ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN AGARO DISTRICT, JIMMA ZONE, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Aim: Plants have been used for medicinal purposes for more than many centuries. The use of a given plant for the same purpose by people geographically distant or with dissimilar cultural backgrounds constitutes impressive evidences that the use is valid. The aim of this study was to document ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants in Agaro District, Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted in the district from June 01-July 31, 2013. A structured questionnaire was used to record pertinent information on the use of the medicinal plants and collect their specimens. The study involved 440 households living in the district. Result: Eighty medicinal plants were collected, of which sixty–eight were identified botanically and the remaining were reported in vernacular names. The identified species were distributed in thirty–eight families. Leaves were the major plant parts used accounting for 42(44.7%), followed by roots 21(22.3%), fruits 17(18.1%) and barks 7(7.4%). Regarding the method of preparation, vegetable drug was the most commonly used method accounting for 30(37.5%), followed by decoction 23(28.8%) and concoction 12(15.0%). Most of the medicinal preparations were taken orally 46(57.5%), followed by external application 25(31%) and nasal application 7(9%). Conclusion: The indigenous knowledge of the community of Agaro District on medicinal plants was documented. The local people knew which plant and which part of plant was used to treat what type of disease. Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations should be carried out on the most frequently used species of medicinal plants in the study area.