Ethno-Veterinary Use of Medicinal Plants by Traditional Healers of Dabat District

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Phcog Mag. Vol 4, Issue 15 (Suppl), Jul-Sep, 2008 S S S S 93939393

PHCOG MAG. An official Publication of Phcog.Net

PHCOG MAG.: Research Article

Ethno-Veterinary Use of Medicinal plants by Traditional

Healers in Dabat District, Northwestern Ethiopia Berhanemeskel Weldegerima1, Teferra Abula2 and Muthuswamy Ragunathan3*

1Department of Pharmaceutics, LeSchool of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O.Box-196, Gondar, Ethiopia 2Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O.Box-196, Gondar, Ethiopia.

3Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, P.O.Box-196, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Correspondence Author Email [email protected] ; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa and the people have utilized folk drugs to treat both human

and livestock diseases for generations. Hence, this study focuses to document the various herbal preparations used

in the treatment of domestic animal diseases by the traditional healers of Dabat District, Northwestern Ethiopia. A

total of 18 plants belonging to 15 genera, 18 species and 14 families are employed in the treatment of diseases like

Trypanosomiasis, Anthrax, Rabies, Abdominal bloat, Removal of Leech from Alimentary tract and sun stroke fever.

Plants with their local names and ethno therapeutic claims including mode of preparation and method of

applications to treat common illness and socio demographic profile of traditional healers in this district are

focused here.

KEYWORDS: Ethno Veterinary, Traditional Healers, Medicinal Plants, Dabat District, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa.

However, its veterinary livestock unit is among the

smallest. Besides the sky-rocketing costs of imported

veterinary drugs and inputs, poor infrastructure is

hindering efficient veterinary services. Therefore we

can presume that the majority of Ethiopian farmers in

rural areas are relying on traditional practices to

control common problems of their livestock.

Understanding the farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and

practices about the occurrence, cause, predisposition,

treatment, prevention, control and local importance of

the different animal health problems are crucial to

designing and implementing a successful animal health

and production improvement strategy. However, only

few studies exist on the different methods of

traditional animal healthcare in Ethiopia and the

extent to which they are practiced [1, 2].

Ethno veterinary medicine contrasts the knowledge

developed by local livestock holders from the scientific

or allopathic veterinary medicine taught at

universities. Both are dynamic and changing. Like

scientific veterinary medicine, ethno veterinary

practices have been developed through trial-and-error

and deliberate experimentation. But ethno veterinary

medicine is developed by farmers in fields and barns,

rather than by scientists in laboratories and clinics.

Livestock owners have an excellent knowledge of

ethno veterinary, which has formed the basis for

screening plant materials as potential sources of

medical drugs [3, 4].

With the rise of modern medicine during the last two

centuries, traditional animal health care has

increasingly been superseded by modern veterinary

medicine [5]. But this view has begun to change in

light of emerging drawbacks and shortcoming of

modern medicine. Especially in developing countries

like Ethiopia cost of the treatment is an important

determinant of the useful of veterinary drugs.

Moreover, they can not deliver complete coverage in

preventive and curative health care practices because

of inadequate labor, logistic problems, and an erratic

supply of drugs. Consequently, the majority of those

raising stock in rural areas are far from the site of

veterinary stations, and those who have access may

not be able to afford to pay for them [6,7]. So, with

this background we decided to document the

indigenous knowledge associated with the ethno

veterinary uses of plants and to collect medicinal

plants for botanical classification in the hopes of

furthering knowledge of veterinary herbal medicine in

Dabat District of North Gondar Zone, Amhara region,

before it is lost irretrievably.

Ethnography - Dabat District is one of the eighteen

Districts in North Gondar Zone of the Amhara National

Regional Government. The District is 75 km away from




the capital of North Gondar administrative Zone,

Gondar and approximately 748 Km North West of Addis

Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. The District has an

area of 123,185 hectares. It is bordered with Debark in

the North, Wogera in the South, Wogera and Debark in

the East and Tsegedie Armachiho in West .The District

has three climatic zones i.e. (Dega) Highland 52%,

(Woyna Dega) Mid Highland 14% and (Kolla) Lowland

34%. The altitude ranges from 1500 meters to 3200

meters above sea level. The average annual rainfall

ranges from 800mm to 1400mm. The District has three

types of soils i.e. red (5%), brown (60%) and black

(35%). The topography of the District constitutes

valleys (5%), mountains (55%), plain (30%) and up and

down (10%). In the District cattle, horses, mules,

sheep, goats, hen, donkey are among the domestic

animals found [8].

