant used Respondents (KI-K10) KI K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 Total Rank Clerdendrum myricoides 5 6 8 7 5 5 3 4 7 8 58 5th Solanum anguivi 5 4 8 5 5 3 1 4 7 8 50 8th Justicia schimperiana 8 7 5 4 6 8 4 6 7 6 61 4th Euphorbia omariana 5 4 8 7 5 3 4 4 7 8 55 7 Phytolacca dodecandera 10 9 9 8 8 7 9 8 7 9 84 1st Solanecio gigas 5 4 8 7 5 3 1 4 7 8 52 6th Euphorbia ampliphylla 5 4 4 5 5 3 1 4 7 8 46 9th Lepisanthes senegalensis 6 8 10 10 8 6 5 4 6 7 70 2nd Ricinus communis 8 7 5 4 6 8 6 6 7 6 63 3rd 3.7. Informant consensus factor (ICF) In this study, a total of 54 human ailments mentioned by traditional healers were classified into 17 distinct disease categories (Fig. 8 ). Among these categories, skin diseases had the highest ICF (informant consensus factor) score of 0.97 and were treated by 14 different plant species, with 399 reported use citations. Gastrointestinal diseases were the second most common category, with an ICF value of 0.9, involving 17 plant species and 378 reported use cases. However, the categories of ear, kidney, heart, and liver diseases received the lowest ICF score of 0.4, indicating a lower level of consensus among traditional healers in terms of using plant species to treat these specific ailments. 3.8. Fidelity index and Smith salience index In this study, Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich and Clematis longicauda Steud. ex A. Rich have high fidelity (100%) and are used to treat jaundice and stomach ache, respectively (Table 6 ). Similarly, Acmella caulirhiza Del. and Datura stramonium L. have fidelity greater than 90% and are used to treat tonsillitis and dandruff. Other medicinal plant species, such as Hymenodictyon floribundum (Hochst. & Steud. ), B.L. Rob, L. senegalensis (Juss. ex Poir.) Leenh, Pouteria adolfi-friederici (Engl.), Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen, and Streospermum kunthianum Cham had fidelity values between 80% and 87.5% (Table 4 ). In addition, Clerdendrum myricoides (Hochst) R. Br. ex Vatke, Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Dilland A. Rich, Glinus lotoides L., and Combretum paniculatum Vent are used to treat diarrhea, spider poison, tapeworm, and eye disease, respectively (Table 6 ). On the other hand, 42.1% of the Euphorbia ampliphylla Pax species used for the treatment of amoebae had low fidelity, indicating that this species is not widely used for this purpose in traditional medical systems in the study area. Similarly, Table 6 shows that Cucumis ficifolius, Stereospermum kunthianum and Combretum paniculatum have relatively higher salience values (0.76, 0.63 and 0.53, respectively) for the treatment of stomach ache, evil spirits and eye diseases. Table 6 Plants most frequently used for disease according to the FL index Medicinal plant species illness Citation Fedility level (%) Smith salience Acmella caulirhiza Del Tonsillitis 18 94.7 0.49 Clematis longicauda Steud. ex A.Rich Jaundice 15 100 0.07 Combretum paniculatum Vent Eye disease 10 58.8 0.53 Cucumis ficifolius A.Rich stomach ache 20 100.0 0.76 Datura stramonium L. Dandruff 10 90.9 0.03 Glinus lotoides L. Tapeworm 5 50.0 0.023 Hymenodictyon floribundum (Hochst. & Steud.) B.L.Rob. Gonorrhea 16 81.8 0.032 Lepisanthes senegalensis (Juss. ex Poir.) Leenh. Rabies 8 80.0 0.04 Pouteria adolfi-friederici (Engl.) Baehni Snake bite 12 85.7 0.37 Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen Hemorrhoid 14 87.5 0.01 Stereospermum kunthianum Cham Evil spirit 11 84.6 0.63 Warburgia ugandensis Sprague Toothache 11 100 0.03 Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Dilland A.Rich Spider poison 10 66.7 0.03 Clerodendrum mmyricoides (Hochst) R. Br. ex Vatke Diarrhea 9 75.0 0.04 Euphorbia ampliphylla Pax Amoeba 8 42.1 0.04 3.9. Relative frequency of citations (RFC) The significance of medicinal plants, as indicated by the RFC metric, was highlighted in this study. Table 7 shows the 19 most important species based on RFC, along with the number of informants and citations. The RFC values ranged from 0.1 to 0.8, indicating notable variation in the utilization of traditional herbal medicines within the community being studied. Cucumis ficifolius was the top-ranked species, with an RFC value of 0.88. It was not only the most frequently cited species (mentioned in 75 cases) but also mentioned by the highest number of informants (85 individuals). Clematis longicauda secured to the second position with 84 informants and an RFC of 0.7, followed by Warburgia ugandensis , which was mentioned by 79 informants and had an RFC of 0.6. In contrast, Canarina eminii exhibited the lowest RFC value of 0.1 and was mentioned by only nine informants. Table 7 Most cited 19 herbal plants by the local traditional parctionaries in the Diga District Medicinal plant species Number of respondents who took part in the exercise Number of respondents who cited the species RFC Canarina eminii 49 9 0.1 Carissa spinarum 30 20 0.6 Clematis longicauda 77 67 0.7 Clerodendrum myricoides 80 52 0.6 Croton macrostachyus 45 21 0.4 Cucumis ficifolius 85 75 0.8 Datura stramonium 63 46 0.7 Erythrina brucei 41 15 0.3 Gossypium hirsutum 25 12 0.4 Gouania longispicata 31 10 0.3 Hymenodictyon floribundum 50 8 0.3 Ocimum lamiifolium 46 20 0.4 Pycnostachys abyssinica 33 9 0.2 Securidaca longepedunculata 48 29 0.6) Solanum anguivi 40 9 0.2 Stephania abyssinica 23 7 0.3 Stereospermum kunthianum 79 41 0.5 Thalictrum rhynchocarpum 33 7 0.2 Warburgia ugandensis 79 55 0.6 3.10. Use value (UV) and cultural importance (CI) of medicinal plants This study determined the use value and cultural importance of 14 key medicinal plant species that have more than seven use categories using the use value metric (Table 8 ). The use values of these medicinal plants ranged from 0.4 to 1.7, while their cultural importance scores ranged from 0.2 to 1.6. Pouteria adolfi-friederici achieved the highest use value of 0.8 in the construction tools category (Table 6 ). Conversely, Cordia africana had the highest use value (0.3) in the bee forage use category. Overall, Croton macrostachyus (UV = 1.7, CI = 1.6) had the greatest use value and greatest cultural importance, followed by P. adolfi-friederici (UV = 1.4, CI = 1.4) and Ehretia cymosa (UV = 1.2, CI = 1.2). These results indicate that these species may play vital roles in the local community, whether through their practical application or cultural and traditional significance. Table 8 Use value and cultural importance indices for the 14 highly cited important herbal plants Species Use category UV CI MED CT SD CL FW AF BF OTH Clerodendrum myricoides 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.6 0.4 Justica scimperiana 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.4 0.2 Hymenodictyon floribundum 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.9 0.7 Croton macrostachyus 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.0 1.7 1.6 Stereospermum kunthianum 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 1.0 1.0 Securidaca longepedunculata 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.8 0.7 Ximina americana 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.9 Cordia africana 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.0 1.1 1.1 Warburgia ugandensis 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 0.7 Carissa spinarum 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.1 1.0 Entada abyssinica 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.9 0.7 Pouteria adolfi-friederici 0.3 0.8 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 1.4 1.4 Ehretia cymosa Thonn 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.2 1.2 Buddleja polystachya 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.6 0.5 Keywords: MED = medicine, CT = construction tools, SD = shade, AF = animal food, CL = charcoal, FW = firewood, BF = bee forage, OTH = other uses, UV = use value and CI = cultural importance 3.11 Threats to ethnomedicnal plants and conservation efforts The participants in the study area identified and prioritized five anthropogenic factors that were considered major contributors to the accessibility of traditional medicinal plants in their environment (Table 9 ). The ratings (R1–R10) provided by the informants are based on their perception of the levels of threat posed by various factors affecting medicinal plants. A rating of 10 indicates the highest level of threat, while 1 represents the lowest. The remaining factors are ranked based on their relative importance. The findings revealed that agricultural expansion was the primary cause of the degradation of medicinal plant species, followed by overgrazing, charcoal production, firewood collection, fires, human settlements, and over-harvesting in the study area. Table 9 Threats to medicinal plants in the Diga District SN Threatening factors Respondent score Total Rank R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 1 Agricultural expansion 8 8 5 8 9 6 9 8 8 7 76 1 2 Wild fire 2 3 4 7 3 1 5 5 2 1 33 5 3 Fire wood collection 4 5 4 5 4 3 3 3 5 3 39 4 4 Charcoal production 3 5 3 5 6 4 6 3 5 8 48 3 5 Human settlement 1 2 3 6 2 3 6 1 1 3 28 6 6 Overgrazing 8 5 3 3 6 4 6 9 5 8 57 2 7 Over-harvesting 2 5 2 2 3 1 3 1 3 1 23 7 4. Discussion 4.1 Knowledge of indigenous medicinal plants across different social classes of the community In the study district, residents possess valuable knowledge about medicinal plants, which are utilized by local community members and traditional herbalists to safeguard human health from various ailments/health problems. The acquisition of this knowledge is influenced by several demographic characteristics, including age, sex, and education, which play significant roles in shaping individuals' understanding of herbal plants and their uses [ 44 ]. Men exhibit a greater level of expertise in medicinal plants than women. This disparity can be attributed to a cultural tradition wherein men selectively pass down their knowledge to their eldest or chosen sons while withholding it from their daughters. These findings align with earlier research findings [ 19 , 45 – 47 ]. The study findings also indicated a significant difference between older and younger age groups in terms of their reported knowledge of medicinal plants (p < 0.05). The older group reported a significantly greater average number of medicinal plants than did the youngest group. This difference can be attributed to the negative attitudes of younger generations toward the use of traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Similar findings have been reported in different parts of the country, where older individuals demonstrated better knowledge of medicinal plants than younger individuals [ 48 ]. Furthermore, the study revealed that illiterate individuals reported a significantly greater number of medicinal plants than educated individuals (p < 0.05). This disparity can be explained by the fact that educated individuals tend to overlook traditional medicine and instead prefer modern medicine for all ailments. This has led to a decline in the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants. Similar results have been reported globally [ 49 , 50 ]. In contrast, Lulekal, Asfaw [ 48 ] reported that there was a significant difference in the understanding of medicinal plants between individuals with different levels of education, whether they were literate or illiterate. Additionally, a study demonstrated that respondents in lowland agroecology reported a significantly greater average number of medicinal plants than did those in the midlands and highlands (p < 0.05). The favorable environmental conditions in lowland agroecological areas promote the growth and abundance of medicinal plants, leading to greater availability of such plants in these regions [ 51 ]. 4.2 Medicinal plant diversity A comprehensive survey of the study area revealed 109 plants used to treat 54 human ailments. The possible reason is that the population of the Diga District relies heavily on traditional herbal medicine to combat a variety of health problems. These results are consistent with previous studies conducted in various regions of Ethiopia, including [ 18 , 52 – 55 ]. The shared preferences of Ethiopian communities for certain medicinal plants indicate their recognized therapeutic value. Its consistent use in different regions enhances its effectiveness in treating diseases and underlines its importance in traditional medicine. With respect to medicinal plant species diversity, Asteraceae was the dominant family, followed by Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. This dominance is likely due to the diverse growth forms of these families, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, which allow them to thrive in diverse ecological conditions [ 56 ]. These results are consistent with studies conducted in other regions of Ethiopia[ 18 , 57 ], which also highlighted the significant contribution of these families in terms of important medicinal plant species compared to other plant families. 4.3 Habit, Habitat, and utilized parts of medicinal plants The people in Diga District predominantly use herbal remedies, which are obtained from a variety of herbs and account for approximately 35.7% of the total species. This may be because herbs are plentiful, and they are easy for local communities to collect and use. Previous studies conducted in Ethiopia reported similar results and showed that herbs account for the largest share of the preparation of medicinal plants [ 58 – 60 ]. However, ethnobotanical studies conducted in the Mana Angetu, Wango and Minjar-Shonkora districts have shown that shrubs are more commonly used in the preparation of traditional medicine [ 61 – 63 ]. The observed differences in growth forms in the use of medicinal plants can be attributed to several factors, including differences in seasonality as well as sociocultural beliefs and practices among healers in different regions of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the majority of medicinal plants were collected from forests, while a smaller portion was collected from roadside areas. Our results are in agreement with other similar works in Ethiopia [ 64 , 65 ], which reported that forests serve as natural habitats for a variety of medicinal plants and are a large source of biodiversity. The use of different parts of medicinal plants for treating specific human ailments was observed within the study area. Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, representing approximately 46.78% of the total usage, followed by roots at 21.1% and bark at 8.25%. These findings are consistent with the findings of previous studies [ 47 , 60 , 66 ] in different regions of Ethiopia. Leaves are recognized as significant reservoirs of numerous bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids[ 67 ], which are secondary metabolites frequently shown to have medicinal effects. In addition, the use of leaves reduces the risk of loss of medicinal plants compared to other plant parts [ 68 ]. In line with previous research findings [ 46 , 47 ], a study conducted in the Diga district revealed that the majority of traditional healers (87.17%) preferred fresh leaves. This could be because fresh plant parts often have distinctive aromas and sensory properties that are very effective in traditional healing practices. In addition, fresh plant parts often contain high levels of active ingredients, such as alkaloids, flavonoids and essential oils, which are responsible for their therapeutic effects. These compounds are transformed to their inactive forms upon drying and in older leaves as well. These findings concur with other results [ 18 , 22 , 52 ]. 4.4 Remedy preparation and administration route In the study area, traditional healers used various methods to prepare remedies for the treatment of human diseases. These methods included pounding, chewing, crushing, powdering, squeezing, and chopping. Among these methods, crushing was the most frequently reported method, accounting for approximately 46.7% of the preparations. Traditional healers believe that crushing increases the extraction of bioactive components, thereby increasing the effectiveness of drugs against a variety of human diseases, as also reported in other studies [ 14 , 47 , 69 ]. Oral administration is the most commonly reported method, followed by topical administration. This finding is consistent with some studies [ 60 , 70 – 72 ], which also reported the predominance of oral administration of remedies. Oral administration is preferred due to its simplicity, convenience, and painlessness, allowing easy self-administration of medications in user-friendly forms [ 73 ]. According to reliable sources, key informants reported that water is often used as a solvent in the preparation of these remedies, occasionally milk and honey. In certain cases, salt is also added as an ingredient to enhance the effectiveness of the remedy. 4.5 Comparison of the healing potential and efficiency of medicinal plants The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) of 0.9 for gastrointestinal disorders and skin diseases indicates a strong consensus among respondents regarding the use of herbal plants to treat these conditions. The high agreement among respondents and frequent mentions of plant use for these specific disease categories could indicate the prevalence of gastrointestinal and skin diseases in Diga District. This observation is consistent with other findings [ 74 , 75 ] that highlighted that high ICF values are important for the identification of plants containing potentially bioactive compounds. The highest fidelity values observed for Clematis longicauda and Cucumis ficifolius against jaundice and stomach ache, respectively, indicate a fidelity level of 100% and underscore the potential effectiveness of these plants in the treatment of these specific diseases. High fidelity values indicate the exclusivity and significant benefit of a plant species for a particular disease [ 76 ]. Consequently, conducting further phytochemical studies on these plants that exhibit high fidelity may provide valuable insights into their chemical composition and help identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for their healing potential [ 14 ]. 