Ethnobotanical survey of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in Arero District, Borena Zone, Ethiopia

Pastoralist communities have traditionally possessed extensive knowledge regarding the plants and grazing areas in their vicinity, acquired through continuous practice and meticulous observation. As members of the Borana pastoralist communities, the people residing in the Arereo District utilize a variety of plant resources found in their rangelands. In order to evaluate the traditional use of medicinal plants in treating human ailments in Arero District, Borena Zone, an ethnobotanical study was conducted. The primary objective of this study was to document the medicinal plants employed by the local community. Fifty-one key informants were purposefully selected to participate in the study. Data was obtained through the use of questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations. In the study area, a total of forty-four medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-six genera and twenty-four plant families, were identified and documented. These plants were reported to be used in the treatment of thirty-five different human ailments. Among the various plant parts used for medicinal purposes, roots were found to be the primary source of remedies (47.7%), followed by leaves (13.6%). Of the remedies documented, 59.7% were prepared for internal use, with oral consumption being the most common method (53.73%). Additionally, 40.3% of the remedies were intended for external applications. The decoction was the predominant method of remedy preparation, accounting for 41.8% of the remedies known in the study area. The findings indicated that the local community possessed valuable knowledge regarding the use, preparation, and application of medicinal plants for the treatment of human ailments. However, it was also noted that certain medicinal plants in the study area, such as Vachellia nilotica and Vachellia tortilis, were reported to be locally threatened. It is crucial to pay adequate attention to prevent further threats to these medicinal plants and to conserve them, along with the associated local knowledge. Efforts should be made to safeguard the medicinal plant resources in the study area, ensuring their sustainable use and preservation for future generations.