METHOD OF STUDY

Study Design

A cross sectional study was employed, semi-structured

questionnaires and interview guide to collect

ethnoveterinary information from traditional healers

was used.

Sampling Procedure

Dabat District is chosen as a study site because of the

existing Dabat Rural Health Project (DRHP), which was

initiated in 1995 with established socio-demographic

and population health status database. Moreover, this

District is composed of three climatic conditions and so

there is a potential in getting diverse medicinal plants

used by traditional healers for different animal

diseases in different climatic zones. Hence, this study

was carried out in villages, which are under a

continuous demographic surveillance by Dabat Rural

Health Project (DRHP). There are 10 study

communities under DRHP, which were selected based

on probability proportional to size out of 27 rural and 4

urban areas like Meskel Eyesus, Dekua, Tensae,

Benker, Chenchaye, Abogedam, Fana, Diradira, and

Zanko. The traditional healers were selected based on

their reputation and all practitioners to participate in

the selected areas were included. 3.3 Data Collection

and Management

Fieldwork for this study was carried out in June 2006.

Before starting data collection, data collectors were

employed and there was training for the data

collectors. The training include the importance of the

study, on how data are filled in the questionnaires and

interview with the respondents and also clear

understanding about the scientific terms used. The

questionnaires were translated into local language.

Ethnoveterinary data was collected using semi-

structured questionnaires.

The fieldwork was focused on collecting information on

medicinal plants used and preparation of plant

specimens for further botanical identification. The

data collected for each plant comprised the common

local name, its uses or effects, the part of the plant

used, its mode of preparation and method of

administration.

Data Analysis

EPI-Info version 3.2 statistical package was employed

for entry, clean-up, and analysis of the quantitative

and qualitative data. The collected data entered after

being encoded. Any logical and consistency errors

identified during data entry was corrected after

revision of the original completed questionnaire. The

ethnoveterinary information collected was analyzed to

obtain the following data’s like sex, ethnicity,

educational status age source of knowledge,

experience of the traditional healers and route of

administration, parts of plants most frequently

mentioned and the most commonly mentioned

preparation and application processes and to assess

the types of domestic animals found in the community.

Ethical Consideration

Before conducting the survey, discussion about the

study was undertaken with the Dabat District Health

Office. In addition, in each village the local community

leaders were informed about the aim and the purpose

of the survey and were requested to cooperate. Each

traditional healer was asked to consent verbally to

participate in the study.

Socio demographic profile of traditional healers

Traditional healer’s background

Thirty-six traditional healers among these 34 males

and 2 females were interviewed and all are Amhara

ethnic group. Most of the knowledgeable healers are

men. Studies have shown that practice of Traditional

Medicine in Ethiopia is largely dominated by men [9].

Tabuti and coworkers [10] reported that in Bulamogi

County, Uganda, men rather than females dominated

in the Traditional Medicine practice. All of the healers

were Ethiopian Orthodox Christians (see Table 1). Most

of the healers (83%) interviewed were in the age range

of 31 and 70 years. Concerning the level of education

dominantly did not attend formal education. About

fifty-eight percent of traditional healers had eleven to

twenty years of experiences. And eight healers had

long traditional practicing experience i.e. more than

thirty-one years.




Table 1 – Socio demographic characteristics, Experience and source of knowledge of Traditional healers (N= 36) in Dabat

District, June 2006.

Characterstistics Frequency Percent (%)

1. Sex

Male 34 94.4

Female 2 5.6

2. Ethnicity

Amhara 36 100

3.Education status

Illiterate 11 30.6

Church education 7 19.4

Literacy campaign 11 30.6

Grade 1-6 6 16.7

Grade 9-10 1 2.8

4. Age

20-30 3 8.3

31-40 9 25.0

41-50 10 27.8

51-60 6 16.7

61-70 5 13.9

71-80 3 8.3

5. Sources of knowledge

Family members 28 77

Friends 3 8.3

Religious institutions 3 8.3

Traditional healer 2 5.6

6. Healers experience

≤10 years 9 25.0

11-20 years 12 33.3

21-30 years 7 19.4

≥ 31 8 22.2

Table- 2: Plants used in the treatment of Animal disorders, by traditional healers of Dabat District.