4.6 Relative citation frequency, use value and cultural significance of medicinal plants The relative frequency of citations (RFC) has been used to evaluate the importance of plants used by local healers for the treatment of various diseases [ 77 , 78 ]. In the present study, the RFC values ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 (Table 5 ). Higher RFC values indicate that certain plants are commonly used and widely known among traditional healers. The reasons for the high RFC values may include the widespread distribution, ready availability, and accessibility of these plants to traditional healers. The identification of medicinal plants with high RFC values can be a promising strategy for drug development because they are likely to contain interesting bioactive compounds. Joint efforts between industry and academia can explore the potential of these plants and contribute to the development of effective lead drugs and therapeutics for various diseases [ 79 ]. Phytochemical and bioactivity studies should be performed on medicinal plant species with high RFC [ 47 , 80 ]. On the other hand, plant species with lower RFC values are considered less important by traditional healers [ 81 ]. The lower RFC values may be due to a lack of awareness or limited use of these plant species, especially among people, who are less familiar with their medicinal properties. The excessive use of certain medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes may occur in the study area. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the conservation and preservation of medicinal plants with high RFC values and prevent their overutilization. Use value (UV) and cultural significance (CI) are important indicators for identifying plant species commonly used by local communities [ 82 , 83 ]. In the present study, the use value and cultural significance of medicinal plants were between 0.43 and 1.7 and between 0.49 and 1.63, respectively. The results showed that Croton macrostachyus (UV = 1.70, CI = 1.63) had the highest utility value and cultural importance index, followed by P. adolfi-friederici (UV = 1.44, CI = 1.38) and E. cymosa (UV = 1.17, CI = 1.21) (Table 6 ). These high UV and CI values indicate that these plants are extensively used and deeply embedded in the culture, customs, traditions, and knowledge systems of the communities studied. Medicinal plants with more Usage Reports (URs) are more likely to have high use value and cultural significance [ 84 ]. Conversely, plants with fewer URs are more likely to have low use values and low cultural importance indices. Therefore, plants with high utility value and cultural significance, such as Croton macrostachyus , Pouteria adolfi-friederici , and Ehretia cymosa , have great importance in the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of local communities. Preserving the cultural significance of these plants is crucial because they play an important role in the cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems of the communities studied. 4.7 Preference ranking The preference rankings determined for nine commonly reported medicinal plant species used to treat rabies, a common human health problem in the study area, revealed several widely used species. Phytolacca dodecandra was the most popular medicinal plant for treating rabies, followed by Lepisanthes senegalensis and Ricinus communis (Table 7 ). This preference is likely due to the perceived effectiveness of these plants in controlling the reported disease. Further research is needed to study the chemical composition of these plants and conduct biological tests. Similar results were observed in Hulet Eju Enese Woreda, East Gojjam, where Phytolacca dodecandra was also ranked highest in rabies treatment [ 85 ]. 4.8 Threats to ethnomedicnal plants and conservation efforts The availability of medicinal plant resources and indigenous knowledge about them in the study area is at varying levels of risk. The majority of the key informants agreed that anthropogenic activities were responsible for deteriorating medicinal plants in Diga District. The most commonly reported threats included agricultural expansion, overgrazing, charcoal production, firewood collection, forest fires, human settlements, and overharvesting. These factors, particularly agricultural expansion, have led to a decline in the availability of medicinal plant species. All the traditional healers, local community leaders and agricultural developers agreed that the availability of medicinal plants had declined in the study area. Therefore, traditional healers often travel long distances, sometimes across districts, in search of the plants they use. Previous studies have reported similar findings [ 22 , 47 , 60 , 86 ]. Despite anthropogenic threats, our field observations revealed some encouraging efforts to protect certain medicinal plants through cultivation in home gardens. For example, Allium sativum, Cucumis ficifolius, Dioscorea abyssinica, Glinus lotoides, Gossypium hirsutum, Justicia schimperiana, Ocimum lamiifolium, Phytolacca dodecandera, Rhamnus prinodes, Ricinus communis , and Zingiber officinale were cultivated by local people in home gardens within the study district. Some of these species are also cultivated for nonmedicinal purposes (e.g., Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale). This cultivation likely reflects the recognition of the medicinal value of these plants by the community. However, most of the reported medicinal plants are found in forests and have not received sufficient attention. Therefore, urgent conservation efforts are needed to sustain these plants in their natural habitats before they are lost. 5. Conclusion A recent study conducted in the area highlighted the heavy reliance of the local population on medicinal plants for treating various human ailments, particularly skin problems. This study identified a diverse range of plant species, with herbs being the most commonly reported category, indicating their abundance in the region. Leaves are the preferred plant part for preparing remedies due to their sustainable availability, and the common practice involves crushing leaves to extract bioactive components, increasing the efficacy of the medicines. This study also revealed a consensus among community members regarding the use of medicinal plants for gastrointestinal ailments, suggesting a potential focus for further research. However, documented medicinal plants face significant threats due to human activities, with deforestation and habitat destruction being major concerns. Conservation efforts in the area are currently inadequate. To address these challenges, it is imperative to implement robust conservation measures. This includes promoting sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the survival of medicinal plant species, encouraging the cultivation of these plants to reduce pressure on wild populations, and establishing protected areas or conservation programs to safeguard their natural habitats. Preserving these plant species is crucial not only for their own survival but also for the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with their use. List Of Abbreviations % # percentage UV # Use value Ui # number of use reports by each informer. Ni = the total number of informer interviewed. ICF # Informant consensus factor Nur # is number of used citations nt # is the total number of plant species. FL # Fidelity level Np # is the number of participants. N # is the total number of contributors in the study area. Declarations Ethical statement The study was conducted with formal permission from the Department of Agriculture in Diga District/Woreda. The interviews were conducted with informants in selected areas, emphasizing the value of their collaboration. Data confidentiality was maintained, and no information was shared with external parties. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, ensuring their voluntary participation and declaring that the data would only be used for academic purposes. Focus group discussions adhered to group consensus and informed consent procedures. The study demonstrated a commitment to ethical practices and respectful engagement with the local community Data availability statement The data supporting the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the local community, particularly the traditional healers and general informants, for their genuine response and cooperation during the ethnobotanical data collection process. Their valuable contributions were instrumental to the success of this study. Additionally, the authors appreciate the staff of the National Herbarium at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Author contributions Tariku Berihun, the first author, conducted the data collection and analysis and wrote the manuscript. The other authors, Tamrat Bekele, Ermias Lulekal, and Zemede Asfaw, participated in the research design, data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript editing. The final version of the manuscript was reviewed and approved by all the authors. Funding The author did not receive any funding for this research. Competing interests The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests. References Cotton, C.M., Ethnobotany: principles and applications . 1996: John Wiley & Sons. Balick, M.J. and P.A. Cox, Plants, people, and culture: the science of ethnobotany . 2020: Garland Science. Marques, B., C. Freeman, and L. Carter, Adapting traditional healing values and beliefs into therapeutic cultural environments for health and well-being. International journal of environmental research and public health, 2021. 19 (1): p. 426. Petrovska, B.B., Historical review of medicinal plants’ usage. Pharmacognosy reviews, 2012. 6 (11): p. 1. Van Wyk, B.-E. and M. Wink, Medicinal plants of the world . 2018: Cabi. Pandey, A. and S.K. Shashank Kumar, Perspective on plant products as antimicrobials agents: a review. 2013. Ssenku, J.E., et al., Medicinal plant use, conservation, and the associated traditional knowledge in rural communities in Eastern Uganda. Tropical Medicine and Health, 2022. 50 (1): p. 39. Eshete, M.A. and E.L. Molla, Cultural significance of medicinal plants in healing human ailments among Guji semipastoralist people, Suro Barguda District, Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2021. 17 : p. 1-18. Kassaye, K.D., et al., A historical overview of traditional medicine practices and policy in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 2006. 20 (2): p. 127-134. Fokunang, C., et al., Traditional medicine: past, present and future research and development prospects and integration in the National Health System of Cameroon. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8 (3): 284–95. DOI: https://doi. org/10.4314/ajtcam. v8i3, 2008. 65276 : p. 284-295. Tamene, S., et al., Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plant knowledge among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2023. 19 (1): p. 55. Yimam, M., S.M. Yimer, and T.B. Beressa, Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in Artuma Fursi district, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Tropical Medicine and Health, 2022. 50 (1): p. 85. Fullas, F., The role of indigenous medicinal plants in Ethiopian healthcare. African Renaissance, 2007. 4 (1): p. 76-80. Giday, M., Z. Asfaw, and Z. Woldu, Ethnomedicinal study of plants used by Sheko ethnic group of Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010. 132 (1): p. 75-85. Desissa, D. and P. Binggeli, Uses and conservation status of medicinal plants used by the Shinasha people. EWNHS, Addis Ababa, 2000. Cunningham, A., African medicinal plants. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Paris, France, 1993. Getnet, Z., S. Chandrodyam, and G. Masresha, Studies on traditional medicinal plants in ambagiorgis area of Wogera District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Int J Pure Appl Biosci, 2016. 4 : p. 38-45. Gonfa, N., et al., Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants, its utilization, and conservation by indigenous people of Gera district, Ethiopia. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2020. 6 (1): p. 1852716. Megersa, M. and S. Woldetsadik, Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of Damot Woyde district, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience, 2022. 14 (1). Berihun, T., et al., Study of the Soil Seed Bank Composition in Arjo-Diga Humid Afromontane Forest under Different Land Use Types and Its Implications for the Restoration of Degraded Lands in Western Ethiopia. International Journal of Ecology, 2024. 2024 . Tafesse, T., A. Temesgen, and D. Amenu, Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Gidda Ayana, East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region, Western Ethiopia. Int. J. Adv. Res. Biol. Sci, 2022. 9 (8): p. 16-31. Megersa, M., et al., An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wayu Tuka district, east Welega zone of oromia regional state, West Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2013. 9 (1): p. 1-18. Suleman, S. and T. Alemu, A survey on utilization of ethnomedicinal plants in Nekemte town, East Wellega (Oromia), Ethiopia. Journal of herbs, spices & medicinal plants, 2012. 18 (1): p. 34-57. Jaleta, G. and H. Jebssa The impact of large scale agriculture on forest and wildlife in Diga Woreda, Western Ethiopia. Asian Journal of Agriculture, 2017. 1 (02): p. 100-113. CSA, The 2007 population and housing census of Ethiopia. CSA Addis Ababa, 2007. Megersa, T., D. Nedaw, and M. Argaw, Combined effect of land use/cover types and slope gradient in sediment and nutrient losses in Chancho and Sorga sub watersheds, East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 2019. 8 : p. 1-14. Ib, F., D. Sebsebe, and P.v. Breugel, Atlas of the potential vegetation of Ethiopia. Atlas of the potential vegetation of Ethiopia., 2010. Heyi, W.D., M.M. Deshi, and M.G. Erana, Determinants of postnatal care service utilization in diga district, east wollega zone, wester Ethiopia: case‒control study. Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health, 2018. 10 (4). Cochran, W.G., Sampling techniques . 1977: John Wiley & Sons. Alexiades, M.N., Collecting ethnobotanical data: an introduction to basic concepts and techniques. Advances in economic botany, 1996. 10 : p. 53-94. Martin, G., Ethnobotany: a methods manual, Chapman y Hall. Nowy Jork, 1995. Hedberg, I. Flora of Ethiopia and eritrea . in The Biodiversity of African Plants: Proceedings XIVth AETFAT Congress 22–27 August 1994, Wageningen, The Netherlands . 1996. Springer. Schmid, R., Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Vol. 6. Hydrocharitaceae to Arecaceae . 1998, JSTOR. Friis, I., Flora of Ethiopia . 1995, Moraceae. Lock, M., Flora of Ethiopia and Eritraea Volume 2 Part 2. Canellaceae to Euphorbiaceae . 1998, JSTOR. Prance, G.T., et al., Quantitative ethnobotany and the case for conservation in Ammonia. Conservation biology, 1987. 1 (4): p. 296-310. Reyes-García, V., et al., Evaluating indices of traditional ecological knowledge: a methodological contribution. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2006. 2 : p. 1-9. Trotter, R. and M. Logan, Informant consensus: a new approach for identifying potentially effective medicinal plants. Plants in indigenous medicine and diet: biobehavioural approaches Edited by: Etkin NL; Bedfort hills. Bedford Hills, NY, Redgrave, 1986. Friedman, J., et al., A preliminary classification of the healing potential of medicinal plants, based on a rational analysis of an ethnopharmacological field survey among Bedouins in the Negev Desert, Israel. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 1986. 16 (2-3): p. 275-287. Tardío, J. and M. Pardo-de-Santayana, Cultural importance indices: a comparative analysis based on the useful wild plants of Southern Cantabria (Northern Spain). Economic botany, 2008. 62 : p. 24-39. Phillips, O. and A.H. Gentry, The useful plants of Tambopata, Peru: I. Statistical hypotheses tests with a new quantitative technique. Economic Botany, 1993: p. 15-32. Da Silva, V.A., L.D.H.C. Andrade, and U.P. De Albuquerque, Revising the cultural significance index: the case of the Fulni-ô in northeastern Brazil. Field methods, 2006. 18 (1): p. 98-108. Smith, J.J., Using ANTHOPAC 3.5 and a spreadsheet to compute a free-list salience index. CAM, 1993. 5 (3): p. 1-3. Kutal, D., et al., Factors that influence the plant use knowledge in the middle mountains of Nepal. PLoS One, 2021. 16 (2): p. e0246390. Giday, M., Z. Asfaw, and Z. Woldu, Medicinal plants of the Meinit ethnic group of Ethiopia: an ethnobotanical study. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2009. 124 (3): p. 513-521. Chekole, G., Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used against human ailments in Gubalafto District, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2017. 13 (1): p. 1-29. Bogale, M., J. Sasikumar, and M.C. Egigu, An ethnomedicinal study in tulo district, west hararghe zone, oromia region, Ethiopia. Heliyon, 2023. 9 (4). Lulekal, E., et al., Ethnomedicinal study of plants used for human ailments in Ankober District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2013. 9 : p. 1-13. Tahir, M., et al., Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Adwa district, central zone of Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2021. 17 (1): p. 1-13. Vujicic, T. and D. Cohall, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Use of Botanical Medicines in a Rural Caribbean Territory. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021. 12 : p. 713855. Tahir, M., et al., Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Adwa district, central zone of Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2021. 17 : p. 1-13. Abera, B., Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by Oromo people, Ghimbi District, Southwest Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2014. 10 : p. 1-15. Megenase, J.A., K. Tilahun Gelaye, and P. Kumar Dara, Indigenous knowledge and practices on medicinal plants used by local communities of Gambella Region, South West Ethiopia. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health, 2019. 39 (2): p. 1-14. Abdeta, D., M. Amante, and Y. Tamiru, Survey on ethno botany and medicinal animals at Sayo and Hawa Gelan districts of Kelem Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia. preventive medicine, 2020. 11 : p. 12. Kassa, Z., Z. Asfaw, and S. Demissew, An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in sheka zone of southern nations nationalities and peoples regional state, Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2020. 16 : p. 1-15. Zahra, N., A. Salamah, and D. Junaedi. Effect of shading on community structure of Asteraceae family in Cibodas Botanical Garden . in AIP Conference Proceedings . 2019. AIP Publishing. Feyisa, K., et al., Medicinal plants traditionally used to treat human ailments in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review. Phytomedicine Plus, 2023: p. 100516. Chekole, G., Z. Asfaw, and E. Kelbessa, Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the environs of Tara-gedam and Amba remnant forests of Libo Kemkem District, northwest Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2015. 11 : p. 1-38. Amsalu, N., et al., Use and conservation of medicinal plants by indigenous people of Gozamin Wereda, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia: an ethnobotanical approach. