Ethnobotanical Investigation on Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used Against Human Ailments in Ensaro District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract IntroductionPeople all over the world have been using medicinal plants to treat various ailments and diseases throughout history. It is still common in developing countries. Because is easily accessible, affordable, and trusted by the communities. Although there are several ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants in Ethiopia, the number of medicinal plant species and indigenous knowledge documented is still low compared to the high diversity of culture and habitats.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected during the 13th of February 2019 and the 26th of October 2020 through Semi-structured interviews, field observation, a guided field walk, and focus group discussionsResultthe study documented 142 medicinal plant species distributed in 125 genera and 56 families which used to treat 52 ailments. Most of these species were collected from wild habitats. The most used plant families were Fabaceae (14) followed by lamiaceae (9) and Solanaceae (9). Most of these medicinal plants were herbs followed by shrubs.ConclusionThe study revealed a relatively high diversity of medicinal plants that indicated the existence of indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants to treat ailments and diseases. The findings of this study supported up the idea that indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants is still alive in highly degraded areas. To make sustainable use of these medicinal plants in the study area, local people must collaborate with natural resource administrators to manage them before they become seriously threatened. Both ex-situ and In-situ conservation strategies should be combined and employed urgently for optimal conservation results