(Key: The vernacular names of medicinal plants are given in Amharic language and denoted as: A and disease condition in

Amharic denoted in bracket)

S. No

Genus , species

family

and local name in

Amharic language

Ailments treated

Type of

Animal

Treated

Part(s)

Used Mode of preparations and route of application

1. Justicia

schimperiana

Hochst ex Nees) T.

Anders Acanthaceae

A:Simeza

Diseases

prevention

Dog Leaf

A fist of fresh leaves is grounded and cup of this juice

mixed with Milk and given orally.

2. Achyranthes aspera

L.

Amaranthaceae

A:Telenji

Bone fracture Cattle,

Horse,

Donkey

Root A piece of fresh root is grounded and the paste applied

to the bone fractured area.




3 Kalenchoe petitiana

A.Rich

Crassulaceae

A:Endaula

Throat infection Cattle Leaf Handful of leaves pounded and the cupful of this extract

is given orally.

4

Cucumis ficifolius

A. Rich.

Cucurbitaceae

A:Yemidir Embuay

Abdominal colic

Disease

prevention

Rabies

Cattle

Dog

Dog

Root

Root

Root

The fresh roots are pounded and the cup of this juice is

given orally.

A piece of fresh roots are pounded and the cup of this

juice given orally with milk.

The fresh roots are pounded and cup of this juice mixed

with cow milk and given orally.

5 Euphorbia

amplophylla Pax.

Euphorbiaceae

A:Kulkual

Rabies

Dog

Root

A piece of fresh roots are pounded and the cup of this

juice given orally.

6

Euphorbia triucalli

L.

Euphorbiacea

A:Kinchip

Inflammation

and Swelling

and pain

Cattle

Latex

The latex is mixed with salt is applied over the swollen

part.

7

Senna

multiglandulosa

(Jacq.) Irwin &

Barneby

Fabaceae

A:Zigita

Kill lice and

fleas and their

eggs

[Kicham]

Cattle

Root

The fresh roots are pounded and mixed with water and

the animal body is massaged and washed by the extract.

8

Trifolium

burchelliam

Fabaceae

A:Alma

Swelling Pain at

Neck and as

Haemostatic

[Ketir]

All

domestic

animals

Root

and

Leaf

The fresh roots and leaves are pounded and cup of this

juice given orally.

9

Allium Cepa

Liliaceae

A:Key shinkurt

Trypanosomiasis

[Kophu / Gendi]

Cattle,

sheep,

goat,

Horse,

Donkey

Bulb

The fresh bulb is pounded, filtered and the half cup of

this filtrate is given orally and 5 to 10 ml of this juice

instilled into nose.

10

Stephania

abyssinica (Dillon

et A. Rich.) Walp.

Menispermaceae

A:Achebchabit

Anthrax caused

disease

[Kuruba]

All

domestic

animal

Root

A piece of fresh root is grounded and the cup of this

juice is given orally and the root paste is applied to the

affected area.

11

Phytolacca

dodecandra L’Herit

Phytolaccaceae

Anthrax caused

diseases

(Kuruba)

Cattle

Donkey

Leaf

Handful of the fresh leaves are pounded and macerated

in water and the filtrate is given orally.




A:Indod Sunstroke fever

and evil eye

[Mitat]

Trypanosomiasis

[Kophu / Gendi]

Cattle

Donkey

Cattle

Donkey

Leaf

&

Root

Leaf

&

Root

The fresh leaves and roots are pounded and macerated in

water and the 5 to10 ml of this filtrate is instilled on left

ear and left nose.

The fresh leaves and roots are pounded and macerated in

water and the 5 ml of this filtrate is instilled on left ear

and left nose.

12

Rumex nepalensis

Spreng.

Polygonaceae

A:Ye wusha lut

Trypanosomiasis

[Kophu / Gendi]

Sunstroke fever

and evil eye

[Mitat]

Abdominal bloat

Cattle,

Donkey,

Sheep,

Goat,

Horse,

Mule.

Cattle

Horse,

Mule

Root

Root

Leaf

The fresh roots are pounded and the extract is given

orally and small quantity (5 ml) instilled into nose.

The fresh roots are pounded and the cup of this extract is

given orally

The fresh roots are pounded and the extract is instilled

into left nose and ear.

13 Rumex nervosus

Vahl.

Polygonaceae

A:Enbacho

Hemorrhoid

Cattle

Donkey

Leaf

Handful of leaf is grounded to make a paste which is

applied over the affected area.

14

Verbascum

sinaiticum Benth.