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018. 2018 . Bekele, M., et al., Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants in Buska Mountain range, Hamar district, Southwestern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2022. 18 (1): p. 1-26. Lulekal, E., et al., An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Mana Angetu District, southeastern Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2008. 4 : p. 1-10. Mesfin, F., S. Demissew, and T. Teklehaymanot, An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wonago Woreda, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2009. 5 (1): p. 1-18. Alemayehu, G., Z. Asfaw, and E. Kelbessa, Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of Minjar-Shenkora District, North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 2015. 3 (6): p. 1-11. Yirga, G., Assessment of traditional medicinal plants in Endrta district, southeastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Afr J Plant Sci, 2010. 4 (7): p. 255-260. Weldearegay, E.M. and T. Awas, Ethnobotanical study in and around Sirso Natural Forest of Melokoza district, Gamo Goffa zone, southern Ethiopia. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2021. 22 : p. 1-24. Tefera, B.N. and Y.-D. Kim, Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2019. 15 : p. 1-21. Muluye, A.B. and M.W. Ayicheh, Medicinal plants utilized for hepatic disorders in Ethiopian traditional medical practices: a review. Clinical Phytoscience, 2020. 6 (1): p. 1-11. Chen, S.-L., et al., Conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants: problems, progress, and prospects. Chinese medicine, 2016. 11 : p. 1-10. Teklehaymanot, T., An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and edible plants of Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state, Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2017. 13 : p. 1-26. Yigezu, Y., D.B. Haile, and W.Y. Ayen, Ethnoveterinary medicines in four districts of Jimma zone, Ethiopia: cross sectional survey for plant species and mode of use. BMC veterinary research, 2014. 10 (1): p. 1-12. Mohammed, C., et al., Survey of ethno-veterinary medicinal plants in Melkabello District, eastern Harerghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal, 2016. 20 (2): p. 1-15. Woldearegay, M., Y. Assen, and A. Haile, An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Kelala District, South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia. 2020. Currie, G.M., Pharmacology, part 2: introduction to pharmacokinetics. Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 2018. 46 (3): p. 221-230. Heinrich, M., et al., Medicinal plants in Mexico: Healers' consensus and cultural importance. Social science & medicine, 1998. 47 (11): p. 1859-1871. Gazzaneo, L.R.S., R.F.P. De Lucena, and U.P. de Albuquerque, Knowledge and use of medicinal plants by local specialists in a region of Atlantic Forest in the state of Pernambuco (Northeastern Brazil). Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2005. 1 : p. 1-8. Shil, S., M.D. Choudhury, and S. Das, Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by the Reang tribe of Tripura state of India. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2014. 152 (1): p. 135-141. Musa, M.S., et al., Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Blue Nile State, Southeastern Sudan. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011. 5 (17): p. 4287-4297. Vitalini, S., et al., Traditional knowledge on medicinal and food plants used in Val San Giacomo (Sondrio, Italy)—An alpine ethnobotanical study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013. 145 (2): p. 517-529. Mukheriee, P. and A. Wahile, Integrated approaches toward drug development from Ayurveda and other Indian system of medicines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2006. 103 (1): p. 25-35. Chisamile, W.A., M.A. Sonibare, and J.F. Kamanula, Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases by Local Communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbelwa, Mzimba District, Northern Region, Malawi. J, 2023. 6 (1): p. 115-139. Liu, S., et al., Diversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Shui people in Southwest China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2023. 19 (1): p. 1-53. Bibi, Y., et al., Antibacterial activity of some selected medicinal plants of Pakistan. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 2011. 11 (1): p. 1-7. Arshad, F., et al., Environmental variables drive medicinal plant composition and distribution in various forest types of subtropical region in Pakistan. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2023. Ohja, S., D. Tiwari, and R. Sundriyal, Ethno medicinal Knowledge of Marginal Hill Community of Central Himalayas: Diversity, Usage pattern and Conservation Concerns. Journal of Ethnobotany and Ethno medicine, 2020. 16 : p. 29. Birhan, Y.S., et al., Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to treat human diseases in Enarj Enawga district, East Gojjam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. SM J Med Plant Stud, 2017. 1 (1): p. 1-9. Mengistu, M., et al., Status and utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants in Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2019. 5 (1): p. 1701349. Additional Tables Additional Table 1 is not available with this version Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4227856","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":288248812,"identity":"bc1e286e-d1da-4abd-9306-3f3365601ec8","order_by":0,"name":"Tariku Berihun","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA80lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACAyA+DOMcbGCwYWCQIFYLD0RLGnFamGFaGBtA2glpMWfvfXi4sO0Ogz372YcHZ7adT+yf3XzwAUONTTQuLZY9xw0Oz2x7xsDDk25wcGPb7cQZd44lGzAcS8ttwOWwG2kMh3nbDgMdlsZw8CFQS8ONHDMJxobDuLXcfwbVwv8MpOVc4nyCWm6wQbVIAG3Z2HYgcQMhLZY9QIfxnDvMw3MDaMuMc8nGG2+kJRsk4PGLOfsx5s88ZYfl2PvTmD/2lNnJzruRfPDBhxobnFpggAfGcASrTCCgHAXYk6J4FIyCUTAKRgYAABSZYLnerqXTAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Dilla university","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tariku","middleName":"","lastName":"Berihun","suffix":""},{"id":288248813,"identity":"87f8b5eb-9a29-4762-a122-2ac76626fa5f","order_by":1,"name":"Zemde Asfaw","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Addis Ababa university","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zemde","middleName":"","lastName":"Asfaw","suffix":""},{"id":288248814,"identity":"5a84828c-a4f5-4c92-bab4-9a3cc4a5864e","order_by":2,"name":"Ermias Lulekal","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Addis Ababa university","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ermias","middleName":"","lastName":"Lulekal","suffix":""},{"id":288248815,"identity":"be971328-b37a-423e-ad4d-5513ba9b6ce5","order_by":3,"name":"Tamrat Bekele","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Addis Ababa university","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tamrat","middleName":"","lastName":"Bekele","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-04-06 14:28:43","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4227856/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4227856/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":54303619,"identity":"d4650278-fc40-4852-9122-a1c42936ccef","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:03:57","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":253939,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLocation map of study area (developed by QGIS)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/4cd76ea1e6441d72109f0c2f.png"},{"id":54303621,"identity":"52b0d1da-a6e2-446d-b93f-2908968e8f1b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:04:14","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":265399,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eClimate diagram of the Diga District showing the rainfall distribution and temperature from 1988 to 2018. Data source: Ethiopian National Meteorology Agency (ENMA, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/f01a3458b05da96d99836510.png"},{"id":54303614,"identity":"fb7c80f2-ae89-497b-9a33-52052ce0bbbf","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:03:28","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":54378,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eHabit of medicinal plants.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/4dee93222200c91282e433d7.png"},{"id":54303620,"identity":"4d59fabe-0d95-40f1-a608-5759dcf0091a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:04:08","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":43558,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eHabitat of the medicinal plants.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/35d744b896d33b08e34b6253.png"},{"id":54303613,"identity":"653cc752-1198-4aa1-980d-65549c7ad87b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:03:24","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":158324,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMost cited plant parts for herbal remedy preparation.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/28fb72bccc6fa55832305ceb.png"},{"id":54303617,"identity":"fb015f99-511b-40f5-aa50-0b169dc8ab4a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:03:45","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":102061,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eConditions of herbal remedy preparation.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/94ae59b548aa929c446c370c.png"},{"id":54303615,"identity":"48332c06-d08b-4655-a28b-4dc220147be9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:03:38","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":214502,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMethods of herbal remedy preparation.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/ad2c6bbff48e2fe9ab00bd77.png"},{"id":54303618,"identity":"f82eb757-598f-40a2-973a-eac8d454fe82","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:03:48","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":359692,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eInformant consensus factor score of the identified disease categories.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/5459066db97e3018e64be328.png"},{"id":54303779,"identity":"c793a4a7-b42d-4e75-a3e9-394e49b3b824","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 15:11:41","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2151593,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4227856/v1/9ecde52a-ed8b-4ca9-a8a8-395897139bb3.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the local people of \u003c/strong\u003ethe \u003cstrong\u003eDiga District, western Ethiopia\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous and local communities on categorizing, managing, and utilizing plants in their environments has been increasing over the years, as reported from various regions of the world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. This indigenous knowledge of traditional medicinal plants and herbal medicine, in particular deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of rural, non industrial people who have passed through generations, encompasses a holistic understanding of the use of plants for medicine [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, they have developed expertise in utilizing plants for cultural purposes, including musical instruments, as well as for spiritual and cosmetic purposes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, plants also possess valuable medicinal properties that are crucial for human health, particularly in developing countries [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, they also have significant chemical constituents and biocompatibility that help to treat diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. As a result, people in rural areas heavily depend on herbal practices due to factors such as believing in its effectiveness, having seen that modern medicine is sometimes ineffective in regard to some health problems, limited access to modern healthcare facilities, low per capita income to afford modern healthcare costs, the remote nature of the region, and the easy availability of medicinal plants [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR8\" citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, traditional practices have demonstrated promising outcomes in the treatment of diverse human ailments worldwide [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, traditional medicinal plants have been used for generations in Ethiopia [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e], and it is widely reported that more than 80% of the Ethiopian population relies on traditional medicine[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e], and formulations using plants account for approximately 95%. This reliance is mainly driven by the high cost of modern drugs and cultural beliefs about their healing potential [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. As a result, people frequently turn to traditional medicinal plants as remedies due to their affordability and accessibility, making them convenient alternatives. However, the knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants is at risk of extinction due to environmental degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable harvesting of rare plant species [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR18\" citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. A threat to plants is a threat to the associated indigenous and local knowledge. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation regarding traditional medicinal plants and ethnomedicinal knowledge, and the existing documentation efforts are limited. This highlights the urgent need for more ethnobotanical studies to address this gap and contribute to the conservation and preservation of valuable traditional medicinal plants and the associated medical knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiga District is renowned for its extensive biodiversity, which is attributed to its diverse topography and landscape[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, the local community residing in the district possesses a wealth of indigenous knowledge regarding the use of plants for treating diverse human ailments. However, this traditional knowledge is currently under threat mainly due to anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, farmland expansion and grazing. Furthermore, only a limited number of ethnobotanical studies have been conducted in nearby districts in western Ethiopia, including Gidda Ayana [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], Wayu Tuka [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], and the Nekemte Town District. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. These studies documented a significant number of medicinal plants, with 49, 126 and 60 species recorded, respectively. However, a comparable ethnobotanical study has not yet been conducted, and ethnomedicinal information is lacking for the Diga District. Therefore, the aim of this study was to collect and document traditional medicinal plants used by the local community in the Diga District.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted in Diga District, western Ethiopia, within the geographical coordinates of 09\u0026deg; 00\u0026prime;\u0026prime; N to 09\u0026deg; 10\u0026prime;N and 36\u0026deg; 10\u0026prime;\u0026prime; E to 36\u0026deg; 30\u0026prime;\u0026prime; E (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The study area has an elevation range of 1200 to 2200 meters above sea level. Diga borders four other districts: Guto Gida to the east, Chewaka to the west, Sasiga to the north and Leka Dulecha to the south.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe agroecology of Diga District is divided into a low mountain region zone, which accounts for 49% of the area, and a lowland zone, which covers the remaining 51% [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. The population in the district mainly consists of the Oromo ethnic community, with the majority of residents speaking Afaan Oromo. The predominant religious affiliation among the population was Protestantism, which made up 50.28% of the population, followed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, Islam and Catholicism. According to the CSA data [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e], the district has a population of 68,369 people, 33,620 of whom were females and 34,749 of whom were males. Among the population, only 8,371 individuals (12.24%) reside in urban areas. Figure \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows that the Diga District experienced a monthly maximum temperature of 25.7\u0026deg;C and a minimum temperature of 10.2\u0026deg;C. Moreover, the average annual rainfall during the rainy season (July to August) was recorded as 1997 [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. The landscape comprises plains, slopes, gentle slopes, and steep hills, creating a diverse topographical composition [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. There are three main soil forms in the study area: Dystric Nitrosols, Dystric Gleysols, and Orthic Acrisols[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. In the study districts, rural communities rely on crop production, animal husbandry, and mixed farming. The main crops cultivated in the area include maize, sorghum, teff, wheat, barley, sesame, finger millet, haricot bean, faba bean, and field pea.