ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED TO TREAT HUMAN AND LIVESTOCK AILMENTS IN SAYINT DISTRICT, SOUTH WELLO ZONE, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRUCT Ethno botanical study of medicinal plants were conducted to assessed and docmmented traditional medicinal plants used by indigenous local people to treat human and livestock’s disease in Sayint district, South Wollo zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. .Data were collected from 99 (10 of them key informants) informants using semi-structured interviews, guided field walk, group discussions and market survey. Data were analyzed by Preference and direct matrix ranking and descriptive statistical methods. A total of 71 medicinal plant species from natural vegetation 57 (80.28%) and home garden 14 (19.71 %) distributed in 64 genera and 38 families were reported to have medicinal value. A total 47species were mentioned for treatment of only human health problem, 13 species for treatment livestock’s ailments only and 11 species for both human and livestock’s diseases were identified. The most commonly used medicinal plant families were Asteraceae 6 (8.45 %), followed Lamiaceae 5 (7.04%), Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae represent 4(5.63 %) species. The medicinal flora of the study area composed of shrubs 31(43.6%), herbs 24 (33.8%),tree 9 (12.6 %) and climber 7 (9.8%). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves 42 (59%) followed by roots15 (21%). The actual method of plant part preparation was reported by pounding and squeezing 28 (39.4%) followed by pounding 17(23.94 %). The most common route of administration of traditional medicine was oral 42 (59%) followed by dermal 24 (33.8%). The highest ICF values were linked to problems associated with Fibrillin and Impotency diseases(0.91) followed by Acute sickness (0.84). Olea europacea was shown to be the most multipurpose species. Podocarpus falactus was the most common species that belongs to under high threats followed by Cucumis filcolious.The medicinal plant resource of the area was threatened by Free grazing and animal food followed by Magdo (fire wood). Special attention and further studies towards the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants were needed.