Scrophulariacea

A:Kutina

Sun stroke fever

[Mitat]

Abdominal colic

Trypanosomiasis

[Kophu/Gendi]

Anthrax caused

disease

[Kuruba]

Domestic

animals

Cattle

Donkey

Domestic

animals

Root

Root

Leaf

Root

The roots are pounded and mixed with water and the

filtrate is taken orally. The extract also instilled into the

left ear and nose.

The fresh roots are pounded and the filtrate is given

orally

Fist of the fresh leaves are pounded and the filtrate is

instilled into left ear and nose.

The fresh roots are pounded and the filtrate is instilled

into left ear and nose.

15 Rhamnes prinoides

Rhamnaceae

A:Gesho

Leech removal

from alimentary

canal (Alekit)

Cattle

Leaf

Handful of fresh leaf is pounded and the juice is given

orally.

16 Solanum incanum

L., S. garae Friis

Solanaceae

A:Embuay

Sunstroke fever

and evil eye

[Mitat]

Cattle,

Sheep,

Goat,

Horse,

Root

A piece of fresh root is pounded and mixed with water

and the 5 ml of this filtrate is instilled into left nose.




Donkey

17 Verbena officinalis L.

Verbenaceae

A:Attutch

Sunstroke fever

[Mitat]and evil

eye

Cattle

Root

The fresh pieces of root are pounded, mixed with water

and the filtrate is applied into left nose and ear.

18 Zehneria scabra

(Linn. f.) Sond.

Cucurbitaceae

A:Areg resa

Rabies

Dog

Root

The fresh pieces of roots are crushed to make a juice and

half cup of this juice mixed with milk and given orally.

Sources of healing knowledge

Seventy-seven percent of the interviewed traditional

healers claimed that they acquired the knowledge

dominantly from their family members. Few healers

claimed their source of knowledge from their friend,

religious institutions and traditional healers.

Mode of service delivery and source of medicine

Healers are giving their service to the public largely as

part-timer but one healer is giving full time services.

Thirty-five healers have no separate room for

preparation of medicaments and diagnosis of patient.

But one healer has separate room for preparation of

medicaments. The sources of medicines commonly

used by traditional healers were plants. Most of the

patients visiting healers are from their villages (68.6%).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The study demonstrated that about 18 plant species

belonging to 15genera and 14 families are employed by

the traditional healers of Dabat district to treat

diseases for domestic animals [Table 2].As of the 18

species 29 formulations are made by traditional

healers among these root were in highest numbers 17

(58.62%) followed by leaf were 10 (34.48%), and latex

(3.44%) bulb (3.44%) were each one. The main route of

drug administration is External 15 (51.72%) followed by

Oral 14 (48.27%) and cattle is most treated animals.

For oral administration cupful of extract has been

given and it was estimated 200ml and the infectious

disease are commonly treated disease here. Most of

the formulations are given in the form of juice. Among

the Plant families each two species recorded in the

family of Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiacea, Fabaceae and

Polygonaceae. The study has shown that healers were

using plants to treat animal diseases like

Trypanosomiasis, Anthrax, Rabies, Abdominal bloat,

Removal of Leech from Alimentary tract and sun stroke

fever which are common in this district.

CONCLUSION

The present study has documented ethno veterinary

information of plants that are used for the various

ailments by traditional healers. The medicinal plants

reported are claimed to treat the common diseases of

the district. This shows that herbal medicine might

have great role in the primary health care system.

The present study indicates that the area harbors a

diversity of medicinal plants and healers possess

substantial knowledge of plants and their uses. The

knowledge of traditional uses of medicinal plants in

Ethiopia has mostly been passed on from generation to

generation by verbal communication. This method of

information conveyance has probably resulted in

distortion or loss of indigenous knowledge. Hence, this

study could contribute partial remedies in the

preservation of cultural heritage and a base to

researchers for further pharmacological, toxicological

and phytochemical studies.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Authors are deeply thanked and acknowledge to

the traditional healers of Dabat District who

generously shared their knowledge and Mr.

Chandrasekhar Jaiswal Freelance Botanist, University

of Gondar for his valuable support in plant

identification specimens and authors also thank to Dr.

Velappan Ramasamy and Dr. Nibrat, School of

veterinary science, University of Gondar to given

support on interpretation of clinical conditions of

animal diseases. Authors would like to thank to

University of Gondar Research and Publication Office

for funding this research work.

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Ethno-Veterinary Use of Medicinal Plants by Traditional Healers of Dabat District