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study Diga district district is situated within the moist Afromontane forest region and is represented by broadleaf evergreen species [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. This vegetation is found at altitudes between 1400 and 2200 m above sea level with characteristic emergent species, including \u003cem\u003ePouteria adolf-friederici\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSapium ellipticum, Celtis africana, Euphorbia ampliphylla, Ficus sur, Schefflera abyssinica, Syzygium guineense ssp. afromontanum, Nuxia congesta, Galiniera saxifraga, Rytigynia neglecta, Vepris dainellii, Rothmannia urcelliformi\u003c/em\u003e and several \u003cem\u003eAlbizia\u003c/em\u003e species. The western part of the study area borders the Didessa valley, which forms the \u003cem\u003eCombretum-Terminalia\u003c/em\u003e vegetation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study area has four health centers, 24 functional health units, 17 private primary clinics and 4 private drug stores [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. The 13 major human health diseases in the district are hepatitis, diarrhea, ear disease, skin lesions, herpes zoster, cutaneous leishmaniasis, measles, gastritis, abdominal pain, rabies, ringworm, rheumatism and malaria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Site selection\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe reconnaissance was conducted between June 17, 2027, and July 12, 2018, in the Diga district. The aim was to develop an initial understanding of the agroecological characteristics of the study area and the indigenous knowledge of the local population about the use of plants for various purposes. The purposive sampling method was used to select the kebeles to be studied, with emphasis on identifying the kebeles around the Arjo Diga forest. Furthermore, the selection of study sites was based on information provided by community leaders, traditional healers and local health workers. Based on these considerations, six local administrative units, called kebeles (subdistricts), were selected (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Consequently, Kebeles, namely, Bikila, Gudissa, Furdissa, Adugna, Jirata and Firomssa, were selected as the data collection sites due to their close proximity to the Arjo-Diga forest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Sample size determination and informant selection\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA total of 399 informants were chosen using the Cochran [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] formula.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAGcAAAAnCAIAAACde8HCAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAA1hJREFUaEPtmj2WsjAUhsOsBSw8s4K4ArWZinY6KKH5OsvpbLDEztZqGmEFsgKPhbAXv5tAEDBA5CSMcEg1w8nvk5vkvfeq3e93NJUXCXy8WH+qTggMnFqyW2i02CHbT84n+VsNJ3TYJfYwpWIF+ToCC2EvVrisgdtaakXY8yy0Xz3sTb5xlXscBTWE1v/A4vrjNhJqSHcOPXIbCzVU5GbM06tOWRkPtQK3kzJcWcdjopZzc91ILbdxUWPc1DKD3hWqmh66ZmKtpM/IR7V6TZv80A6GObYT2gFBhyYTtQ7Qhu69d1myhDaTrXWBCNSSnU3CLcT3TUL6p7bYJbzO8iBMGp0pl5o2XSb19m20AMIFax9ttZ+5Z6LZ2lmi3cI4mvHZ0d9+9n82QSqqqOxhASqIThWDVVJU158tT9HADFouCwnBQoSvCC3XlLy5qNWVUvZOWifUNyhaVwM0aYMOviPyhoa/e2R9LVMDiq8RnhvkieC/CIpMfljdkjf0dkEEFCs4co3FduaP6zUgSqHpmQd9sLB3IVc7PG/p4E+LwALg1sEi165ovXv/MY/Ys3DNa1MCQJbQnGjKH6dHd5xPVCCIDEhH5wiIGMQZiw1ji06pV2pxkA0vsoh2akwywQGqT+u9Gjaq1E//DdI0YbonMFZ/HhVcLNvb14HupszSnNZLTscIm2txwa6vTRwdT+x+053z/ews0/a6s4HJX25Jf9R0x/fZ8DKpNaf1QBKgz1kVGvMcwXd8kgr67BNF15g7RfJwku76oyaXVKm3+rReVR/QZqFtrC4mPXSxeXGNSvaZZLjAnjjzDbduZAX+8r0iRaXogOFGIIEeEYLG6ECBW2taj8rTTaqr6JnjI6pSg8n9XLwYmL3Zr2PIJZKX6mvQEk3IubWl9egp26/Ydqz2teexwA2QfV83BzaHUZzQdHkZt1Jar+aSqkgaaj95eb4KQ5sg8+mbAPzscETUuGm950uKPpLud+YvJiGhUIRWvQrJyZxnyADa6YjAjxKQ1pKqEHlb+CUBzhRjXe/tek0orcfVa0w3ws+RrEyLsWlw9FrlhgND7ZHai/DbqQl2+FK8UKzy+1ITZCJSTdQ/EK3Xr0clskJFdagz2eTXEtO2mOvUNokp995Fff8H3y27EZKALloAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" alt=\"image\" width=\"103\" height=\"39\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewhere n is the researcher sample size used, N is the total number of households (HH) in each sampled kebele, e is the maximum variability or margin of error 5% (0.05) and 1 is the probability of the event occurring.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBased on [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], a combination of systematic and purposive sampling techniques was utilized to select general informants and key informants, respectively. The age range of the informants in the study was between 20 and 60 years, and they were categorized into three groups: younger (20\u0026ndash;31 years), middle-aged (31\u0026ndash;45 years), and older (above 46 years). Out of the total informants, a total of 30 individuals (12 females and 18 males) were selected as key informants from all kebeles based on suggestions provided by traditional healers and observations made by the researcher(Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). To determine the number of households to be interviewed within each kebele, the following formula was utilized:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eQ = (A * n)/N.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewhere Q represents the sample size used in a given kebele, A represents the total number of households found in a given kebele, n represents the total sample size used for this research, and N represents the total number of households in all subdistricts.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u003c/strong\u003e Data collection study site, number of informants and socio-demographic profiles\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"601\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eName of kebles\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo.of \u0026nbsp;household\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.97504159733777%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKey informants\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.976705490848586%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGeneral informants\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.960066555740433%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal informant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.09433962264151%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.20754716981132%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.09433962264151%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.320754716981131%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.09433962264151%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.20754716981132%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.9811320754717%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFurdissa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1364\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFiromisa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1638\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGudissa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1695\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdugna\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e935\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBikila\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1448\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJirata\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e980\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.124792013311147%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.96339434276206%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8060\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e658\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.990016638935108%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.9866888519134775%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e347\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.988352745424293%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.985024958402661%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e399\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNote: M= male, F=Female,\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Data collection\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn this study, we adhered to the methodologies outlined in the ethnobotanical literature [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] to collect data during a series of field visits between December 1, 2017, and September 27, 2019, taking into account various flowering seasons. To collect the necessary data, we used various methods, such as focus groups, semistructured interviews, field observations and guided field walks. These techniques allowed us to compile extensive ethnobotanical data for our study. Semistructured interviews were administered in oromigna (i.e., the local language of oromo) to collect information on the conditions of the plant parts used, illnesses treated, sources of medicinal plants, parts used, preparation methods and administration routes, indigenous knowledge and conservation practices following the methodology of [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, six focus group discussions (FGDs), one per kebel with 6\u0026ndash;12 participants, were conducted primarily with heads of household. Participants in FGDs were selected from knowledgeable members of both sexes over the age of 18 years. During the FGDs, the discussions paused for minutes, and the researchers informed them that their knowledge of medicinal plant usage would only be used for academic purposes and that the discussants were confident in their ability to tell what they knew. A set of relevant questions was prepared in advance for FGDs, presented to each discussion session and answered by the participants of the focus group discussion.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe voucher medicinal plant specimens utilized by the local communities were collected with the assistance of the knowledgeable informants, who were then pressed and given individual codes and scientific and family names when possible by the researchers for further confirmation of the identification. The specific botanical name of each species was subsequently determined using the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] and further confirmed by a taxonomic expert. The identified specimens and their labels were then kept at the Ethiopian National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, for further reference.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Data Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, number of plant species collected, genera, families, growth forms, parts used, preparation methods, route of administration and habitat were identified and described using descriptive statistics. The data were calculated and entered into an Excel spreadsheet (2016) and then exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Prance, Bale\u0026eacute; [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e],Reyes-Garc\u0026iacute;a, Vadez [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e] and Trotter and Logan [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e] five quantitative ethnobotany indices, relative citation frequency (RCF), informant consensus factor (ICF), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and cultural significance (CI), were used to analyze the data.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe effectiveness of nine medicinal plant remedies for treating rabies was evaluated [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] using a preference or priority ranking exercise. Ten key informants who identified these plants as potential treatments for rabies were randomly selected for the ranking process. Each of the nine plants was assigned to individual respondents, who then ranked them based on their perceived potency. The most potent plant received the highest score (10), while the least potent plant received the lowest score (1). The remaining plants were assigned values between 10 and 1, reflecting their perceived healing potential. The scores for each plant species were totaled and used to determine their ranking.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe informant consensus factor (ICF) serves as a metric to assess the consensus among individuals regarding the medicinal attributes of plants for particular illnesses. For this study, the reported ailments were classified into 17 groups, as outlined in Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e. The calculation of the ICF value followed the formula developed by[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"data:image/png;base64,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\" alt=\"image\" width=\"101\" height=\"35\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewhere \u003cstrong\u003enur\u003c/strong\u003e represents the number of use citations for a specific ailment category and \u003cstrong\u003ent\u003c/strong\u003e represents the number of species used for that ailment category.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe fidelity level (FL) represents the percentage of participants who reported using a specific plant species for a specific disease [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. In this study, the fidelity of 13 frequently used medicinal plant species for treating various ailments was determined. FLs (%) = (Ip/Iu)*100, where Ip is the number of informants who cited the particular plant species for a specific ailment and Iu is the total number of informants who cited the species for the treatment of any illness.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe relative frequency of citations (RFC) index was utilized to assess the local significance of each species. It is calculated by dividing the frequency of citations by the number of key informants (N) who participated in the survey [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]. RFC is calculated using the formula RFC\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;FC/N, where FC represents the frequency of citations and N represents the total number of key informants who participated in the survey.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe use value (UV) is the relative importance of each species determined using the formula UVs\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026Sigma;ui/Ni formulated by [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e] \u0026ldquo;UVi\u0026rdquo; stands for the use value for a specific species among the informants involved, and \u0026ldquo;Ni\u0026rdquo; stands for the total number of informants.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe cultural importance (CI) index has been utilized to evaluate the significance of plants within a specific culture. In accordance with the methodology proposed by [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e], the cultural value of medicinal plants mentioned by informants was computed in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"data:image/png;base64,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\" alt=\"image\" width=\"157\" height=\"55\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewhere NC represents the number of use categories, denoted as (u1, u2..., uNC); N represents the number of informants, represented as i1, i2..., iN; and URui represents the use report of informant i, specifying each use category u for the species.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSalience analysis of illnesses\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFor Smith\u0026apos;s salience(SS) analysis, both the frequency of illness and rank were taken into account following methods of [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]. Items listed at the beginning are generally more salient than those listed later. However, the rank is influenced by the length of the list. Therefore, the saliency of illness was determined using the following formula: Sj= (\u0026Sigma;((L-Rj\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;1)/L))/N, where \u0026ldquo;L\u0026rdquo; is the length of a list, Rj is the rank of item j in the list and N is the number of lists in the sample. Saliency scores range from 1 to 0, with 1 representing high saliency and 0 representing low saliency.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Salience of disease\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of this study showed that abdominal pain had the highest frequency of mentions (12.8%) and the highest salience index (0.96). In contrast, dandruff, vomiting, ear disease, febrile illness, stomachache, and bloat had the lowest frequency of mentions (0.9%) and the lowest salience index (0.01) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalience of human disease in the Diga district\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIllness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmith Salience index\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbdominal pain\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiarrhea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRabies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvil spirit\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSnake venom/spider poison\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTonsillitis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeadache\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHemorrhoids\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEye disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsthma, influenza, common cold, cough\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDandruff\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVomiting\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eToothache\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEar disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFebrile illness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStomachache\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBloat\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSkin disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeart, kidney, and liver disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSTDs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in different social groups\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e indicate that there were correlations between demographic characteristics and reported knowledge about medicinal plants. Specifically, male respondents mentioned significantly more herbal plants than female respondents did. Additionally, respondents aged more than 46 years listed a great number of medicinal plants relative to those aged less than 51 years. Moreover, illiterate individuals cited a greater number of medicinal plants (5.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.1) than individuals in grades 1\u0026ndash;8 and 9\u0026ndash;12. Furthermore, respondents from the highland area reported a significantly greater number of medicinal plants (5.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7) than did those from the midland and lowland areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePatient demographics and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal medicine\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic characteristics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo of respondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SE reported medicinal plants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e304\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 1\u0026ndash;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 9\u0026ndash;12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;12 grade\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgroclimatic zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMidland\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLowland\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. Diversity of ethnomedicinal plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe recorded and documented 109 species of medicinal plants in the study area, which corresponded to 48 families and 98 genera (Additional Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The plant species with the highest representation belonged to the family Asteraceae (12), followed by Fabaceae (11), Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae (08 each) and Ranunculaceae (05). Several families, including Amarhantaceae, Apiaceae, Boraginaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Sapindaceae, and Malvaceae, were represented by two species each, while the remaining 35 families each comprised a single species.