Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Kondoa Eroded Area of Central Tanzania

Abstract

An ethnobotanical study was undertaken to document medicinal plants and explore ailments treated by the plants in Kondoa eroded area of central Tanzania between 2001 and 2002. Semi-structured interviews, Focus Group Discussion and market surveys were administered to 66 Traditional Medical Practitioners to collect the information. Physical observations were made to the sites where plants were harvested. The study documented and deposited voucher specimens of 58 medicinal plant species from 33 plant families and 51 genera used for treating different human and livestock ailments. Roots were the most common plant part used in the preparation of herbal medicine contributing to (54.7%), followed by leaves (15.6%) and sap (10.9%). Most of the medicines were processed to a powdery form in order to extend the life span of the herbal drugs. The study demonstrated that processing of the plants to drugs reduces the frequency of harvest therefore enhancing sustainable use of plant resources in the area. It was established that the knowledge on medicinal plant use remains mostly with the older generation with few youths showing interest. The study recommended for youths involvement in traditional medicine in order to preserve the knowledge from being lost with the older generation. A survey on the trade of medicinal plants to ascertain volume traded and their impacts on Senna abbreviata, Solanum incanum and Aloe secundiflora species is recommended.