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe life form analysis results indicated that herbs and shrubs comprised the majority of the identified species, with herbs accounting for 35.7% and shrubs accounting for 33.94%. Trees constituted 21.1% of the species, while climbers comprised 9.4% of the total (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Habitat of the medicinal plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings revealed that the largest proportion of medicinal plant species, comprising 38 species (34.86%), were found in forests. In contrast, the smallest proportion was obtained from roadsides, contributing only 8 species (7.3%), as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Plant parts utilized and their method of preparation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe analysis of plant parts revealed that leaves (46.78%) were the most frequently utilized herbal plant parts for preparing remedies, followed by roots (21.1%), bark (8.25%), and a combination of leaves and roots, fruits and latex (4.58%). In addition, flowers, stems, and whole plants were used (2.75%) as remedies, while seeds and rhizomes were rarely used (0.9%) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings revealed that the majority of the remedies were prepared using fresh parts of medicinal plants, constituting 87.1% of all the plant parts used. In contrast, the use of dry and fleshy parts was less common, accounting for 8.2% of the remedies. The remaining 4.5% of the remedies were derived from dry parts (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig13\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5. Mode of preparation, route of administration, dosage and application\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraditional healers employ various techniques for preparing medicinal remedies, selecting them based on the specific illness being treated. The most frequently used preparation method was crushing, which accounted for 46.76% of the remedies. This was followed by chopping at 13.76% and chewing at 10.1%. In contrast, smoking and powdering were less commonly employed methods (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig14\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, herbalists often incorporate ingredients (some plant products), such as honey, butter, water, salt, \u003cem\u003eareque\u003c/em\u003e (local alcohol), \u003cem\u003etella\u003c/em\u003e (local beer), coffee, cooking oil, milk, and ash, into their medicinal remedy preparations. Furthermore, traditional healers rely on household items such as cups of coffee, tea cups, and graduated flasks to estimate the amount administered. Additionally, some healers use a handful of raw plant parts to treat various illnesses. These practices indicate that the traditional healers in the study area did not mention any standardized dosages for the herbal remedies used in human treatments except personal judgment based on the status of the patient.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the present study, oral administration was the most frequently reported method of administration, accounting for 55.9% of the total cases. Topical administration was the second most commonly documented route (27.5%), followed by inhalation (6.4%) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The auricular route was the least utilized route (1.8%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoute of administering traditional medicine\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdministration route\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal plant parts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNasal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTopical\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOral\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAuricular\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOcular\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInhalation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.6 Preference ranking\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe preference ranking method was based on the total scores given by the key informants (KI\u0026ndash;K10) for each medicinal plant (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The ratings provided by the key informants are based on the effectiveness of the medicinal plant in treating rabies. A score of 10 indicates the highest efficacy/treatability, while a score of 1 reflects the lowest efficacy/treatability. The rankings are determined based on the success rate of the treatment. Accordingly, \u003cem\u003ePhytolacca dodecandra\u003c/em\u003e received the highest overall score of 84, making it the most preferred medicinal plant among the key informants. \u003cem\u003eLepisanthes senegalensis\u003c/em\u003e ranked second, with a score of 70, followed by \u003cem\u003eRicinus communis\u003c/em\u003e, with a score of 63. The scores for \u003cem\u003eJusticia schimperiana\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eClerodendrum myricoides\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSolanecio gigas\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEuphorbia omariana\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSolanum anguivi\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eEuphorbia ampliphylla\u003c/em\u003e placed them in their respective ranks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRanking of regularly utilized plant species for the treatment of rabies disease by ten key informants (KIs)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"13\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedicinal plant used\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"12\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondents (KI-K10)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRank\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClerdendrum myricoides\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5th\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolanum anguivi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8th\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJusticia schimperiana\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4th\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEuphorbia omariana\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhytolacca dodecandera\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1st\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolanecio gigas\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6th\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEuphorbia ampliphylla\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9th\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLepisanthes senegalensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2nd\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRicinus communis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3rd\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.7. Informant consensus factor (ICF)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, a total of 54 human ailments mentioned by traditional healers were classified into 17 distinct disease categories (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig16\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). Among these categories, skin diseases had the highest ICF (informant consensus factor) score of 0.97 and were treated by 14 different plant species, with 399 reported use citations. Gastrointestinal diseases were the second most common category, with an ICF value of 0.9, involving 17 plant species and 378 reported use cases. However, the categories of ear, kidney, heart, and liver diseases received the lowest ICF score of 0.4, indicating a lower level of consensus among traditional healers in terms of using plant species to treat these specific ailments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.8. Fidelity index and Smith salience index\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, \u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius\u003c/em\u003e A. Rich and \u003cem\u003eClematis longicauda\u003c/em\u003e Steud. ex A. Rich have high fidelity (100%) and are used to treat jaundice and stomach ache, respectively (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, \u003cem\u003eAcmella caulirhiza\u003c/em\u003e Del. and \u003cem\u003eDatura stramonium\u003c/em\u003e L. have fidelity greater than 90% and are used to treat tonsillitis and dandruff. Other medicinal plant species, such as \u003cem\u003eHymenodictyon floribundum\u003c/em\u003e (Hochst. \u0026amp; Steud. ), B.L. Rob, \u003cem\u003eL. senegalensis\u003c/em\u003e (Juss. ex Poir.) Leenh, \u003cem\u003ePouteria adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e (Engl.), \u003cem\u003eSecuridaca longepedunculata\u003c/em\u003e Fresen, and \u003cem\u003eStreospermum kunthianum\u003c/em\u003e Cham had fidelity values between 80% and 87.5% (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, \u003cem\u003eClerdendrum myricoides\u003c/em\u003e (Hochst) R. Br. ex Vatke, \u003cem\u003eThalictrum rhynchocarpum\u003c/em\u003e Dilland A. Rich, \u003cem\u003eGlinus lotoides\u003c/em\u003e L., and \u003cem\u003eCombretum paniculatum\u003c/em\u003e Vent are used to treat diarrhea, spider poison, tapeworm, and eye disease, respectively (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). On the other hand, 42.1% of the \u003cem\u003eEuphorbia ampliphylla\u003c/em\u003e Pax species used for the treatment of amoebae had low fidelity, indicating that this species is not widely used for this purpose in traditional medical systems in the study area. Similarly, Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e shows that \u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius, Stereospermum kunthianum\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCombretum paniculatum\u003c/em\u003e have relatively higher salience values (0.76, 0.63 and 0.53, respectively) for the treatment of stomach ache, evil spirits and eye diseases.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlants most frequently used for disease according to the FL index\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedicinal plant species\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eillness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCitation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFedility level (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmith salience\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcmella caulirhiza\u003c/em\u003e Del\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTonsillitis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClematis longicauda\u003c/em\u003e Steud. ex A.Rich\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJaundice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCombretum paniculatum\u003c/em\u003e Vent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEye disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius\u003c/em\u003e A.Rich\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003estomach ache\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDatura stramonium\u003c/em\u003e L.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDandruff\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGlinus lotoides\u003c/em\u003e L.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTapeworm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.023\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHymenodictyon floribundum\u003c/em\u003e (Hochst. \u0026amp; Steud.) B.L.Rob.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGonorrhea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLepisanthes senegalensis\u003c/em\u003e (Juss. ex Poir.) Leenh.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRabies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePouteria adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e (Engl.) Baehni\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSnake bite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSecuridaca longepedunculata\u003c/em\u003e Fresen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHemorrhoid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStereospermum kunthianum\u003c/em\u003e Cham\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvil spirit\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarburgia ugandensis\u003c/em\u003e Sprague\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eToothache\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThalictrum rhynchocarpum\u003c/em\u003e Dilland A.Rich\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpider poison\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClerodendrum mmyricoides\u003c/em\u003e (Hochst) R. Br. ex Vatke\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiarrhea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEuphorbia ampliphylla\u003c/em\u003e Pax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmoeba\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.9. Relative frequency of citations (RFC)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe significance of medicinal plants, as indicated by the RFC metric, was highlighted in this study. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e shows the 19 most important species based on RFC, along with the number of informants and citations. The RFC values ranged from 0.1 to 0.8, indicating notable variation in the utilization of traditional herbal medicines within the community being studied. \u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius\u003c/em\u003e was the top-ranked species, with an RFC value of 0.88. It was not only the most frequently cited species (mentioned in 75 cases) but also mentioned by the highest number of informants (85 individuals). \u003cem\u003eClematis longicauda\u003c/em\u003e secured to the second position with 84 informants and an RFC of 0.7, followed by \u003cem\u003eWarburgia ugandensis\u003c/em\u003e, which was mentioned by 79 informants and had an RFC of 0.6. In contrast, \u003cem\u003eCanarina eminii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited the lowest RFC value of 0.1 and was mentioned by only nine informants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMost cited 19 herbal plants by the local traditional parctionaries in the Diga District\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedicinal plant species\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber of respondents who took part in the exercise\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber of respondents who cited the species\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRFC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanarina eminii\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCarissa spinarum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClematis longicauda\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClerodendrum myricoides\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCroton macrostachyus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e45\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e21\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDatura stramonium\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eErythrina brucei\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGossypium hirsutum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGouania longispicata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHymenodictyon floribundum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOcimum lamiifolium\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePycnostachys abyssinica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSecuridaca longepedunculata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolanum anguivi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStephania abyssinica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStereospermum kunthianum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThalictrum rhynchocarpum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarburgia ugandensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.10. Use value (UV) and cultural importance (CI) of medicinal plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study determined the use value and cultural importance of 14 key medicinal plant species that have more than seven use categories using the use value metric (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). The use values of these medicinal plants ranged from 0.4 to 1.7, while their cultural importance scores ranged from 0.2 to 1.6. \u003cem\u003ePouteria adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e achieved the highest use value of 0.8 in the construction tools category (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Conversely, \u003cem\u003eCordia africana\u003c/em\u003e had the highest use value (0.3) in the bee forage use category. Overall, \u003cem\u003eCroton macrostachyus\u003c/em\u003e (UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.7, CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.6) had the greatest use value and greatest cultural importance, followed by \u003cem\u003eP. adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e (UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.4, CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.4) and \u003cem\u003eEhretia cymosa\u003c/em\u003e (UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.2, CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.2). These results indicate that these species may play vital roles in the local community, whether through their practical application or cultural and traditional significance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse value and cultural importance indices for the 14 highly cited important herbal plants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"11\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse category\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMED\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCL\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFW\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOTH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClerodendrum myricoides\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJustica scimperiana\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHymenodictyon floribundum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCroton macrostachyus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStereospermum kunthianum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSecuridaca longepedunculata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXimina americana\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCordia africana\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarburgia ugandensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCarissa spinarum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEntada abyssinica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePouteria adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEhretia cymosa Thonn\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBuddleja polystachya\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeywords: MED\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;medicine, CT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;construction tools, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;shade, AF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;animal food, CL\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;charcoal, FW\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;firewood, BF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;bee forage, OTH\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;other uses, UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;use value and CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;cultural importance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.11 Threats to ethnomedicnal plants and conservation efforts\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe participants in the study area identified and prioritized five anthropogenic factors that were considered major contributors to the accessibility of traditional medicinal plants in their environment (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). The ratings (R1\u0026ndash;R10) provided by the informants are based on their perception of the levels of threat posed by various factors affecting medicinal plants. A rating of 10 indicates the highest level of threat, while 1 represents the lowest. The remaining factors are ranked based on their relative importance. The findings revealed that agricultural expansion was the primary cause of the degradation of medicinal plant species, followed by overgrazing, charcoal production, firewood collection, fires, human settlements, and over-harvesting in the study area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab9\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 9\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThreats to medicinal plants in the Diga District\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"14\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThreatening factors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"10\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondent score\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRank\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgricultural expansion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWild fire\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFire wood collection\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharcoal production\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHuman settlement\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOvergrazing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOver-harvesting\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1 Knowledge of indigenous medicinal plants across different social classes of the community\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the study district, residents possess valuable knowledge about medicinal plants, which are utilized by local community members and traditional herbalists to safeguard human health from various ailments/health problems. The acquisition of this knowledge is influenced by several demographic characteristics, including age, sex, and education, which play significant roles in shaping individuals' understanding of herbal plants and their uses [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. Men exhibit a greater level of expertise in medicinal plants than women. This disparity can be attributed to a cultural tradition wherein men selectively pass down their knowledge to their eldest or chosen sons while withholding it from their daughters. These findings align with earlier research findings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR46\" citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study findings also indicated a significant difference between older and younger age groups in terms of their reported knowledge of medicinal plants (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The older group reported a significantly greater average number of medicinal plants than did the youngest group. This difference can be attributed to the negative attitudes of younger generations toward the use of traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Similar findings have been reported in different parts of the country, where older individuals demonstrated better knowledge of medicinal plants than younger individuals [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the study revealed that illiterate individuals reported a significantly greater number of medicinal plants than educated individuals (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). This disparity can be explained by the fact that educated individuals tend to overlook traditional medicine and instead prefer modern medicine for all ailments. This has led to a decline in the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants. Similar results have been reported globally [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e]. In contrast, Lulekal, Asfaw [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e] reported that there was a significant difference in the understanding of medicinal plants between individuals with different levels of education, whether they were literate or illiterate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, a study demonstrated that respondents in lowland agroecology reported a significantly greater average number of medicinal plants than did those in the midlands and highlands (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The favorable environmental conditions in lowland agroecological areas promote the growth and abundance of medicinal plants, leading to greater availability of such plants in these regions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2 Medicinal plant diversity\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA comprehensive survey of the study area revealed 109 plants used to treat 54 human ailments. The possible reason is that the population of the Diga District relies heavily on traditional herbal medicine to combat a variety of health problems. These results are consistent with previous studies conducted in various regions of Ethiopia, including [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR53 CR54\" citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e]. The shared preferences of Ethiopian communities for certain medicinal plants indicate their recognized therapeutic value. Its consistent use in different regions enhances its effectiveness in treating diseases and underlines its importance in traditional medicine. With respect to medicinal plant species diversity, Asteraceae was the dominant family, followed by Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. This dominance is likely due to the diverse growth forms of these families, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, which allow them to thrive in diverse ecological conditions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e]. These results are consistent with studies conducted in other regions of Ethiopia[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e], which also highlighted the significant contribution of these families in terms of important medicinal plant species compared to other plant families.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Habit, Habitat, and utilized parts of medicinal plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe people in Diga District predominantly use herbal remedies, which are obtained from a variety of herbs and account for approximately 35.7% of the total species. This may be because herbs are plentiful, and they are easy for local communities to collect and use. Previous studies conducted in Ethiopia reported similar results and showed that herbs account for the largest share of the preparation of medicinal plants [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR59\" citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e]. However, ethnobotanical studies conducted in the Mana Angetu, Wango and Minjar-Shonkora districts have shown that shrubs are more commonly used in the preparation of traditional medicine [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR62\" citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e]. The observed differences in growth forms in the use of medicinal plants can be attributed to several factors, including differences in seasonality as well as sociocultural beliefs and practices among healers in different regions of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the majority of medicinal plants were collected from forests, while a smaller portion was collected from roadside areas. Our results are in agreement with other similar works in Ethiopia [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e64\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e65\u003c/span\u003e], which reported that forests serve as natural habitats for a variety of medicinal plants and are a large source of biodiversity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of different parts of medicinal plants for treating specific human ailments was observed within the study area. Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, representing approximately 46.78% of the total usage, followed by roots at 21.1% and bark at 8.25%. These findings are consistent with the findings of previous studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e] in different regions of Ethiopia. Leaves are recognized as significant reservoirs of numerous bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e67\u003c/span\u003e], which are secondary metabolites frequently shown to have medicinal effects. In addition, the use of leaves reduces the risk of loss of medicinal plants compared to other plant parts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e68\u003c/span\u003e]. In line with previous research findings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e], a study conducted in the Diga district revealed that the majority of traditional healers (87.17%) preferred fresh leaves. This could be because fresh plant parts often have distinctive aromas and sensory properties that are very effective in traditional healing practices. In addition, fresh plant parts often contain high levels of active ingredients, such as alkaloids, flavonoids and essential oils, which are responsible for their therapeutic effects. These compounds are transformed to their inactive forms upon drying and in older leaves as well. These findings concur with other results [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4 Remedy preparation and administration route\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the study area, traditional healers used various methods to prepare remedies for the treatment of human diseases. These methods included pounding, chewing, crushing, powdering, squeezing, and chopping. Among these methods, crushing was the most frequently reported method, accounting for approximately 46.7% of the preparations. Traditional healers believe that crushing increases the extraction of bioactive components, thereby increasing the effectiveness of drugs against a variety of human diseases, as also reported in other studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e]. Oral administration is the most commonly reported method, followed by topical administration. This finding is consistent with some studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR71\" citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e70\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e], which also reported the predominance of oral administration of remedies. Oral administration is preferred due to its simplicity, convenience, and painlessness, allowing easy self-administration of medications in user-friendly forms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e]. According to reliable sources, key informants reported that water is often used as a solvent in the preparation of these remedies, occasionally milk and honey. In certain cases, salt is also added as an ingredient to enhance the effectiveness of the remedy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.5 Comparison of the healing potential and efficiency of medicinal plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe highest informant consensus factor (ICF) of 0.9 for gastrointestinal disorders and skin diseases indicates a strong consensus among respondents regarding the use of herbal plants to treat these conditions. The high agreement among respondents and frequent mentions of plant use for these specific disease categories could indicate the prevalence of gastrointestinal and skin diseases in Diga District. This observation is consistent with other findings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e74\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR75\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e75\u003c/span\u003e] that highlighted that high ICF values are important for the identification of plants containing potentially bioactive compounds.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe highest fidelity values observed for \u003cem\u003eClematis longicauda\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius\u003c/em\u003e against jaundice and stomach ache, respectively, indicate a fidelity level of 100% and underscore the potential effectiveness of these plants in the treatment of these specific diseases. High fidelity values indicate the exclusivity and significant benefit of a plant species for a particular disease [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR76\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e76\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, conducting further phytochemical studies on these plants that exhibit high fidelity may provide valuable insights into their chemical composition and help identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for their healing potential [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.6 Relative citation frequency, use value and cultural significance of medicinal plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe relative frequency of citations (RFC) has been used to evaluate the importance of plants used by local healers for the treatment of various diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e]. In the present study, the RFC values ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Higher RFC values indicate that certain plants are commonly used and widely known among traditional healers. The reasons for the high RFC values may include the widespread distribution, ready availability, and accessibility of these plants to traditional healers. The identification of medicinal plants with high RFC values can be a promising strategy for drug development because they are likely to contain interesting bioactive compounds. Joint efforts between industry and academia can explore the potential of these plants and contribute to the development of effective lead drugs and therapeutics for various diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR79\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e79\u003c/span\u003e]. Phytochemical and bioactivity studies should be performed on medicinal plant species with high RFC [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e80\u003c/span\u003e]. On the other hand, plant species with lower RFC values are considered less important by traditional healers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e]. The lower RFC values may be due to a lack of awareness or limited use of these plant species, especially among people, who are less familiar with their medicinal properties. The excessive use of certain medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes may occur in the study area. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the conservation and preservation of medicinal plants with high RFC values and prevent their overutilization.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse value (UV) and cultural significance (CI) are important indicators for identifying plant species commonly used by local communities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR82\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e82\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR83\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e83\u003c/span\u003e]. In the present study, the use value and cultural significance of medicinal plants were between 0.43 and 1.7 and between 0.49 and 1.63, respectively. The results showed that \u003cem\u003eCroton macrostachyus\u003c/em\u003e (UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.70, CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.63) had the highest utility value and cultural importance index, followed by \u003cem\u003eP. adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e (UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.44, CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.38) and \u003cem\u003eE. cymosa\u003c/em\u003e (UV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.17, CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.21) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). These high UV and CI values indicate that these plants are extensively used and deeply embedded in the culture, customs, traditions, and knowledge systems of the communities studied. Medicinal plants with more Usage Reports (URs) are more likely to have high use value and cultural significance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR84\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e84\u003c/span\u003e]. Conversely, plants with fewer URs are more likely to have low use values and low cultural importance indices. Therefore, plants with high utility value and cultural significance, such as \u003cem\u003eCroton macrostachyus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePouteria adolfi-friederici\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eEhretia cymosa\u003c/em\u003e, have great importance in the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of local communities. Preserving the cultural significance of these plants is crucial because they play an important role in the cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems of the communities studied.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.7 Preference ranking\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe preference rankings determined for nine commonly reported medicinal plant species used to treat rabies, a common human health problem in the study area, revealed several widely used species. \u003cem\u003ePhytolacca dodecandra\u003c/em\u003e was the most popular medicinal plant for treating rabies, followed by \u003cem\u003eLepisanthes senegalensis\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eRicinus communis\u003c/em\u003e (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). This preference is likely due to the perceived effectiveness of these plants in controlling the reported disease. Further research is needed to study the chemical composition of these plants and conduct biological tests. Similar results were observed in Hulet Eju Enese Woreda, East Gojjam, where \u003cem\u003ePhytolacca dodecandra\u003c/em\u003e was also ranked highest in rabies treatment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR85\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e85\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.8 Threats to ethnomedicnal plants and conservation efforts\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe availability of medicinal plant resources and indigenous knowledge about them in the study area is at varying levels of risk. The majority of the key informants agreed that anthropogenic activities were responsible for deteriorating medicinal plants in Diga District. The most commonly reported threats included agricultural expansion, overgrazing, charcoal production, firewood collection, forest fires, human settlements, and overharvesting. These factors, particularly agricultural expansion, have led to a decline in the availability of medicinal plant species. All the traditional healers, local community leaders and agricultural developers agreed that the availability of medicinal plants had declined in the study area. Therefore, traditional healers often travel long distances, sometimes across districts, in search of the plants they use. Previous studies have reported similar findings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR86\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e86\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite anthropogenic threats, our field observations revealed some encouraging efforts to protect certain medicinal plants through cultivation in home gardens. For example, \u003cem\u003eAllium sativum, Cucumis ficifolius, Dioscorea abyssinica, Glinus lotoides, Gossypium hirsutum, Justicia schimperiana, Ocimum lamiifolium, Phytolacca dodecandera, Rhamnus prinodes, Ricinus communis\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eZingiber officinale\u003c/em\u003e were cultivated by local people in home gardens within the study district. Some of these species are also cultivated for nonmedicinal purposes (e.g., \u003cem\u003eAllium sativum and Zingiber officinale).\u003c/em\u003e This cultivation likely reflects the recognition of the medicinal value of these plants by the community. However, most of the reported medicinal plants are found in forests and have not received sufficient attention. Therefore, urgent conservation efforts are needed to sustain these plants in their natural habitats before they are lost.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eA recent study conducted in the area highlighted the heavy reliance of the local population on medicinal plants for treating various human ailments, particularly skin problems. This study identified a diverse range of plant species, with herbs being the most commonly reported category, indicating their abundance in the region. Leaves are the preferred plant part for preparing remedies due to their sustainable availability, and the common practice involves crushing leaves to extract bioactive components, increasing the efficacy of the medicines.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study also revealed a consensus among community members regarding the use of medicinal plants for gastrointestinal ailments, suggesting a potential focus for further research. However, documented medicinal plants face significant threats due to human activities, with deforestation and habitat destruction being major concerns. Conservation efforts in the area are currently inadequate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo address these challenges, it is imperative to implement robust conservation measures. This includes promoting sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the survival of medicinal plant species, encouraging the cultivation of these plants to reduce pressure on wild populations, and establishing protected areas or conservation programs to safeguard their natural habitats. Preserving these plant species is crucial not only for their own survival but also for the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with their use.\u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"List Of Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003e% # percentage\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eUV\u003c/em\u003e # Use value\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUi # number of use reports by each informer.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNi\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;the total number of informer interviewed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eICF\u003c/em\u003e # Informant consensus factor\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNur # is number of used citations\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ent # is the total number of plant species.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFL # Fidelity level\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNp # is the number of participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eN # is the total number of contributors in the study area.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEthical statement\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted with formal permission from the Department of Agriculture in Diga District/Woreda. The interviews were conducted with informants in selected areas, emphasizing the value of their collaboration. Data confidentiality was maintained, and no information was shared with external parties. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, ensuring their voluntary participation and declaring that the data would only be used for academic purposes. Focus group discussions adhered to group consensus and informed consent procedures. The study demonstrated a commitment to ethical practices and respectful engagement with the local community\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data supporting the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to thank the local community, particularly the traditional healers and general informants, for their genuine response and cooperation during the ethnobotanical data collection process. Their valuable contributions were instrumental to the success of this study. Additionally, the authors appreciate the staff of the National Herbarium at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTariku Berihun, the first author, conducted the data collection and analysis and wrote the manuscript. The other authors, Tamrat Bekele, Ermias Lulekal, and Zemede Asfaw, participated in the research design, data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript editing. The final version of the manuscript was reviewed and approved by all the authors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Funding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author did not receive any funding for this research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCotton, C.M., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotany: principles and applications\u003c/em\u003e. 1996: John Wiley \u0026amp; Sons.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBalick, M.J. and P.A. Cox, \u003cem\u003ePlants, people, and culture: the science of ethnobotany\u003c/em\u003e. 2020: Garland Science.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMarques, B., C. Freeman, and L. Carter, \u003cem\u003eAdapting traditional healing values and beliefs into therapeutic cultural environments for health and well-being.\u003c/em\u003e International journal of environmental research and public health, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e19\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 426.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePetrovska, B.B., \u003cem\u003eHistorical review of medicinal plants\u0026rsquo; usage.\u003c/em\u003e Pharmacognosy reviews, 2012. \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c/strong\u003e(11): p. 1.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVan Wyk, B.-E. and M. Wink, \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plants of the world\u003c/em\u003e. 2018: Cabi.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePandey, A. and S.K. Shashank Kumar, \u003cem\u003ePerspective on plant products as antimicrobials agents: a review.\u003c/em\u003e 2013.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSsenku, J.E., et al., \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plant use, conservation, and the associated traditional knowledge in rural communities in Eastern Uganda.\u003c/em\u003e Tropical Medicine and Health, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e50\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 39.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEshete, M.A. and E.L. Molla, \u003cem\u003eCultural significance of medicinal plants in healing human ailments among Guji semipastoralist people, Suro Barguda District, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e17\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-18.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKassaye, K.D., et al., \u003cem\u003eA historical overview of traditional medicine practices and policy in Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 2006. \u003cstrong\u003e20\u003c/strong\u003e(2): p. 127-134.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFokunang, C., et al., \u003cem\u003eTraditional medicine: past, present and future research and development prospects and integration in the National Health System of Cameroon. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8 (3): 284\u0026ndash;95.\u003c/em\u003e DOI: https://doi. org/10.4314/ajtcam. v8i3, 2008. \u003cstrong\u003e65276\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 284-295.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTamene, S., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study on medicinal plant knowledge among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2023. \u003cstrong\u003e19\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 55.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYimam, M., S.M. Yimer, and T.B. Beressa, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in Artuma Fursi district, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Tropical Medicine and Health, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e50\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 85.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFullas, F., \u003cem\u003eThe role of indigenous medicinal plants in Ethiopian healthcare.\u003c/em\u003e African Renaissance, 2007. \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 76-80.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGiday, M., Z. Asfaw, and Z. Woldu, \u003cem\u003eEthnomedicinal study of plants used by Sheko ethnic group of Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010. \u003cstrong\u003e132\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 75-85.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDesissa, D. and P. Binggeli, \u003cem\u003eUses and conservation status of medicinal plants used by the Shinasha people.\u003c/em\u003e EWNHS, Addis Ababa, 2000.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCunningham, A., \u003cem\u003eAfrican medicinal plants.\u003c/em\u003e United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Paris, France, 1993.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGetnet, Z., S. Chandrodyam, and G. Masresha, \u003cem\u003eStudies on traditional medicinal plants in ambagiorgis area of Wogera District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Int J Pure Appl Biosci, 2016. \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 38-45.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGonfa, N., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants, its utilization, and conservation by indigenous people of Gera district, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Cogent Food \u0026amp; Agriculture, 2020. \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1852716.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMegersa, M. and S. Woldetsadik, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of Damot Woyde district, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Nusantara Bioscience, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e14\u003c/strong\u003e(1).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBerihun, T., et al., \u003cem\u003eStudy of the Soil Seed Bank Composition in Arjo-Diga Humid Afromontane Forest under Different Land Use Types and Its Implications for the Restoration of Degraded Lands in Western Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e International Journal of Ecology, 2024. \u003cstrong\u003e2024\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTafesse, T., A. Temesgen, and D. Amenu, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Gidda Ayana, East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region, Western Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Int. J. Adv. Res. Biol. Sci, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e9\u003c/strong\u003e(8): p. 16-31.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMegersa, M., et al., \u003cem\u003eAn ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wayu Tuka district, east Welega zone of oromia regional state, West Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2013. \u003cstrong\u003e9\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-18.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSuleman, S. and T. Alemu, \u003cem\u003eA survey on utilization of ethnomedicinal plants in Nekemte town, East Wellega (Oromia), Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of herbs, spices \u0026amp; medicinal plants, 2012. \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 34-57.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJaleta, G. and H. Jebssa \u003cem\u003eThe impact of large scale agriculture on forest and wildlife in Diga Woreda, Western Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Asian Journal of Agriculture, 2017. \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e(02): p. 100-113.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCSA, \u003cem\u003eThe 2007 population and housing census of Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e CSA Addis Ababa, 2007.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMegersa, T., D. Nedaw, and M. Argaw, \u003cem\u003eCombined effect of land use/cover types and slope gradient in sediment and nutrient losses in Chancho and Sorga sub watersheds, East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Environmental Systems Research, 2019. \u003cstrong\u003e8\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-14.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIb, F., D. Sebsebe, and P.v. Breugel, \u003cem\u003eAtlas of the potential vegetation of Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Atlas of the potential vegetation of Ethiopia., 2010.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHeyi, W.D., M.M. Deshi, and M.G. Erana, \u003cem\u003eDeterminants of postnatal care service utilization in diga district, east wollega zone, wester Ethiopia: case‒control study.\u003c/em\u003e Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health, 2018. \u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c/strong\u003e(4).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCochran, W.G., \u003cem\u003eSampling techniques\u003c/em\u003e. 1977: John Wiley \u0026amp; Sons.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAlexiades, M.N., \u003cem\u003eCollecting ethnobotanical data: an introduction to basic concepts and techniques.\u003c/em\u003e Advances in economic botany, 1996. \u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 53-94.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMartin, G., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotany: a methods manual, Chapman y Hall.\u003c/em\u003e Nowy Jork, 1995.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHedberg, I. \u003cem\u003eFlora of Ethiopia and eritrea\u003c/em\u003e. in \u003cem\u003eThe Biodiversity of African Plants: Proceedings XIVth AETFAT Congress 22\u0026ndash;27 August 1994, Wageningen, The Netherlands\u003c/em\u003e. 1996. Springer.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSchmid, R., \u003cem\u003eFlora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Vol. 6. Hydrocharitaceae to Arecaceae\u003c/em\u003e. 1998, JSTOR.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFriis, I., \u003cem\u003eFlora of Ethiopia\u003c/em\u003e. 1995, Moraceae.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLock, M., \u003cem\u003eFlora of Ethiopia and Eritraea Volume 2 Part 2. Canellaceae to Euphorbiaceae\u003c/em\u003e. 1998, JSTOR.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePrance, G.T., et al., \u003cem\u003eQuantitative ethnobotany and the case for conservation in Ammonia.\u003c/em\u003e Conservation biology, 1987. \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e(4): p. 296-310.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eReyes-Garc\u0026iacute;a, V., et al., \u003cem\u003eEvaluating indices of traditional ecological knowledge: a methodological contribution.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2006. \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTrotter, R. and M. Logan, \u003cem\u003eInformant consensus: a new approach for identifying potentially effective medicinal plants.\u0026lt; pres: italics\u0026gt; Plants in indigenous medicine and diet: biobehavioural approaches\u0026lt;/pres: italics\u0026gt; Edited by: Etkin NL; Bedfort hills.\u003c/em\u003e Bedford Hills, NY, Redgrave, 1986.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFriedman, J., et al., \u003cem\u003eA preliminary classification of the healing potential of medicinal plants, based on a rational analysis of an ethnopharmacological field survey among Bedouins in the Negev Desert, Israel.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnopharmacology, 1986. \u003cstrong\u003e16\u003c/strong\u003e(2-3): p. 275-287.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTard\u0026iacute;o, J. and M. Pardo-de-Santayana, \u003cem\u003eCultural importance indices: a comparative analysis based on the useful wild plants of Southern Cantabria (Northern Spain).\u003c/em\u003e Economic botany, 2008. \u003cstrong\u003e62\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 24-39.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePhillips, O. and A.H. Gentry, \u003cem\u003eThe useful plants of Tambopata, Peru: I. Statistical hypotheses tests with a new quantitative technique.\u003c/em\u003e Economic Botany, 1993: p. 15-32.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDa Silva, V.A., L.D.H.C. Andrade, and U.P. De Albuquerque, \u003cem\u003eRevising the cultural significance index: the case of the Fulni-\u0026ocirc; in northeastern Brazil.\u003c/em\u003e Field methods, 2006. \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 98-108.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSmith, J.J., \u003cem\u003eUsing ANTHOPAC 3.5 and a spreadsheet to compute a free-list salience index.\u003c/em\u003e CAM, 1993. \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e(3): p. 1-3.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKutal, D., et al., \u003cem\u003eFactors that influence the plant use knowledge in the middle mountains of Nepal.\u003c/em\u003e PLoS One, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e16\u003c/strong\u003e(2): p. e0246390.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGiday, M., Z. Asfaw, and Z. Woldu, \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plants of the Meinit ethnic group of Ethiopia: an ethnobotanical study.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2009. \u003cstrong\u003e124\u003c/strong\u003e(3): p. 513-521.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChekole, G., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants used against human ailments in Gubalafto District, Northern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2017. \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-29.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBogale, M., J. Sasikumar, and M.C. Egigu, \u003cem\u003eAn ethnomedicinal study in tulo district, west hararghe zone, oromia region, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Heliyon, 2023. \u003cstrong\u003e9\u003c/strong\u003e(4).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLulekal, E., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnomedicinal study of plants used for human ailments in Ankober District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2013. \u003cstrong\u003e9\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-13.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTahir, M., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Adwa district, central zone of Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e17\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-13.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVujicic, T. and D. Cohall, \u003cem\u003eKnowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Use of Botanical Medicines in a Rural Caribbean Territory.\u003c/em\u003e Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e12\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 713855.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTahir, M., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Adwa district, central zone of Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e17\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-13.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAbera, B., \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plants used in traditional medicine by Oromo people, Ghimbi District, Southwest Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2014. \u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-15.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMegenase, J.A., K. Tilahun Gelaye, and P. Kumar Dara, \u003cem\u003eIndigenous knowledge and practices on medicinal plants used by local communities of Gambella Region, South West Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e International Journal of Tropical Disease \u0026amp; Health, 2019. \u003cstrong\u003e39\u003c/strong\u003e(2): p. 1-14.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAbdeta, D., M. Amante, and Y. Tamiru, \u003cem\u003eSurvey on ethno botany and medicinal animals at Sayo and Hawa Gelan districts of Kelem Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e preventive medicine, 2020. \u003cstrong\u003e11\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 12.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKassa, Z., Z. Asfaw, and S. Demissew, \u003cem\u003eAn ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in sheka zone of southern nations nationalities and peoples regional state, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2020. \u003cstrong\u003e16\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-15.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eZahra, N., A. Salamah, and D. Junaedi. \u003cem\u003eEffect of shading on community structure of Asteraceae family in Cibodas Botanical Garden\u003c/em\u003e. in \u003cem\u003eAIP Conference Proceedings\u003c/em\u003e. 2019. AIP Publishing.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFeyisa, K., et al., \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plants traditionally used to treat human ailments in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review.\u003c/em\u003e Phytomedicine Plus, 2023: p. 100516.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChekole, G., Z. Asfaw, and E. Kelbessa, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the environs of Tara-gedam and Amba remnant forests of Libo Kemkem District, northwest Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2015. \u003cstrong\u003e11\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-38.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAmsalu, N., et al., \u003cem\u003eUse and conservation of medicinal plants by indigenous people of Gozamin Wereda, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia: an ethnobotanical approach.\u003c/em\u003e Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018. \u003cstrong\u003e2018\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBekele, M., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants in Buska Mountain range, Hamar district, Southwestern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2022. \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-26.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLulekal, E., et al., \u003cem\u003eAn ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Mana Angetu District, southeastern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2008. \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-10.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMesfin, F., S. Demissew, and T. Teklehaymanot, \u003cem\u003eAn ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wonago Woreda, SNNPR, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2009. \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-18.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAlemayehu, G., Z. Asfaw, and E. Kelbessa, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local communities of Minjar-Shenkora District, North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 2015. \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c/strong\u003e(6): p. 1-11.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYirga, G., \u003cem\u003eAssessment of traditional medicinal plants in Endrta district, southeastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Afr J Plant Sci, 2010. \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c/strong\u003e(7): p. 255-260.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWeldearegay, E.M. and T. Awas, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study in and around Sirso Natural Forest of Melokoza district, Gamo Goffa zone, southern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2021. \u003cstrong\u003e22\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-24.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTefera, B.N. and Y.-D. Kim, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2019. \u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-21.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMuluye, A.B. and M.W. Ayicheh, \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plants utilized for hepatic disorders in Ethiopian traditional medical practices: a review.\u003c/em\u003e Clinical Phytoscience, 2020. \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-11.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChen, S.-L., et al., \u003cem\u003eConservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants: problems, progress, and prospects.\u003c/em\u003e Chinese medicine, 2016. \u003cstrong\u003e11\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-10.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTeklehaymanot, T., \u003cem\u003eAn ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and edible plants of Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2017. \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-26.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYigezu, Y., D.B. Haile, and W.Y. Ayen, \u003cem\u003eEthnoveterinary medicines in four districts of Jimma zone, Ethiopia: cross sectional survey for plant species and mode of use.\u003c/em\u003e BMC veterinary research, 2014. \u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-12.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMohammed, C., et al., \u003cem\u003eSurvey of ethno-veterinary medicinal plants in Melkabello District, eastern Harerghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Ethiopian Veterinary Journal, 2016. \u003cstrong\u003e20\u003c/strong\u003e(2): p. 1-15.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWoldearegay, M., Y. Assen, and A. Haile, \u003cem\u003eAn Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Kelala District, South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e 2020.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCurrie, G.M., \u003cem\u003ePharmacology, part 2: introduction to pharmacokinetics.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 2018. \u003cstrong\u003e46\u003c/strong\u003e(3): p. 221-230.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHeinrich, M., et al., \u003cem\u003eMedicinal plants in Mexico: Healers\u0026apos; consensus and cultural importance.\u003c/em\u003e Social science \u0026amp; medicine, 1998. \u003cstrong\u003e47\u003c/strong\u003e(11): p. 1859-1871.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGazzaneo, L.R.S., R.F.P. De Lucena, and U.P. de Albuquerque, \u003cem\u003eKnowledge and use of medicinal plants by local specialists in a region of Atlantic Forest in the state of Pernambuco (Northeastern Brazil).\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2005. \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 1-8.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eShil, S., M.D. Choudhury, and S. Das, \u003cem\u003eIndigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by the Reang tribe of Tripura state of India.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2014. \u003cstrong\u003e152\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 135-141.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMusa, M.S., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Blue Nile State, Southeastern Sudan.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011. \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e(17): p. 4287-4297.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVitalini, S., et al., \u003cem\u003eTraditional knowledge on medicinal and food plants used in Val San Giacomo (Sondrio, Italy)\u0026mdash;An alpine ethnobotanical study.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013. \u003cstrong\u003e145\u003c/strong\u003e(2): p. 517-529.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMukheriee, P. and A. Wahile, \u003cem\u003eIntegrated approaches toward drug development from Ayurveda and other Indian system of medicines.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2006. \u003cstrong\u003e103\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 25-35.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChisamile, W.A., M.A. Sonibare, and J.F. Kamanula, \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases by Local Communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbelwa, Mzimba District, Northern Region, Malawi.\u003c/em\u003e J, 2023. \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 115-139.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLiu, S., et al., \u003cem\u003eDiversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Shui people in Southwest China.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2023. \u003cstrong\u003e19\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-53.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBibi, Y., et al., \u003cem\u003eAntibacterial activity of some selected medicinal plants of Pakistan.\u003c/em\u003e BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 2011. \u003cstrong\u003e11\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-7.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eArshad, F., et al., \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental variables drive medicinal plant composition and distribution in various forest types of subtropical region in Pakistan.\u003c/em\u003e Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2023.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOhja, S., D. Tiwari, and R. Sundriyal, \u003cem\u003eEthno medicinal Knowledge of Marginal Hill Community of Central Himalayas: Diversity, Usage pattern and Conservation Concerns.\u003c/em\u003e Journal of Ethnobotany and Ethno medicine, 2020. \u003cstrong\u003e16\u003c/strong\u003e: p. 29.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBirhan, Y.S., et al., \u003cem\u003eEthnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to treat human diseases in Enarj Enawga district, East Gojjam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e SM J Med Plant Stud, 2017. \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMengistu, M., et al., \u003cem\u003eStatus and utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants in Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia.\u003c/em\u003e Cogent Food \u0026amp; Agriculture, 2019. \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e(1): p. 1701349.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Additional Tables","content":"\u003cp\u003eAdditional Table 1 is not available with this version\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Ethnobotany, Diga District, human ailments and medicinal plant","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4227856/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4227856/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlants serve as indispensable sources of traditional medicine for more than 80% of the world's population for the treatment and prevention of various human ailments. The current work was conducted to study the status of traditional medicinal plants and herbal medicine in the traditional healthcare practices of the local community of Diga District/Woreda.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe information and data provided by 399 informants were collected via semistructured interviews and six focus group discussions. Ethnobotanical analytical methods, including the use value (UV), cultural importance index (CI), fidelity level (FL), informant census factor (ICF), Smith\u0026rsquo;s salience index (SS) and relative frequency of citation (RFC), were used to analyze the data.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the investigation, 109 different medicinal plants from 98 genera and 48 families were reported to treat 54 different human ailments. Leaves were the most frequently (46.78%) selected parts for use in herbal formulations. In herbal preparation, crushing is the most commonly utilized method, whereas powdering is the least popular method. Skin diseases exhibited the highest informant consensus factor (ICF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.97) and were treated with 14 different plant species. \u003cem\u003eCucumis ficifolius\u003c/em\u003e also had the highest relative citation frequency (RFC\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.88). Agricultural expansion is recognized as the main cause contributing to the degradation of ethnomedicinal plants.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study identified various medicinal plant species used to treat human ailments, particularly skin and gastrointestinal problems. Leaves and roots are the most commonly utilized plant parts, but there is a lack of conservation efforts in the study area. Therefore, the findings highlight the importance of conserving and screening key plant species through phytochemical and pharmacological analysis to authenticate indigenous ethnomedicinal practice\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the local people of the Diga District, western Ethiopia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-04-08 15:02:11","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4227856/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e9742cce-fdd0-488f-ada6-a7d9e29f47ad","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 8th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-04-16T07:42:10+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-04-08 15:02:11","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4227856","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4227856","identity":"rs-4227856","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}